ISBA_2014.12.31_10K
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from              to             
Commission File Number: 0-18415

Isabella Bank Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan
 
38-2830092
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
identification No.)
401 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (989) 772-9471
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock - No Par Value
(Title of Class)
 
Indicated by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No
Indicated by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     ¨  Yes    x  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 (Section 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).    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check One).
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Accelerated filer
 
x
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    ý  No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $177,522,000 as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock (no par value) was 7,803,852 as of March 10, 2015.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(Such documents are incorporated herein only to the extent specifically set forth in response to an item herein.)
Documents
 
Part of Form 10-K Incorporated into
Portions of the Isabella Bank Corporation Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 5, 2015
 
Part III

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


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Forward Looking Statements
This report contains certain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are included in this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, changes in: interest rates, general economic conditions, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the FRB, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, fluctuation in the value of collateral securing our loan portfolio, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in our market area, and accounting principles, policies and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Further information concerning our business, including additional factors that could materially affect our financial results, is included in our filings with the SEC.
The acronyms and abbreviations identified below may be used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in our other filings. You may find it helpful to refer back to this page while reading this report.
AFS: Available-for-sale
 
GAAP: U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
ALLL: Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
GLB Act: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999
AOCI: Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards
ASC: FASB Accounting Standards Codification
 
IRR: Interest rate risk
ASU: FASB Accounting Standards Update
 
JOBS Act: Jumpstart our Business Startups Act
ATM: Automated Teller Machine
 
LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate
BHC Act: Bank Holding Company Act of 1956
 
N/A: Not applicable
CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
 
N/M: Not meaningful
CIK: Central Index Key
 
NASDAQ: NASDAQ Stock Market Index
CRA: Community Reinvestment Act
 
NASDAQ Banks: NASDAQ Bank Stock Index
DIF: Deposit Insurance Fund
 
NAV: Net asset value
DIFS: Department of Insurance and Financial Services
 
NOW: Negotiable order of withdrawal
Directors Plan: Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors
 
NSF: Non-sufficient funds
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Isabella Bank Corporation Stockholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
OCI: Other comprehensive income (loss)
Dodd-Frank Act: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010
 
OMSR: Originated mortgage servicing rights
ESOP: Employee stock ownership plan
 
OREO: Other real estate owned
Exchange Act: Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
OTTI: Other-than-temporary impairment
FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board
 
PBO: Projected benefit obligation
FDI Act: Federal Deposit Insurance Act
 
PCAOB: Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
 
Rabbi Trust: A trust established to fund the Directors Plan
FFIEC: Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council
 
SEC: U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
FRB: Federal Reserve Bank
 
SOX: Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
FHLB: Federal Home Loan Bank
 
TDR: Troubled debt restructuring
Freddie Mac: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
 
XBRL: eXtensible Business Reporting Language
FTE: Fully taxable equivalent
 
 



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PART I
Item 1. Business. (Dollars in thousands)
General
Isabella Bank Corporation is a registered financial services holding company that was incorporated in September 1988 under Michigan law. The Corporation's sole subsidiary, Isabella Bank, has 27 banking offices located throughout Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties. The area includes significant agricultural production, light manufacturing, retail, gaming and tourism, and five colleges and universities.
As used in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as well as in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, references to "the Corporation", “Isabella,” “we,” “our,” “us,” and similar terms refer to the consolidated entity consisting of Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiary. Isabella Bank Corporation refers solely to the parent holding company, and the “Bank” refers to Isabella Bank Corporation’s subsidiary, Isabella Bank.
Our reportable segments are based on legal entities that account for at least 10% of net operating results. Retail banking operations for 2014, 2013, and 2012 represent approximately 90% or greater of total assets and operating results. As such, we have only one reportable segment.
We are a community bank with a focus on providing high quality, personalized service at a fair price. We offer a broad array of banking services to businesses, institutions, and individuals. We compete with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, finance companies, credit unions, and retail brokerage firms.
Lending activities include loans for commercial and agricultural operating and real estate purposes, residential real estate loans, and consumer loans. We limit lending activities primarily to local markets and have not purchased any loans from the secondary market. We do not make loans to fund leveraged buyouts, have no foreign corporate or government loans, and have limited holdings of corporate debt securities. Our general lending philosophy is to limit concentrations to individuals and business segments. For additional information related to our lending strategies and policies, see “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Deposit services offered include checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, direct deposits, cash management services, mobile and internet banking, electronic bill pay services, and automated teller machines. We also offer full service trust and brokerage services.
As of December 31, 2014, we had 361 full-time equivalent employees. We provide group life, health, accident, disability, and other insurance programs as well as a number of other employee benefit programs. None of our workforce is subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Available Information
Our SEC filings (including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Definitive Proxy Statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports) are available through our website (www.isabellabank.com). We will provide paper copies of our SEC reports free of charge upon request of a shareholder.
The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding Isabella Bank Corporation (CIK #0000842517) and other issuers.
Supervision and Regulation
The earnings and growth of the banking industry and, therefore, our earnings are affected by the credit policies of monetary authorities, including the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to combat recessions and curb inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency securities, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These methods are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks and related financial service providers in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effect of such policies upon our future business and earnings cannot be predicted.
We, as a financial holding company, are regulated under the BHC Act, and are subject to the supervision of the FRB. We are registered as a financial services holding company with the FRB and are subject to annual reporting requirements and

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inspections and audits. Under FRB policy, we are expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support its subsidiaries. This support may be required at times when, in the absence of such FRB policy, it would not otherwise be required to provide support.
Under Michigan law, if the capital of a Michigan state chartered bank has become impaired by losses or otherwise, the Commissioner of the DIFS may require that the deficiency in capital be met by assessment upon the bank’s shareholders pro rata on the amount of capital stock held by each, and if any such assessment is not paid by any shareholder within 30 days of the date of mailing of notice thereof to such shareholder, cause the sale of the stock of such shareholder to pay such assessment and the costs of sale of such stock.
Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. This priority would apply to guarantees of capital plans under the FDIC Improvement Act of 1991.
SOX contains important requirements for public companies in the area of financial disclosure and corporate governance. In accordance with Section 302(a) of SOX, written certifications by our principal executive, financial, and accounting officers are required. These certifications attest that our quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (see the certifications filed as Exhibits 31 (a) and (b) to this Form 10-K for such certification of consolidated financial statements and other information for this 2014 Form 10-K). We have also implemented a program designed to comply with Section 404 of SOX, which included the identification of significant processes and accounts, documentation of the design of control effectiveness over process and entity level controls, and testing of the operating effectiveness of key controls. See Item 9A. Controls and Procedures for our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Certain additional information concerning regulatory guidelines for capital adequacy and other regulatory matters is presented herein under the caption “Capital” in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in “Note 14 – Commitments and Other Matters” and “Note 15 – Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Isabella Bank
The Bank is supervised and regulated by DIFS and the FRB. The agencies and federal and state laws extensively regulate various aspects of the banking business including, among other things, permissible types and amounts of loans, investments and other activities, capital adequacy, branching, interest rates on loans and deposits, and the safety and soundness of banking practices.
Our deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that assesses insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account assets and capital levels and supervisory ratings.
Banking laws and regulations restrict transactions by insured banks owned by a bank holding company, including loans to and certain purchases from the parent holding company, non-bank and bank subsidiaries of the parent holding company, principal shareholders, officers, directors and their affiliates, and investments by the subsidiary bank in the shares or securities of the parent holding company (or any of the other non-bank or bank affiliates), or acceptance of such shares or securities as collateral security for loans to any borrower.
The Bank is subject to legal limitations on the frequency and amount of dividends that can be paid to Isabella Bank Corporation. For example, a Michigan state chartered bank may not declare a cash dividend or a dividend in kind except out of net profits then on hand after deducting all losses and bad debts, and then only if it will have a surplus amounting to not less than 20% of its capital after the payment of the dividend. Moreover, a Michigan state chartered bank may not declare or pay any cash dividend or dividend in kind until the cumulative dividends on its preferred stock, if any, have been paid in full. Further, if the surplus of a Michigan state chartered bank is at any time less than the amount of its capital, before the declaration of a cash dividend or dividend in kind, it must transfer to surplus not less than 10% of its net profits for the preceding six months (in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends) or the preceding two consecutive six month periods (in the case of annual dividends).
The payment of dividends by Isabella Bank Corporation and the Bank is also affected by various regulatory requirements and policies, such as the requirement to keep adequate capital in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Federal laws impose further restrictions on the payment of dividends by insured banks that fail to meet specified capital levels. The FDIC may

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prevent an insured bank from paying dividends if the bank is in default of payment of any assessment due to the FDIC. In addition, payment of dividends by a bank may be prevented by the applicable federal regulatory authority if such payment is determined, by reason of the financial condition of such bank, to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The FRB and the FDIC have issued policy statements providing that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Additionally, the FRB Board of Governors requires a bank holding company to notify the FRB prior to increasing its cash dividend by more than 10% over the prior year.
The aforementioned regulations and restrictions may limit our ability to obtain funds from the Bank for our cash needs, including payment of dividends and operating expenses.
The activities and operations of the Bank are also subject to various federal and state laws and regulations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In the normal course of business we are exposed to various risks. These risks, if not managed correctly, could have a significant impact on our earnings, capital, share price, and ability to pay dividends. In order to effectively monitor and control the following risks, we utilize an enterprise risk model. We balance our strategic goals, including revenue and profitability objectives, with associated risks through the use of policies, systems, and procedures which have been adopted to identify, assess, control, monitor, and manage each risk area. We continually review the adequacy and effectiveness of these policies, systems, and procedures.
Our enterprise risk process covers each of the following areas.
Changes in credit quality and required allowance for loan and lease losses
To manage the credit risk arising from lending activities, our most significant source of credit risk, we maintain what we believe are sound underwriting policies and procedures. We continuously monitor asset quality in order to manage our credit risk to determine the appropriateness of valuation allowances. These valuation allowances take into consideration various factors including, but not limited to, local, regional, and national economic conditions.
We maintain an ALLL to reserve for estimated incurred loan losses and risks within our loan portfolio. The level of the ALLL reflects our evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; loan portfolio quality; and economic, political and regulatory conditions. The determination of the appropriate level of the ALLL inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates, all of which may undergo material changes.
Changes in economic conditions
An economic downturn within our local markets, as well as downturns in the state or national markets, could negatively impact household and corporate incomes. This could lead to decreased demand for both loan and deposit products and lead to an increase of customers who fail to pay interest or principal on their loans. We continually monitor key economic indicators in an effort to anticipate the possible effects of downturns in the local, regional, and national economies.
Our success depends primarily on the general economic conditions of the State of Michigan and the specific local markets in which we operate. Unlike larger national or other regional banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers located primarily in the Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties in Michigan. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on the demand for our products and services, as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans, and the stability of our deposit funding sources. A significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic occurrences, unemployment, changes in securities markets or other factors could impact these local economic conditions and, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Interest rate risk
IRR results from the timing differences in the maturity or repricing frequency of a financial institution’s interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. We monitor the potential effects of changes in interest rates through simulations and gap analyses. To help mitigate the effects of changes in interest rates, we make significant efforts to stagger projected cash flows and maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities.

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Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from our inability to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable costs. Liquidity risk includes the inability to manage unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources, or failure to recognize or address changes in market conditions that affect the ability to liquidate assets quickly and with minimal loss in value. We have significant borrowing capacity through correspondent banks and the ability to sell certain investments to fund potential cash shortages, which we may use to help mitigate this risk.
The value of investment securities may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in the market
A volatile, illiquid market could require us to recognize an OTTI loss related to the investment securities held in our portfolio. We consider many factors in determining whether OTTI exists including the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than cost, the investment credit rating, and the probability the issuer will be unable to pay the amount when due. The presence of these factors could lead to impairment charges. These risks are mitigated by the fact that we assert that we do not intend to sell the security in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.
Operational risk
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, and systems, or external events and includes reputation risk and transaction risk. Reputation risk is developing and retaining marketplace confidence in handling customers’ financial transactions in an appropriate manner and protecting our safety and soundness. Transaction risk includes losses from fraud, error, the inability to deliver products or services, and loss or theft of information. Transaction risk also encompasses product development and delivery, transaction processing, information technology systems, and the internal control environment.
To minimize the potential losses due to operational risks, we have established a robust system of internal controls that is regularly tested by our internal audit department in conjunction with the services of certified public accounting firms who assists in performing such internal audit work. The focus of these internal audit procedures is to verify the validity and appropriateness of various transactions, processes, and controls. The results of these procedures are reported to our Audit Committee.
The adoption of, violations of, or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, or prescribed practices
The financial services industry and public companies are extensively regulated and must meet regulatory standards set by the FDIC, DIFS, FRB, FASB, SEC, PCAOB, the CFPB, and other regulatory bodies. Federal and state laws and regulations are designed primarily to protect the deposit insurance funds and consumers, and not necessarily to benefit our shareholders. The nature, extent, and timing of the adoption of significant new laws, changes in existing laws, or repeal of existing laws may have a material impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, the effect of which is impossible to predict at this time.
Our compliance department annually assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of our processes for controlling and managing our principal compliance risks.
We may not adjust to changes in the financial services industry
Our financial performance depends in part on our ability to maintain and grow our core deposit customer base and expand our financial services to our existing and new customers. The increasingly competitive environment is, in part, a result of changes in technology and product delivery systems and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial service providers. New competitors may emerge to increase the degree of competition for our products and services. Financial services and products are also constantly changing. Our financial performance is also dependent upon customer demand for our products and services and our ability to develop and offer competitive financial products and services.
We may be required to recognize an impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid to acquire subsidiaries over the fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. The majority of the recorded goodwill is related to acquisitions of other banks, which were subsequently merged into Isabella Bank. If it is determined that the goodwill has been impaired, we must write-down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment.

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We may face increasing pressure from purchasers of our residential mortgage loans to repurchase loans sold or reimburse purchasers for losses related to such loans
We generally sell the fixed rate long term residential mortgage loans we originate to the secondary market. In response to the recent economic downturn, the purchasers of residential mortgage loans, such as government sponsored entities, increased their efforts to require sellers of residential mortgage loans to either repurchase loans previously sold, or reimburse the purchasers for losses incurred on foreclosed loans due to actual or alleged failure to strictly conform to the terms of the contract.
Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions
Technology and other changes are allowing customers to complete financial transactions without the involvement of banks. For example, consumers can now pay bills and transfer funds directly without banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries in financial transactions could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and income generated from those deposits.
Changes to the financial services industry as a result of regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation
The financial services industry is extensively regulated. We are subject to extensive state and federal regulation, supervision and legislation that govern almost all aspects of our operations. Laws and regulations may change from time to time and are primarily intended for the protection of consumers, depositors, and the deposit insurance funds. The impact of any changes to laws and regulations or other actions by regulatory agencies may negatively impact us or our ability to increase the value of our business. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets by the institution and the appropriateness of an institution’s ALLL. Future regulatory changes or accounting pronouncements may increase our regulatory capital requirements or adversely affect our regulatory capital levels. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against us could require the dedication of significant time and resources to defending our business and may lead to penalties.
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information, whether through cyber attacks, breach of computer systems or otherwise
As part of our business, we collect and retain sensitive and confidential client and customer information on our behalf and other third parties. Despite the security measures we have in place for our facilities and systems, and the security measures of our third party service providers, we may be vulnerable to cyber attacks, security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, human errors or other similar events. Risks related to cybersecurity continue to evolve within the industry. We continually review and monitor information and data related to cybersecurity to detect and mitigate attacks. A cyber attack could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, whether by us or by our vendors, could severely damage our reputation, expose us to the risks of litigation and liability, disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our estimates and assumptions may be incorrect
Our consolidated financial statements conform with GAAP, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are based on information available to us at the time the estimates are made. Actual results could differ from those estimates. For further discussion regarding significant accounting estimates, see “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Disruption of infrastructure
Our operations depend upon our technological and physical infrastructure, including our equipment and facilities. Extended disruption of our vital infrastructure by fire, power loss, natural disaster, telecommunications failure, computer hacking and viruses, or other events outside of our control, could have a significant impact on our operations. We have developed disaster recovery plans, which provide detailed instructions covering all significant aspects of our operations.
Anti-takeover provisions
Our articles of incorporation include anti-takeover provisions that require a two-thirds majority vote to approve a sale of the Corporation. Additionally, changes to our articles of incorporation must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of our shareholders. These provisions may make our stock less attractive to potential shareholders.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our executive offices are located at 401 North Main Street in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. In addition to this location, we own 27 branches, an operations center, a mortgage operations center, and a previous main office building. Our facilities current, planned, and best use is for conducting our current activities, with the exception of approximately 75% of our previous main office location, approximately 25% of the building that houses the Lake Isabella branch, and approximately 25% of the building that houses our mortgage processing operations which are leased to non-related parties. We continually monitor and assess the need for expansion and/or improvement for all facilities. In our opinion, each facility has sufficient capacity and is in good condition.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We are not involved in any material legal proceedings. We are involved in ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business; however, no such routine proceedings are expected to result in any material adverse effect on our operations, earnings, financial condition, or cash flows.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.

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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Common Stock and Dividend Information
Our authorized common stock consists of 15,000,000 shares, of which 7,776,274 shares are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014. As of that date, there were 3,056 shareholders of record.
Our common stock is traded in the over the counter market.  The common stock is quoted on the OTCQX market tier of the OTC Markets Group Inc.’s ("OTC Markets") electronic quotation system (www.otcmarkets.com) under the symbol “ISBA”.  Other trades in the common stock occur in privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time of which we may have little or no information.
We have reviewed the information available as to the range of reported high and low bid quotations, including high and low bid information as reported by OTC Markets. The following table sets forth our compilation of that information for the periods indicated. Price information obtained from OTC Markets reflects inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The following compiled data is provided for information purposes only and should not be viewed as indicative of the actual or market value of our common stock.

Number of
Shares
 
Sale Price
 
Low
 
High
2014
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
79,719

 
$
22.25

 
$
23.94

Second Quarter
72,142

 
22.44

 
23.50

Third Quarter
94,422

 
21.73

 
24.00

Fourth Quarter
67,771

 
22.10

 
23.99

 
314,054

 
 
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
54,741

 
$
21.55

 
$
25.10

Second Quarter
65,865

 
24.65

 
26.00

Third Quarter
105,540

 
23.40

 
25.50

Fourth Quarter
116,052

 
21.12

 
24.84

 
342,198

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

Per Share
 
2014
 
2013
First Quarter
$
0.22

 
$
0.21

Second Quarter
0.22

 
0.21

Third Quarter
0.22

 
0.21

Fourth Quarter
0.23

 
0.21

Total
$
0.89

 
$
0.84

We have adopted and publicly announced a common stock repurchase plan. The plan was last amended on October 22, 2014, to allow for the repurchase of an additional 150,000 shares of common stock. These authorizations do not have expiration dates. As shares are repurchased under this plan, they are retired and revert back to the status of authorized, but unissued shares.

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The following table provides information for the unaudited three month period ended December 31, 2014, with respect to the common stock repurchase plan:

Shares Repurchased
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program
 
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
Number
 
Average Price
Per Share
 
 
Balance, September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
26,716

October 1 - 22
3,600

 
$
23.61

 
3,600

 
23,116

Additional Authorization (150,000 shares)


 


 


 
173,116

October 23 - 31
2,707

 
23.27

 
2,707

 
170,409

November 1 - 30
7,257

 
22.87

 
7,257

 
163,152

December 1 - 31
11,386

 
22.66

 
11,386

 
151,766

Balance, December 31
24,950

 
$
22.93

 
24,950

 
151,766

Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans appears under Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Stock Performance
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock for the last five years with the cumulative total return on (1) NASDAQ, which is comprised of all United States common shares traded on the NASDAQ and (2) the NASDAQ Banks, which is comprised of bank and bank holding company common shares traded on the NASDAQ over the same period. The graph assumes the value of an investment in the Corporation's common stock and each index was $100 at December 31, 2009 and all dividends are reinvested.
 
Year
 
ISBA
 
NASDAQ
 
NASDAQ
Banks
12/31/2009
 
$
100.00

 
$
100.00

 
$
100.00

12/31/2010
 
95.20

 
117.99

 
114.01

12/31/2011
 
135.70

 
117.08

 
102.08

12/31/2012
 
128.80

 
137.80

 
121.02

12/31/2013
 
146.20

 
192.78

 
171.02

12/31/2014
 
143.30

 
221.15

 
179.24


11

Table of Contents

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

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
53,951

 
$
54,076

 
$
56,401

 
$
57,905

 
$
57,217

Interest expense
9,970

 
11,021

 
13,423

 
16,203

 
17,204

Net interest income
43,981

 
43,055

 
42,978

 
41,702

 
40,013

Provision for loan losses
(668
)
 
1,111

 
2,300

 
3,826

 
4,857

Noninterest income
9,325

 
10,175

 
11,530

 
8,218

 
9,300

Noninterest expenses
37,906

 
37,413

 
37,639

 
34,530

 
33,807

Federal income tax expense
2,344

 
2,196

 
2,363

 
1,354

 
1,604

Net Income
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206

 
$
10,210

 
$
9,045

PER SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings
$
1.77

 
$
1.63

 
$
1.61

 
$
1.35

 
$
1.20

Diluted earnings
$
1.74

 
$
1.59

 
$
1.56

 
$
1.31

 
$
1.17

Dividends
$
0.89

 
$
0.84

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.76

 
$
0.72

Tangible book value*
$
16.59

 
$
15.62

 
$
14.72

 
$
13.90

 
$
13.22

Quoted market value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
24.00

 
$
26.00

 
$
24.98

 
$
24.45

 
$
19.00

Low
$
21.73

 
$
21.12

 
$
21.75

 
$
17.10

 
$
15.75

Close*
$
22.50

 
$
23.85

 
$
21.75

 
$
23.70

 
$
17.30

Common shares outstanding*
7,776,274

 
7,723,023

 
7,671,846

 
7,589,226

 
7,550,074

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average total assets
0.90
%
 
0.86
%
 
0.88
%
 
0.79
%
 
0.76
%
Return on average shareholders' equity
8.06
%
 
7.67
%
 
7.60
%
 
6.74
%
 
6.22
%
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity
10.80
%
 
10.71
%
 
11.41
%
 
10.30
%
 
9.51
%
Net interest margin yield (FTE)
3.45
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.70
%
 
3.87
%
 
4.04
%
BALANCE SHEET DATA*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loans
$
833,582

 
$
808,037

 
$
772,753

 
$
750,291

 
$
735,304

AFS securities
$
567,534

 
$
512,062

 
$
504,010

 
$
425,120

 
$
330,724

Total assets
$
1,549,543

 
$
1,493,137

 
$
1,430,639

 
$
1,337,925

 
$
1,225,810

Deposits
$
1,074,484

 
$
1,043,766

 
$
1,017,667

 
$
958,164

 
$
877,339

Borrowed funds
$
289,709

 
$
279,326

 
$
241,001

 
$
216,136

 
$
194,917

Shareholders' equity
$
174,594

 
$
160,609

 
$
164,489

 
$
154,783

 
$
145,161

Gross loans to deposits
77.58
%
 
77.42
%
 
75.93
%
 
78.31
%
 
83.81
%
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans sold with servicing retained
$
288,639

 
$
293,665

 
$
303,425

 
$
302,636

 
$
312,252

Assets managed by our Investment and Trust Services Department
$
383,878

 
$
351,420

 
$
319,301

 
$
297,393

 
$
307,983

Total assets under management
$
2,222,060

 
$
2,138,222

 
$
2,053,365

 
$
1,937,954

 
$
1,846,045

ASSET QUALITY*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans to gross loans
0.50
%
 
0.42
%
 
1.00
%
 
0.95
%
 
0.83
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.33
%
 
0.32
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.67
%
 
0.67
%
ALLL to gross loans
1.21
%
 
1.42
%
 
1.54
%
 
1.65
%
 
1.68
%
CAPITAL RATIOS*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity to assets
11.27
%
 
10.76
%
 
11.50
%
 
11.57
%
 
11.84
%
Tier 1 capital to average assets
8.59
%
 
8.46
%
 
8.29
%
 
8.18
%
 
8.24
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital
14.08
%
 
13.67
%
 
13.23
%
 
12.92
%
 
12.44
%
Total risk-based capital
15.18
%
 
14.92
%
 
14.48
%
 
14.17
%
 
13.69
%
* At end of year

12

Table of Contents

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

Quarter to Date
 
December 31
2014
 
September 30
2014
 
June 30
2014
 
March 31
2014
 
December 31
2013
 
September 30
2013
 
June 30
2013
 
March 31
2013
Total interest income
$
13,713

 
$
13,483

 
$
13,391

 
$
13,364

 
$
13,603

 
$
13,505

 
$
13,440

 
$
13,528

Total interest expense
2,504

 
2,498

 
2,468

 
2,500

 
2,683

 
2,736

 
2,781

 
2,821

Net interest income
11,209

 
10,985

 
10,923

 
10,864

 
10,920

 
10,769

 
10,659

 
10,707

Provision for loan losses
(64
)
 
(162
)
 
(200
)
 
(242
)
 
245

 
351

 
215

 
300

Noninterest income
2,426

 
2,216

 
2,434

 
2,249

 
2,130

 
2,862

 
2,736

 
2,447

Noninterest expenses
9,606

 
9,514

 
9,300

 
9,486

 
9,578

 
9,320

 
9,324

 
9,191

Federal income tax expense
648

 
444

 
692

 
560

 
303

 
674

 
643

 
576

Net income
$
3,445

 
$
3,405

 
$
3,565

 
$
3,309

 
$
2,924

 
$
3,286

 
$
3,213

 
$
3,087

PER SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings
$
0.44

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.43

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.43

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.40

Diluted earnings
0.44

 
0.43

 
0.45

 
0.42

 
0.37

 
0.42

 
0.41

 
0.39

Dividends
0.23

 
0.22

 
0.22

 
0.22

 
0.21

 
0.21

 
0.21

 
0.21

Quoted Market value*
22.50

 
23.60

 
22.95

 
23.00

 
23.85

 
24.85

 
24.75

 
25.00

Tangible book value*
16.59

 
16.33

 
16.08

 
15.82

 
15.62

 
15.43

 
15.19

 
14.95

* At end of period

13

Table of Contents

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of our operations. This discussion and analysis is intended to provide a better understanding of the consolidated financial statements and statistical data included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Executive Summary
We reported record net income of $13,724 and earnings per common share of $1.77 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our continued strong earnings have primarily been the result of a continued improvement in credit quality indicators. These improvements resulted in a decline in the level of the ALLL in both amount and as a percentage of gross loans, resulting in a reversal of provision for loan losses of $668 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net loan charge-offs during 2014 were $732 as compared to $1,547 in 2013 which is a 52.68% decline. Additionally, we continue to see reductions in loans classified as less than satisfactory.
During the year, total assets grew by 3.78% to $1,549,543, and assets under management increased to $2,222,060 which includes loans sold and serviced, and assets managed by our Investment and Trust Services Department of $672,517. We enjoyed total loan growth of $25,545 which was driven by commercial and agricultural loan growth of $51,989. This was partially offset by declines in both residential real estate and consumer loans of $26,444 as demand for residential real estate loans continued to be soft and the market for consumer loans continued to be dominated by automobile manufacturers.
While our net yield on interest earning assets of 3.45% remains historically low, it has stabilized. The low net yield on interest earning assets is a direct result of Federal Reserve Bank monetary policy. While we expect the Federal Reserve Bank to increase short term interest rates in 2015, we do not anticipate any significant improvements in our net yield on interest earning assets as the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities will likely increase faster than those of interest earning assets. Net interest income will increase only through continued growth in loans, investments, and other income earning assets.
We anticipate that competition for commercial loans will continue to be significant, residential mortgage loan activity will remain soft, and growing our deposit base will be challenging throughout the foreseeable future. Despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to core community banking principles and long term sustainable growth has, and will continue to, enable us to meet the needs of the communities we serve and increase shareholder value.
Recent Legislation
The Health Care and Education Act of 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the JOBS Act, have already had, and are expected to continue to have, a negative impact on our operating results. Of these four acts, the Dodd-Frank Act has had the most significant impact. The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB which has made significant changes in the regulation of financial institutions aimed at strengthening the oversight of the federal government over the operation of the financial services sector and increasing the protection of consumers. Rules issued by the CFPB regarding consumer lending, including residential mortgage lending have increased our compensation and outside advisor costs to ensure our compliance with the new regulations and this trend is expected to continue.
On July 2, 2013, the FRB published revised BASEL III Capital standards for banks. The rules redefine what is included or deducted from equity capital, changes risk weighting for certain on and off-balance sheet assets, increases the minimum required equity capital to be considered well capitalized, and introduces a capital cushion buffer. The rules, which will be gradually phased in between 2015 and 2019, are not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation but will require us to hold more capital than we have historically.
Other
We have not received any notices of regulatory actions as of February 27, 2015.

14

Table of Contents

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our significant accounting policies are set forth in “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Of these significant accounting policies, we consider our policies regarding the ALLL, acquisition intangibles and goodwill, and the determination of the fair value and assessment of OTTI of investment securities to be our most critical accounting policies.
The ALLL requires our most subjective and complex judgment. Changes in economic conditions can have a significant impact on the ALLL and, therefore, the provision for loan losses and results of operations. We have developed policies and procedures for assessing the appropriateness of the ALLL, recognizing that this process requires a number of assumptions and estimates with respect to our loan portfolio. Our assessments may be impacted in future periods by changes in economic conditions, and the discovery of information with respect to borrowers which is not known to us at the time of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements. For additional discussion concerning our ALLL and related matters, see the detailed discussion to follow under the caption “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” and “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that we determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities of an acquired entity, and record their fair value on the date of acquisition. We employ a variety of measures in the determination of the fair value, including the use of discounted cash flow analysis, market appraisals, and projected future revenue streams. For certain items that we believe we have the appropriate expertise to determine the fair value, we may choose to use our own calculations of the value. In other cases, where the value is not easily determined, we consult with outside parties to determine the fair value of the identified asset or liability. Once valuations have been adjusted, the net difference between the price paid for the acquired entity and the net value of assets acquired on our balance sheet, including identifiable intangibles, is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are qualitatively evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying balance is impaired on at least an annual basis.
AFS securities are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value included as a component of other comprehensive income. Declines in the fair value of AFS securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses in the consolidated statements of income. We evaluate AFS securities for indications of losses that are considered other-than-temporary, if any, on a regular basis. The market values for AFS investment securities are typically obtained from outside sources and applied to individual securities within the portfolio.

15

Table of Contents

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

Year Ended December 31
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Average
Balance
 
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
 
Average
Yield /
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
 
Average
Yield /
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
 
Average
Yield /
Rate
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
813,202

 
$
39,432

 
4.85
%
 
$
790,132

 
$
41,233

 
5.22
%
 
$
754,304

 
$
43,396

 
5.75
%
Taxable investment securities
357,250

 
8,092

 
2.27
%
 
335,575

 
7,228

 
2.15
%
 
309,681

 
7,555

 
2.44
%
Nontaxable investment securities
194,751

 
9,877

 
5.07
%
 
165,774

 
8,294

 
5.00
%
 
145,502

 
7,941

 
5.46
%
Trading securities
174

 
9

 
5.17
%
 
1,071

 
55

 
5.14
%
 
2,624

 
142

 
5.41
%
Other
25,610

 
510

 
1.99
%
 
27,235

 
447

 
1.64
%
 
33,359

 
486

 
1.46
%
Total earning assets
1,390,987

 
57,920

 
4.16
%
 
1,319,787

 
57,257

 
4.34
%
 
1,245,470

 
59,520

 
4.78
%
NONEARNING ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(10,973
)
 
 
 
 
 
(11,877
)
 
 
 
 
 
(12,408
)
 
 
 
 
Cash and demand deposits due from banks
18,552

 
 
 
 
 
18,162

 
 
 
 
 
19,409

 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment
25,957

 
 
 
 
 
25,993

 
 
 
 
 
25,244

 
 
 
 
Accrued income and other assets
97,657

 
 
 
 
 
96,375

 
 
 
 
 
103,368

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,522,180

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,448,440

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,381,083

 
 
 
 
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
$
191,750

 
157

 
0.08
%
 
$
183,665

 
161

 
0.09
%
 
$
170,851

 
204

 
0.12
%
Savings deposits
260,469

 
374

 
0.14
%
 
242,777

 
366

 
0.15
%
 
214,958

 
451

 
0.21
%
Time deposits
448,971

 
5,764

 
1.28
%
 
456,774

 
6,613

 
1.45
%
 
473,675

 
8,476

 
1.79
%
Borrowed funds
274,080

 
3,675

 
1.34
%
 
251,590

 
3,881

 
1.54
%
 
225,689

 
4,292

 
1.90
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
1,175,270

 
9,970

 
0.85
%
 
1,134,806

 
11,021

 
0.97
%
 
1,085,173

 
13,423

 
1.24
%
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
165,860

 
 
 
 
 
141,872

 
 
 
 
 
125,443

 
 
 
 
Other
10,773

 
 
 
 
 
8,752

 
 
 
 
 
9,785

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
170,277

 
 
 
 
 
163,010

 
 
 
 
 
160,682

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,522,180

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,448,440

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,381,083

 
 
 
 
Net interest income (FTE)
 
 
$
47,950

 
 
 
 
 
$
46,236

 
 
 
 
 
$
46,097

 
 
Net yield on interest earning assets (FTE)
 
 
 
 
3.45
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.50
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.70
%

16

Table of Contents

Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds the interest expenses on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is influenced by changes in the balance and mix of assets and liabilities and market interest rates. We exert some control over these factors; however, FRB monetary policy and competition have a significant impact. For analytical purposes, net interest income is adjusted to an FTE basis by adding the income tax savings from interest on tax exempt loans, and nontaxable investment securities, thus making year to year comparisons more meaningful. Included in interest income are loan fees which are displayed in the following table for the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Loan fees
$
2,199

 
$
3,182

 
$
3,178

Volume and Rate Variance Analysis
The following table sets forth the effect of volume and rate changes on interest income and expense for the periods indicated. For the purpose of this table, changes in interest due to volume and rate were determined as follows:
Volume—change in volume multiplied by the previous period's FTE rate.
Rate—change in the FTE rate multiplied by the previous period's volume.
The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
 
2014 Compared to 2013 
 Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
2013 Compared to 2012 
 Increase (Decrease) Due to

Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
Changes in interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
1,179

 
$
(2,980
)
 
$
(1,801
)
 
$
1,996

 
$
(4,159
)
 
$
(2,163
)
Taxable investment securities
480

 
384

 
864

 
601

 
(928
)
 
(327
)
Nontaxable investment securities
1,468

 
115

 
1,583

 
1,049

 
(696
)
 
353

Trading securities
(46
)
 

 
(46
)
 
(80
)
 
(7
)
 
(87
)
Other
(28
)
 
91

 
63

 
(96
)
 
57

 
(39
)
Total changes in interest income
3,053

 
(2,390
)
 
663

 
3,470

 
(5,733
)
 
(2,263
)
Changes in interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
7

 
(11
)
 
(4
)
 
14

 
(57
)
 
(43
)
Savings deposits
26

 
(18
)
 
8

 
53

 
(138
)
 
(85
)
Time deposits
(111
)
 
(738
)
 
(849
)
 
(293
)
 
(1,570
)
 
(1,863
)
Borrowed funds
329

 
(535
)
 
(206
)
 
457

 
(868
)
 
(411
)
Total changes in interest expense
251

 
(1,302
)
 
(1,051
)
 
231

 
(2,633
)
 
(2,402
)
Net change in interest margin (FTE)
$
2,802

 
$
(1,088
)
 
$
1,714

 
$
3,239

 
$
(3,100
)
 
$
139

Our net yield on interest earning assets remains at historically low levels which is a direct result of FRB monetary policy. The persistent low interest rate environment coupled with an increase in the concentration of AFS securities as a percentage of earning assets has also placed downward pressure on net interest margin yield. While we anticipate that the FRB will increase short term interest rates in 2015, we do not expect any significant change in our net yield on interest earning assets as the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities will likely increase faster than those of interest earning assets. Net interest income will increase only through continued balance sheet growth.
 
Average Yield / Rate for the Unaudited Three Month Periods Ended:

December 31
2014
 
September 30
2014
 
June 30
2014
 
March 31
2014
 
December 31
2013
Total earning assets
4.17
%
 
4.10
%
 
4.14
%
 
4.14
%
 
4.30
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
0.85
%
 
0.85
%
 
0.84
%
 
0.85
%
 
0.94
%
Net yield on interest earning assets (FTE)
3.46
%
 
3.39
%
 
3.43
%
 
3.42
%
 
3.50
%

17

Table of Contents

 
Quarter to Date (Unaudited) Net Interest Income (FTE)

December 31
2014
 
September 30
2014
 
June 30
2014
 
March 31
2014
 
December 31
2013
Total interest income (FTE)
$
14,702

 
$
14,357

 
$
14,282

 
$
14,242

 
$
14,441

Total interest expense
2,504

 
2,498

 
2,468

 
2,500

 
2,683

Net interest income (FTE)
$
12,198

 
$
11,859

 
$
11,814

 
$
11,742

 
$
11,758

One of the the primary contributors to the decline in the net yield on interest earning assets during 2014 was a drastic decline in loan fees. Loan fees have declined as the demand for residential mortgage loans has diminished and the competition for commercial loans remains intense. As shown in the following table, the net yield on interest earning assets and net interest income excluding the impact of loan fees (FTE) has remained essentially unchanged since the fourth quarter of 2013. The following table displays unaudited data for the three month periods ended:

December 31
2014
 
September 30
2014
 
June 30
2014
 
March 31
2014
 
December 31
2013
Net interest income (FTE)
$
12,198

 
$
11,859

 
$
11,814

 
$
11,742

 
$
11,758

Less loan fees
669

 
488

 
566

 
476

 
761

Net interest income excluding loan fees (FTE)
$
11,529

 
$
11,371

 
$
11,248

 
$
11,266

 
$
10,997

Net yield on interest earning assets excluding loan fees (FTE)
3.27
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.26
%
 
3.28
%
 
3.27
%
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The viability of any financial institution is ultimately determined by its management of credit risk. Loans represent our single largest concentration of risk. The ALLL is our estimation of incurred losses within the existing loan portfolio. We allocate the ALLL throughout the loan portfolio based on our assessment of the underlying risks associated with each loan segment. Our assessments include allocations based on specific impairment valuation allowances, historical charge-offs, internally assigned credit risk ratings, and past due and nonaccrual balances. A portion of the ALLL is not allocated to any one loan segment, but is instead a reflection of other qualitative risks that reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
The following table summarizes our charge-offs, recoveries, provisions for loan losses, and ALLL balances as of, and for the unaudited three month periods ended:

December 31
2014
 
September 30
2014
 
June 30
2014
 
March 31
2014
 
December 31
2013
Total charge-offs
$
351

 
$
416

 
$
411

 
$
450

 
$
497

Total recoveries
115

 
278

 
211

 
292

 
152

Net loan charge-offs
236

 
138

 
200

 
158

 
345

Net loan charge-offs to average loans outstanding
0.03
 %
 
0.02
 %
 
0.02
 %
 
0.02
 %
 
0.04
%
Provision for loan losses
$
(64
)
 
$
(162
)
 
$
(200
)
 
$
(242
)
 
$
245

Provision for loan losses to average loans outstanding
(0.01
)%
 
(0.02
)%
 
(0.02
)%
 
(0.03
)%
 
0.03
%
ALLL
$
10,100

 
$
10,400

 
$
10,700

 
$
11,100

 
$
11,500

ALLL as a% of loans at end of period
1.21
 %
 
1.26
 %
 
1.31
 %
 
1.37
 %
 
1.42
%

18

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our charge-off and recovery activity for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
ALLL at beginning of period
$
11,500

 
$
11,936

 
$
12,375

 
$
12,373

 
$
12,979

Charge-offs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and agricultural
590

 
907

 
1,672

 
1,984

 
3,731

Residential real estate
722

 
1,004

 
1,142

 
2,240

 
2,524

Consumer
316

 
429

 
542

 
552

 
596

Total charge-offs
1,628

 
2,340

 
3,356

 
4,776

 
6,851

Recoveries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and agricultural
550

 
363

 
240

 
461

 
453

Residential real estate
197

 
181

 
122

 
177

 
638

Consumer
149

 
249

 
255

 
314

 
297

Total recoveries
896

 
793

 
617

 
952

 
1,388

Provision for loan losses
(668
)
 
1,111

 
2,300

 
3,826

 
4,857

ALLL at end of period
10,100

 
11,500

 
11,936

 
12,375

 
12,373

Net loan charge-offs
$
732

 
$
1,547

 
$
2,739

 
$
3,824

 
$
5,463

Net loan charge-offs to average loans outstanding
0.09
%
 
0.20
%
 
0.36
%
 
0.51
%
 
0.75
%
ALLL as a% of loans at end of period
1.21
%
 
1.42
%
 
1.54
%
 
1.65
%
 
1.68
%
As the level of net loan charge-offs continues to decline and credit quality indicators continue to improve, we have reduced the ALLL in both amount and as a percentage of loans. For further discussion of the allocation of the ALLL, see “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Loans Past Due and Loans in Nonaccrual Status
Increases in past due and nonaccrual loans can have a significant impact on the ALLL. To determine the potential impact, and corresponding estimated losses, we analyze our historical loss trends on loans past due greater than 30 days and nonaccrual loans. We monitor all loans that are past due and in nonaccrual status for indications of additional deterioration.

Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 
December 31
2014
 
September 30
2014
 
June 30
2014
 
March 31
2014
 
December 31
2013
Commercial and agricultural
$
4,805

 
$
3,904

 
$
5,045

 
$
4,986

 
$
3,621

Residential real estate
4,181

 
4,011

 
4,613

 
7,067

 
7,008

Consumer
138

 
134

 
98

 
113

 
259

Total
$
9,124

 
$
8,049

 
$
9,756

 
$
12,166

 
$
10,888


Total Past Due and Nonaccrual as of December 31
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Commercial and agricultural
$
4,805

 
$
3,621

 
$
7,271

 
$
7,420

 
$
9,606

Residential real estate
4,181

 
7,008

 
5,431

 
5,297

 
8,119

Consumer
138

 
259

 
199

 
186

 
309

Total
$
9,124

 
$
10,888

 
$
12,901

 
$
12,903

 
$
18,034

Declines in past due and nonaccrual loans during 2014 are the result of strengthened loan performance. A summary of loans past due and in nonaccrual status, including the composition of the ending balance of nonaccrual loans by type, is included in “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

19

Table of Contents

Troubled Debt Restructurings
We have taken a proactive approach to avoid foreclosures on borrowers who are willing to work with us in modifying their loans, thus making them more affordable. While this approach has allowed certain borrowers to develop a payment structure that will allow them to continue making payments in lieu of foreclosure, it has contributed to a significant increase in the level of loans classified as TDRs. The modifications have been successful for us and our customers as very few of the modified loans have resulted in foreclosures. At the time of the TDR, the loan is reviewed to determine whether or not to classify the loan as accrual or nonaccrual. The majority of new modifications result in terms that satisfy our criteria for continued interest accrual. TDRs that have been placed in nonaccrual status may be placed back on accrual status after six months of continued performance.
We restructure debt with borrowers who due to temporary financial difficulties are unable to service their debt under the original terms. We may extend the amortization period, reduce interest rates, forgive principal, forgive interest, or a combination of these modifications. Typically, the modifications are for a period of five years or less. There were no TDRs that were Government sponsored as of December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Losses associated with TDRs, if any, are included in the estimation of the ALLL in the quarter in which a loan is identified as a TDR, and we review the analysis of the ALLL estimation each reporting period to ensure its continued appropriateness.
The following tables provide a roll-forward of TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014:

Accruing Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Balance
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Balance
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Balance
January 1, 2013
115

 
$
16,531

 
19

 
$
2,824

 
134

 
$
19,355

New modifications
76

 
12,192

 
5

 
424

 
81

 
12,616

Principal advances (payments)

 
(891
)
 

 
(292
)
 

 
(1,183
)
Loans paid-off
(17
)
 
(2,844
)
 
(6
)
 
(800
)
 
(23
)
 
(3,644
)
Partial charge-offs

 
(79
)
 

 
(477
)
 

 
(556
)
Balances charged-off
(3
)
 
(167
)
 
(1
)
 
(27
)
 
(4
)
 
(194
)
Transfers to OREO
(1
)
 
(33
)
 
(7
)
 
(496
)
 
(8
)
 
(529
)
Transfers to accrual status
2

 
133

 
(2
)
 
(133
)
 

 

Transfers to nonaccrual status
(7
)
 
(419
)
 
7

 
419

 

 

December 31, 2013
165

 
24,423

 
15

 
1,442

 
180

 
25,865

New modifications
30

 
2,647

 
5

 
367

 
35

 
3,014

Principal advances (payments)

 
(1,501
)
 

 
(254
)
 

 
(1,755
)
Loans paid-off
(32
)
 
(2,964
)
 
(3
)
 
(90
)
 
(35
)
 
(3,054
)
Partial charge-offs

 
(70
)
 

 
(193
)
 

 
(263
)
Balances charged-off
(3
)
 
(13
)
 
(3
)
 
(115
)
 
(6
)
 
(128
)
Transfers to OREO

 

 
(5
)
 
(338
)
 
(5
)
 
(338
)
Transfers to accrual status
5

 
502

 
(5
)
 
(502
)
 

 

Transfers to nonaccrual status
(9
)
 
(2,093
)
 
9

 
2,093

 

 

December 31, 2014
156

 
$
20,931

 
13

 
$
2,410

 
169

 
$
23,341


20

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our TDRs as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012

Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
Current
20,012

 
272

 
20,284

 
21,690

 
1,189

 
22,879

 
16,301

 
941

 
17,242

Past due 30-59 days
804

 
592

 
1,396

 
2,158

 
37

 
2,195

 
158

 
561

 
719

Past due 60-89 days
115

 
3

 
118

 
575

 

 
575

 
72

 
41

 
113

Past due 90 days or more

 
1,543

 
1,543

 

 
216

 
216

 

 
1,281

 
1,281

Total
20,931

 
2,410

 
23,341

 
24,423

 
1,442

 
25,865

 
16,531

 
2,824

 
19,355


2011
 
2010
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
Current
16,125

 
514

 
16,639

 
4,798

 
499

 
5,297

Past due 30-59 days
1,564

 
344

 
1,908

 
175

 
26

 
201

Past due 60-89 days
50

 
85

 
135

 
102

 

 
102

Past due 90 days or more

 
74

 
74

 

 
163

 
163

Total
17,739

 
1,017

 
18,756

 
5,075

 
688

 
5,763

Additional disclosures about TDRs are included in “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

21

Table of Contents

Impaired Loans
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans as of December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Outstanding
Balance
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Outstanding
Balance
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Valuation
Allowance
TDRs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
10,222

 
$
10,501

 
$
1,276

 
$
10,663

 
$
11,193

 
$
1,585

Commercial other
715

 
945

 
4

 
1,310

 
1,340

 
62

Agricultural real estate
1,423

 
1,423

 

 
1,459

 
1,459

 
30

Agricultural other
66

 
186

 

 
79

 
199

 

Residential real estate senior liens
10,462

 
11,019

 
1,847

 
12,266

 
12,841

 
2,010

Residential real estate junior liens
246

 
246

 
49

 
20

 
20

 
4

Home equity lines of credit
153

 
453

 
46

 

 

 

Consumer secured
54

 
54

 
1

 
68

 
69

 

Total TDRs
23,341

 
24,827

 
3,223

 
25,865

 
27,121

 
3,691

Other impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
1,009

 
1,195

 
3

 
1,707

 
2,193

 
330

Commercial other
83

 
95

 

 
136

 
217

 
58

Agricultural real estate
106

 
106

 

 

 

 

Agricultural other

 

 

 

 

 

Residential real estate senior liens
1,183

 
1,763

 
168

 
1,795

 
2,473

 
268

Residential real estate junior liens
19

 
29

 
4

 
28

 
45

 
5

Home equity lines of credit
97

 
197

 
29

 
193

 
493

 

Consumer secured
10

 
10

 

 
51

 
79

 

Total other impaired loans
2,507

 
3,395

 
204

 
3,910

 
5,500

 
661

Total impaired loans
$
25,848

 
$
28,222

 
$
3,427

 
$
29,775

 
$
32,621

 
$
4,352

Additional disclosure related to impaired loans is included in “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Nonperforming Assets
The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Nonaccrual loans
$
4,044

 
$
3,244

 
$
7,303

 
$
6,389

 
$
5,610

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
148

 
142

 
428

 
760

 
486

Total nonperforming loans
4,192

 
3,386

 
7,731

 
7,149

 
6,096

Foreclosed assets
885

 
1,412

 
2,018

 
1,876

 
2,067

Total nonperforming assets
$
5,077

 
$
4,798

 
$
9,749

 
$
9,025

 
$
8,163

Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans
0.50
%
 
0.42
%
 
1.00
%
 
0.95
%
 
0.83
%
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets
0.33
%
 
0.32
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.67
%
 
0.67
%
After a loan is 90 days past due, it is generally placed in nonaccrual status unless it is well secured and in the process of collection. Upon transferring the loans to nonaccrual status, we perform an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. This evaluation is used to help determine if any charge-offs are necessary. Loans may be placed back on accrual status after six months months of continued performance.

22

Table of Contents

Included in the nonaccrual loan balances above were loans currently classified as TDRs as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Commercial and agricultural
$
1,995

 
$
833

 
$
2,325

 
$
520

 
$
115

Residential real estate
262

 
609

 
499

 
497

 
573

Consumer
153

 

 

 

 

Total
$
2,410

 
$
1,442

 
$
2,824

 
$
1,017

 
$
688

Additional disclosures about nonaccrual loans are included in “Note 5 – Loans and ALLL”of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
We continue to devote considerable attention to identifying impaired loans and adjusting the net carrying value of these loans to their current net realizable values through the establishment of a specific reserve or the recording of a charge-off. We believe that all loans deemed to be impaired have been identified.
We believe that the level of the ALLL is appropriate as of December 31, 2014 and we will continue to closely monitor overall credit quality and our policies and procedures related to the analysis of the ALLL to ensure that the ALLL remains appropriate.

23

Table of Contents

Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expenses
Noninterest income consists of service charges and fees, gains on sale of mortgage loans, earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies, gains and losses on sales of AFS securities, and other income. Significant account balances are highlighted in the following table with additional descriptions of significant fluctuations for the years ended December 31:

 
 
 
 
Change
 
 
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
 
%
 
2012
 
$
 
%
Service charges and fees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NSF and overdraft fees
$
2,156

 
$
2,243

 
$
(87
)
 
(3.88
)%
 
$
2,367

 
$
(124
)
 
(5.24
)%
ATM and debit card fees
2,084

 
1,944

 
140

 
7.20
 %
 
1,874

 
70

 
3.74
 %
Freddie Mac servicing fee
720

 
737

 
(17
)
 
(2.31
)%
 
757

 
(20
)
 
(2.64
)%
Service charges on deposit accounts
354

 
373

 
(19
)
 
(5.09
)%
 
337

 
36

 
10.68
 %
Net OMSR income (loss)
(36
)
 
269

 
(305
)
 
(113.38
)%
 
(89
)
 
358

 
N/M

All other
133

 
116

 
17

 
14.66
 %
 
125

 
(9
)
 
(7.20
)%
Total service charges and fees
5,411

 
5,682

 
(271
)
 
(4.77
)%
 
5,371

 
311

 
5.79
 %
Gain on sale of mortgage loans
514

 
962

 
(448
)
 
(46.57
)%
 
1,576

 
(614
)
 
(38.96
)%
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies
751

 
732

 
19

 
2.60
 %
 
698

 
34

 
4.87
 %
Gains (losses) on sale of AFS securities
97

 
171

 
(74
)
 
(43.27
)%
 
1,119

 
(948
)
 
(84.72
)%
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust and brokerage advisory fees
2,069

 
1,858

 
211

 
11.36
 %
 
1,635

 
223

 
13.64
 %
Other
483

 
770

 
(287
)
 
(37.27
)%
 
1,131

 
(361
)
 
(31.92
)%
Total other
2,552

 
2,628

 
(76
)
 
(2.89
)%
 
2,766

 
(138
)
 
(4.99
)%
Total noninterest income
$
9,325

 
$
10,175

 
$
(850
)
 
(8.35
)%
 
$
11,530

 
$
(1,355
)
 
(11.75
)%
Significant changes in noninterest income are detailed below:
As customers continue to increase their dependence on ATM and debit cards, we have realized a corresponding increase in fees. We do not anticipate significant changes to our ATM and debit fee structure; however, we do expect that these fees will continue to increase as the usage of ATM and debit cards increase.
Offering rates on residential mortgage loans, as well as the decline in loan demand, are the most significant drivers behind fluctuations in the gain on sale of mortgage loans and net OMSR income (loss). As a result of the lack of demand in residential mortgage loan originations, we are experiencing declines in both the gain on sale of mortgage loans and net OMSR income (loss). As mortgage rates are expected to approximate current levels in the foreseeable future and purchase money mortgage activity will likely remain soft, we do not anticipate any significant changes in origination volumes or the gain on sale of mortgage loans.
We are continually analyzing our AFS securities for potential sale opportunities. These analyses identified several mortgage-backed securities pools in 2014, 2013, and 2012 that made economic sense to sell.
In recent periods, we have invested considerable efforts to increase our market share in trust and brokerage advisory services. These efforts have translated into increases in trust fees and brokerage and advisory fees.
The fluctuations in all other income is spread throughout various categories, none of which are individually significant.

24

Table of Contents

Noninterest expenses include compensation and benefits, furniture and equipment, occupancy, net AFS security impairment loss, and other expenses. Significant account balances are highlighted in the following table with additional descriptions of significant fluctuations for the years ended December 31:

 
 
 
 
Change
 
 
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
 
%
 
2012
 
$
 
%
Compensation and benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee salaries
$
16,114

 
$
15,677

 
$
437

 
2.79
 %
 
$
15,374

 
$
303

 
1.97
 %
Employee benefits
5,191

 
5,788

 
(597
)
 
(10.31
)%
 
5,853

 
(65
)
 
(1.11
)%
Total compensation and benefits
21,305

 
21,465

 
(160
)
 
(0.75
)%
 
21,227

 
238

 
1.12
 %
Furniture and equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service contracts
2,542

 
2,277

 
265

 
11.64
 %
 
1,995

 
282

 
14.14
 %
Depreciation
1,850

 
1,889

 
(39
)
 
(2.06
)%
 
1,796

 
93

 
5.18
 %
ATM and debit card fees
722

 
710

 
12

 
1.69
 %
 
690

 
20

 
2.90
 %
All other
59

 
69

 
(10
)
 
(14.49
)%
 
79

 
(10
)
 
(12.66
)%
Total furniture and equipment
5,173

 
4,945

 
228

 
4.61
 %
 
4,560

 
385

 
8.44
 %
Occupancy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outside services
718

 
671

 
47

 
7.00
 %
 
605

 
66

 
10.91
 %
Depreciation
701

 
667

 
34

 
5.10
 %
 
621

 
46

 
7.41
 %
Utilities
524

 
502

 
22

 
4.38
 %
 
463

 
39

 
8.42
 %
Property taxes
515

 
499

 
16

 
3.21
 %
 
501

 
(2
)
 
(0.40
)%
All other
340

 
314

 
26

 
8.28
 %
 
329

 
(15
)
 
(4.56
)%
Total occupancy
2,798

 
2,653

 
145

 
5.47
 %
 
2,519

 
134

 
5.32
 %
Net AFS securities impairment loss

 

 

 

 
282

 
(282
)
 
(100.00
)%
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing and community relations
1,431

 
1,131

 
300

 
26.53
 %
 
1,965

 
(834
)
 
(42.44
)%
FDIC insurance premiums
842

 
1,082

 
(240
)
 
(22.18
)%
 
864

 
218

 
25.23
 %
Audit and related fees
809

 
738

 
71

 
9.62
 %
 
711

 
27

 
3.80
 %
Director fees
775

 
819

 
(44
)
 
(5.37
)%
 
885

 
(66
)
 
(7.46
)%
Education and travel
625

 
502

 
123

 
24.50
 %
 
588

 
(86
)
 
(14.63
)%
Postage and freight
397

 
387

 
10

 
2.58
 %
 
389

 
(2
)
 
(0.51
)%
Printing and supplies
367

 
396

 
(29
)
 
(7.32
)%
 
424

 
(28
)
 
(6.60
)%
Loan underwriting fees
361

 
423

 
(62
)
 
(14.66
)%
 
403

 
20

 
4.96
 %
Consulting fees
349

 
315

 
34

 
10.79
 %
 
482

 
(167
)
 
(34.65
)%
Legal fees
320

 
359

 
(39
)
 
(10.86
)%
 
268

 
91

 
33.96
 %
Other losses
250

 
109

 
141

 
129.36
 %
 
300

 
(191
)
 
(63.67
)%
Amortization of deposit premium
183

 
221

 
(38
)
 
(17.19
)%
 
260

 
(39
)
 
(15.00
)%
State taxes
171

 
140

 
31

 
22.14
 %
 
187

 
(47
)
 
(25.13
)%
Foreclosed asset and collection
122

 
211

 
(89
)
 
(42.18
)%
 
202

 
9

 
4.46
 %
All other
1,628

 
1,517

 
111

 
7.32
 %
 
1,123

 
394

 
35.08
 %
Total other
8,630

 
8,350

 
280

 
3.35
 %
 
9,051

 
(701
)
 
(7.75
)%
Total noninterest expenses
$
37,906

 
$
37,413

 
$
493

 
1.32
 %
 
$
37,639

 
$
(226
)
 
(0.60
)%

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Table of Contents

Significant changes in noninterest expenses are detailed below:
Employee salaries have increased as a result of normal merit increases and additional staffing required by our continued growth. The decline in employee benefits is related to health care costs as a result of lower than anticipated claims. Employee benefits are expected to increase moderately in future periods as a result of anticipated increases in health care costs.
We have consistently been a strong supporter of the various communities, schools, and charities in the markets we serve. We sponsor a foundation, which we established in 1996, that is funded by discretionary donations. The affiliated foundation provides centralized oversight for donations to organizations that benefit our communities. Included in marketing and community relations were discretionary donations to the foundation of $500, $200, and $850 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
FDIC insurance premiums were elevated in 2013 due to us receiving less of a refund for prepaid FDIC insurance premiums than we had anticipated. FDIC insurance premiums have returned to normalized levels and are anticipated to approximate current levels in 2015.
We place a strong emphasis on employee development through continuous education. Education and travel expenses vary from year to year based on the timing of various programs that our employees attend.
Loan underwriting fees have declined in 2014 as a result of declines in residential real estate loan originations.
Other losses increased significantly in 2014 primarily as a result of losses incurred related to fraudulent activities. Also contributing to losses in both 2014 and 2012 were losses related to the repurchase of loans that we previously sold to a third party. While other losses fluctuate from period to period, they are expected to approximate 2013 levels in 2015.
The fluctuations in all other expenses are spread throughout various categories, none of which are individually significant.

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Table of Contents

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

2014
 
2013
 
$
 
%
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,326

 
$
41,558

 
$
(22,232
)
 
(53.50
)%
Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions
580

 
580

 

 

Trading securities

 
525

 
(525
)
 
(100.00
)%
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost of AFS securities
561,893

 
517,614

 
44,279

 
8.55
 %
Unrealized Gains (losses) on AFS securities
5,641

 
(5,552
)
 
11,193

 
N/M

AFS securities
567,534

 
512,062

 
55,472

 
10.83
 %
Mortgage loans AFS
901

 
1,104

 
(203
)
 
(18.39
)%
Loans
 
 
 
 


 
 
Gross loans
833,582

 
808,037

 
25,545

 
3.16
 %
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
10,100

 
11,500

 
(1,400
)
 
(12.17
)%
Net loans
823,482

 
796,537

 
26,945

 
3.38
 %
Premises and equipment
25,881

 
25,719

 
162

 
0.63
 %
Corporate owned life insurance policies
25,152

 
24,401

 
751

 
3.08
 %
Accrued interest receivable
5,851

 
5,442

 
409

 
7.52
 %
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
20,076

 
18,293

 
1,783

 
9.75
 %
Goodwill and other intangible assets
46,128

 
46,311

 
(183
)
 
(0.40
)%
Other assets
14,632

 
20,605

 
(5,973
)
 
(28.99
)%
TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,549,543

 
$
1,493,137

 
$
56,406

 
3.78
 %
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
1,074,484

 
$
1,043,766

 
$
30,718

 
2.94
 %
Borrowed funds
289,709

 
279,326

 
10,383

 
3.72
 %
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
10,756

 
9,436

 
1,320

 
13.99
 %
Total liabilities
1,374,949

 
1,332,528

 
42,421

 
3.18
 %
Shareholders’ equity
174,594

 
160,609

 
13,985

 
8.71
 %
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
1,549,543

 
$
1,493,137

 
$
56,406

 
3.78
 %
As shown above, total assets have increased $56,406 since December 31, 2013. During 2014, we increased our cost basis of AFS securities by $44,279 while loans grew by $25,545. Contributing to the increase in our AFS securities portfolio were $11,193 in unrealized gains observed during the year. This balance sheet growth was funded by increases in both deposits and borrowed funds. While we do anticipate that generating quality loans will continue to be competitive, we expect that loans will continue to grow in 2015.
A discussion of changes in balance sheet amounts by major categories follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Included in cash and cash equivalents are funds held with FRB which fluctuate from period-to-period.

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Table of Contents

Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions
As certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions mature, the funds are reinvested into AFS investment securities to increase net interest margins (as the yields on AFS investment securities exceeded the potential reinvestment rates for certificates of deposits held in other financial institutions during the year). While there were no maturities in 2014 to reinvest, the maturities in 2015 will likely continue this trend.
AFS investment securities
The primary objective of our investing activities is to provide for safety of the principal invested. Secondary considerations include the need for earnings, liquidity, and our overall exposure to changes in interest rates.
The following is a schedule of the carrying value of AFS investment securities as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Government sponsored enterprises
$
24,136

 
$
23,745

 
$
25,776

 
$
397

 
$
5,404

States and political subdivisions
215,345

 
201,988

 
182,743

 
174,938

 
169,717

Auction rate money market preferred
2,619

 
2,577

 
2,778

 
2,049

 
2,865

Preferred stocks
6,140

 
5,827

 
6,363

 
5,033

 
6,936

Mortgage-backed securities
166,926

 
144,115

 
155,345

 
143,602

 
102,215

Collateralized mortgage obligations
152,368

 
133,810

 
131,005

 
99,101

 
43,587

Total
$
567,534

 
$
512,062

 
$
504,010

 
$
425,120

 
$
330,724

Excluding those holdings in government sponsored enterprises and municipalities within the State of Michigan, there were no investments in securities of any one issuer that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity. We have a policy prohibiting investments in securities that we deem are unsuitable due to their inherent credit or market risks. Prohibited investments include stripped mortgage backed securities, zero coupon bonds, nongovernment agency asset backed securities, and structured notes. Our holdings in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations include only government agencies and government sponsored agencies as we hold no investments in private label mortgage-backed securities or collateralized mortgage obligations.

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Table of Contents

The following is a schedule of maturities of AFS investment securities and their weighted average yield as of December 31, 2014. Weighted average yields have been computed on an FTE basis using a tax rate of 34%. Our auction rate money market preferred is a long term floating rate instrument for which the interest rate is set at periodic auctions. At each successful auction, we have the option to sell the security at par value. Additionally, the issuers of auction rate securities generally have the right to redeem or refinance the debt. Because of their lack of contractual maturities, auction rate money market preferred and preferred stocks are not reported by a specific maturity group. Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are not reported by a specific maturity group due to their variable monthly payments. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
Maturing
 
 
 
 
 
Within
One Year
 
After One
Year But
Within
Five Years
 
After Five
Years But
Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 
Securities with
Variable  Monthly
Payments or
Noncontractual
Maturities
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
Government sponsored enterprises
$

 
 
$
18,765

 
1.46
 
$
5,371

 
1.51
 
$

 
 
$

 
States and political subdivisions
13,975

 
2.61
 
58,229

 
4.95
 
100,619

 
4.44
 
42,522

 
4.59
 

 
Mortgage-backed securities

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
166,926

 
2.19
Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
152,368

 
2.29
Auction rate money market preferred

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
2,619

 
6.35
Preferred stocks

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
6,140

 
5.78
Total
$
13,975

 
2.61
 
$
76,994

 
4.10
 
$
105,990

 
4.29
 
$
42,522

 
4.59
 
$
328,053

 
2.34
Loans
Loans are the largest component of earning assets. The proper management of credit and market risk inherent in the loan portfolio is critical to our financial well-being. To control these risks, we have adopted strict underwriting standards. These standards include specific criteria against lending outside our defined market areas, lending limits to a single borrower, and strict loan to collateral value limits. We also monitor and limit loan concentrations to specific industries. We have no foreign loans and there were no concentrations greater than 10% of total loans that are not disclosed as a separate category in the following table.
The following table presents the composition of the loan portfolio for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Commercial
$
431,961

 
$
392,104

 
$
371,505

 
$
365,714

 
$
348,852

Agricultural
104,721

 
92,589

 
83,606

 
74,645

 
71,446

Residential real estate
264,595

 
289,931

 
284,148

 
278,360

 
284,029

Consumer
32,305

 
33,413

 
33,494

 
31,572

 
30,977

Total
$
833,582

 
$
808,037

 
$
772,753

 
$
750,291

 
$
735,304


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Table of Contents

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

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Commercial
$
39,857

 
10.16
 %
 
$
20,599

 
5.54
 %
 
$
5,791

 
1.58
%
Agricultural
12,132

 
13.10
 %
 
8,983

 
10.74
 %
 
8,961

 
12.00
%
Residential real estate
(25,336
)
 
(8.74
)%
 
5,783

 
2.04
 %
 
5,788

 
2.08
%
Consumer
(1,108
)
 
(3.32
)%
 
(81
)
 
(0.24
)%
 
1,922

 
6.09
%
Total
$
25,545

 
3.16
 %
 
$
35,284

 
4.57
 %
 
$
22,462

 
2.99
%
We continue to see declines in residential real estate loans which have been offset by increases in commercial and agricultural loans. This trend is likely to continue as the demand for residential real estate loans is anticipated to remain soft due to continuing uncertainty in the residential real estate markets, increases in interest rates, and the implementation of CFPB underwriting guidelines. We expect loans to increase moderately in 2015, with most of the growth in commercial loans.
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are restricted securities, which are carried at cost and investments in unconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting (see “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 19 – Fair Value” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data).
Deposits
Deposits are our primary source of funding. The following table presents the composition of the deposit portfolio as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Noninterest bearing demand deposits
$
181,826

 
$
158,428

 
$
143,735

 
$
119,072

 
$
104,902

Interest bearing demand deposits
190,984

 
192,089

 
181,259

 
163,653

 
142,259

Savings deposits
261,412

 
243,237

 
228,338

 
193,902

 
177,817

Certificates of deposit
339,824

 
362,473

 
376,790

 
395,777

 
386,435

Brokered certificates of deposit
72,134

 
56,329

 
55,348

 
54,326

 
53,748

Internet certificates of deposit
28,304

 
31,210

 
32,197

 
31,434

 
12,178

Total
$
1,074,484

 
$
1,043,766

 
$
1,017,667

 
$
958,164

 
$
877,339

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

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Noninterest bearing demand deposits
$
23,398

 
14.77
 %
 
$
14,693

 
10.22
 %
 
$
24,663

 
20.71
 %
Interest bearing demand deposits
(1,105
)
 
(0.58
)%
 
10,830

 
5.97
 %
 
17,606

 
10.76
 %
Savings deposits
18,175

 
7.47
 %
 
14,899

 
6.52
 %
 
34,436

 
17.76
 %
Certificates of deposit
(22,649
)
 
(6.25
)%
 
(14,317
)
 
(3.80
)%
 
(18,987
)
 
(4.80
)%
Brokered certificates of deposit
15,805

 
28.06
 %
 
981

 
1.77
 %
 
1,022

 
1.88
 %
Internet certificates of deposit
(2,906
)
 
(9.31
)%
 
(987
)
 
(3.07
)%
 
763

 
2.43
 %
Total
$
30,718

 
2.94
 %
 
$
26,099

 
2.56
 %
 
$
59,503

 
6.21
 %
Overall, deposits continued to grow during 2014. As a result of the current interest rate environment, we continue to see declines in certificates of deposits, but these declines have been offset by increases in noninterest bearing demand deposits and savings accounts. We expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. Growth is anticipated to continue to come in the form of non-contractual deposits, while certificates of deposit are expected to approximate current levels.

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Table of Contents

The remaining maturity of time certificates and other time deposits of $100 or more as of December 31, 2014 was as follows:
Maturity

Within 3 months
$
42,416

Within 3 to 6 months
22,303

Within 6 to 12 months
55,257

Over 12 months
124,924

Total
$
244,900

Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds include FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The balance of borrowed funds fluctuates from period to period based on our funding needs including changes in loans, investments, and deposits. The current interest rate environment has made it almost impossible to increase net interest income without increasing earning assets. As deposit growth has generally outpaced loan demand, we continue to deploy deposits into purchases of AFS securities to provide additional interest income. In addition to utilizing deposits, we also utilize borrowings and brokered deposits to fund earning assets.
The following table presents borrowed funds balances for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
FHLB advances
$
192,000

 
$
162,000

 
$
152,000

 
$
142,242

 
$
113,423

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates
95,070

 
106,025

 
66,147

 
57,198

 
45,871

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with stated maturity dates
439

 
11,301

 
16,284

 
16,696

 
19,623

Federal funds purchased
2,200

 

 
6,570

 

 
16,000

Total
$
289,709

 
$
279,326

 
$
241,001

 
$
216,136

 
$
194,917

For additional disclosure related to borrowed funds, see “Note 9 – Borrowed Funds” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
Included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities are obligations related to our defined benefit pension plan. Our liability related to the plan increased in 2014 as a result of changes in mortality tables and discount rates used to determine the current benefit obligation. For more information on the defined benefit pension plan, see "Note 16 – Benefit Plans" of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data).

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Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations and Loan Commitments
We have various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments, which may require future cash payments. The following schedule summarizes our non-cancelable obligations and future minimum payments as of December 31, 2014:

Minimum Payments Due by Period
 
Due in
One Year
or Less
 
After One
Year But
Within
Three Years
 
After Three
Years But
Within
Five Years
 
After
Five Years
 
Total
Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits with no stated maturity
$
634,222

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
634,222

Certificates of deposit with stated maturities
217,505

 
131,583

 
73,451

 
17,723

 
440,262

Total deposits
851,727

 
131,583

 
73,451

 
17,723

 
1,074,484

Borrowed funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
97,270

 

 

 

 
97,270

Long-term borrowings
42,439

 
40,000

 
60,000

 
50,000

 
192,439

Total borrowed funds
139,709

 
40,000

 
60,000

 
50,000

 
289,709

Total contractual obligations
$
991,436

 
$
171,583

 
$
133,451

 
$
67,723

 
$
1,364,193

We also have loan commitments that may impact liquidity. The following schedule summarizes our loan commitments and expiration dates by period as of December 31, 2014. Commitments to grant loans include loans to be sold to the secondary market. Since many of these commitments historically have expired without being drawn upon, the total amount of these commitments does not necessarily represent our future cash requirements.

Expiration Dates by Period
 
Due in
One Year
or Less
 
After One
Year But
Within
Three Years
 
After Three
Years But
Within
Five Years
 
After
Five
Years
 
Total
Unused commitments under lines of credit
$
68,056

 
$
27,330

 
$
18,527

 
$
3,022

 
$
116,935

Commitments to grant loans
13,988

 

 

 

 
13,988

Commercial and standby letters of credit
4,985

 

 

 

 
4,985

Total loan commitments
$
87,029

 
$
27,330

 
$
18,527

 
$
3,022

 
$
135,908

For additional disclosure related to Contractual Obligations and Loan Commitments, see “Note 12 – Off-Balance-Sheet Activities” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Capital
Capital consists solely of common stock, retained earnings, and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We are currently authorized to raise capital through dividend reinvestment, employee and director stock purchases, and shareholder stock purchases. Pursuant to these authorizations, we issued 182,755 shares or $4,227 of common stock during 2014, and 149,191 shares or $3,618 of common stock in 2013. We also offer the Directors Plan in which participants either directly purchase stock or purchase stock units through deferred fees, in lieu of cash payments. Pursuant to this plan, we increased shareholders’ equity by $495 and $554 during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We have approved a publicly announced common stock repurchase plan. Pursuant to this plan, we repurchased 135,630 shares or $3,122 of common stock compared to 98,014 shares for $2,375 during 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional 151,766 shares of common stock.
There are no significant regulatory constraints placed on our capital. The FRB’s current recommended minimum primary capital to assets requirement is 6.00%. Our primary capital to adjusted average assets, which consists of shareholders' equity plus the ALLL acquisition intangibles, was 8.59% as of December 31, 2014.
The FRB has established minimum risk based capital guidelines. Pursuant to these guidelines, a framework has been established that assigns risk weights to each category of on and off balance sheet items to arrive at risk adjusted total assets. Regulatory capital is divided by the risk adjusted assets with the resulting ratio compared to the minimum standard to

32

Table of Contents

determine whether a corporation has adequate capital. The minimum standard is 8.00%, of which at least 4.00% must consist of equity capital net of goodwill. The following table sets forth the percentages required under the Risk Based Capital guidelines and our values as of:

2014
 
2013
 
Required
Equity Capital
14.08
%
 
13.67
%
 
4.00
%
Secondary Capital
1.10
%
 
1.25
%
 
4.00
%
Total Capital
15.18
%
 
14.92
%
 
8.00
%
Secondary capital includes only the ALLL. The percentage for the secondary capital under the required column is the maximum amount allowed from all sources.
The FRB and FDIC also prescribe minimum capital requirements for Isabella Bank. At December 31, 2014, the Bank exceeded these minimum capital requirements. On July 2, 2013, the FRB published revised BASEL III Capital standards for banks. The rules redefine what is included or deducted from equity capital, changes risk weighting for certain on and off-balance sheet assets, increases the minimum required equity capital to be considered well capitalized, and introduces a capital cushion buffer. The rules, which will be gradually phased in between 2015 and 2019, are not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation but will require us to hold more capital than we have historically. For further information regarding the Bank’s capital requirements, see “Note 15 – Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Fair Value
We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. AFS securities and certain liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time-to-time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loans AFS, foreclosed assets, OMSR, and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
For further information regarding fair value measurements, see “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 19 – Fair Value” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Interest rate sensitivity is determined by the amount of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities repricing within a specific time period, and their relative sensitivity to a change in interest rates. We strive to achieve reasonable stability in the net interest margin through periods of changing interest rates. One tool we use to measure interest rate sensitivity is gap analysis. As shown in the table below, the gap analysis depicts our position for specific time periods and the cumulative gap as a percentage of total assets.
Fixed interest rate AFS securities are scheduled according to their contractual maturity. Fixed rate loans are included in the appropriate time frame based on their scheduled amortization. Variable rate loans, which totaled $172,432 as of December 31, 2014, are included in the time frame of their earliest repricing. Time deposit liabilities are scheduled based on their contractual maturity except for variable rate time deposits in the amount of $1,123 that are included in the 0 to 3 month time frame.
Savings and NOW accounts have no contractual maturity date and are believed by us to be predominantly noninterest rate sensitive. These accounts have been classified in the gap table according to their estimated withdrawal rates based upon our analysis of deposit decay over the past five years. We believe this decay experience is consistent with our expectation for the future. As of December 31, 2014, we had a positive cumulative gap within one year. A positive gap position results when more assets, within a specified time frame, have the potential to mature or reprice than liabilities.

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Table of Contents

The following table shows the time periods and the amount of assets and liabilities available for interest rate repricing as of December 31, 2014. The interest rate sensitivity information for investment securities is based on the expected prepayments and call dates versus stated maturities. For purposes of this analysis, nonaccrual loans and the ALLL are excluded.

0 to 3
Months
 
4 to 12
Months
 
1 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
Interest sensitive assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
$
23,984

 
$
85,277

 
$
273,600

 
$
184,673

Loans
203,326

 
84,090

 
390,966

 
151,156

Total
$
227,310

 
$
169,367

 
$
664,566

 
$
335,829

Interest sensitive liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowed funds
$
117,709

 
$
22,000

 
$
100,000

 
$
50,000

Time deposits
68,939

 
149,036

 
204,564

 
17,723

Savings
7,360

 
22,619

 
88,940

 
142,493

NOW
2,604

 
7,812

 
36,104

 
144,464

Total
$
196,612

 
$
201,467

 
$
429,608

 
$
354,680

Cumulative gap
$
30,698

 
$
(1,402
)
 
$
233,556

 
$
214,705

Cumulative gap as a % of assets
1.98
%
 
(0.09
)%
 
15.07
%
 
13.86
%
The following table shows the maturity of commercial and agricultural loans outstanding at December 31, 2014. Also provided are the amounts due after one year, classified according to the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

1 Year
or Less
 
1 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Total
Commercial and agricultural
$
96,084

 
$
269,425

 
$
171,173

 
$
536,682

Interest sensitivity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans maturing after one year that have:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rates
 
 
$
231,583

 
$
166,707

 
 
Variable interest rates
 
 
37,842

 
4,466

 
 
Total
 
 
$
269,425

 
$
171,173

 
 
Liquidity
Liquidity is monitored regularly by our Market Risk Committee, which consists of members of senior management. The committee reviews projected cash flows, key ratios, and liquidity available from both primary and secondary sources.
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions, and AFS securities. These categories totaled $587,440 or 37.91% of assets as of December 31, 2014 as compared to $554,725 or 37.15% as of December 31, 2013. Liquidity is important for financial institutions because of their need to meet loan funding commitments, depositor withdrawal requests, and various other commitments including expansion of operations, investment opportunities, and payment of cash dividends. Liquidity varies significantly daily, based on customer activity.
Our primary source of funds is deposit accounts. We also have the ability to borrow from the FHLB, the FRB, and through various correspondent banks in the form of federal funds purchased and a line of credit. These funding methods typically carry a higher interest rate than traditional market deposit accounts. Some borrowed funds, including FHLB advances, FRB Discount Window advances, and repurchase agreements, require us to pledge assets, typically in the form AFS securities or loans as collateral. As of December 31, 2014, we had available lines of credit of $112,301.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
17,334

 
$
22,741

 
$
(5,407
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(74,598
)
 
(64,931
)
 
(9,667
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
35,032

 
58,828

 
(23,796
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(22,232
)
 
16,638

 
(38,870
)
Cash and cash equivalents January 1
41,558

 
24,920

 
16,638

Cash and cash equivalents December 31
$
19,326

 
$
41,558

 
$
(22,232
)
Market Risk
Our primary market risks are interest rate risk and liquidity risk. We have no significant foreign exchange risk and do not utilize interest rate swaps or derivatives, except for interest rate locks and forward loan commitments, in the management of IRR. Any changes in foreign exchange rates or commodity prices would have an insignificant impact on our interest income and cash flows.
IRR is the exposure of our net interest income to changes in interest rates. IRR results from the difference in the maturity or repricing frequency of a financial institution's interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. IRR is the fundamental method by which financial institutions earn income and create shareholder value. Excessive exposure to IRR could pose a significant risk to our earnings and capital.
The FRB has adopted a policy requiring us to effectively manage the various risks that can have a material impact on our safety and soundness. The risks include credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational, and reputational. We have policies, procedures, and internal controls for measuring and managing these risks. Specifically, our Funds Management policy and procedures include defining acceptable types and terms of investments and funding sources, liquidity requirements, limits on investments in long term assets, limiting the mismatch in repricing opportunity of assets and liabilities, and the frequency of measuring and reporting to our Board.
The primary technique to measure IRR is simulation analysis. Simulation analysis forecasts the effects on the balance sheet structure and net interest income under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in interest rates, the shape of yield curves, interest rate relationships, and loan prepayments. These forecasts are compared against net interest income projected in a stable interest rate environment. While many assets and liabilities reprice either at maturity or in accordance with their contractual terms, several balance sheet components demonstrate characteristics that require an evaluation to more accurately reflect their repricing behavior. Key assumptions in the simulation analysis include prepayments on loans, probable calls of investment securities, changes in market conditions, loan volumes and loan pricing, deposit sensitivity, and customer preferences. These assumptions are inherently uncertain as they are subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment. As a result, the simulation analysis cannot precisely forecast the impact of rising and falling interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to many other factors, including changes in balance sheet components, interest rate changes, changes in market conditions, and management strategies.
Our interest rate sensitivity is estimated by first forecasting the next 12 and 24 months of net interest income under an assumed environment of a constant balance sheet and constant market interest rates (base case). We then compare the results of various simulation analyses to the base case. At December 31, 2014, we projected the change in net interest income during the next 12 and 24 months assuming market interest rates were to immediately decrease by 100 basis points and increase by 100, 200, 300, and 400 basis points in a parallel fashion over the entire yield curve during the same time period. We did not project scenarios showing decreases in interest rates beyond 100 basis points as this is considered extremely unlikely given current interest rate levels. These projections were based on our assets and liabilities remaining static over the next 12 and 24 months, while factoring in probable calls and prepayments of certain investment securities and real estate residential and consumer loans. While it is extremely unlikely that interest rates would immediately increase to these levels, we feel that these extreme scenarios help us identify potential gaps and mismatches in the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities. We regularly monitor our projected net interest income sensitivity to ensure that it remains within established limits.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our interest rate sensitivity for 12 and 24 months as of:
 
December 31, 2014
 
12 Months
 
24 Months
Immediate basis point change assumption (short-term)
(100)
 
100
 
200
 
300
 
400
 
(100)
 
100
 
200
 
300
 
400
Percent change in net interest income vs. constant rates
(1.66
)%
 
0.29
%
 
0.45
%
 
(3.18
)%
 
(4.39
)%
 
(1.83
)%
 
0.25
%
 
1.04
%
 
(2.70
)%
 
(3.98
)%
 
December 31, 2013
 
12 Months
 
24 Months
Immediate basis point change assumption (short-term)
(100)
 
100
 
200
 
300
 
400
 
(100)
 
100
 
200
 
300
 
400
Percent change in net interest income vs. constant rates
(2.85
)%
 
0.25
%
 
(0.28
)%
 
(0.99
)%
 
(2.16
)%
 
(3.24
)%
 
0.04
%
 
0.29
%
 
0.41
%
 
(0.35
)%
Gap analysis, the secondary method to measure IRR, measures the cash flows and/or the earliest repricing of our interest bearing assets and liabilities. This analysis is useful for measuring trends in the repricing characteristics of the balance sheet. Significant assumptions are required in this process because of the embedded repricing options contained in assets and liabilities. Residential real estate and consumer loans allow the borrower to repay the balance prior to maturity without penalty, while commercial and agricultural loans have prepayment penalties. The amount of prepayments is dependent upon many factors, including the interest rate of a given loan in comparison to the current offering rates, the level of sales of used homes, and the overall availability of credit in the market place. Generally, a decrease in interest rates will result in an increase in cash flows from these assets. A significant portion of our securities are callable or have prepayment options. The call and prepayment options are more likely to be exercised in a period of decreasing interest rates. Savings and demand accounts may generally be withdrawn on request without prior notice. The timing of cash flows from these deposits is estimated based on historical experience. Certificates of deposit have penalties that discourage early withdrawals.
The following tables provide information about assets and liabilities that are sensitive to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The principal amounts of investments, loans, other interest earning assets, borrowings, and time deposits maturing were calculated based on the contractual maturity dates. Estimated cash flows for savings and NOW accounts are based on our estimated deposit decay rates.

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Table of Contents


December 31, 2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value
Rate sensitive assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other interest bearing assets
$
1,748

 
$

 
$
100

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,848

 
$
1,847

Average interest rates
0.36
%
 

 
0.35
%
 

 

 

 
0.36
%
 
 
Trading securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Average interest rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
AFS securities
$
109,261

 
$
93,324

 
$
80,147

 
$
53,017

 
$
47,112

 
$
184,673

 
$
567,534

 
$
567,534

Average interest rates
2.22
%
 
2.26
%
 
2.32
%
 
2.39
%
 
2.46
%
 
2.62
%
 
2.41
%
 
 
Fixed interest rate loans (1)
$
119,028

 
$
98,865

 
$
128,954

 
$
91,854

 
$
71,293

 
$
151,156

 
$
661,150

 
$
655,017

Average interest rates
4.90
%
 
4.83
%
 
4.53
%
 
4.32
%
 
4.47
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.54
%
 
 
Variable interest rate loans (1)
$
71,435

 
$
26,938

 
$
19,836

 
$
13,929

 
$
14,706

 
$
25,588

 
$
172,432

 
$
172,432

Average interest rates
4.46
%
 
3.97
%
 
3.95
%
 
3.39
%
 
3.37
%
 
4.01
%
 
4.08
%
 
 
Rate sensitive liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowed funds
$
139,709

 
$
10,000

 
$
30,000

 
$
40,000

 
$
20,000

 
$
50,000

 
$
289,709

 
$
293,401

Average interest rates
0.33
%
 
2.15
%
 
1.95
%
 
2.35
%
 
3.11
%
 
2.53
%
 
1.41
%
 
 
Savings and NOW accounts
$
40,395

 
$
36,417

 
$
32,717

 
$
29,423

 
$
26,487

 
$
286,957

 
$
452,396

 
$
452,396

Average interest rates
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.11
%
 
 
Fixed interest rate certificates of deposit
$
216,852

 
$
74,722

 
$
56,391

 
$
50,550

 
$
22,901

 
$
17,723

 
$
439,139

 
$
439,841

Average interest rates
0.96
%
 
1.66
%
 
1.47
%
 
1.31
%
 
1.48
%
 
1.77
%
 
1.25
%
 
 
Variable interest rate certificates of deposit
$
653

 
$
470

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,123

 
$
1,123

Average interest rates
0.40
%
 
0.40
%
 

 

 

 

 
0.40
%
 
 

December 31, 2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value
Rate sensitive assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other interest bearing assets
$
19,903

 
$
480

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,383

 
$
20,385

Average interest rates
0.25
%
 
1.15
%
 

 

 

 

 
0.27
%
 
 
Trading securities
$
525

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
525

 
$
525

Average interest rates
2.77
%
 

 

 

 

 

 
2.77
%
 
 
AFS securities
$
131,892

 
$
73,723

 
$
63,190

 
$
52,078

 
$
37,972

 
$
153,207

 
$
512,062

 
$
512,062

Average interest rates
2.26
%
 
2.23
%
 
2.42
%
 
2.48
%
 
2.48
%
 
2.80
%
 
2.48
%
 
 
Fixed interest rate loans (1)
$
115,183

 
$
94,841

 
$
91,140

 
$
118,479

 
$
85,448

 
$
134,614

 
$
639,705

 
$
639,914

Average interest rates
5.31
%
 
5.17
%
 
4.93
%
 
4.53
%
 
4.33
%
 
4.33
%
 
4.75
%
 
 
Variable interest rate loans (1)
$
69,036

 
$
29,460

 
$
20,332

 
$
14,208

 
$
15,699

 
$
19,597

 
$
168,332

 
$
168,332

Average interest rates
4.76
%
 
3.90
%
 
4.06
%
 
3.36
%
 
3.35
%
 
3.99
%
 
4.19
%
 
 
Rate sensitive liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowed funds
$
126,950

 
$
32,376

 
$
10,000

 
$
30,000

 
$
40,000

 
$
40,000

 
$
279,326

 
$
283,060

Average interest rates
0.43
%
 
0.86
%
 
2.15
%
 
1.95
%
 
2.35
%
 
3.02
%
 
1.35
%
 
 
Savings and NOW accounts
$
47,000

 
$
33,569

 
$
30,200

 
$
27,198

 
$
24,522

 
$
272,837

 
$
435,326

 
$
435,326

Average interest rates
0.19
%
 
0.12
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.12
%
 
 
Fixed interest rate certificates of deposit
$
206,514

 
$
81,038

 
$
58,627

 
$
46,336

 
$
39,214

 
$
17,144

 
$
448,873

 
$
451,664

Average interest rates
0.89
%
 
1.93
%
 
1.95
%
 
1.63
%
 
1.34
%
 
1.66
%
 
1.36
%
 
 
Variable interest rate certificates of deposit
$
764

 
$
375

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,139

 
$
1,139

Average interest rates
0.04
%
 
0.40
%
 

 

 

 

 
0.16
%
 
 
 (1) The fair value reported is exclusive of the allocation of the ALLL.
We do not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of our primary market risk exposure, or the particular markets that present the primary risk of loss. As of the date of this report, we do not know of or expect there to be any material change in the general nature of our primary market risk exposure in the near term. As of the date of this report, we do not expect to make material changes in those methods in the near term. We may change those methods in the future to adapt to changes in circumstances or to implement new techniques.

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Table of Contents

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The information presented in the section captioned “Market Risk” in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The following consolidated financial statements accompanied by the report of our independent registered public accounting firm are set forth beginning on page 39 of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplementary data regarding quarterly results of operations is included in Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Isabella Bank Corporation
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Isabella Bank Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. We also have audited Isabella Bank Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Isabella Bank Corporation’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the effectiveness of Isabella Bank Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material misstatement exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the corporation; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the corporation; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Isabella Bank Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion Isabella Bank Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.



/s/Rehmann Robson LLC
Saginaw, Michigan
March 9, 2015


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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

December 31
 
2014
 
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
Cash and demand deposits due from banks
$
18,058

 
$
21,755

Interest bearing balances due from banks
1,268

 
19,803

Total cash and cash equivalents
19,326

 
41,558

Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions
580

 
580

Trading securities

 
525

AFS securities (amortized cost of $561,893 in 2014 and $517,614 in 2013)
567,534

 
512,062

Mortgage loans AFS
901

 
1,104

Loans
 
 
 
Commercial
431,961

 
392,104

Agricultural
104,721

 
92,589

Residential real estate
264,595

 
289,931

Consumer
32,305

 
33,413

Gross loans
833,582

 
808,037

Less allowance for loan and lease losses
10,100

 
11,500

Net loans
823,482

 
796,537

Premises and equipment
25,881

 
25,719

Corporate owned life insurance policies
25,152

 
24,401

Accrued interest receivable
5,851

 
5,442

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
20,076

 
18,293

Goodwill and other intangible assets
46,128

 
46,311

Other assets
14,632

 
20,605

TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,549,543

 
$
1,493,137

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing
$
181,826

 
$
158,428

NOW accounts
190,984

 
192,089

Certificates of deposit under $100 and other savings
456,774

 
455,547

Certificates of deposit over $100
244,900

 
237,702

Total deposits
1,074,484

 
1,043,766

Borrowed funds
289,709

 
279,326

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
10,756

 
9,436

Total liabilities
1,374,949

 
1,332,528

Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
Common stock — no par value 15,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 7,776,274 shares (including 13,934 shares held in the Rabbi Trust) in 2014 and 7,723,023 shares (including 12,761 shares held in the Rabbi Trust) in 2013
138,755

 
137,580

Shares to be issued for deferred compensation obligations
4,242

 
4,148

Retained earnings
32,103

 
25,222

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(506
)
 
(6,341
)
Total shareholders’ equity
174,594

 
160,609

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
1,549,543

 
$
1,493,137




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

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Table of Contents

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

Shares
Outstanding
 
Amount
 
Shares to be
Issued for
Deferred
Compensation
Obligations
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Totals
Balance, January 1, 2012
7,589,226

 
$
134,734

 
$
4,524

 
$
13,036

 
$
2,489

 
$
154,783

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
12,206

 
2,518

 
14,724

Issuance of common stock
124,530

 
2,898

 

 

 

 
2,898

Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations
41,676

 
814

 
(814
)
 

 

 

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

 
619

 
(619
)
 

 

 

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan

 

 
643

 

 

 
643

Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations

 
(505
)
 

 

 

 
(505
)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan
(83,586
)
 
(1,980
)
 

 

 

 
(1,980
)
Cash dividends ($0.80 per share)

 

 

 
(6,074
)
 

 
(6,074
)
Balance, December 31, 2012
7,671,846

 
136,580

 
3,734

 
19,168

 
5,007

 
164,489

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
12,510

 
(11,348
)
 
1,162

Issuance of common stock
149,191

 
3,618

 

 

 

 
3,618

Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations

 

 

 

 

 

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

 
140

 
(140
)
 

 

 

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan

 

 
554

 

 

 
554

Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations

 
(383
)
 

 

 

 
(383
)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan
(98,014
)
 
(2,375
)
 

 

 

 
(2,375
)
Cash dividends ($0.84 per share)

 

 

 
(6,456
)
 

 
(6,456
)
Balance, December 31, 2013
7,723,023

 
137,580

 
4,148

 
25,222

 
(6,341
)
 
160,609

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
13,724

 
5,835

 
19,559

Issuance of common stock
182,755

 
4,227

 

 

 

 
4,227

Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations
6,126

 
143

 
(143
)
 

 

 

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

 
258

 
(258
)
 

 

 

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan

 

 
495

 

 

 
495

Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations

 
(331
)
 

 

 

 
(331
)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan
(135,630
)
 
(3,122
)
 

 

 

 
(3,122
)
Cash dividends ($0.89 per share)

 

 

 
(6,843
)
 

 
(6,843
)
Balance, December 31, 2014
7,776,274

 
$
138,755

 
$
4,242

 
$
32,103

 
$
(506
)
 
$
174,594

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

41

Table of Contents

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

Year Ended December 31
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
39,432

 
$
41,233

 
$
43,396

AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
8,092

 
7,228

 
7,555

Nontaxable
5,911

 
5,132

 
4,870

Trading securities
6

 
36

 
94

Federal funds sold and other
510

 
447

 
486

Total interest income
53,951

 
54,076

 
56,401

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
6,295

 
7,140

 
9,131

Borrowings
3,675

 
3,881

 
4,292

Total interest expense
9,970

 
11,021

 
13,423

Net interest income
43,981

 
43,055

 
42,978

Provision for loan losses
(668
)
 
1,111

 
2,300

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
44,649

 
41,944

 
40,678

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
5,411

 
5,682

 
5,371

Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
514

 
962

 
1,576

Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies
751

 
732

 
698

Net gains (losses) on sale of AFS securities
97

 
171

 
1,119

Other
2,552

 
2,628

 
2,766

Total noninterest income
9,325

 
10,175

 
11,530

Noninterest expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
21,305

 
21,465

 
21,227

Furniture and equipment
5,173

 
4,945

 
4,560

Occupancy
2,798

 
2,653

 
2,519

AFS securities impairment loss
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment loss

 

 
486

Portion of loss reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 
(204
)
Net AFS securities impairment loss

 

 
282

Other
8,630

 
8,350

 
9,051

Total noninterest expenses
37,906

 
37,413

 
37,639

Income before federal income tax expense
16,068

 
14,706

 
14,569

Federal income tax expense
2,344

 
2,196

 
2,363

NET INCOME
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206

Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.77

 
$
1.63

 
$
1.61

Diluted
$
1.74

 
$
1.59

 
$
1.56

Cash dividends per common share
$
0.89

 
$
0.84

 
$
0.80






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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)

Year Ended December 31
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206

Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year
11,290

 
(18,971
)
 
3,921

Reclassification adjustment for net realized (gains) losses included in net income
(97
)
 
(171
)
 
(1,119
)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment loss included in net income

 

 
282

Net unrealized gains (losses)
11,193

 
(19,142
)
 
3,084

Tax effect (1)
(3,684
)
 
6,257

 
(348
)
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax
7,509

 
(12,885
)
 
2,736

Change in unrecognized pension cost on defined benefit pension plan
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrecognized pension cost arising during the year
(2,836
)
 
2,120

 
(580
)
Reclassification adjustment for net periodic benefit cost included in net income
300

 
208

 
251

Net change in unrecognized pension cost
(2,536
)
 
2,328

 
(329
)
Tax effect
862

 
(791
)
 
111

Change in unrealized pension cost, net of tax
(1,674
)
 
1,537

 
(218
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
5,835

 
(11,348
)
 
2,518

Comprehensive income (loss)
19,559

 
1,162

 
14,724

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




























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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

Year Ended December 31
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206

Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
(668
)
 
1,111

 
2,300

Impairment of foreclosed assets
123

 
156

 
166

Depreciation
2,551

 
2,556

 
2,417

Amortization of OMSR
265

 
522

 
787

Amortization of acquisition intangibles
183

 
221

 
260

Net amortization of AFS securities
1,830

 
2,028

 
2,277

AFS securities impairment loss

 

 
282

Net (gains) losses on sale of AFS securities
(97
)
 
(171
)
 
(1,119
)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities
5

 
28

 
52

Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
(514
)
 
(962
)
 
(1,576
)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on borrowings measured at fair value

 

 
(33
)
Increase in cash value of corporate owned life insurance policies
(751
)
 
(732
)
 
(698
)
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan
495

 
554

 
643

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
207

 
(1,208
)
 
616

Origination of loans held-for-sale
(28,135
)
 
(53,632
)
 
(99,353
)
Proceeds from loan sales
28,852

 
57,123

 
100,501

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:

 

 
 
Trading securities
520

 
1,020

 
3,085

Accrued interest receivable
(409
)
 
(215
)
 
621

Other assets
(2,145
)
 
(122
)
 
(2,610
)
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
1,298

 
1,954

 
(1,360
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
17,334

 
22,741

 
19,464

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions

 
3,885

 
4,459

Activity in AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
13,362

 
16,229

 
40,677

Maturities, calls, and principal repayments
68,188

 
86,225

 
89,112

Purchases
(127,562
)
 
(131,505
)
 
(207,035
)
Loan principal (originations) collections, net
(27,648
)
 
(38,503
)
 
(27,103
)
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets
1,775

 
2,122

 
1,594

Purchases of premises and equipment
(2,713
)
 
(2,488
)
 
(3,578
)
Purchases of corporate owned life insurance policies

 
(1,092
)
 

Proceeds from redemption of corporate owned life insurance policies

 
196

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(74,598
)
 
(64,931
)
 
(101,874
)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
30,718

 
26,099

 
59,503

Increase (decrease) in borrowed funds
10,383

 
38,325

 
24,898

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(6,843
)
 
(6,456
)
 
(6,074
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
4,227

 
3,618

 
2,898

Common stock repurchased
(3,122
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(1,980
)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations
(331
)
 
(383
)
 
(505
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
35,032

 
58,828

 
78,740

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(22,232
)
 
16,638

 
(3,670
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
41,558

 
24,920

 
28,590

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
19,326

 
$
41,558

 
$
24,920

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
10,045

 
$
11,139

 
$
13,639

Federal income taxes paid
1,454

 
2,093

 
2,357

SUPPLEMENTAL NONCASH INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets
$
1,371

 
$
1,672

 
$
1,902


































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

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Isabella Bank Corporation, a financial services holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Isabella Bank. All intercompany balances and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS: Isabella Bank Corporation is a financial services holding company offering a wide array of financial products and services in several mid-Michigan counties. Our banking subsidiary, Isabella Bank, offers banking services through 27 locations, 24 hour banking services locally and nationally through shared automatic teller machines, 24 hour online banking, mobile banking, and direct deposits to businesses, institutions, and individuals. Lending services offered include commercial loans, agricultural loans, residential real estate loans, and consumer loans. Deposit services include interest and noninterest bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. Other related financial products include trust and investment services, safe deposit box rentals, and credit life insurance. Active competition, principally from other commercial banks, savings banks and credit unions, exists in all of our principal markets. Our results of operations can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates or changes in the local economic environment.
For additional information, see “Note 18 – Related Party Transactions.”
USE OF ESTIMATES: In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the ALLL, the fair value of AFS investment securities, and the valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts such sales or transfers based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. Assumptions are developed based on prioritizing information within a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, such as the reporting entity’s own data. We may choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates.
For assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, it is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements for those financial instruments for which there is an active market. In cases where the market for a financial asset or liability is not active, we include appropriate risk adjustments that market participants would make for nonperformance and liquidity risks when developing fair value measurements. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities for which limited or no observable market data exists are accordingly based primarily upon estimates, are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.
We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securities AFS are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time-to-time, we may be required to record other assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loans AFS, impaired loans, foreclosed assets, OMSR, goodwill, and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

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Fair Value Hierarchy
Under fair value measurement and disclosure authoritative guidance, we group assets and liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded, and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, based on the prioritization of inputs in the valuation techniques. These levels are:
Level 1:
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2:
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3:
Valuation is generated from model based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Transfers between measurement levels are recognized at the end of reporting periods.
For further discussion of fair value considerations, refer to “Note 19 – Fair Value.”
SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: Most of our activities conducted are with customers located within the central Michigan area. A significant amount of our outstanding loans are secured by commercial and residential real estate. Other than these types of loans, there is no significant concentration to any other industry or any one customer.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks, federal funds sold, and other deposit accounts. Generally, federal funds sold are for a one day period. We maintain deposit accounts in various financial institutions which generally exceed federally insured limits or are not insured. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant interest, credit or other financial risk as a result of these deposits.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT HELD IN OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Certificates of deposits held in other financial institutions consist of interest bearing certificates of deposit with terms of three years or less and are carried at cost.
AFS SECURITIES: Purchases of investment securities are generally classified as AFS. However, we may elect to classify securities as either held to maturity or trading. Securities classified as AFS are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Included in AFS securities are auction rate money market preferreds and preferred stocks. These investments are considered equity securities for federal income tax purposes, and as such, no estimated federal income tax impact is expected or recorded. Auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stocks are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities are determined using the specific identification method.
AFS securities are reviewed quarterly for possible OTTI. In determining whether an OTTI exists for debt securities, we assert that: (a) we do not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not we will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. If these conditions are not met, we recognize an OTTI charge through earnings for the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value, and such amount is included in noninterest income. For debt securities that do not meet the above criteria, and we do not expect to recover the security’s amortized cost basis, the security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired. For these debt securities, we separate the total impairment into the credit risk loss component and the amount of the loss related to market and other risk factors. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit risk is recognized in earnings and is included in noninterest income. The amount of the total OTTI related to other risk factors is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. For debt securities that have recognized an OTTI through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in the cash flow expected, the difference between the amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income.
AFS equity securities are reviewed for OTTI at each reporting date. This evaluation considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and our ability and intent to hold the securities until fair value recovers. If it is determined that we

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do not have the ability and intent to hold the securities until recovery or that there are conditions that indicate that a security may not recover in value then the difference between the fair value and the cost of the security is recognized in earnings and is included in noninterest income.
LOANS: Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALLL, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the level yield method.
The accrual of interest on agricultural, commercial and mortgage loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. For loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected is charged against the ALLL. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis, until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. For impaired loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income continues to be accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES: The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
We evaluate the ALLL on a regular basis and is based upon our periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The ALLL consists of specific, general, and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are deemed to be impaired. For such loans that are also analyzed for specific allowance allocations, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows or collateral value or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non classified loans and is based on historical loss experience. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that we believe affect our estimate of probable losses based on qualitative factors. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
Loans may be classified as impaired if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
1.
There has been a charge-off of its principal balance;
2.
The loan has been classified as a TDR; or
3.
The loan is in nonaccrual status.
Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.
LOANS HELD FOR SALE: Mortgage loans held for sale on the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value as determined by aggregating outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses, if any, would be recognized as a component of other noninterest expenses.
Mortgage loans held for sale are sold with the mortgage servicing rights retained by us. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the cost allocated to the associated mortgage servicing rights. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.

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TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS: Transfers of financial assets, including mortgage loans and participation loans are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is determined to be surrendered when 1) the assets have been legally isolated from us, 2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and 3) we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Other than servicing, we have no substantive continuing involvement related to these loans.
SERVICING: Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. We have no purchased servicing rights. For sales of mortgage loans, a portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.
Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type, and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche. If we later determine that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the valuation allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. The unpaid principal balance of mortgages serviced for others was $288,639 and $293,665 with capitalized servicing rights of $2,519 and $2,555 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for others. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal; or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. We recorded servicing fee revenue of $720, $737, and $757 related to residential mortgage loans serviced for others during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which is included in other noninterest income.
FORECLOSED ASSETS: Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of our carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of transfer, establishing a new cost basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the ALLL. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of property exceeds its fair value. Costs relating to holding these assets are expensed as incurred. We periodically perform valuations and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of our carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Foreclosed assets of $885 and $1,412 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in other assets.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation which is computed principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 40 years. Major improvements are capitalized and appropriately amortized based upon the useful lives of the related assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter, using the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures occur. We annually review these assets to determine whether carrying values have been impaired.
EQUITY SECURITIES WITHOUT READILY DETERMINABLE FAIR VALUES: Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are our holdings in FHLB stock and FRB stock as well as our ownership interests in Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC and Valley Financial Corporation. Our investment in Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC, a title insurance company, was made in the 1st quarter of 2008. We are not the managing entity of Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC, and account for our investment in that entity under the equity method of accounting. Valley Financial Corporation is the parent company of 1st State Bank in Saginaw, Michigan, which is a bank that opened in 2005. We made investments in Valley Financial Corporation in 2004 and in 2007.

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Equity securities without readily determinable fair values consist of the following as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
FHLB Stock
$
9,800

 
$
8,100

Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC
6,936

 
6,970

FRB Stock
1,999

 
1,879

Valley Financial Corporation
1,000

 
1,000

Other
341

 
344

Total
$
20,076

 
$
18,293

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN: At December 31, 2014, the Directors Plan had 187,369 shares eligible to be issued to participants, for which the Rabbi Trust held 13,934 shares. We had 185,311 shares to be issued in 2013, with 12,761 shares held in the Rabbi Trust. Compensation costs relating to share based payment transactions are recognized as the services are rendered, with the cost measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued (see “Note 16 – Benefit Plans”). We have no other equity-based compensation plans.
CORPORATE OWNED LIFE INSURANCE: We have purchased life insurance policies on key members of management. In the event of death of one of these individuals, we would receive a specified cash payment equal to the face value of the policy. Such policies are recorded at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized on the balance sheet dates. Increases in cash surrender value in excess of single premiums paid are reported as other noninterest income.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the present value of the post retirement benefits payable by us to the covered employees was estimated to be $2,782 and $2,699, respectively, and is included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities. The periodic policy maintenance costs were $83, $75, and $24 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively and is included in other noninterest expenses.
ACQUISITION INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL: We previously acquired branch facilities and related deposits in business combinations accounted for as a purchase. The acquisitions included amounts related to the valuation of customer deposit relationships (core deposit intangibles). Core deposit intangibles arising from acquisitions are included in goodwill and other intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated lives and evaluated for potential impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over identifiable assets, is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis. Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are typically qualitatively evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying balance is impaired. If it is determined that the carrying balance is more likely than not to be impaired, we perform a cash flow valuation to determine the extent of the potential impairment. This valuation method requires a significant degree of our judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted net operating cash flows for these intangible assets are less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation model.
OFF BALANCE SHEET CREDIT RELATED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: In the ordinary course of business, we have entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, home equity lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded only when funded.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax assets or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases on the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established, where necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the year plus or minus the change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
We analyze our filing positions in the jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. We have also elected to retain our existing accounting policy with respect to the treatment of interest and penalties attributable to income taxes, and continue to reflect any charges for such, to the extent they arise, as a component of our noninterest expenses.
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN: We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which was curtailed effective March 1, 2007. Defined benefit pension plan expenses are included in “compensation and benefits" on the consolidated statements of income and are funded consistent with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. The current benefit obligation is included in "accrued interest payable and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. Inherent in the determination of defined benefit pension costs are assumptions concerning future events that will affect the amount and timing of required benefit payments under the plan. These assumptions include demographic assumptions such as mortality, a discount rate used to determine the current benefit obligation and a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Net

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periodic benefit cost includes interest cost based on the assumed discount rate, an expected return on plan assets based on an actuarially derived market-related value of assets, and amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gains or losses. Actuarial gains and losses result from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions (excluding asset gains and losses not yet reflected in market-related value). Amortization of actuarial gains and losses is included as a component of net periodic defined benefit pension cost.
For additional information, see "Note 16 – Benefit Plans."
MARKETING COSTS: Marketing costs are expensed as incurred (see “Note 10 – Other Noninterest Expenses”).
RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain amounts reported in the 2013 and 2012 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.
Note 2 – Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued relate solely to outstanding shares in the Directors Plan, see “Note 16 – Benefit Plans.”
Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Average number of common shares outstanding for basic calculation
7,734,161

 
7,694,392

 
7,604,303

Average potential effect of common shares in the Directors Plan (1)
171,393

 
168,948

 
195,063

Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
7,905,554

 
7,863,340

 
7,799,366

Net income
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206

Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.77

 
$
1.63

 
$
1.61

Diluted
$
1.74

 
$
1.59

 
$
1.56

(1) 
Exclusive of shares held in the Rabbi Trust
Note 3 – Pending Accounting Standards Updates
ASU No. 2014-01: “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”
In January 2014, ASU No. 2014-01 amended ASC Topic 323, “Investments" to allow investors in low income housing tax credits to use the proportional amortization method if the following criteria are met:
It is probable that the tax credits allocable to the investor will be available.
The investor does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the limited liability entity.
Substantially all of the projected benefits are from tax credits and other tax benefits (e.g., operating losses).
The investor’s projected yield is based solely on the cash flows from the tax credits and other tax benefits are positive.
The investor is a limited liability investor in the limited liability entity for both legal and tax purposes, and the investor’s liability is limited to its capital investment.
Investors that do not meet the above criteria must utilize the cost method or equity method in accordance with previously issued authoritative accounting guidance. The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations.
ASU No. 2014-04: “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”
In January 2014, ASU No. 2014-04 amended ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be

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derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations.
ASU No. 2014-09: “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”
In May 2014, ASU No. 2014-09 created new Topic 606 to provide a common revenue standard to achieve consistency and clarification to the revenue recognition principles. The guidance outlines steps to achieve the core principle which states that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. These steps consist of: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations.
ASU No. 2014-11: “Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures”
In June 2014, ASU No. 2014-11 amended ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing” to address concerns that current accounting guidance distinguishes between repurchase agreements that settle at the same time as the maturity of the transferred financial asset and those that settle any time before maturity. The update changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting and, for repurchase financing arrangements, separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is not expected to impact our financial statement disclosures.
ASU No. 2014-14: “Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”
In August 2014, ASU No. 2014-14 amended ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” to provide specific guidance on how to classify and measure foreclosed loans that are government guaranteed. The update requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met:
The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure.
At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim.
At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed.
Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations.
ASU No. 2014-15: “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”
In August 2014, ASU No. 2014-15 amended ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements” to provide guidance on how to determine whether to disclose relevant conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, financial statements would continue to be prepared under the going concern assumption; however, disclosures may be necessary depending upon the conditions or events raising substantial doubt. Additionally, if identified substantial doubt is not alleviated after consideration of management’s plans, an entity should include a statement in the footnotes indicating that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The new authoritative guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is not expected to impact our financial statement disclosures.

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Note 4 – AFS Securities
The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities, with gross unrealized gains and losses, are as follows as of December 31:
 
2014

Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Government sponsored enterprises
$
24,597

 
$
10

 
$
471

 
$
24,136

States and political subdivisions
209,153

 
6,986

 
794

 
215,345

Auction rate money market preferred
3,200

 

 
581

 
2,619

Preferred stocks
6,800

 
31

 
691

 
6,140

Mortgage-backed securities
165,888

 
2,042

 
1,004

 
166,926

Collateralized mortgage obligations
152,255

 
1,533

 
1,420

 
152,368

Total
$
561,893

 
$
10,602

 
$
4,961

 
$
567,534

 
2013

Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Government sponsored enterprises
$
24,860

 
$
7

 
$
1,122

 
$
23,745

States and political subdivisions
200,323

 
5,212

 
3,547

 
201,988

Auction rate money market preferred
3,200

 

 
623

 
2,577

Preferred stocks
6,800

 
20

 
993

 
5,827

Mortgage-backed securities
147,292

 
657

 
3,834

 
144,115

Collateralized mortgage obligations
135,139

 
1,016

 
2,345

 
133,810

Total
$
517,614

 
$
6,912

 
$
12,464

 
$
512,062

The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
Maturing
 
Securities with Variable Monthly Payments or Noncontractual Maturities
 
 

Due in
One Year
or Less
 
After One
Year But
Within
Five Years
 
After Five
Years But
Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 
 
Total
Government sponsored enterprises
$

 
$
19,068

 
$
5,529

 
$

 
$

 
$
24,597

States and political subdivisions
13,943

 
56,317

 
97,295

 
41,598

 

 
209,153

Auction rate money market preferred

 

 

 

 
3,200

 
3,200

Preferred stocks

 

 

 

 
6,800

 
6,800

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 
165,888

 
165,888

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 

 

 
152,255

 
152,255

Total amortized cost
$
13,943

 
$
75,385

 
$
102,824

 
$
41,598

 
$
328,143

 
$
561,893

Fair value
$
13,975

 
$
76,994

 
$
105,990

 
$
42,522

 
$
328,053

 
$
567,534

Expected maturities for government sponsored enterprises and states and political subdivisions may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
As the auction rate money market preferred and preferred stocks have continual call dates, they are not reported by a specific maturity group. Because of their variable monthly payments, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are not reported by a specific maturity group.




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A summary of the sales activity of AFS securities was as follows during the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Proceeds from sales of AFS securities
$
13,362

 
$
16,229

 
$
40,677

Gross realized gains (losses)
$
97

 
$
171

 
$
1,119

Applicable income tax expense (benefit)
$
33

 
$
58

 
$
380

The cost basis used to determine the realized gains or losses of AFS securities sold was the amortized cost of the individual investment security as of the trade date.
Information pertaining to AFS securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:
 
2014
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months or More
 
 

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

 
$

 
$
471

 
$
23,525

 
$
471

States and political subdivisions
48

 
5,323

 
746

 
17,416

 
794

Auction rate money market preferred

 

 
581

 
2,619

 
581

Preferred stocks

 

 
691

 
3,109

 
691

Mortgage-backed securities
5

 
9,456

 
999

 
52,407

 
1,004

Collateralized mortgage obligations
105

 
29,435

 
1,315

 
39,540

 
1,420

Total
$
158

 
$
44,214

 
$
4,803

 
$
138,616

 
$
4,961

Number of securities in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
22

 
 
 
72

 
94

 
2013
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months or More
 
 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
Government sponsored enterprises
$
1,122

 
$
22,873

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,122

States and political subdivisions
2,566

 
42,593

 
981

 
6,115

 
3,547

Auction rate money market preferred

 

 
623

 
2,577

 
623

Preferred stocks

 

 
993

 
2,807

 
993

Mortgage-backed securities
2,424

 
101,816

 
1,410

 
21,662

 
3,834

Collateralized mortgage obligations
2,345

 
84,478

 

 

 
2,345

Total
$
8,457

 
$
251,760

 
$
4,007

 
$
33,161

 
$
12,464

Number of securities in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
182

 
 
 
19

 
201

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we conducted an analysis to determine whether any securities currently in an unrealized loss position, should be other-than-temporarily impaired. Such analyses considered, among other factors, the following criteria:
Has the value of the investment declined more than what is deemed to be reasonable based on a risk and maturity adjusted discount rate?
Is the investment credit rating below investment grade?
Is it probable the issuer will be unable to pay the amount when due?
Is it more likely than not that we will have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis?
Has the duration of the investment been extended?
During the three month period ended March 31, 2012, we had one state issued student loan auction rate AFS investment security (which is included in states and political subdivisions) that was downgraded by Moody's from A3 to Caa3. As a result of this downgrade, we engaged the services of an independent investment valuation firm to estimate the amount of credit losses

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(if any) related to this particular issue as of March 31, 2012. The evaluation calculated a range of estimated credit losses utilizing two different bifurcation methods:
1) Discounted Cash Flow Method
2) Credit Yield Analysis Method
The two methods were then weighted, with a higher weighting applied to the Discounted Cash Flow Method, to determine the estimated credit related impairment. As a result of this analysis, we recognized an OTTI of $282 in earnings in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.
A summary of key valuation assumptions used in the aforementioned analysis as of March 31, 2012, follows:
 
Discounted Cash Flow Method
Ratings
 
Fitch
Not Rated
Moody's
Caa3
S&P
A
Seniority
Senior
Discount rate
LIBOR + 6.35%
 
 
 
Credit Yield Analysis Method
Credit discount rate
LIBOR + 4.00%
Average observed discounts based on closed transactions
14.00%
To test for additional impairment of this security as of December 31, 2014, we obtained another investment valuation (from the same firm engaged to perform the initial valuation as of March 31, 2012) as of December 31, 2014. Based on our analysis, no additional OTTI was indicated as of December 31, 2014.
The following table provides a roll-forward of credit related impairment recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance at beginning of year
$
282

 
$
282

 
$

Additions to credit losses for which no previous OTTI was recognized

 

 
282

Balance at end of year
$
282

 
$
282

 
$
282

Based on our analyses, the fact that we have asserted that we do not have the intent to sell AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, and considering it is unlikely that we will have to sell AFS securities in an unrealized loss position before recovery of their cost basis, we do not believe that the values of any AFS securities are other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2014, or December 31, 2013.
Note 5 – Loans and ALLL
We grant commercial, agricultural, residential real estate, and consumer loans to customers situated primarily in Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties in Michigan. The ability of the borrowers to honor their repayment obligations is often dependent upon the real estate, agricultural, light manufacturing, retail, gaming, tourism, higher education, and general economic conditions of this region. Substantially all of our consumer and residential real estate loans are secured by various items of property, while commercial loans are secured primarily by real estate, business assets, and personal guarantees; a portion of loans are unsecured.
Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold in our portfolio are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALLL, and any deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the level yield method.
The accrual of interest on commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate loans is typically discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well-secured and in the process of collection. Upon transferring the loans

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to nonaccrual status, we perform an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. This evaluation is used to help determine if any charge-offs are necessary. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
For loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected, is charged against the ALLL. Loans are typically returned to accrual status after six months of continuous performance. For impaired loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income continues to be accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding.
Commercial and agricultural loans include loans for commercial real estate, commercial operating loans, farmland and agricultural production, and states and political subdivisions. Repayment of these loans is often dependent upon the successful operation and management of a business. We minimize our risk by limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one borrower to $15,000. Borrowers with credit needs of more than $15,000 are serviced through the use of loan participations with other commercial banks. Commercial and agricultural real estate loans generally require loan-to-value limits of less than 80%. Depending upon the type of loan, past credit history, and current operating results, we may require the borrower to pledge accounts receivable, inventory, and property and equipment. Personal guarantees are generally required from the owners of closely held corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. In addition, we require annual financial statements, prepare cash flow analyses, and review credit reports as deemed necessary.
We offer adjustable rate mortgages, construction loans, and fixed rate residential real estate loans which typically have amortization periods up to a maximum of 30 years. Fixed rate residential real estate loans with an amortization of greater than 15 years are generally sold upon origination to Freddie Mac. Fixed rate residential real estate loans with an amortization of 15 years or less may be held in our portfolio or sold to Freddie Mac upon origination. We consider the direction of interest rates, the sensitivity of our balance sheet to changes in interest rates, and overall loan demand to determine whether or not to sell these loans to Freddie Mac.
Our lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on residential real estate loans to 95% of the lower of the appraised value of the property or the purchase price, with the condition that private mortgage insurance is required on loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80%. Substantially all loans upon origination have a loan to value ratio of less than 80%. Underwriting criteria for residential real estate loans include: evaluation of the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments, the value of the property securing the loan, ensuring the payment of principal, interest, taxes, and hazard insurance does not exceed 28% of a borrower’s gross income, all debt servicing does not exceed 36% of income, acceptable credit reports, verification of employment, income, and financial information. Appraisals are performed by independent appraisers and reviewed internally. All mortgage loan requests are reviewed by our mortgage loan committee or through a secondary market automated underwriting system; loans in excess of $500 require the approval of our Internal Loan Committee, the Executive Loan Committee, the Board of Directors’ Loan Committee, or the Board of Directors.
Consumer loans include secured and unsecured personal loans. Loans are amortized for a period of up to 12 years based on the age and value of the underlying collateral. The underwriting emphasis is on a borrower’s perceived intent and ability to pay rather than collateral value. No consumer loans are sold to the secondary market.
The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the ALLL when we believe the uncollectability of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL.
The ALLL is evaluated on a regular basis and is based upon a periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The primary factors behind the determination of the level of the ALLL are specific allocations for impaired loans, historical loss percentages, as well as unallocated components. Specific allocations for impaired loans are primarily determined based on the difference between the loan’s outstanding balance to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell. Historical loss allocations were calculated at the loan class and segment levels based on a migration analysis of the loan portfolio over the preceding five years. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that we believe affect our estimate of probable losses based on qualitative factors. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

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A summary of changes in the ALLL and the recorded investment in loans by segments follows:

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
January 1, 2014
$
6,048

 
$
434

 
$
3,845

 
$
639

 
$
534

 
$
11,500

Charge-offs
(559
)
 
(31
)
 
(722
)
 
(316
)
 

 
(1,628
)
Recoveries
550

 

 
197

 
149

 

 
896

Provision for loan losses
(2,216
)
 
(187
)
 
918

 
173

 
644

 
(668
)
December 31, 2014
$
3,823

 
$
216

 
$
4,238

 
$
645

 
$
1,178

 
$
10,100


Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
ALLL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,283

 
$

 
$
2,143

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
3,427

Collectively evaluated for impairment
2,540

 
216

 
2,095

 
644

 
1,178

 
6,673

Total
$
3,823

 
$
216

 
$
4,238

 
$
645

 
$
1,178

 
$
10,100

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
12,029

 
$
1,595

 
$
12,160

 
$
64

 
 
 
$
25,848

Collectively evaluated for impairment
419,932

 
103,126

 
252,435

 
32,241

 
 
 
807,734

Total
$
431,961

 
$
104,721

 
$
264,595

 
$
32,305

 
 
 
$
833,582

 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013

Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
January 1, 2013
$
6,862

 
$
407

 
$
3,627

 
$
666

 
$
374

 
$
11,936

Charge-offs
(895
)
 
(12
)
 
(1,004
)
 
(429
)
 

 
(2,340
)
Recoveries
363

 

 
181

 
249

 

 
793

Provision for loan losses
(282
)
 
39

 
1,041

 
153

 
160

 
1,111

December 31, 2013
$
6,048

 
$
434

 
$
3,845

 
$
639

 
$
534

 
$
11,500


Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
ALLL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
2,035

 
$
30

 
$
2,287

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,352

Collectively evaluated for impairment
4,013

 
404

 
1,558

 
639

 
534

 
7,148

Total
$
6,048

 
$
434

 
$
3,845

 
$
639

 
$
534

 
$
11,500

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
13,816

 
$
1,538

 
$
14,302

 
$
119

 
 
 
$
29,775

Collectively evaluated for impairment
378,288

 
91,051

 
275,629

 
33,294

 
 
 
778,262

Total
$
392,104

 
$
92,589

 
$
289,931

 
$
33,413

 
 
 
$
808,037


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The following table displays the credit quality indicators for commercial and agricultural credit exposures based on internally assigned credit risk ratings as of December 31:
 
2014
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural

Real Estate
 
Other
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Other
 
Total
Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 - Excellent
$

 
$
492

 
$
492

 
$

 
$

 
$

2 - High quality
13,620

 
14,423

 
28,043

 
5,806

 
3,582

 
9,388

3 - High satisfactory
94,556

 
51,230

 
145,786

 
28,715

 
12,170

 
40,885

4 - Low satisfactory
184,000

 
49,869

 
233,869

 
33,361

 
17,560

 
50,921

5 - Special mention
8,456

 
1,322

 
9,778

 
1,607

 
65

 
1,672

6 - Substandard
11,055

 
123

 
11,178

 
1,602

 
147

 
1,749

7 - Vulnerable
2,687

 
116

 
2,803

 
106

 

 
106

8 - Doubtful

 
12

 
12

 

 

 

Total
$
314,374

 
$
117,587

 
$
431,961

 
$
71,197

 
$
33,524

 
$
104,721

 
2013
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural

Real Estate
 
Other
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Other
 
Total
Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 - Excellent
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

2 - High quality
18,671

 
14,461

 
33,132

 
3,527

 
3,235

 
6,762

3 - High satisfactory
91,323

 
39,403

 
130,726

 
26,015

 
17,000

 
43,015

4 - Low satisfactory
149,921

 
43,809

 
193,730

 
26,874

 
10,902

 
37,776

5 - Special mention
13,747

 
1,843

 
15,590

 
1,609

 
922

 
2,531

6 - Substandard
16,974

 
473

 
17,447

 
1,232

 
1,273

 
2,505

7 - Vulnerable
1,041

 
238

 
1,279

 

 

 

8 - Doubtful
183

 
17

 
200

 

 

 

Total
$
291,860

 
$
100,244

 
$
392,104

 
$
59,257

 
$
33,332

 
$
92,589

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

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3. HIGH SATISFACTORY – Reasonable Risk
Credit with satisfactory financial condition and further characterized by:
Working capital adequate to support operations.
Cash flow sufficient to pay debts as scheduled.
Management experience and depth appear favorable.
Loan performing according to terms.
If loan is secured, collateral is acceptable and loan is fully protected.
4. LOW SATISFACTORY – Acceptable Risk
Credit with bankable risks, although some signs of weaknesses are shown:
Would include most start-up businesses.
Occasional instances of trade slowness or repayment delinquency – may have been 10-30 days slow within the past year.
Management’s abilities are apparent, yet unproven.
Weakness in primary source of repayment with adequate secondary source of repayment.
Loan structure generally in accordance with policy.
If secured, loan collateral coverage is marginal.
Adequate cash flow to service debt, but coverage is low.
To be classified as less than satisfactory, only one of the following criteria must be met.
5. SPECIAL MENTION – Criticized
Credit constitutes an undue and unwarranted credit risk but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. The credit risk may be relatively minor yet constitute an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific loan:
Downward trend in sales, profit levels, and margins.
Impaired working capital position.
Cash flow is strained in order to meet debt repayment.
Loan delinquency (30-60 days) and overdrafts may occur.
Shrinking equity cushion.
Diminishing primary source of repayment and questionable secondary source.
Management abilities are questionable.
Weak industry conditions.
Litigation pending against the borrower.
Collateral or guaranty offers limited protection.
Negative debt service coverage, however the credit is well collateralized and payments are current.
6. SUBSTANDARD – Classified
Credit where the borrower’s current net worth, paying capacity, and value of the collateral pledged is inadequate. There is a distinct possibility that we will implement collection procedures if the loan deficiencies are not corrected. In addition, the following characteristics may apply:
Sustained losses have severely eroded the equity and cash flow.
Deteriorating liquidity.
Serious management problems or internal fraud.
Original repayment terms liberalized.
Likelihood of bankruptcy.
Inability to access other funding sources.
Reliance on secondary source of repayment.
Litigation filed against borrower.
Collateral provides little or no value.
Requires excessive attention of the loan officer.
Borrower is uncooperative with loan officer.

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Table of Contents

7. VULNERABLE – Classified
Credit is considered “Substandard” and warrants placing on nonaccrual. Risk of loss is being evaluated and exit strategy options are under review. Other characteristics that may apply:
Insufficient cash flow to service debt.
Minimal or no payments being received.
Limited options available to avoid the collection process.
Transition status, expect action will take place to collect loan without immediate progress being made.
8. DOUBTFUL – Workout
Credit has all the weaknesses inherent in a “Substandard” loan with the added characteristic that collection and/or liquidation is pending. The possibility of a loss is extremely high, but its classification as a loss is deferred until liquidation procedures are completed, or reasonably estimable. Other characteristics that may apply:
Normal operations are severely diminished or have ceased.
Seriously impaired cash flow.
Original repayment terms materially altered.
Secondary source of repayment is inadequate.
Survivability as a “going concern” is impossible.
Collection process has begun.
Bankruptcy petition has been filed.
Judgments have been filed.
Portion of the loan balance has been charged-off.
Our primary credit quality indicator for residential real estate and consumer loans is the individual loan’s past due aging. The following tables summarize the past due and current loans as of December 31:
 
2014
 
Accruing Interest
and Past Due:
 
 
 
Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 
 
 
 

30-59
Days
 
60-89
Days
 
90 Days
or More
 
Nonaccrual
 
 
Current
 
Total
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
1,155

 
$
282

 
$

 
$
2,764

 
$
4,201

 
$
310,173

 
$
314,374

Commercial other
153

 
24

 
2

 
116

 
295

 
117,292

 
117,587

Total commercial
1,308

 
306

 
2

 
2,880

 
4,496

 
427,465

 
431,961

Agricultural
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural real estate
101

 

 

 
106

 
207

 
70,990

 
71,197

Agricultural other
102

 

 

 

 
102

 
33,422

 
33,524

Total agricultural
203

 

 

 
106

 
309

 
104,412

 
104,721

Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior liens
1,821

 
425

 
146

 
668

 
3,060

 
210,138

 
213,198

Junior liens
235

 
18

 

 
130

 
383

 
10,750

 
11,133

Home equity lines of credit
468

 
20

 

 
250

 
738

 
39,526

 
40,264

Total residential real estate
2,524

 
463

 
146

 
1,048

 
4,181

 
260,414

 
264,595

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured
107

 
2

 

 
10

 
119

 
28,229

 
28,348

Unsecured
19

 

 

 

 
19

 
3,938

 
3,957

Total consumer
126

 
2

 

 
10

 
138

 
32,167

 
32,305

Total
$
4,161

 
$
771

 
$
148

 
$
4,044

 
$
9,124

 
$
824,458

 
$
833,582


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Table of Contents

 
2013
 
Accruing Interest
and Past Due:
 
 
 
Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 
 
 
 

30-59
Days
 
60-89
Days
 
90 Days
or More
 
Nonaccrual
 
 
Current
 
Total
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
1,226

 
$
296

 
$

 
$
1,136

 
$
2,658

 
$
289,202

 
$
291,860

Commercial other
368

 
15

 
13

 
238

 
634

 
99,610

 
100,244

Total commercial
1,594

 
311

 
13

 
1,374

 
3,292

 
388,812

 
392,104

Agricultural
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural real estate
34

 
295

 

 

 
329

 
58,928

 
59,257

Agricultural other

 

 

 

 

 
33,332

 
33,332

Total agricultural
34

 
295

 

 

 
329

 
92,260

 
92,589

Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior liens
3,441

 
986

 
129

 
1,765

 
6,321

 
229,865

 
236,186

Junior liens
408

 
44

 

 
29

 
481

 
13,074

 
13,555

Home equity lines of credit
181

 

 

 
25

 
206

 
39,984

 
40,190

Total residential real estate
4,030

 
1,030

 
129

 
1,819

 
7,008

 
282,923

 
289,931

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured
167

 
11

 

 
50

 
228

 
28,444

 
28,672

Unsecured
25

 
5

 

 
1

 
31

 
4,710

 
4,741

Total consumer
192

 
16

 

 
51

 
259

 
33,154

 
33,413

Total
$
5,850

 
$
1,652

 
$
142

 
$
3,244

 
$
10,888

 
$
797,149

 
$
808,037

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

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We do not recognize interest income on impaired loans in nonaccrual status. For impaired loans not in nonaccrual status, interest income is recognized daily, as earned, according to the terms of the loan agreement. The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans as of, and for the years ended, December 31:
 
2014

Outstanding Balance
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Average Outstanding Balance
 
Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
7,115

 
$
7,234

 
$
1,279

 
$
6,958

 
$
392

Commercial other
609

 
828

 
4

 
704

 
51

Agricultural real estate

 

 

 
85

 

Agricultural other

 

 

 

 

Residential real estate senior liens
11,645

 
12,782

 
2,015

 
12,713

 
509

Residential real estate junior liens
265

 
275

 
53

 
133

 

Home equity lines of credit
250

 
650

 
75

 
229

 
21

Consumer secured
54

 
54

 
1

 
68

 
4

Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance
19,938

 
21,823

 
3,427

 
20,890

 
977

Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
4,116

 
4,462

 
 
 
4,997

 
309

Commercial other
189

 
212

 
 
 
360

 
17

Agricultural real estate
1,529

 
1,529

 
 
 
1,455

 
89

Agricultural other
66

 
186

 
 
 
100

 
30

Home equity lines of credit

 

 
 
 
24

 

Consumer secured
10

 
10

 
 
 
6

 

Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance
5,910

 
6,399

 


 
6,942

 
445

Impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
12,029

 
12,736

 
1,283

 
13,019

 
769

Agricultural
1,595

 
1,715

 

 
1,640

 
119

Residential real estate
12,160

 
13,707

 
2,143

 
13,099

 
530

Consumer
64

 
64

 
1

 
74

 
4

Total impaired loans
$
25,848

 
$
28,222

 
$
3,427

 
$
27,832

 
$
1,422


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Table of Contents

 
2013

Outstanding Balance
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Average Outstanding Balance
 
Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
6,748

 
$
6,888

 
$
1,915

 
$
7,256

 
$
400

Commercial other
521

 
521

 
120

 
879

 
51

Agricultural real estate
90

 
90

 
30

 
91

 
4

Agricultural other

 

 

 
53

 

Residential real estate senior liens
14,061

 
15,315

 
2,278

 
11,111

 
442

Residential real estate junior liens
48

 
64

 
9

 
80

 
2

Home equity lines of credit

 

 

 

 

Consumer secured

 

 

 

 

Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance
21,468

 
22,878

 
4,352

 
19,470

 
899

Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
5,622

 
6,499

 
 
 
4,312

 
337

Commercial other
925

 
1,035

 
 
 
989

 
83

Agricultural real estate
1,370

 
1,370

 
 
 
320

 
28

Agricultural other
78

 
198

 
 
 
357

 
(7
)
Home equity lines of credit
193

 
493

 
 
 
180

 
16

Consumer secured
119

 
148

 
 
 
72

 
2

Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance
8,307

 
9,743

 
 
 
6,230

 
459

Impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
13,816

 
14,943

 
2,035

 
13,436

 
871

Agricultural
1,538

 
1,658

 
30

 
821

 
25

Residential real estate
14,302

 
15,872

 
2,287

 
11,371

 
460

Consumer
119

 
148

 

 
72

 
2

Total impaired loans
$
29,775

 
$
32,621

 
$
4,352

 
$
25,700

 
$
1,358

As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had committed to advance $0 and $134, respectively, in connection with impaired loans, which include TDRs.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Loan modifications are considered to be TDRs when the modification includes terms outside of normal lending practices to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulties.
Typical concessions granted include, but are not limited to:
1.
Agreeing to interest rates below prevailing market rates for debt with similar risk characteristics.
2.
Extending the amortization period beyond typical lending guidelines for loans with similar risk characteristics.
3.
Forgiving principal.
4.
Forgiving accrued interest.
To determine if a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, factors we consider include:
1.
The borrower is currently in default on any of their debt.
2.
The borrower would likely default on any of their debt if the concession was not granted.
3.
The borrower’s cash flow was insufficient to service all of their debt if the concession was not granted.
4.
The borrower has declared, or is in the process of declaring, bankruptcy.
5.
The borrower is unlikely to continue as a going concern (if the entity is a business).

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Table of Contents

The following is a summary of information pertaining to TDRs granted in the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded Investment
Commercial other
9

 
$
1,533

 
$
1,533

 
18

 
$
5,299

 
$
5,103

Agricultural other
1

 
49

 
49

 
4

 
1,379

 
1,379

Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior liens
15

 
1,011

 
1,011

 
55

 
6,069

 
6,053

Junior liens
4

 
233

 
233

 
1

 
20

 
20

Home equity lines of credit
1

 
160

 
160

 

 

 

Total residential real estate
20

 
1,404

 
1,404

 
56

 
6,089

 
6,073

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured

 

 

 
1

 
27

 
27

Unsecured
4

 
18

 
18

 
2

 
34

 
34

Total consumer
4

 
18

 
18

 
3

 
61

 
61

Total
34

 
$
3,004

 
$
3,004

 
81

 
$
12,828

 
$
12,616

The following tables summarize concessions we granted to borrowers in financial difficulty in the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Below Market Interest Rate
 
Below Market Interest Rate and Extension of Amortization Period
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Below Market Interest Rate and Extension of Amortization Period
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
Commercial other
8

 
$
1,525

 
1

 
$
8

 
12

 
$
3,070

 
6

 
$
2,229

Agricultural other

 

 
1

 
49

 
4

 
1,379

 

 

Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior liens
3

 
97

 
12

 
914

 
24

 
1,904

 
31

 
4,165

Junior liens
2

 
152

 
2

 
81

 

 

 
1

 
20

Home equity lines of credit
1

 
160

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total residential real estate
6

 
409

 
14

 
995

 
24

 
1,904

 
32

 
4,185

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured

 

 

 

 
1

 
27

 

 

Unsecured
3

 
15

 
1

 
3

 
1

 
16

 
1

 
18

Total Consumer
3

 
15

 
1

 
3

 
2

 
43

 
1

 
18

Total
17

 
$
1,949

 
17

 
$
1,055

 
42

 
$
6,396

 
39

 
$
6,432

We did not restructure any loans by forgiving principal or accrued interest during 2014 or 2013.
Based on our historical loss experience, losses associated with TDRs are not significantly different than other impaired loans within the same loan segment. As such, TDRs, including TDRs that have been modified in the past 12 months that subsequently defaulted, are analyzed in the same manner as other impaired loans within their respective loan segment.

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Table of Contents

Following is a summary of loans that defaulted in the years ended December 31, which were modified within 12 months prior to the default date:
 
2014
 
2013

Number of Loans
 
Pre-
Default
Recorded
Investment
 
Charge-Off
Recorded
Upon
Default
 
Post-
Default
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-
Default
Recorded
Investment
 
Charge-Off
Recorded
Upon
Default
 
Post-
Default
Recorded
Investment
Residential real estate senior liens

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
1

 
$
62

 
$
11

 
$
51

Consumer unsecured
2

 
7

 
7

 

 
1

 
16

 
16

 

Total
2

 
$
7

 
$
7

 
$

 
2

 
$
78

 
$
27

 
$
51

The following is a summary of TDR loan balances as of December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
TDRs
$
23,341

 
$
25,865

Note 6 – Premises and Equipment
A summary of premises and equipment at December 31 follows:

2014
 
2013
Land
$
5,429

 
$
5,429

Buildings and improvements
25,441

 
24,765

Furniture and equipment
31,011

 
30,128

Total
61,881

 
60,322

Less: accumulated depreciation
36,000

 
34,603

Premises and equipment, net
$
25,881

 
$
25,719

Depreciation expense amounted to $2,551, $2,556, and $2,417 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill was $45,618 at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Identifiable intangible assets were as follows as of December 31:
 
2014
 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
Core deposit premium resulting from acquisitions
$
5,373

 
$
4,863

 
$
510

 
2013
 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
Core deposit premium resulting from acquisitions
$
5,373

 
$
4,680

 
$
693

Amortization expense associated with identifiable intangible assets was $183, $221, and $260 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

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Table of Contents

Estimated amortization expense associated with identifiable intangibles for each of the next five years succeeding December 31, 2014, and thereafter is as follows:

Estimated Amortization Expense
2015
$
145

2016
106

2017
74

2018
62

2019
49

Thereafter
74

Total
$
510

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

Scheduled Maturities of Time Deposits
2015
$
217,505

2016
75,192

2017
56,391

2018
50,550

2019
22,901

Thereafter
17,723

Total
$
440,262

Interest expense on time deposits greater than $100 was $2,920 in 2014, $3,203 in 2013 and $3,854 in 2012.
Note 9 – Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds consist of the following obligations at December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
FHLB advances
$
192,000

 
2.05
%
 
$
162,000

 
2.02
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates
95,070

 
0.14
%
 
106,025

 
0.13
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with stated maturity dates
439

 
3.25
%
 
11,301

 
3.30
%
Federal funds purchased
2,200

 
0.50
%
 

 

Total
$
289,709

 
1.41
%
 
$
279,326

 
1.35
%
FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on all qualified 1-4 family residential real estate loans, AFS securities, and FHLB stock.

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Table of Contents

The following table lists the maturity and weighted average interest rates of FHLB advances as of December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Fixed rate advances due 2014
$

 

 
$
10,000

 
0.48
%
Fixed rate advances due 2015
42,000

 
0.72
%
 
32,000

 
0.84
%
Fixed rate advances due 2016
10,000

 
2.15
%
 
10,000

 
2.15
%
Fixed rate advances due 2017
30,000

 
1.95
%
 
30,000

 
1.95
%
Fixed rate advances due 2018
40,000

 
2.35
%
 
40,000

 
2.35
%
Fixed rate advances due 2019
20,000

 
3.11
%
 
20,000

 
3.11
%
Fixed rate advances due 2020
10,000

 
1.98
%
 
10,000

 
1.98
%
Fixed rate advances due 2021
30,000

 
2.26
%
 

 

Fixed rate advances due 2023
10,000

 
3.90
%
 
10,000

 
3.90
%
Total
$
192,000

 
2.05
%
 
$
162,000

 
2.02
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified as secured borrowings and are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The securities underlying the agreements have a carrying value and a fair value of $135,222 and $148,930 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such securities remain under our control. We may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of underlying securities.
The following table lists the maturity and weighted average interest rates of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with stated maturity dates at December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Repurchase agreements due 2014
$

 

 
$
10,876

 
3.30
%
Repurchase agreements due 2015
439

 
3.25
%
 
425

 
3.25
%
Total
$
439

 
3.25
%
 
$
11,301

 
3.30
%
Securities sold under repurchase agreements without stated maturity dates, federal funds purchased, and FRB Discount Window advances generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. The following table provides a summary of securities sold under repurchase agreements without stated maturity dates, federal funds purchased, and FRB Discount Window advances borrowings for the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Maximum Month End Balance
 
Average Balance
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate During the Period
 
Maximum Month End Balance
 
Average Balance
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate During the Period
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates
$
95,070

 
$
91,422

 
0.13
%
 
$
106,025

 
$
74,602

 
0.15
%
Federal funds purchased
17,700

 
4,589

 
0.48
%
 
13,700

 
4,445

 
0.61
%
We had pledged trading securities, AFS securities, and 1-4 family residential real estate loans in the following amounts at December 31:

2014
 
2013
Pledged to secure borrowed funds
$
324,584

 
$
320,173

Pledged to secure repurchase agreements
135,222

 
148,930

Pledged for public deposits and for other purposes necessary or required by law
19,851

 
20,922

Total
$
479,657

 
$
490,025

As of December 31, 2014, we had the ability to borrow up to an additional $112,301, based on assets pledged as collateral. We had no investment securities that are restricted to be pledged for specific purposes.

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Table of Contents

Note 10 – Other Noninterest Expenses
A summary of expenses included in other noninterest expenses is as follows for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Marketing and community relations
$
1,431

 
$
1,131

 
$
1,965

FDIC insurance premiums
842

 
1,082

 
864

Audit and related fees
809

 
738

 
711

Director fees
775

 
819

 
885

Education and travel
625

 
502

 
588

Postage and freight
397

 
387

 
389

Printing and supplies
367

 
396

 
424

Loan underwriting fees
361

 
423

 
403

Consulting fees
349

 
315

 
482

Legal fees
320

 
359

 
268

Other losses
250

 
109

 
300

Amortization of deposit premium
183

 
221

 
260

State taxes
171

 
140

 
187

Foreclosed asset and collection
122

 
211

 
202

All other
1,628

 
1,517

 
1,123

Total other
$
8,630

 
$
8,350

 
$
9,051

Note 11 – Federal Income Taxes
Components of the consolidated provision for federal income taxes are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Currently payable
$
2,159

 
$
3,404

 
$
1,747

Deferred (benefit) expense
185

 
(1,208
)
 
616

Income tax expense
$
2,344

 
$
2,196

 
$
2,363


The reconciliation of the provision for federal income taxes and the amount computed at the federal statutory tax rate of 34% of income before federal income tax expense is as follows for the year ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Income taxes at 34% statutory rate
$
5,463

 
$
5,000

 
$
4,953

Effect of nontaxable income
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income on tax exempt municipal securities
(1,999
)
 
(1,746
)
 
(1,675
)
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies
(255
)
 
(249
)
 
(238
)
Other
(263
)
 
(154
)
 
(147
)
Total effect of nontaxable income
(2,517
)
 
(2,149
)
 
(2,060
)
Effect of nondeductible expenses
156

 
146

 
137

Effect of tax credits
(758
)
 
(801
)
 
(667
)
Federal income tax expense
$
2,344

 
$
2,196

 
$
2,363


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Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for federal income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are as follows as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
2,507

 
$
2,988

Deferred directors’ fees
2,414

 
2,313

Employee benefit plans
255

 
257

Core deposit premium and acquisition expenses
1,037

 
971

Net unrealized losses on trading securities
361

 
360

Net unrecognized actuarial losses on pension plan
1,962

 
1,100

Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

 
1,345

Life insurance death benefit payable
804

 
804

Alternative minimum tax
650

 
729

Other
203

 
321

Total deferred tax assets
10,193

 
11,188

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
Prepaid pension cost
989

 
1,023

Premises and equipment
247

 
449

Accretion on securities
49

 
42

Core deposit premium and acquisition expenses
1,229

 
1,229

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
2,339

 

Other
449

 
547

Total deferred tax liabilities
5,302

 
3,290

Net deferred tax assets
$
4,891

 
$
7,898

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax; however, we are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2011. There are no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months.
We recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. We do not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and we not aware of any claims for such amounts by federal income tax authorities.
Note 12 – Off-Balance-Sheet Activities
Credit-Related Financial Instruments
We are party to credit related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk. These financial instruments are entered into in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments, which include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and IRR in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in a particular class of financial instrument.
 
December 31
 
2014
 
2013
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit
$
116,935

 
$
121,959

Commercial and standby letters of credit
4,985

 
4,169

Commitments to grant loans
13,988

 
29,096

Unfunded commitments under lines of credit are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These commitments may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

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Commercial and standby letters of credit are conditional commitments we issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. These commitments to extend credit and letters of credit mature within one year. The credit risk involved in these transactions is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if we deem necessary upon the extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. While we consider standby letters of credit to be guarantees, the amount of the liability related to such guarantees on the commitment date is not significant and a liability related to such guarantees is not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
Commitments to grant loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The amount of collateral obtained, if we deem necessary, is based on our credit evaluation of the customer. Commitments to grant loans include loans committed to be sold to the secondary market.
Our exposure to credit-related loss in the event of nonperformance by the counter parties to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit could be up to the contractual notional amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in deciding to make these commitments as we do for extending loans to customers. No significant losses are anticipated as a result of these commitments.
Note 13 – On-Balance Sheet Activities
Derivative Loan Commitments
Mortgage loan commitments are referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding. We enter into commitments to fund residential mortgage loans at specific times in the future, with the intention that these loans will subsequently be sold in the secondary market. A mortgage loan commitment binds us to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specified interest rate within a specified period of time, generally up to 60 days after inception of the rate lock.
Outstanding derivative loan commitments expose us to the risk that the price of the loans arising from the exercise of the loan commitment might decline from the inception of the rate lock to funding of the loan due to increases in mortgage interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these loan commitments decreases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, the value of these loan commitments increase. The notional amount of undesignated interest rate lock commitments was $632 and $182 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Forward Loan Sale Commitments
To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, we utilize both “mandatory delivery” and “best efforts” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loan that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments.
With a “mandatory delivery” contract, we commit to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date. If we fail to deliver the amount of mortgages necessary to fulfill the commitment by the specified date, we are obligated to pay a “pair-off” fee, based on then current market prices, to the investor to compensate the investor for the shortfall.
With a “best efforts” contract, we commit to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes. Generally, the price the investor will pay the seller for an individual loan is specified prior to the loan being funded (e.g. on the same day the lender commits to lend funds to a potential borrower).
We expect that these forward loan sale commitments will experience changes in fair value opposite to the change in fair value of derivative loan commitments. The notional amount of undesignated forward loan sale commitments was $1,533 and $1,286 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The fair values of the rate lock loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale and the forward loan sale commitments are deemed insignificant by management and, accordingly, are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

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Note 14 – Commitments and Other Matters
Banking regulations require us to maintain cash reserve balances in currency or as deposits with the FRB. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the reserve balances amounted to $963 and $910, respectively.
Banking regulations limit the transfer of assets in the form of dividends, loans, or advances from the Bank to the Corporation. At December 31, 2014, substantially all of the Bank’s assets were restricted from transfer to the Corporation in the form of loans or advances. Consequently, Bank dividends are the principal source of funds for the Corporation. Payment of dividends without regulatory approval is limited to the current year’s retained net income plus retained net income for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to common stock. At January 1, 2015, the amount available to the Corporation for dividends from the Bank, without regulatory approval, was approximately $22,800.
Note 15 – Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements
The Corporation (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the FRB and the FDIC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by the FRB and the FDIC that if undertaken, could have a material effect on our financial statements. Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that include quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, capital, and certain off-balance-sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting standards. Our capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the FRB and the FDIC about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). We believe, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, that we met all capital adequacy requirements.
As of December 31, 2014, the most recent notifications from the FRB and the FDIC categorized us as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since the notifications that we believe has changed our categories. Our actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table.
 
Actual
 
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
 
Minimum
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
$
128,074

 
14.16
%
 
$
72,341

 
8.00
%
 
$
90,426

 
10.00
%
Consolidated
138,820

 
15.18

 
73,170

 
8.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
117,974

 
13.05

 
36,170

 
4.00

 
54,255

 
6.00

Consolidated
128,720

 
14.08

 
36,585

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to average assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
117,974

 
7.96

 
59,297

 
4.00

 
74,121

 
5.00

Consolidated
128,720

 
8.59

 
59,908

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A


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Table of Contents

 
Actual
 
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
 
Minimum
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
$
120,067

 
13.84
%
 
$
69,390

 
8.00
%
 
$
86,738

 
10.00
%
Consolidated
131,398

 
14.92

 
70,452

 
8.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
109,217

 
12.59

 
34,695

 
4.00

 
52,043

 
6.00

Consolidated
120,384

 
13.67

 
35,226

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to average assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
109,217

 
7.75

 
56,403

 
4.00

 
70,504

 
5.00

Consolidated
120,384

 
8.46

 
56,932

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Note 16 – Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan
We have a 401(k) plan in which substantially all employees are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute up to 100% of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The plan was amended in 2013 to provide a matching safe harbor contribution for all eligible employees equal to 100% of the first 5.0% of an employee's compensation contributed to the Plan during the year. Employees are 100% vested in the safe harbor matching contributions.
For 2012, we made a 3.0% safe harbor contribution for all eligible employees and matching contributions equal to 50% of the first 4.0% of an employee’s compensation contributed to the Plan during the year. Employees were 100% vested in the safe harbor contributions and were 0% vested through their first two years of employment and were 100% vested after 6 years of service for matching contributions.
For 2014, 2013 and 2012, expenses attributable to the Plan were $655, $608, and $662, respectively.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which was curtailed effective March 1, 2007. As a result of the curtailment, future salary increases are no longer considered (the projected benefit obligation is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation), and plan benefits are based on years of service and the individual employee’s five highest consecutive years of compensation out of the last ten years of service through March 1, 2007.

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Changes in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets during each year, the funded status of the plan, and the net amount recognized on our consolidated balance sheets using an actuarial measurement date of December 31, are summarized as follows during the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
Change in benefit obligation
 
 
 
Benefit obligation, January 1
$
10,732

 
$
12,209

Interest cost
486

 
450

Actuarial (gain) loss
3,049

 
(1,294
)
Benefits paid, including plan expenses
(1,017
)
 
(633
)
Benefit obligation, December 31
13,250

 
10,732

Change in plan assets
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets, January 1
10,508

 
9,650

Investment return
699

 
1,276

Contributions
200

 
215

Benefits paid, including plan expenses
(1,017
)
 
(633
)
Fair value of plan assets, December 31
10,390

 
10,508

Deficiency in funded status at December 31, included on the consolidated balance sheets in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
$
(2,860
)
 
$
(224
)

2014
 
2013
Change in accrued pension benefit costs
 
 
 
Accrued benefit cost at January 1
$
(224
)
 
$
(2,559
)
Contributions
200

 
215

Net periodic benefit cost
(300
)
 
(208
)
Net change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost
(2,536
)
 
2,328

Accrued pension benefit cost at December 31
$
(2,860
)
 
$
(224
)
We have recorded the funded status of the Plan in our consolidated balance sheets. We adjust the underfunded status in a liability account to reflect the current funded status of the plan. Our liability increased in 2014 as a result of changes in mortality tables and discount rates used to determine the current benefit obligation. Any gains or losses that arise during the year but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Interest cost on benefit obligation
$
486

 
$
450

 
$
470

Expected return on plan assets
(615
)
 
(572
)
 
(511
)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss
169

 
330

 
292

Settlement loss
260

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
300

 
$
208

 
$
251

During 2014, an additional settlement loss of $260 was recognized in connection with lump-sum benefits distributions. Many plan participants elect to receive their retirement benefit payments in the form of lump-sum settlements. Pro rata settlement losses, which can occasionally occur as a result of these lump sum distributions, are recognized only in years when the total of such distributions exceed the sum of the service and interest expense components of net periodic benefit cost.
Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2014 includes net unrecognized pension costs before income taxes of $5,770, of which $241 is expected to be amortized into benefit cost during 2015.
The actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Discount rate
3.80
%
 
4.64
%
 
3.75
%
Expected long-term rate of return
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.00
%

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The actuarial weighted average assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension costs are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Discount rate
4.64
%
 
3.75
%
 
4.22
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
As a result of the curtailment of the Plan, there is no rate of compensation increase considered in the above assumptions.
The expected long term rate of return is an estimate of anticipated future long term rates of return on plan assets as measured on a market value basis. Factors considered in arriving at this assumption include:
Historical long term rates of return for broad asset classes.
Actual past rates of return achieved by the plan.
The general mix of assets held by the plan.
The stated investment policy for the plan.
The selected rate of return is net of anticipated investment related expenses.
Plan Assets
Our overall investment strategy is to moderately grow the portfolio by investing 50% of the portfolio in equity securities and 50% in fixed income securities. This strategy is designed to generate a long term rate of return of 6.00%.  Equity securities primarily consist of the S&P 500 Index with a smaller allocation to the Small Cap and International Index.  Fixed income securities are invested in the Bond Market Index.  The Plan has appropriate assets invested in short term investments to meet near-term benefit payments.
The asset mix and the sector weighting of the investments are determined by our pension committee, which is comprised of members of our management. To manage the Plan, we retain a third party investment advisor to conduct consultations. We review the performance of the advisor at least annually.
The fair values of our pension plan assets by asset category were as follows as of December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Total
 
(Level 2)
 
Total
 
(Level 2)
Short-term investments
$
804

 
$
804

 
$
142

 
$
142

Common collective trusts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income
4,738

 
4,738

 
5,064

 
5,064

Equity investments
4,848

 
4,848

 
5,302

 
5,302

Total
$
10,390

 
$
10,390

 
$
10,508

 
$
10,508

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Short-term investments: Shares of a money market portfolio, which is valued using amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Common collective trusts: These investments are public investment securities valued using the NAV provided by a third party investment advisor. The NAV is quoted on a private market that is not active; however, the unit price is based on underlying investments which are traded on an active market.
We anticipate contributions to the plan in 2015 to approximate net contribution costs.
The components of projected net periodic benefit cost are as follows for the year ending:

December 31, 2015
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
$
493

Expected return on plan assets
(607
)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss
355

Net periodic benefit cost
$
241


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Estimated future benefit payments are as follows for the next ten years:
 
 
Estimated Benefit Payments
2015
 
$
535

2016
 
526

2017
 
555

2018
 
559

2019
 
604

2020 - 2024
 
3,425

Equity Compensation Plan
Pursuant to the terms of the Directors Plan, our directors are required to invest at least 25% of their board fees in our common stock. These stock investments can be made either through deferred fees or through the purchase of shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Deferred fees, under the Directors Plan, are converted on a quarterly basis into shares of our common stock based on the fair value of a share of common stock as of the relevant valuation date. Stock credited to a participant’s account is eligible for stock and cash dividends as declared. Dividend Reinvestment Plan shares are purchased on a monthly basis pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Distribution of deferred fees from the Directors Plan occurs when the participant retires from the Board or upon the occurrence of certain other events. The participant is eligible to receive a lump-sum, in-kind, distribution of all of the stock that is then in his or her account, and any unconverted cash will be converted to and rounded up to whole shares of stock and distributed, as well. The Directors Plan does not allow for cash settlement, and therefore, such share-based payment awards qualify for classification as equity. We may use authorized but unissued shares or purchase shares of common stock on the open market to meet our obligations under the Directors Plan.
We maintain the Rabbi Trust to fund the Directors Plan. The Rabbi Trust is an irrevocable grantor trust to which we may contribute assets for the limited purpose of funding a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Although we may not reach the assets of the Rabbi Trust for any purpose other than meeting our obligations under the Directors Plan, the assets of the Rabbi Trust remain subject to the claims of our creditors and are included in the consolidated financial statements. We may contribute cash or common stock to the Rabbi Trust from time-to-time for the sole purpose of funding the Directors Plan. The Rabbi Trust will use any cash that we contributed to purchase shares of our common stock on the open market through our brokerage services department. Shares held in the Rabbi Trust are included in the calculation of earnings per share.
The components of shares eligible to be issued under the Directors Plan were as follows as of December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
Eligible
Shares
 
Market
Value
 
Eligible
Shares
 
Market
Value
Unissued
173,435

 
$
3,902

 
172,550

 
$
4,115

Shares held in Rabbi Trust
13,934

 
314

 
12,761

 
304

Total
187,369

 
$
4,216

 
185,311

 
$
4,419

Other Employee Benefit Plans
We maintain two nonqualified supplementary employee retirement plans to provide supplemental retirement benefits to specified participants. Expenses related to these programs for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $372, $375, and $382, respectively, and are being recognized over the participants’ expected years of service.
We maintain a non-leveraged ESOP which was frozen to new participants on December 31, 2006. Contributions to the plan are discretionary and are approved by the Board of Directors and recorded as compensation expense. During 2012, the Board of Directors approved a contribution of $75 to the ESOP. We made no contributions in 2014 or 2013. Compensation cost related to the plan for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $23, $29, and $102, respectively. Total allocated shares outstanding related to the ESOP at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were 241,958, 241,958, and 246,404, respectively. Such shares are included in the computation of dividends and earnings per share in each of the respective years.

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Table of Contents

We maintain a self-funded medical plan under which we are responsible for the first $75 per year of claims made by a covered family. Expenses are accrued based on estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred and our experience. Expenses were $1,786 in 2014, $2,698 in 2013 and $2,534 in 2012.
Note 17 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI includes net income as well as unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on AFS investment securities owned and changes in the funded status of our defined benefit pension plan, which are excluded from net income. Unrealized AFS securities gains and losses and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, net of tax, are excluded from net income, and are reflected as a direct charge or credit to shareholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) and the related components are disclosed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI by component for the years ended December 31 (net of tax):

Unrealized
Holding Gains
(Losses) on
AFS
Securities
 
Change in Unrecognized Pension Cost on Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2012
$
5,942

 
$
(3,453
)
 
$
2,489

OCI before reclassifications
3,921

 
(580
)
 
3,341

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(837
)
 
251

 
(586
)
Subtotal
3,084

 
(329
)
 
2,755

Tax effect
(348
)
 
111

 
(237
)
OCI, net of tax
2,736

 
(218
)
 
2,518

Balance, December 31, 2012
8,678

 
(3,671
)
 
5,007

OCI before reclassifications
(18,971
)
 
2,120

 
(16,851
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(171
)
 
208

 
37

Subtotal
(19,142
)
 
2,328

 
(16,814
)
Tax effect
6,257

 
(791
)
 
5,466

OCI, net of tax
(12,885
)
 
1,537

 
(11,348
)
Balance, December 31, 2013
(4,207
)
 
(2,134
)
 
(6,341
)
OCI before reclassifications
11,290

 
(2,836
)
 
8,454

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(97
)
 
300

 
203

Subtotal
11,193

 
(2,536
)
 
8,657

Tax effect
(3,684
)
 
862

 
(2,822
)
OCI, net of tax
7,509

 
(1,674
)
 
5,835

Balance, December 31, 2014
$
3,302

 
$
(3,808
)
 
$
(506
)
Included in OCI for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are changes in unrealized holding gains and losses related to auction rate money market preferred and preferred stocks. For federal income tax purposes, these securities are considered equity investments. As such, no deferred federal income taxes related to unrealized holding gains or losses are expected or recorded.

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Table of Contents

A summary of the components of unrealized holding gains on AFS securities included in OCI follows for the years ended December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012

Auction Rate Money Market Preferred and Preferred Stocks
 
All Other AFS Securities
 
Total
 
Auction Rate Money Market Preferred and Preferred Stocks
 
All Other AFS Securities
 
Total
 
Auction Rate Money Market Preferred and Preferred Stocks
 
All Other AFS securities
 
Total
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
$
355

 
$
10,935

 
$
11,290

 
$
(737
)
 
$
(18,234
)
 
$
(18,971
)
 
$
2,059

 
$
1,862

 
$
3,921

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

 
(97
)
 
(97
)
 

 
(171
)
 
(171
)
 

 
(1,119
)
 
(1,119
)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment loss included in net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
282

 
282

Net unrealized gains (losses)
355

 
10,838

 
11,193

 
(737
)
 
(18,405
)
 
(19,142
)
 
2,059

 
1,025

 
3,084

Tax effect

 
(3,684
)
 
(3,684
)
 

 
6,257

 
6,257

 

 
(348
)
 
(348
)
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax
$
355

 
$
7,154

 
$
7,509

 
$
(737
)
 
$
(12,148
)
 
$
(12,885
)
 
$
2,059

 
$
677

 
$
2,736

The following table details reclassification adjustments and the related affected line items in our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31:
Details about AOCI components
Amount
Reclassified from
AOCI
 
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated
Statements of Income

2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
97

 
$
171

 
$
1,119

 
Net gains (losses) on sale of AFS securities
 

 

 
(282
)
 
Net AFS impairment loss
 
97

 
171

 
837

 
Income before federal income tax expense
 
33

 
58

 
285

 
Federal income tax expense
 
$
64

 
$
113

 
$
552

 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrecognized pension cost on defined benefit pension plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
300

 
$
208

 
$
251

 
Compensation and benefits
 
102

 
71

 
85

 
Federal income tax expense
 
$
198

 
$
137

 
$
166

 
Net income

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Note 18 – Related Party Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, we grant loans to principal officers and directors and their affiliates (including their families and companies in which they have 10% or more ownership). Annual activity consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
Balance, January 1
$
4,178

 
$
6,598

New loans
1,475

 
2,373

Repayments
(1,831
)
 
(4,793
)
Balance, December 31
$
3,822

 
$
4,178

Total deposits of these principal officers and directors and their affiliates amounted to $5,861 and $6,158 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, the ESOP held deposits with the Bank aggregating $392 and $292, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
From time-to-time, we make charitable donations to the Isabella Bank Foundation (the “Foundation”), which is an affiliated nonprofit entity formed for the purpose of distributing charitable donations to recipient organizations generally located in the communities we service. Donations are expensed when committed to the Foundation. The assets and transactions of the Foundation are not included in our consolidated financial statements.
Assets of the Foundation include cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, and shares of Isabella Bank Corporation common stock. The Foundation owned 34,350 and 16,850 shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such shares are included in the computation of dividends and earnings per share.
The following table displays total asset balances of, and our donations to, the Foundation as of, and for the years ended, December 31:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Total assets
$
2,090

 
$
1,815

 
$
1,766

Donations
$
500

 
$
200

 
$
850

Note 19 – Fair Value
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies, key inputs, and an indication of the level of the fair value hierarchy in which the assets or liabilities are classified.
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts of cash and demand deposits due from banks and interest bearing balances due from banks approximate fair values. As such, we classify cash and cash equivalents as Level 1.
Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions: Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions include certificates of deposit and other short term interest bearing balances that mature within 3 years. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics. As such, we classify certificates of deposits held in other financial institutions as Level 2.
AFS securities: AFS securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments. Level 2 fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss and liquidity assumptions. The values for Level 1 and Level 2 investment securities are generally obtained from an independent third party. On a quarterly basis, we compare the values provided to alternative pricing sources.
Mortgage loans AFS: Mortgage loans AFS are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of Mortgage loans AFS are based on what price secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, we classify Mortgage loans AFS subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.

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Loans: For variable rate loans with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The resulting amounts are adjusted to estimate the effect of changes in the credit quality of borrowers since the loans were originated. As such, we classify loans as Level 3 assets.
We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time-to-time, loans are classified as impaired and a specific allowance for loan losses may be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will be significantly different than the contractual terms of the original loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as impaired, we measure the estimated impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.
We review the net realizable values of the underlying collateral for collateral dependent impaired loans on at least a quarterly basis for all loan types.  To determine the collateral value, we utilize independent appraisals, broker price opinions, or internal evaluations.  We review these valuations to determine whether an additional discount should be applied given the age of market information that may have been considered as well as other factors such as costs to carry and sell an asset if it is determined that the collateral will be liquidated in connection with the ultimate settlement of the loan. We use these valuations to determine if any specific reserves or charge-offs are necessary. We may obtain new valuations in certain circumstances, including when there has been significant deterioration in the condition of the collateral, if the foreclosure process has begun, or if the existing valuation is deemed to be outdated.
The following tables list the quantitative fair value information about impaired loans as of December 31:

2014
Valuation Techniques
Fair Value
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
Discount applied to collateral appraisal:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
20% - 25%
 
 
Equipment
 
30% - 40%
Discounted appraisal value
$8,720
Cash crop inventory
 
40%
 
 
Other inventory
 
75%
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
50%
 
 
Liquor license
 
75%

2013
Valuation Techniques
Fair Value
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
Discount applied to collateral appraisal:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
20% - 30%
 
 
Equipment
 
50%
Discounted appraisal value
$13,902
Livestock
 
50%
 
 
Cash crop inventory
 
50%
 
 
Other inventory
 
75%
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
75%
Discount factors with ranges are based on the age of the independent appraisal, broker price opinion, or internal evaluations.
Accrued interest receivable: The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable approximate fair value. As such, we classify accrued interest receivable as Level 1.
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values: Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are FHLB stock and FRB stock as well as our ownership interests in Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC and Valley Financial Corporation. The investment in Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC, a title insurance company, was made in the first quarter 2008. We are not the managing entity of Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC, and therefore, we account for our investment under the equity method of accounting. Valley Financial Corporation is the parent company of 1st State Bank in Saginaw, Michigan, which is a community bank that opened in 2005. We made investments in Valley Financial Corporation in 2004 and in 2007.

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The lack of an active market, or other independent sources to validate fair value estimates coupled with the impact of future capital calls and transfer restrictions, is an inherent limitation in the valuation process. As the fair values of these investments are not readily determinable, they are not disclosed under a specific fair value hierarchy; however, they are reviewed quarterly for impairment. If we were to record an impairment adjustment related to these securities, it would be classified as a nonrecurring Level 3 fair value adjustment. During 2014 and 2013, there were no impairments recorded on equity securities without readily determinable fair values.
Foreclosed assets: Upon transfer from the loan portfolio, foreclosed assets (which are included in other assets) are adjusted to and subsequently carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Net realizable value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral, or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. Due to the inherent level of estimation in the valuation process, we record foreclosed assets as nonrecurring Level 3.
The table below lists the quantitative fair value information related to foreclosed assets as of:
 
December 31, 2014
Valuation Techniques
Fair Value
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
 
Discount applied to collateral appraisal:
 
 
Discounted appraisal value
$
885

 
Real Estate
 
20% - 25%
 
December 31, 2013
Valuation Techniques
Fair Value
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
 
Discount applied to collateral appraisal:
 
 
Discounted appraisal value
$
1,412

 
Real Estate
 
20% - 30%
Discount factors with ranges are based on the age of the independent appraisal, broker price opinion, or internal evaluations.
Goodwill and other intangible assets: Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are evaluated for potential impairment on at least an annual basis. Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are typically qualitatively evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying balance is impaired. If it is determined that the carrying balance of acquisition intangibles or goodwill is more likely than not to be impaired, we perform a cash flow valuation to determine the extent of the potential impairment. If the testing resulted in impairment, we would classify goodwill and other acquisition intangibles subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3. During 2014 and 2013, there were no impairments recorded on goodwill and other acquisition intangibles.
OMSR: OMSR (which are included in other assets) are subject to impairment testing. To test for impairment, we utilize a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and discount rates. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, OMSR are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model. As such, we classify OMSR subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.
Deposits: The fair value of demand, savings, and money market deposits are, by definition, equal their carrying amounts and are classified as Level 1. Fair values for variable rate certificates of deposit approximate their carrying value. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits. As such, fixed rate certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2.
Borrowed funds: The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under overnight repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values. The fair values of other borrowed funds are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current incremental borrowing arrangements. As such, borrowed funds are classified as Level 2.
Accrued interest payable: The carrying amounts of accrued interest payable approximate fair value. As such, we classify accrued interest payable as Level 1.
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and undisbursed loans: Our commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and undisbursed funds have no carrying amount and are estimated to have no realizable fair value. Historically, a majority of the unused commitments to extend credit have not been drawn upon and, generally, we do not receive fees in connection with these commitments other than standby letter of credit fees, which are not significant.

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The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Although we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement.
Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value in their Entirety on a Recurring Basis
Disclosure of the estimated fair values of financial instruments, which differ from carrying values, often requires the use of estimates. In cases where quoted market values in an active market are not available, we use present value techniques and other valuation methods to estimate the fair values of our financial instruments. These valuation methods require considerable judgment and the resulting estimates of fair value can be significantly affected by the assumptions made and methods used.

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The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis were as follows as of December 31:
 
2014

Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,326

 
$
19,326

 
$
19,326

 
$

 
$

Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions
580

 
579

 

 
579

 

Mortgage loans AFS
901

 
911

 

 
911

 

Total loans
833,582

 
827,449

 

 

 
827,449

Less allowance for loan and lease losses
10,100

 
10,100

 

 

 
10,100

Net loans
823,482

 
817,349

 

 

 
817,349

Accrued interest receivable
5,851

 
5,851

 
5,851

 

 

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values (1)
20,076

 

 

 

 

OMSR
2,519

 
2,554

 

 
2,554

 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits without stated maturities
634,222

 
634,222

 
634,222

 

 

Deposits with stated maturities
440,262

 
440,964

 

 
440,964

 

Borrowed funds
289,709

 
293,401

 

 
293,401

 

Accrued interest payable
558

 
558

 
558

 

 

 
2013
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
41,558

 
$
41,558

 
$
41,558

 
$

 
$

Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions
580

 
582

 

 
582

 

Mortgage loans AFS
1,104

 
1,123

 

 
1,123

 

Total loans
808,037

 
808,246

 

 

 
808,246

Less allowance for loan and lease losses
11,500

 
11,500

 

 

 
11,500

Net loans
796,537

 
796,746

 

 

 
796,746

Accrued interest receivable
5,442

 
5,442

 
5,442

 

 

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values (1)
18,293

 
18,293

 

 

 

OMSR
2,555

 
2,667

 

 
2,667

 

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits without stated maturities
593,754

 
593,754

 
593,754

 

 

Deposits with stated maturities
450,012

 
452,803

 

 
452,803

 

Borrowed funds
279,326

 
283,060

 

 
283,060

 

Accrued interest payable
633

 
633

 
633

 

 

(1) 
Due to the characteristics of equity securities without readily determinable fair values, they are not disclosed under a specific fair value hierarchy. If we were to record an impairment adjustment related to these securities, such amount would be classified as a nonrecurring Level 3 fair value adjustment.

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Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on December 31:
 
2014
 
2013

Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Recurring items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
525

 
$

 
$
525

 
$

AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored enterprises
24,136

 

 
24,136

 

 
23,745

 

 
23,745

 

States and political subdivisions
215,345

 

 
215,345

 

 
201,988

 

 
201,988

 

Auction rate money market preferred
2,619

 

 
2,619

 

 
2,577

 

 
2,577

 

Preferred stocks
6,140

 
6,140

 

 

 
5,827

 
5,827

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities
166,926

 

 
166,926

 

 
144,115

 

 
144,115

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
152,368

 

 
152,368

 

 
133,810

 

 
133,810

 

Total AFS securities
567,534

 
6,140

 
561,394

 

 
512,062

 
5,827

 
506,235

 

Nonrecurring items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans (net of the ALLL)
8,720

 

 

 
8,720

 
13,902

 

 

 
13,902

Foreclosed assets
885

 

 

 
885

 
1,412

 

 

 
1,412

Total
$
577,139

 
$
6,140

 
$
561,394

 
$
9,605

 
$
527,901

 
$
5,827

 
$
506,760

 
$
15,314

Percent of assets and liabilities measured at fair value
 
 
1.06
%
 
97.27
%
 
1.67
%
 
 
 
1.10
%
 
96.00
%
 
2.90
%
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value through earnings on a recurring basis and changes in assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, for which gains or losses were recognized in the years ended December 31:

2014
 
2013
 
Trading
Losses
 
Other Gains
(Losses)
 
Total
 
Trading
Losses
 
Other Gains
(Losses)
 
Total
Recurring items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
$
(5
)
 
$

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(28
)
 
$

 
$
(28
)
Nonrecurring items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foreclosed assets

 
(123
)
 
(123
)
 

 
(156
)
 
(156
)
Total
$
(5
)
 
$
(123
)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(28
)
 
$
(156
)
 
$
(184
)

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Note 20 – Parent Company Only Financial Information
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
December 31

2014
 
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash on deposit at the Bank
$
1,035

 
$
529

AFS securities
3,294

 
3,542

Investments in subsidiaries
124,827

 
110,192

Premises and equipment
1,982

 
2,013

Other assets
53,228

 
54,223

TOTAL ASSETS
$
184,366

 
$
170,499

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
9,772

 
$
9,890

Shareholders' equity
174,594

 
160,609

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
184,366

 
$
170,499

Condensed Statements of Income
 
Year Ended December 31

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Income
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from subsidiaries
$
7,000

 
$
7,000

 
$
6,125

Interest income
150

 
161

 
174

Management fee and other
3,665

 
2,146

 
2,037

Total income
10,815

 
9,307

 
8,336

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
3,688

 
2,811

 
2,424

Occupancy and equipment
1,082

 
476

 
370

Audit and related fees
404

 
345

 
351

Other
1,395

 
958

 
945

Total expenses
6,569

 
4,590

 
4,090

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
4,246

 
4,717

 
4,246

Federal income tax benefit
940

 
790

 
673

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
5,186

 
5,507

 
4,919

Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
8,538

 
7,003

 
7,287

Net income
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206



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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
Year Ended December 31

2014
 
2013
 
2012
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,724

 
$
12,510

 
$
12,206

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations
 
 
 
 
 
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
(8,538
)
 
(7,003
)
 
(7,287
)
Undistributed earnings of equity securities without readily determinable fair values
37

 
74

 
(459
)
Share-based payment awards
495

 
554

 
643

Depreciation
144

 
174

 
114

Net amortization of AFS securities
1

 
2

 
4

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(159
)
 
(305
)
 
425

Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
145

 
(51
)
 
(513
)
Accrued interest and other liabilities
1,516

 
1,238

 
(98
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
7,365

 
7,193

 
5,035

Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Maturities, calls, principal repayments, and sales of AFS securities
250

 
395

 
370

Purchases of premises and equipment
(81
)
 
(146
)
 
(239
)
Advances to subsidiaries, net of repayments
641

 
(299
)
 
(50
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
810

 
(50
)
 
81

Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in borrowed funds
(1,600
)
 
(1,350
)
 
(597
)
Cash dividends paid on common stock
(6,843
)
 
(6,456
)
 
(6,074
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
4,227

 
3,618

 
2,898

Common stock repurchased
(3,122
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(1,980
)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations
(331
)
 
(383
)
 
(505
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(7,669
)
 
(6,946
)
 
(6,258
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
506

 
197

 
(1,142
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
529

 
332

 
1,474

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
1,035

 
$
529

 
$
332

Note 21 – Operating Segments
Our reportable segments are based on legal entities that account for at least 10% of net operating results. The operations of the Bank as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 represent approximately 90% or more of our consolidated total assets and operating results. As such, no additional segment reporting is presented.

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2014, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014, were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
We also conducted an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that there have been no such changes during the quarter ended December 31, 2014.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for the preparation and integrity of our published consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, accordingly, include amounts based on judgments and estimates. We also prepared the other information included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and are responsible for the accuracy and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting, which is intended to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of our consolidated financial statements. The system includes but is not limited to:
A documented organizational structure and division of responsibility;
Established policies and procedures, including a code of conduct to foster a strong ethical climate which is communicated throughout our Corporation;
Internal auditors that monitor the operation of the internal control system and report findings and recommendations to management and the Audit Committee;
Procedures for taking action in response to an internal audit finding or recommendation;
Regular reviews of our consolidated financial statements by qualified individuals; and
The careful selection, training and development of our people.
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Also, the effectiveness of an internal control system may change over time. We have implemented a system of internal control that was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
We have assessed our internal control system in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (2013 framework) of the Treadway Commission.
Based upon these criteria, we believe that, as of December 31, 2014, our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Rehmann Robson LLC ("Rehmann") has audited our 2014 consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. Rehmann was given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board. Rehmann has issued an unqualified audit opinion on our 2014 consolidated financial statements as a result of the integrated audit and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls as of December 31, 2014.

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Isabella Bank Corporation
By:
/s/ Jae A. Evans
Jae A. Evans
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 11, 2015
 
/s/ Dennis P. Angner
Dennis P. Angner
President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer)
March 11, 2015
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.

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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
For information concerning our directors and certain executive officers, see “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 5, 2015 (“Proxy Statement”) which is incorporated herein by reference.
For Information concerning our Audit Committee financial experts, see “Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. We shall provide to any person without charge upon request, a copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Written requests should be sent to: Secretary, Isabella Bank Corporation, 401 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
For information concerning executive compensation, see “Executive Officers,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” and “Remuneration of Directors” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
For information concerning the security ownership of certain owners and management, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014, with respect to compensation plans under which our common shares are authorized for issuance to directors, officers or employees in exchange for consideration in the form of goods or services.
Plan Category
Number of Securities
to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants,
and Rights
(A)
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options, Warrants,
and Rights
(B)
 
Number of  Securities
Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (A))
(C)
Equity compensation plans approved by

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders: None

 

 
 

 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders (1) (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred director compensation plan
173.435

 
(1
)
(2)
 
(1
)
(2)
Total
173.435

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Pursuant to the terms of the Directors Plan, our directors are required to invest at least 25% of their board fees in our common stock. These stock investments can be made either through deferred fees or through the purchase of shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Deferred fees, under the Directors Plan, are converted on a quarterly basis into stock units of our common stock based on the fair value of a share of common stock as of the relevant valuation date. Stock credited to a participant’s account is eligible for stock and cash dividends as declared. Dividend Reinvestment Plan shares are purchased on a monthly basis pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Distribution of deferred fees from the Directors Plan occurs when the participant retires from the board or upon the occurrence of certain other events. The participant is eligible to receive a lump-sum, in-kind, distribution of all of the stock that is then in his or her account, and any unconverted cash will be converted to and rounded up to whole shares of stock and distributed, as well. The Directors Plan does not allow for cash settlement, and therefore, such share based payment awards qualify for classification as equity. We may use authorized but unissued shares or purchase shares of common stock on the open market to meet our obligations under the Directors Plan. As of December 31, 2014, the Directors Plan had 187,369 shares eligible to be distributed under the Directors Plan.

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(2)
The Rabbi Trust holds 13,934 shares for the benefit of participants pursuant to the Directors Plan.  Accordingly, such shares are not included in the number of securities issuable in column (A) or the weighted average price calculation in column (B), nor are potential future contributions included in column (C).
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
For information, see “Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management” and “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
For information concerning the principal accountant fees and services see “Fees for Professional Services Provided by Rehmann Robson LLC” and “Pre-approval Policies and Procedures” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
 
(1)
Financial Statements:  The following documents are filed as part of Item 8 of this report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules: All schedules are omitted because they are neither applicable nor required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
See the exhibits listed below under Item 15(b):
 
 
 
 
(b)
 
The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed as part of this report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
3(a)
Amended Articles of Incorporation (1)
 
 
3(b)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (2)
 
 
3(c)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (3)
 
 
3(d)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (4)
 
 
3(e)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (8)
 
 
3(f)
Amended Bylaws (6)
 
 
3(g)
Amendment to Bylaws (7)
 
 
3(h)
Amendment to Bylaws (10)
 
 
3(i)
Amendment to Bylaws (11)
 
 
10(a)
Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (9)*
 
 
10(b)
Amendment to Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (12)*
 
 
10(c)
Isabella Bank Corporation Plan Death Benefit (9)*
 
 
10(d)
Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan (9)*
 
 
14
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (5)
 
 
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 
 
23
Consent of Rehmann Robson LLC, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
31(a)
Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer
 
 
31(b)
Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer
 
 
32
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Interactive Data File**


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*
 
Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement.
**
 
As provided by Rule 406T in Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Exchange Act
(1)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 12, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference
(2)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 26, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 22, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 27, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
(5)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed April 25, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
(6)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 16, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed November 22, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
(8)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed May 16, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
(9)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed December 19, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
(10)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed August 28, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
(11)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
(12)
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed August 30, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.


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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.
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:
 
/s/ Jae A. Evans
 
Date:
 
March 11, 2015
 
 
Jae A. Evans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
 
Capacity
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Dennis P. Angner
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
Officer, Principal Accounting Officer)
and Director
 
March 11, 2015
Dennis P. Angner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Dr. Jeffrey J. Barnes
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
Dr. Jeffrey J. Barnes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Richard J. Barz
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
Richard J. Barz
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jae A. Evans
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
March 11, 2015
Jae A. Evans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ G. Charles Hubscher
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
G. Charles Hubscher
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Thomas L. Kleinhardt
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
Thomas L. Kleinhardt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph LaFramboise
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
Joseph LaFramboise
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David J. Maness
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
David J. Maness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ W. Joseph Manifold
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
W. Joseph Manifold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ W. Michael McGuire
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
W. Michael McGuire
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Sarah R. Opperman
 
Director
 
March 11, 2015
Sarah R. Opperman
 
 
 
 

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