Edgar Filing: MERCANTILE BANK CORP

mbwm20160331b_10q.htm Table Of Contents

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to .

Commission File No. 000-26719

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Michigan	38-3360865
(State or other jurisdiction of	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

310 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(616) 406-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Yes X No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes X No ___

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ___	Accelerated filer X
Non-accelerated filer	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 No X

At April 29, 2016, there were 16,240,246 shares of common stock outstanding.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

INDEX

PART I.	Financial Information	Page No.

	Item 1. Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015	6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8

	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	63

	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	80

	Item 4. Controls and Procedures	84

PART II.	Other Information

	Item 1. Legal Proceedings	85

	Item 1A. Risk Factors	85

	Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	85

	Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	85

	Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	85

	Item 5. Other Information	85

	Item 6. Exhibits	86

	Signatures	87

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

PART I --- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2016			2015

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	38,367,000		$	42,829,000
Interest-earning deposits		62,814,000			46,463,000
Federal funds sold		0			599,000
Total cash and cash equivalents		101,181,000			89,891,000

Securities available for sale		343,805,000			346,992,000
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		7,567,000			7,567,000

Loans		2,295,668,000			2,277,727,000
Allowance for loan losses		(16,262,000	)		(15,681,000	)
Loans, net		2,279,406,000			2,262,046,000

Premises and equipment, net		45,963,000			46,862,000
Bank owned life insurance		59,248,000			58,971,000
Goodwill		49,473,000			49,473,000
Core deposit intangible		11,916,000			12,631,000
Other assets		27,497,000			29,123,000

Total assets	$	2,926,056,000		$	2,903,556,000

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing	$	678,100,000		$	674,568,000
Interest-bearing		1,587,022,000			1,600,814,000
Total deposits		2,265,122,000			2,275,382,000

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		162,312,000			154,771,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		98,000,000			68,000,000
Subordinated debentures		44,324,000			55,154,000
Accrued interest and other liabilities		17,745,000			16,445,000
Total liabilities		2,587,503,000			2,569,752,000

Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		0			0
Common stock, no par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 16,232,234 shares outstanding at March 31, 2016 and 16,358,711 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015		302,360,000			304,819,000
Retained earnings		33,697,000			27,722,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,496,000			1,263,000
Total shareholders’ equity		338,553,000			333,804,000

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,926,056,000		$	2,903,556,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three Months		Three Months
	Ended		Ended
	March 31,		March 31,
	2016		2015
Interest income
Loans, including fees	$	26,779,000	$	25,311,000
Securities, taxable		1,516,000		1,686,000
Securities, tax-exempt		537,000		537,000
Other interest-earning assets		57,000		55,000
Total interest income		28,889,000		27,589,000

Interest expense
Deposits		1,866,000		1,899,000
Short-term borrowings		44,000		38,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		350,000		152,000
Subordinated debentures and other borrowings		747,000		651,000
Total interest expense		3,007,000		2,740,000

Net interest income		25,882,000		24,849,000

Provision for loan losses		600,000		(400,000	)

Net interest income after provision for loan losses		25,282,000		25,249,000

Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit and sweep accounts		948,000		770,000
Credit and debit card income		1,015,000		1,213,000
Gain on trust preferred securities repurchase		2,970,000		0
Mortgage banking income		598,000		688,000
Earnings on bank owned life insurance		286,000		287,000
Other income		1,269,000		736,000
Total noninterest income		7,086,000		3,694,000

Noninterest expense
Salaries and benefits		10,995,000		10,084,000
Occupancy		1,604,000		1,573,000
Furniture and equipment depreciation, rent and maintenance		525,000		624,000
Data processing costs		1,992,000		1,770,000
FDIC insurance costs		392,000		477,000
Other expense		4,360,000		4,713,000
Total noninterest expenses		19,868,000		19,241,000

Income before federal income tax expense		12,500,000		9,702,000

Federal income tax expense		3,951,000		3,056,000

Net income	$	8,549,000	$	6,646,000

Basic earnings per share	$	0.52	$	0.39
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.52	$	0.39
Cash dividends per share	$	0.16	$	0.14
Average basic shares outstanding		16,291,654		16,937,630
Average diluted shares outstanding		16,325,475		16,978,591

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Net income	$	8,549,000		$	6,646,000

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale		1,919,000			2,873,000
Fair value of interest rate swap		(21,000	)		(197,000	)
		1,898,000			2,676,000

Tax effect of unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale		(672,000	)		(997,000	)
Tax effect of fair value of interest rate swap		7,000			69,000
		(665,000	)		(928,000	)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax effect		1,233,000			1,748,000

Comprehensive income	$	9,782,000		$	8,394,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

($ in thousands except per share amounts)	Preferred Stock		Common Stock			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders’ Equity

Balances, January 1, 2016	$	0	$	304,819		$	27,722		$	1,263		$	333,804

Employee stock purchase plan (364 shares)				8									8

Dividend reinvestment plan (17,876 shares)				411									411

Stock option exercises (4,700 shares)				50									50

Stock-based compensation expense				330									330

Share repurchase program (147,656 shares)				(3,258	)								(3,258	)

Cash dividends ($0.16 per common share)							(2,574	)					(2,574	)

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2016							8,549						8,549

Change in net unrealized holding gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect										1,247			1,247

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax effect										(14	)		(14	)

Balances, March 31, 2016	$	0	$	302,360		$	33,697		$	2,496		$	338,553

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)

($ in thousands except per share amounts)	Preferred Stock		Common Stock			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders’ Equity

Balances, January 1, 2015	$	0	$	317,904		$	10,218		$	16		$	328,138

Employee stock purchase plan (543 shares)				10									10

Dividend reinvestment plan (7,172 shares)				140									140

Stock option exercises (13,500 shares)				132									132

Stock grants to directors for retainer fees (5,994 shares)				123									123

Stock-based compensation expense				212									212

Share repurchase program (103,981 shares)				(1,984	)								(1,984	)

Cash dividends ($0.14 per common share)							(2,377	)					(2,377	)

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015							6,646						6,646

Change in net unrealized holding gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect										1,876			1,876

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax effect										(128	)		(128	)

Balances, March 31, 2015	$	0	$	316,537		$	14,487		$	1,764		$	332,788

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months			Three Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	8,549,000		$	6,646,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		2,767,000			2,833,000
Accretion of acquired loans		(1,316,000	)		(1,416,000	)
Provision for loan losses		600,000			(400,000	)
Stock-based compensation expense		330,000			212,000
Stock grants to directors for retainer fees		0			123,000
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale		19,465,000			23,970,000
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale		(18,150,000	)		(25,123,000	)
Net gain from sales of mortgage loans held for sale		(543,000	)		(703,000	)
Gain on trust preferred securities repurchase		(2,970,000	)		0
Net gain from sales and valuation write-down of foreclosed assets		(164,000	)		(1,000	)
Net (gain) loss from sales and write-downs of fixed assets		140,000			(20,000	)
Net (gain) loss from sales of available for sale securities		1,000			(5,000	)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance		(286,000	)		(287,000	)
Net change in:
Accrued interest receivable		(366,000	)		(713,000	)
Other assets		732,000			1,150,000
Accrued interest and other liabilities		1,278,000			1,540,000
Net cash from operating activities		10,067,000			7,806,000

Cash flows from investing activities
Loan originations and payments, net		(18,011,000	)		(27,224,000	)
Purchases of securities available for sale		(17,873,000	)		(1,800,000	)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and repayments of securities available for sale		22,337,000			22,371,000
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		264,000			665,000
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets		574,000			754,000
Net sales (purchases) of premises and equipment		44,000			(288,000	)
Net cash for investing activities		(12,665,000	)		(5,522,000	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Net decrease in time deposits		(24,764,000	)		(40,457,000	)
Net increase in all other deposits		14,504,000			43,654,000
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase		7,541,000			(19,350,000	)
Maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances		0			(6,000,000	)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances		30,000,000			0
Proceeds from stock option exercises		50,000			132,000
Employee stock purchase plan		8,000			10,000
Dividend reinvestment plan		411,000			140,000
Repurchase of common stock shares		(3,258,000	)		(1,984,000	)
Repurchase of trust preferred securities		(8,030,000	)		0
Payment of cash dividends to common shareholders		(2,574,000	)		(2,377,000	)
Net cash from (for) financing activities		13,888,000			(26,232,000	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents		11,290,000			(23,948,000	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		89,891,000			172,738,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	101,181,000		$	148,790,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months		Three Months
	Ended		Ended
	March 31, 2016		March 31, 2015
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	3,063,000	$	2,903,000
Federal income tax		250,000		950,000
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Transfers from loans to foreclosed assets		595,000		422,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation: The unaudited financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 include the consolidated results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”) and our bank’s two subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance center”). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K and do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a complete presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. In the opinion of management, the information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading and for a fair presentation of the results of operations for such periods. The results for the period ended March 31, 2016 should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

We have five separate business trusts that were formed to issue trust preferred securities. Subordinated debentures were issued to the trusts in return for the proceeds raised from the issuance of the trust preferred securities. The trusts are not consolidated, but instead we report the subordinated debentures issued to the trusts as a liability.

Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under our stock-based compensation plans and are determined using the treasury stock method. Our unvested restricted shares, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends whether paid or accrued (i.e., participating securities), are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, our unvested restricted shares are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share.

Approximately 150,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016. In addition, stock options for approximately 118,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Stock options for approximately 10,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Approximately 101,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015. In addition, stock options for approximately 121,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Stock options for approximately 118,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

(Continued)

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Securities: Debt securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold prior to maturity. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is carried at cost.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums and accretion of discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized or accreted on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Declines in the fair value of debt securities below their amortized cost that are other than temporary (“OTTI”) are reflected in earnings or other comprehensive income, as appropriate. For those debt securities whose fair value is less than their amortized cost, we consider our intent to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery and whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security based on our assessment of the issuer’s financial condition. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement, and 2) OTTI related to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or changes in market interest rates, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost.

Loans: Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Interest income on commercial loans and mortgage loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer and credit card loans are typically charged off no later than when they are 120 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal and interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

(Continued)

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we determined that the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale approximated the recorded cost of $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Loans held for sale are reported as part of our total loans on the balance sheet.

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold, which is reduced by the cost allocated to the servicing right. We generally lock in the sale price to the purchaser of the loan at the same time we make a rate commitment to the borrower. These mortgage banking activities are not designated as hedges and are carried at fair value. The net gain or loss on mortgage banking derivatives is included in the gain on sale of loans. Mortgage loans serviced for others totaled approximately $600 million as of March 31, 2016.

Mortgage Banking Activities: Mortgage loan servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated value of retained servicing rights on mortgage loans sold. Mortgage loan servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of the rights using groupings of the underlying mortgage loans as to interest rates. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for serving mortgage loans. 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. Amortization of mortgage loan servicing rights is netted against mortgage loan servicing income and recorded in mortgage banking activities in the income statement.

Troubled Debt Restructurings: A loan is accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring if we, for economic or legal reasons, grant a concession to a borrower considered to be experiencing financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A troubled debt restructuring may involve the receipt of assets from the debtor in partial or full satisfaction of the loan, or a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate or balance of the loan, a reduction of accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date or renewal of the loan at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or some combination of these concessions. Troubled debt restructurings can be in either accrual or nonaccrual status. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings are included in nonperforming loans. Accruing troubled debt restructurings are generally excluded from nonperforming loans as it is considered probable that all contractual principal and interest due under the restructured terms will be collected.

(Continued)

10.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In accordance with current accounting guidance, loans modified as troubled debt restructurings are, by definition, considered to be impaired loans. Impairment for these loans is measured on a loan-by-loan basis similar to other impaired loans as described below under “Allowance for Loan Losses.” Certain loans modified as troubled debt restructurings may have been previously measured for impairment under a general allowance methodology (i.e., pooling), thus at the time the loan is modified as a troubled debt restructuring the allowance will be impacted by the difference between the results of these two measurement methodologies. Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default are factored into the determination of the allowance in the same manner as other defaulted loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. We estimate the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in our judgment, should be charged-off.

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans 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 collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Derivatives: Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the use of the derivatives and whether the derivatives qualify for hedge accounting. Used as part of our asset and liability management to help manage interest rate risk, our derivatives have generally consisted of interest rate swap agreements that qualified for hedge accounting. In February 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that qualifies for hedge accounting. The current outstanding interest rate swap is discussed in more detail in Note 9. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated, for accounting purposes, as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received on various loans and are effective are reported in other comprehensive income. They are later reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and are included in the line item in which the hedged cash flows are recorded. If hedge accounting does not apply, changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized immediately in current earnings as interest income or expense.

(Continued)

11.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

If designated as a hedge, we formally document the relationship between derivatives as hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. If designated as a hedge, we also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Ineffective hedge gains and losses are recognized immediately in current earnings as noninterest income or expense. We discontinue hedge accounting when we determine the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed should events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment for the annual impairment test. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, then we would be required to perform a quantitative test for goodwill impairment. The quantitative test is a two-step process consisting of comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to an estimate of its fair value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, goodwill is impaired and is written down to its estimated fair value. In 2014 and 2015, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for our annual impairment test and concluded it is more likely than not our fair value was greater than its carrying amount; therefore, no further testing was required.

The core deposit intangible that arose from the Firstbank Corporation acquisition was initially measured at fair value and is being amortized into noninterest expense over a ten-year period using the sum-of-the-years-digits methodology.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry-specific guidance such as the real estate, construction and software industries. The revenue standard’s core principle is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. To accomplish this objective, the standard requires five basic steps: i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This ASU was originally effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with three transition methods available – full retrospective, retrospective and cumulative effect approach. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of Effective Date, which delays the implementation of this guidance by one year. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

(Continued)

12.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-1, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU requires an entity to (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in OCI the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price; and (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. This ASU provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. This ASU also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations when adopted.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This ASU establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU requires that, prospectively, all tax effects related to share-based payments be made through the income statement at the time of settlement as opposed to excess tax benefits being recognized in additional paid-in capital under the current guidance. The ASU also removes the requirement to delay recognition of a tax benefit until it reduces current taxes payable. This change is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. Additionally, all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the current requirement to present tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. Finally, entities will be allowed to withhold an amount up to the employees’ maximum individual tax rate (as opposed to the minimum statutory tax rate) in the relevant jurisdiction without resulting in liability classification of the award. The change in withholding requirements will be applied on a modified retrospective approach. This standard will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

(Continued)

13.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2. SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities and the related pre-tax gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2016
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	141,400,000	$	2,076,000	$	(580,000	)	$	142,896,000
Mortgage-backed securities		61,744,000		828,000		(111,000	)		62,461,000
Municipal general obligation bonds		125,794,000		1,948,000		(148,000	)		127,594,000
Municipal revenue bonds		8,798,000		87,000		0			8,885,000
Other investments		1,954,000		15,000		0			1,969,000

	$	339,690,000	$	4,954,000	$	(839,000	)	$	343,805,000

December 31, 2015
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	146,660,000	$	1,932,000	$	(1,552,000	)	$	147,040,000
Mortgage-backed securities		66,670,000		708,000		(304,000	)		67,074,000
Municipal general obligation bonds		120,679,000		1,549,000		(205,000	)		122,023,000
Municipal revenue bonds		8,841,000		76,000		(3,000	)		8,914,000
Other investments		1,946,000		0		(5,000	)		1,941,000

	$	344,796,000	$	4,265,000	$	(2,069,000	)	$	346,992,000

Securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows:

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Loss		Value		Loss		Value		Loss
March 31, 2016
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	7,046,000	$	114,000	$	42,601,000	$	466,000	$	49,647,000	$	580,000
Mortgage-backed securities		7,942,000		36,000		17,055,000		75,000		24,997,000		111,000
Municipal general obligation bonds		3,054,000		22,000		10,551,000		126,000		13,605,000		148,000
Municipal revenue bonds		0		0		121,000	< 1,000			121,000	< 1,000
Other investments		0		0		0		0		0		0

	$	18,042,000	$	172,000	$	70,328,000	$	667,000	$	88,370,000	$	839,000

(Continued)

14.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2. SECURITIES (Continued)

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
December 31, 2015
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	0	$	0	$	76,496,000	$	1,552,000	$	76,496,000	$	1,552,000
Mortgage-backed securities		18,025,000		69,000		34,660,000		235,000		52,685,000		304,000
Municipal general obligation bonds		1,981,000		4,000		30,134,000		201,000		32,115,000		205,000
Municipal revenue bonds		0		0		1,134,000		3,000		1,134,000		3,000
Other investments		1,446,000		5,000		0		0		1,446,000		5,000

	$	21,452,000	$	78,000	$	142,424,000	$	1,991,000	$	163,876,000	$	2,069,000

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability we have to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. For those debt securities whose fair value is less than their amortized cost basis, we also consider our intent to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery and if we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition.

At March 31, 2016, 136 debt securities with fair values totaling $88.4 million have unrealized losses aggregating $0.8 million. After we considered whether the securities were issued by the federal government or its agencies and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies had occurred, we determined that the unrealized losses were due to changing interest rate environments. As we do not intend to sell our debt securities before recovery of their cost basis and we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell our debt securities before recovery of the cost basis, no unrealized losses are deemed to be other-than-temporary.

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2016, by maturity, are shown in the following table. The contractual maturity is utilized for U.S. Government agency debt obligations and municipal bonds. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately. Weighted average yields are also reflected, with yields for municipal securities shown at their tax equivalent yield.

(Continued)

15.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2. SECURITIES (Continued)

	Weighted
	Average			Amortized		Fair
	Yield			Cost		Value

Due in 2016		1.47	%	$	36,231,000	$	36,259,000
Due in 2017 through 2021		1.76			122,550,000		123,425,000
Due in 2022 through 2026		3.25			52,425,000		53,629,000
Due in 2027 and beyond		3.48			64,786,000		66,062,000
Mortgage-backed securities		1.77			61,744,000		62,461,000
Other investments		1.53			1,954,000		1,969,000

		2.29	%	$	339,690,000	$	343,805,000

Securities issued by the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions had a combined amortized cost of $112 million and $106 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, with estimated market values of $113 million and $107 million, respectively. Securities issued by all other states and their political subdivisions had a combined amortized cost of $22.9 million and $24.0 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, with estimated market values of $23.2 million and $24.1 million, respectively. Total securities of any other specific issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies and the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions, did not exceed 10% of shareholders’ equity.

The carrying value of U.S. Government agency debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities that are pledged to secure repurchase agreements was $162 million and $155 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock are restricted and may only be resold or redeemed by the issuer.

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Loans originated for investment are stated at their principal amount outstanding adjusted for partial charge-offs, the allowance, and net deferred loan fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loans primarily using the simple interest method based on the principal balance outstanding. Interest is not accrued on loans where collectability is uncertain. Accrued interest is presented separately in the consolidated balance sheet. Loan origination fees and certain direct costs incurred to extend credit are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan or loan commitment period as an adjustment to the related loan yield.

Acquired loans are those purchased in the Firstbank merger. These loans were recorded at estimated fair value at the merger date with no carryover of the related allowance. The acquired loans were segregated between those considered to be performing (“acquired non-impaired loans”) and those with evidence of credit deterioration (“acquired impaired loans”). Acquired loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration and if it is probable, at acquisition, all contractually required payments will not be collected. Acquired loans restructured after acquisition are not considered or reported as troubled debt restructurings if the loans evidenced credit deterioration as of the merger date and are accounted for in pools.

(Continued)

16.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The fair value estimates for acquired loans are based on expected prepayments and the amount and timing of discounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows. Credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are also a component of the initial fair value. In determining the merger date fair value of acquired impaired loans, and in subsequent accounting, we have generally aggregated acquired commercial and consumer loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics.

The difference between the fair value of an acquired non-impaired loan and contractual amounts due at the merger date is accreted into income over the estimated life of the loan. Contractually required payments represent the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments. Acquired non-impaired loans are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming or past due using the same criteria applied to the originated loan portfolio.

The excess of an acquired impaired loan’s undiscounted contractually required payments over the amount of its undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. The non-accretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on the consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectible contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the acquired impaired loan. The excess cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the acquired loan is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the acquired loans or pools using the level yield method. The accretable yield is affected by changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans, changes in prepayment speed assumptions and changes in expected principal and interest payments over the estimated lives of the acquired impaired loans.

We evaluate quarterly the remaining contractual required payments receivable and estimate cash flows expected to be collected over the lives of the impaired loans. Contractually required payments receivable may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, for example, when the contractual terms of the loan agreement are modified, when interest rates on variable rate loans change, or when principal and/or interest payments are received. Cash flows expected to be collected on acquired impaired loans are estimated by incorporating several key assumptions similar to the initial estimate of fair value. These key assumptions include probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the merger date. Prepayments affect the estimated lives of loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected. In re-forecasting future estimated cash flows, credit loss expectations are adjusted as necessary. The adjustments are based, in part, on actual loss severities recognized for each loan type, as well as changes in the probability of default. For periods in which estimated cash flows are not re-forecasted, the prior reporting period’s estimated cash flows are adjusted to reflect the actual cash received and credit events that transpired during the current reporting period.

Increases in expected cash flows of acquired impaired loans subsequent to the merger date are recognized prospectively through adjustments of the yield on the loans or pools over their remaining lives, while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment through a provision for loan losses and an increase in the allowance.

(Continued)

17.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Our total loans at March 31, 2016 were $2.30 billion compared to $2.28 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase of $17.9 million, or 0.8%. The components of our loan portfolio disaggregated by class of loan within the loan portfolio segments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the percentage change in loans from the end of 2015 to the end of the first quarter of 2016, are as follows:

											Percent
	March 31, 2016					December 31, 2015					Increase
	Balance		%			Balance		%			(Decrease)
Originated loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	613,570,000		36.4	%	$	577,872,000		35.7	%		6.2	%
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		28,451,000		1.7			30,138,000		1.9			(5.6	)
Real estate – owner occupied		334,948,000		19.8			330,798,000		20.5			1.3
Real estate – non-owner occupied		549,226,000		32.5			520,754,000		32.2			5.5
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		36,582,000		2.2			33,954,000		2.1			7.7
Total commercial		1,562,777,000		92.6			1,493,516,000		92.4			4.6

Retail:
Home equity and other		68,342,000		4.1			67,816,000		4.2			0.8
1-4 family mortgages		56,357,000		3.3			55,255,000		3.4			2.0
Total retail		124,699,000		7.4			123,071,000		7.6			1.3

Total originated loans	$	1,687,476,000		100.0	%	$	1,616,587,000		100.0	%		4.4	%

(Continued)

18.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

											Percent
	March 31, 2016					December 31, 2015					Increase
	Balance		%			Balance		%			(Decrease)
Acquired loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	101,042,000		16.6	%	$	118,431,000		17.9	%		(14.7%	)
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		11,179,000		1.9			14,982,000		2.3			(25.4	)
Real estate – owner occupied		106,714,000		17.5			115,121,000		17.4			(7.3	)
Real estate – non-owner occupied		116,787,000		19.2			123,597,000		18.7			(5.5	)
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		75,951,000		12.5			81,049,000		12.3			(6.3	)
Total commercial		411,673,000		67.7			453,180,000		68.6			(9.2	)

Retail:
Home equity and other		67,341,000		11.1			72,830,000		11.0			(7.5	)
1-4 family mortgages		129,178,000		21.2			135,130,000		20.4			(4.4	)
Total retail		196,519,000		32.3			207,960,000		31.4			(5.5	)

Total acquired loans	$	608,192,000		100.0	%	$	661,140,000		100.0	%		(8.0%	)

											Percent
	March 31, 2016					December 31, 2015					Increase
	Balance		%			Balance		%			(Decrease)
Total loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	714,612,000		31.1	%	$	696,303,000		30.6	%		2.6	%
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		39,630,000		1.7			45,120,000		2.0			(12.2	)
Real estate – owner occupied		441,662,000		19.3			445,919,000		19.6			(1.0	)
Real estate – non-owner occupied		666,013,000		29.0			644,351,000		28.3			3.4
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		112,533,000		4.9			115,003,000		5.0			(2.1	)
Total commercial		1,974,450,000		86.0			1,946,696,000		85.5			1.4

Retail:
Home equity and other		135,683,000		5.9			140,646,000		6.2			(3.5	)
1-4 family mortgages		185,535,000		8.1			190,385,000		8.3			(2.5	)
Total retail		321,218,000		14.0			331,031,000		14.5			(3.0	)

Total loans	$	2,295,668,000		100.0	%	$	2,277,727,000		100.0	%		0.8	%

(Continued)

19.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The total contractually required payments due on and carrying value of acquired impaired loans were $21.3 million and $10.1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016. The total contractually required payments due on and carrying value of acquired impaired loans were $24.6 million and $13.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. Changes in the accretable yield for acquired impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2015	$	5,193,000
Additions		21,000
Accretion income		(680,000	)
Net reclassification from nonaccretable to accretable		2,372,000
Reductions (1)		(587,000	)

Balance at March 31, 2016	$	6,319,000

Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,998,000
Additions		0
Accretion income		(646,000	)
Net reclassification from nonaccretable to accretable		941,000
Reductions (1)		(52,000	)

Balance at March 31, 2015	$	5,241,000

(1) Reductions primarily reflect the result of exit events, including loan payoffs and charge-offs.

Nonperforming originated loans as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	0	$	0
Nonaccrual loans		1,702,000		1,954,000

Total nonperforming originated loans	$	1,702,000	$	1,954,000

Nonperforming acquired loans as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	0	$	5,000
Nonaccrual loans		3,140,000		3,485,000

Total nonperforming acquired loans	$	3,140,000	$	3,490,000

(Continued)

20.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The recorded principal balance of nonperforming loans was as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	486,000	$	458,000
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		140,000		155,000
Real estate – owner occupied		1,641,000		1,797,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		51,000		79,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		81,000		157,000
Total commercial		2,399,000		2,646,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		611,000		771,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,832,000		2,027,000
Total retail		2,443,000		2,798,000

Total nonperforming loans	$	4,842,000	$	5,444,000

Acquired impaired loans are not reported as nonperforming loans based on acquired impaired loan accounting. Acquired non-impaired loans are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming or past due using the same criteria applied to the originated loan portfolio.

(Continued)

21.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of March 31, 2016:

	30 – 59 Days Past Due		60 – 89 Days Past Due		Greater Than 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans		Recorded Balance > 89 Days and Accruing
Originated loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	613,570,000	$	613,570,000	$	0
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		0		0		0		0		28,451,000		28,451,000		0
Real estate – owner occupied		425,000		0		4,000		429,000		334,519,000		334,948,000		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0		549,226,000		549,226,000		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0		0		36,582,000		36,582,000		0
Total commercial		425,000		0		4,000		429,000		1,562,348,000		1,562,777,000		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		99,000		0		2,000		101,000		68,241,000		68,342,000		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		17,000		351,000		368,000		55,989,000		56,357,000		0
Total retail		99,000		17,000		353,000		469,000		124,230,000		124,699,000		0

Total past due loans	$	524,000	$	17,000	$	357,000	$	898,000	$	1,686,578,000	$	1,687,476,000	$	0

(Continued)

22.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

					Greater								Recorded
	30 – 59		60 – 89		Than 89								Balance > 89
	Days		Days		Days		Total				Total		Days and
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		Loans		Accruing
Acquired loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	20,000	$	17,000	$	383,000	$	420,000	$	100,622,000	$	101,042,000	$	0
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		0		0		0		0		11,179,000		11,179,000		0
Real estate – owner occupied		269,000		0		648,000		917,000		105,797,000		106,714,000		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		498,000		498,000		116,289,000		116,787,000		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		15,000		0		65,000		80,000		75,871,000		75,951,000		0
Total commercial		304,000		17,000		1,594,000		1,915,000		409,758,000		411,673,000		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		353,000		134,000		19,000		506,000		66,835,000		67,341,000		0
1-4 family mortgages		979,000		233,000		381,000		1,593,000		127,585,000		129,178,000		0
Total retail		1,332,000		367,000		400,000		2,099,000		194,420,000		196,519,000		0

Total past due loans	$	1,636,000	$	384,000	$	1,994,000	$	4,014,000	$	604,178,000	$	608,192,000	$	0

(Continued)

23.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of December 31, 2015:

					Greater								Recorded
	30 – 59		60 – 89		Than 89								Balance > 89
	Days		Days		Days		Total		Total				Days and
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		Loans		Accruing
Originated loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	577,872,000	$	577,872,000	$	0
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		0		0		0		0		30,138,000		30,138,000		0
Real estate – owner occupied		432,000		0		9,000		441,000		330,357,000		330,798,000		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0		520,754,000		520,754,000		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0		0		33,954,000		33,954,000		0
Total commercial		432,000		0		9,000		441,000		1,493,075,000		1,493,516,000		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		186,000		108,000		0		294,000		67,522,000		67,816,000		0
1-4 family mortgages		107,000		95,000		356,000		558,000		54,697,000		55,255,000		0
Total retail		293,000		203,000		356,000		852,000		122,219,000		123,071,000		0

Total past due loans	$	725,000	$	203,000	$	365,000	$	1,293,000	$	1,615,294,000	$	1,616,587,000	$	0

(Continued)

24.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

					Greater								Recorded
	30 – 59		60 – 89		Than 89								Balance > 89
	Days		Days		Days		Total				Total		Days and
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		Loans		Accruing
Acquired Loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	0	$	5,000	$	541,000	$	546,000	$	117,885,000	$	118,431,000	$	0
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		27,000		0		0		27,000		14,955,000		14,982,000		0
Real estate – owner occupied		323,000		425,000		1,142,000		1,890,000		113,231,000		115,121,000		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		53,000		703,000		79,000		835,000		122,762,000		123,597,000		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		223,000		54,000		0		277,000		80,772,000		81,049,000		0
Total commercial		626,000		1,187,000		1,762,000		3,575,000		449,605,000		453,180,000		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		395,000		44,000		28,000		467,000		72,363,000		72,830,000		5,000
1-4 family mortgages		960,000		354,000		416,000		1,730,000		133,400,000		135,130,000		0
Total retail		1,355,000		398,000		444,000		2,197,000		205,763,000		207,960,000		5,000

Total past due loans	$	1,981,000	$	1,585,000	$	2,206,000	$	5,772,000	$	655,368,000	$	661,140,000	$	5,000

(Continued)

25.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired originated loans as of March 31, 2016, and average originated impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:

						First Quarter
	Unpaid					Average
	Contractual		Recorded			Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related	Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance	Balance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	1,888,000	$	1,888,000		$	1,695,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0			0
Real estate – owner occupied		285,000		69,000			287,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		5,659,000		5,659,000			5,678,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0			0
Total commercial		7,832,000		7,616,000			7,660,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		19,000		9,000			7,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,222,000		573,000			615,000
Total retail		1,241,000		582,000			622,000

Total with no related allowance recorded	$	9,073,000	$	8,198,000		$	8,282,000

(Continued)

26.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

							First Quarter
	Unpaid						Average
	Contractual		Recorded				Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance		Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	284,000	$	235,000	$	78,000	$	270,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		2,010,000		1,640,000		73,000		1,648,000
Real estate – owner occupied		5,852,000		1,300,000		238,000		1,307,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		4,754,000		4,754,000		188,000		4,798,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		1,006,000		1,006,000		335,000		1,017,000
Total commercial		13,906,000		8,935,000		912,000		9,040,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		511,000		470,000		140,000		516,000
1-4 family mortgages		165,000		126,000		35,000		127,000
Total retail		676,000		596,000		175,000		643,000

Total with an allowance recorded	$	14,582,000	$	9,531,000	$	1,087,000	$	9,683,000

Total impaired loans:
Commercial	$	21,738,000	$	16,551,000	$	912,000	$	16,700,000
Retail		1,917,000		1,178,000		175,000		1,265,000
Total impaired loans	$	23,655,000	$	17,729,000	$	1,087,000	$	17,965,000

(Continued)

27.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired acquired loans as of March 31, 2016, and average impaired acquired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:

						First Quarter
	Unpaid					Average
	Contractual		Recorded			Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related	Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance	Balance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	1,456,000	$	1,430,000		$	1,462,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0			0
Real estate – owner occupied		1,885,000		1,669,000			1,811,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		773,000		772,000			826,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		405,000		282,000			343,000
Total commercial		4,519,000		4,153,000			4,442,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		394,000		277,000			293,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,609,000		1,274,000			1,411,000
Total retail		2,003,000		1,551,000			1,704,000

Total with no related allowance recorded	$	6,522,000	$	5,704,000		$	6,146,000

(Continued)

28.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

							First Quarter
	Unpaid						Average
	Contractual		Recorded				Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance		Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	391,000	$	379,000	$	102,000	$	378,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		50,000		50,000		4,000		50,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		20,000		20,000		1,000		22,000
Total commercial		461,000		449,000		107,000		450,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0		88,000
Total retail		0		0		0		88,000

Total with an allowance recorded	$	461,000	$	449,000	$	107,000	$	538,000

Total impaired loans:
Commercial	$	4,980,000	$	4,602,000	$	107,000	$	4,892,000
Retail		2,003,000		1,551,000		0		1,792,000
Total impaired loans	$	6,983,000	$	6,153,000	$	107,000	$	6,684,000

(Continued)

29.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired originated loans as of December 31, 2015, and average impaired originated loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, were as follows:

						First Quarter
	Unpaid					Average
	Contractual		Recorded			Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related	Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance	Balance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	1,509,000	$	1,501,000		$	1,550,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0			203,000
Real estate – owner occupied		712,000		505,000			1,950,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		5,696,000		5,696,000			662,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0			313,000
Total commercial		7,917,000		7,702,000			4,678,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		14,000		5,000			191,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,328,000		657,000			547,000
Total retail		1,342,000		662,000			738,000

Total with no related allowance recorded	$	9,259,000	$	8,364,000		$	5,416,000

(Continued)

30.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

							First Quarter
	Unpaid						Average
	Contractual		Recorded				Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance		Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	352,000	$	305,000	$	165,000	$	5,196,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		2,017,000		1,655,000		245,000		2,000,000
Real estate – owner occupied		5,867,000		1,314,000		242,000		15,596,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		4,841,000		4,841,000		201,000		15,816,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		1,028,000		1,028,000		365,000		1,354,000
Total commercial		14,105,000		9,143,000		1,218,000		39,962,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		600,000		562,000		209,000		125,000
1-4 family mortgages		165,000		128,000		47,000		1,151,000
Total retail		765,000		690,000		256,000		1,276,000

Total with an allowance recorded	$	14,870,000	$	9,833,000	$	1,474,000	$	41,238,000

Total impaired loans:
Commercial	$	22,022,000	$	16,845,000	$	1,218,000	$	44,640,000
Retail		2,107,000		1,352,000		256,000		2,014,000
Total impaired loans	$	24,129,000	$	18,197,000	$	1,474,000	$	46,654,000

(Continued)

31.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired acquired loans as of December 31, 2015, and average impaired acquired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, were as follows:

						First Quarter
	Unpaid					Average
	Contractual		Recorded			Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related	Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance	Balance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	1,528,000	$	1,494,000		$	1,267,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0			0
Real estate – owner occupied		2,233,000		1,952,000			160,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		880,000		880,000			317,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		452,000		404,000			714,000
Total commercial		5,093,000		4,730,000			2,458,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		471,000		310,000			504,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,804,000		1,548,000			894,000
Total retail		2,275,000		1,858,000			1,398,000

Total with no related allowance recorded	$	7,368,000	$	6,588,000		$	3,856,000

(Continued)

32.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

							First Quarter
	Unpaid						Average
	Contractual		Recorded				Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance		Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	383,000	$	376,000	$	102,000	$	57,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		51,000		51,000		4,000		1,464,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		23,000		23,000		0		14,000
Total commercial		457,000		450,000		106,000		1,535,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		175,000		175,000		6,000		142,000
Total retail		175,000		175,000		6,000		142,000

Total with an allowance recorded	$	632,000	$	625,000	$	112,000	$	1,677,000

Total impaired loans:
Commercial	$	5,550,000	$	5,180,000	$	106,000	$	3,993,000
Retail		2,450,000		2,033,000		6,000		1,540,000
Total impaired loans	$	8,000,000	$	7,213,000	$	112,000	$	5,533,000

Impaired loans for which no allocation of the allowance for loan losses has been made generally reflect situations whereby the loans have been charged-down to estimated collateral value. Interest income recognized on accruing troubled debt restructurings totaled $0.3 million and $0.4 million during the first quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively. No interest income was recognized on nonaccrual loans during either the first quarter of 2016 or 2015.

(Continued)

33.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Credit Quality Indicators. We utilize a comprehensive grading system for our commercial loans. All commercial loans are graded on a ten grade rating system. The rating system utilizes standardized grade paradigms that analyze several critical factors such as cash flow, operating performance, financial condition, collateral, industry condition and management. All commercial loans are graded at inception and reviewed and, if appropriate, re-graded at various intervals thereafter. The risk assessment for retail loans is primarily based on the type of collateral and payment activity.

Credit quality indicators were as follows as of March 31, 2016:

Originated loans

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction		Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Internal credit risk grade groupings:
Grades 1 – 4	$	417,049,000	$	16,694,000	$	231,625,000	$	434,645,000	$	19,947,000
Grades 5 – 7		196,431,000		11,617,000		101,552,000		114,581,000		15,629,000
Grades 8 – 9		90,000		140,000		1,771,000		0		1,006,000
Total commercial	$	613,570,000	$	28,451,000	$	334,948,000	$	549,226,000	$	36,582,000

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages

Total retail	$	68,342,000	$	56,357,000

(Continued)

34.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Acquired loans

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction		Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Internal credit risk grade groupings:
Grades 1 – 4	$	51,717,000	$	2,892,000	$	43,806,000	$	66,096,000	$	42,159,000
Grades 5 – 7		46,749,000		7,811,000		58,971,000		48,792,000		33,071,000
Grades 8 – 9		2,576,000		476,000		3,937,000		1,899,000		721,000
Total commercial	$	101,042,000	$	11,179,000	$	106,714,000	$	116,787,000	$	75,951,000

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages

Total retail	$	67,341,000	$	129,178,000

(Continued)

35.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Credit quality indicators were as follows as of December 31, 2015:

Originated loans

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction		Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Internal credit risk grade groupings:
Grades 1 – 4	$	417,120,000	$	18,118,000	$	230,629,000	$	400,350,000	$	19,121,000
Grades 5 – 7		160,454,000		10,365,000		98,332,000		120,404,000		13,806,000
Grades 8 – 9		298,000		1,655,000		1,837,000		0		1,027,000
Total commercial	$	577,872,000	$	30,138,000	$	330,798,000	$	520,754,000	$	33,954,000

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages

Total retail	$	67,816,000	$	55,255,000

(Continued)

36.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Acquired loans

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction		Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Internal credit risk grade groupings:
Grades 1 – 4	$	67,978,000	$	3,095,000	$	45,807,000	$	71,197,000	$	44,763,000
Grades 5 – 7		47,589,000		11,364,000		63,563,000		50,066,000		35,288,000
Grades 8 – 9		2,864,000		523,000		5,751,000		2,334,000		998,000
Total commercial	$	118,431,000	$	14,982,000	$	115,121,000	$	123,597,000	$	81,049,000

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages

Total retail	$	72,830,000	$	135,130,000

(Continued)

37.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

	All commercial loans are graded using the following criteria:

	Grade 1.	Excellent credit rating that contain very little, if any, risk of loss.

	Grade 2.	Strong sources of repayment and have low repayment risk.

	Grade 3.	Good sources of repayment and have limited repayment risk.

	Grade 4.	Adequate sources of repayment and acceptable repayment risk; however, characteristics are present that render the credit more vulnerable to a negative event.

	Grade 5.	Marginally acceptable sources of repayment and exhibit defined weaknesses and negative characteristics.

	Grade 6.	Well defined weaknesses which may include negative current cash flow, high leverage, or operating losses. Generally, if the credit does not stabilize or if further deterioration is observed in the near term, the loan will likely be downgraded and placed on the Watch List (i.e., list of lending relationships that receive increased scrutiny and review by the Board of Directors and senior management).

	Grade 7.	Defined weaknesses or negative trends that merit close monitoring through Watch List status.

	Grade 8.	Inadequately protected by current sound net worth, paying capacity of the obligor, or pledged collateral, resulting in a distinct possibility of loss requiring close monitoring through Watch List status.

	Grade 9.	Vital weaknesses exist where collection of principal is highly questionable.

	Grade 10.	Considered uncollectable and of such little value that continuance as an asset is not warranted.

	The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from commercial loan customers and employ a disciplined and formalized review of the existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element with respect to each residential real estate loan and consumer loan is the timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a reporting system that monitors past due loans and have adopted policies to pursue creditor’s rights in order to preserve our collateral position.

(Continued)

38.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investments in originated loans as of and during the three months ended March 31, 2016 are as follows:

	Commercial			Retail
	Loans			Loans			Unallocated		Total

Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,672,000		$	1,421,000		$	140,000	$	15,233,000
Provision for loan losses		94,000			503,000			74,000		671,000
Charge-offs		(89,000	)		(386,000	)		0		(475,000	)
Recoveries		247,000			296,000			0		543,000
Ending balance	$	13,924,000		$	1,834,000		$	214,000	$	15,972,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	913,000		$	175,000		$	0	$	1,088,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	13,011,000		$	1,659,000		$	214,000	$	14,884,000


Total loans:
Ending balance	$	1,562,777,000		$	124,699,000				$	1,687,476,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	16,551,000		$	1,178,000				$	17,729,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	1,546,226,000		$	123,521,000				$	1,669,747,000

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for acquired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2016 is as follows:

	Commercial			Retail
	Loans			Loans			Unallocated		Total

Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	420,000		$	28,000		$	0	$	448,000
Provision for loan losses		(110,000	)		39,000			0		(71,000	)
Charge-offs		0			0			0		0
Recoveries		(44,000	)		(43,000	)		0		(87,000	)
Ending balance	$	266,000		$	24,000		$	0	$	290,000

(Continued)

39.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The negative loan recoveries reflected for acquired loans during the first three months of 2016 resulted from reversals of prior-period recoveries associated with certain purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans that were subject to pre-acquisition charge-offs. Post-acquisition payments received on these PCI loans were incorrectly reported as loan loss recoveries in prior periods; during the first quarter of 2016, these recoveries were reversed and properly reported as recovery income if associated with specifically reviewed PCI loans or retained gains if associated with PCI-pooled loans.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investments in originated loans as of and during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:

	Commercial			Retail
	Loans			Loans			Unallocated			Total

Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	17,736,000		$	1,487,000		$	76,000		$	19,299,000
Provision for loan losses		(499,000	)		79,000			(37,000	)		(457,000	)
Charge-offs		(78,000	)		(363,000	)		0			(441,000	)
Recoveries		1,818,000			32,000			0			1,850,000
Ending balance	$	18,977,000		$	1,235,000		$	39,000		$	20,251,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	10,158,000		$	208,000		$	0		$	10,366,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	8,819,000		$	1,027,000		$	39,000		$	9,885,000


Total loans:
Ending balance	$	1,230,841,000		$	97,872,000					$	1,328,713,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	44,257,000		$	1,193,000					$	45,450,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	1,186,584,000		$	96,679,000					$	1,283,263,000

(Continued)

40.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for acquired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

	Commercial			Retail
	Loans			Loans			Unallocated		Total

Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	681,000		$	61,000		$	0	$	742,000
Provision for loan losses		(60,000	)		117,000			0		57,000
Charge-offs		0			(7,000	)		0		(7,000	)
Recoveries		1,000			6,000			0		7,000
Ending balance	$	622,000		$	177,000		$	0	$	799,000

In accordance with acquisition accounting rules, acquired loans were recorded at fair value at the merger date and the prior allowance was eliminated.

(Continued)

41.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:

			Pre-		Post-
			Modification		Modification
			Recorded		Recorded
	Number of		Principal		Principal
	Contracts		Balance		Balance
Originated loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		1	$	20,000	$	20,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0
Total originated commercial		1		20,000		20,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0
Total originated retail		0		0		0

Total originated loans		1	$	20,000	$	20,000

Acquired loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		0	$	0	$	0
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0
Total acquired commercial		0		0		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		1		26,000		26,000
1-4 family mortgages		1		19,000		19,000
Total acquired retail		2		45,000		45,000

Total acquired loans		2	$	45,000	$	45,000

(Continued)

42.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

			Pre-		Post-
			Modification		Modification
			Recorded		Recorded
	Number of		Principal		Principal
	Contracts		Balance		Balance
Originated loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		6	$	568,000	$	593,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0
Total originated commercial		6		568,000		593,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0
Total originated retail		0		0		0

Total originated loans		6	$	568,000	$	593,000

Acquired loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		1	$	79,000	$	79,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		2		50,000		50,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0
Total acquired commercial		3		129,000		129,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0
Total acquired retail		0		0		0

Total acquired loans		3	$	129,000	$	129,000

(Continued)

43.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The following originated loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended March 31, 2016 (amounts as of period end):

			Recorded
	Number of		Principal
	Contracts		Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		0	$	0
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0
Total commercial		0		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0
Total retail		0		0

Total		0	$	0

The following acquired loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended March 31, 2016 (amounts as of period end):

			Recorded
	Number of		Principal
	Contracts		Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		0	$	0
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0
Total commercial		0		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0
Total retail		0		0

Total		0	$	0

(Continued)

44.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

			Recorded
	Number of		Principal
	Contracts		Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		0	$	0
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0
Total commercial		0		0

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0
Total retail		0		0

Total		0	$	0

The following acquired loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous ten months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended March 31, 2015 (amounts as of period end):

			Recorded
	Number of		Principal
	Contracts		Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		0	$	0
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		1		1,339,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0
Total commercial		1		1,339,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0
Total retail		0		0

Total		1	$	1,339,000

(Continued)

45.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity for originated loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2016 is as follows:

	Commercial and Industrial			Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction			Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Commercial Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	2,028,000		$	2,086,000		$	1,400,000		$	10,657,000		$	476,000
Charge-Offs		0			0			0			0			0
Payments		(101,000	)		(24,000	)		(31,000	)		(128,000	)		(7,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0			0			0			0			0
Net Additions/Deletions		19,000			0			0			0			0
Ending Balance	$	1,946,000		$	2,062,000		$	1,369,000		$	10,529,000		$	469,000

	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages
Retail Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	146,000	$	128,000
Charge-Offs		0		0
Payments		0		(2,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0		0
Net Additions/Deletions		0		0
Ending Balance	$	146,000	$	126,000

(Continued)

46.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity for acquired loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2016 is as follows:

	Commercial and Industrial			Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction		Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Commercial Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	1,686,000		$	0	$	1,652,000		$	647,000		$	331,000
Charge-Offs		(48,000	)		0		0			0			0
Payments		0			0		(197,000	)		(10,000	)		(53,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0			0		0			0			0
Net Additions/Deletions		49,000			0		0			0			0
Ending Balance	$	1,687,000		$	0	$	1,455,000		$	637,000		$	278,000

	Retail			Retail
	Home Equity			1-4 Family
	and Other			Mortgages
Retail Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	141,000		$	316,000
Charge-Offs		0			0
Payments		(6,000	)		0
Transfers to ORE		0			0
Net Additions/Deletions		26,000			19,000
Ending Balance	$	161,000		$	335,000

(Continued)

47.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity for originated loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

	Commercial and Industrial			Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction			Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Commercial Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	7,026,000		$	2,680,000		$	17,160,000		$	17,439,000		$	505,000
Charge-Offs		0			0			0			0			0
Payments		(1,155,000	)		(26,000	)		(194,000	)		(1,376,000	)		(7,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0			0			0			0			0
Net Additions/Deletions		685,000			0			0			0			0
Ending Balance	$	6,556,000		$	2,654,000		$	16,966,000		$	16,063,000		$	498,000

	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages
Retail Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	0	$	1,967,000
Charge-Offs		0		(125,000	)
Payments		0		(1,540,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0		0
Net Additions/Deletions		0		0
Ending Balance	$	0	$	302,000

(Continued)

48.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity for acquired loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Vacant Land, Land Development, and Residential Construction		Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Non-Owner Occupied			Commercial Real Estate - Multi-Family and Residential Rental

Commercial Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	1,439,000	$	0	$	1,569,000		$	64,000		$	381,000
Charge-Offs		0		0		0			0			0
Payments		0		0		(179,000	)		(2,000	)		(48,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0		0		0			0			0
Net Additions/Deletions		80,000		0		102,000			0			0
Ending Balance	$	1,519,000	$	0	$	1,492,000		$	62,000		$	333,000

	Retail			Retail
	Home Equity			1-4 Family
	and Other			Mortgages
Retail Loan Portfolio:
Beginning Balance	$	26,000		$	178,000
Charge-Offs		0			0
Payments		(26,000	)		(1,000	)
Transfers to ORE		0			0
Net Additions/Deletions		0			0
Ending Balance	$	0		$	177,000

(Continued)

49.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The allowance related to loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings was as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015

Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	147,000	$	221,000
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		29,000		186,000
Real estate – owner occupied		111,000		115,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		188,000		201,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		220,000		365,000
Total commercial		695,000		1,088,000

Retail:
Home equity and other		18,000		14,000
1-4 family mortgages		0		6,000
Total retail		18,000		20,000

Total related allowance	$	713,000	$	1,108,000

In general, our policy dictates that a renewal or modification of an 8- or 9-rated commercial loan meets the criteria of a troubled debt restructuring, although we review and consider all renewed and modified loans as part of our troubled debt restructuring assessment procedures. Loan relationships rated 8 contain significant financial weaknesses, resulting in a distinct possibility of loss, while relationships rated 9 reflect vital financial weaknesses, resulting in a highly questionable ability on our part to collect principal; we believe borrowers warranting such ratings would have difficulty obtaining financing from other market participants. Thus, due to the lack of comparable market rates for loans with similar risk characteristics, we believe 8- or 9-rated loans renewed or modified were done so at below market rates. Loans that are identified as troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment when assessing these credits in our allowance for loan losses calculation.

(Continued)

50.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

4. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Premises and equipment are comprised of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015

Land and improvements	$	16,438,000	$	16,529,000
Buildings		39,223,000		39,394,000
Furniture and equipment		16,960,000		16,978,000
		72,621,000		72,901,000
Less: accumulated depreciation		26,658,000		26,039,000

Premises and equipment, net	$	45,963,000	$	46,862,000

Depreciation expense totaled $0.7 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared to $0.8 million during the first quarter of 2015.

5. DEPOSITS

Our total deposits at March 31, 2016 totaled $2.27 billion, a decrease of $10.3 million, or 0.5%, from December 31, 2015. The components of our outstanding balances at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and percentage change in deposits from the end of 2015 to the end of the first quarter of 2016, are as follows:

											Percent
	March 31, 2016					December 31, 2015					Increase
	Balance		%			Balance		%			(Decrease)

Noninterest-bearing demand	$	678,100,000		29.9	%	$	674,568,000		29.6	%		0.5	%
Interest-bearing checking		372,519,000		16.4			403,354,000		17.7			(7.6	)
Money market		309,906,000		13.7			274,395,000		12.1			12.9
Savings		339,089,000		15.0			332,794,000		14.6			1.9
Time, under $100,000		152,008,000		6.7			155,655,000		6.9			(2.3	)
Time, $100,000 and over		309,842,000		13.7			313,247,000		13.8			(1.1	)
		2,161,464,000		95.4			2,154,013,000		94.7			0.3

Out-of-area time, under $100,000		149,000	< 0.1				149,000	< 0.1				0.0
Out-of-area time, $100,000 and over		103,509,000		4.6			121,220,000		5.3			(14.6	)
		103,658,000		4.6			121,369,000		5.3			(14.6	)

Total deposits	$	2,265,122,000		100.0	%	$	2,275,382,000		100.0	%		(0.5%	)

(Continued)

51.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

6. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are offered principally to certain large deposit customers. Information relating to our repurchase agreements follows:

	Three Months Ended			Twelve Months Ended
	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015

Outstanding balance at end of period	$	162,312,000		$	154,771,000
Average interest rate at end of period		0.11	%		0.11	%

Average daily balance during the period	$	158,281,000		$	146,826,000
Average interest rate during the period		0.11	%		0.11	%

Maximum daily balance during the period	$	175,088,000		$	168,211,000

Repurchase agreements generally have original maturities of less than one year. Repurchase agreements are treated as financings and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as liabilities. Securities involved with the agreements are recorded as assets of our bank and are held in safekeeping by a correspondent bank. Repurchase agreements are secured by securities with an aggregate market value equal to the aggregate outstanding balance.

7. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF INDIANAPOLIS ADVANCES

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) advances totaled $98.0 million at March 31, 2016, and mature at varying dates from December 2016 through January 2023, with fixed rates of interest from 1.22% to 2.11% and averaging 1.53%. FHLBI advances totaled $68.0 million at December 31, 2015, and were to mature at varying dates ranging from December 2016 through August 2022, with fixed rates of interest from 1.22% to 2.11% and averaging 1.49%.

Each advance is payable at its maturity date and is subject to a prepayment fee if paid prior to the maturity date. The advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of March 31, 2016 totaled about $499 million, with availability based on collateral approximating $401 million.

Maturities of currently outstanding FHLBI advances are as follows:

2016	$	3,000,000
2017		45,000,000
2018		0
2019		10,000,000
2020		10,000,000
Thereafter		30,000,000

(Continued)

52.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

8. COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

Our bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Loan commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by our bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized, if any, in the balance sheet. Our bank’s maximum exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Our bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Collateral, such as accounts receivable, securities, inventory, and property and equipment, is generally obtained based on our credit assessment of the borrower. If required, estimated loss exposure resulting from these instruments is expensed and is generally recorded as a liability. There was no reserve or liability balance for these instruments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

A summary of the contractual amounts of our financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015

Commercial unused lines of credit	$	501,735,000	$	522,658,000
Unused lines of credit secured by 1 – 4 family residential properties		62,364,000		61,905,000
Credit card unused lines of credit		16,874,000		15,612,000
Other consumer unused lines of credit		6,497,000		8,583,000
Commitments to make loans		218,392,000		178,034,000
Standby letters of credit		33,567,000		34,946,000
	$	839,429,000	$	821,738,000

(Continued)

53.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

8. COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Continued)

Certain of our commercial loan customers have entered into interest rate swap agreements directly with our correspondent banks. To assist our commercial loan customers in these transactions, and to encourage our correspondent banks to enter into the interest rate swap transactions with minimal credit underwriting analyses on their part, we have entered into risk participation agreements with the correspondent banks whereby we agree to make payments to the correspondent banks owed by our commercial loan customers under the interest rate swap agreement in the event that our commercial loan customers do not make the payments. We are not a party to the interest rate swap agreements under these arrangements. As of March 31, 2016, the total notional amount of the underlying interest rate swap agreements was $14.5 million, with a net fair value from our commercial loan customers’ perspective of negative $2.5 million. These risk participation agreements are considered financial guarantees in accordance with applicable accounting guidance and are therefore recorded as liabilities at fair value, generally equal to the fees collected at the time of their execution. These liabilities are accreted into income during the term of the interest rate swap agreements, generally ranging from four to fifteen years.

9. HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Our interest rate risk policy includes guidelines for measuring and monitoring interest rate risk. Within these guidelines, parameters have been established for maximum fluctuations in net interest income. Possible fluctuations are measured and monitored using net interest income simulation. Our policy provides for the use of certain derivative instruments and hedging activities to aid in managing interest rate risk to within the policy parameters.

In February 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a correspondent bank to hedge the floating rate on our subordinated debentures, which became effective in January 2013 and matures in January 2018. Our $32.0 million of subordinated debentures have a rate equal to the 90-Day Libor Rate plus a fixed spread of 218 basis points, and are subject to repricing quarterly. The interest rate swap agreement provides for us to pay our correspondent bank a fixed rate, while our correspondent bank will pay us the 90-Day Libor Rate on a $32.0 million notional amount. The quarterly re-set dates for the floating rate on the interest rate swap agreement are the same as the re-set dates for the floating rate on the subordinated debentures. The interest rate swap agreement does qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, monthly fluctuations in the present value of the interest rate swap agreement, net of tax effect, are recorded to other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement was recorded as a liability in the amount of $0.3 million.

Effective January 26, 2016, the notional amount of the interest rate swap agreement was reduced from $32.0 million down to $21.0 million, reflecting the $11.0 million repurchase of the associated trust preferred securities on that date. We reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recorded interest expense of approximately $0.2 million in January 2016 as part of the transaction, reflecting the market value (i.e., present value of expected future cash flows) of the interest rate swap on that date of the $11.0 million portion.

(Continued)

54.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying amounts, estimated fair values and level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments were as follows as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Level in	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Fair Value	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Hierarchy	Values		Values		Values		Values

Financial assets:
Cash	Level 1	$	12,146	$	12,146	$	12,496	$	12,496
Cash equivalents	Level 2		89,035		89,035		77,395		77,395
Securities available for sale	(1)		343,805		343,805		346,992		346,992
FHLBI stock	(2)		7,567		7,567		7,567		7,567
Loans, net	Level 3		2,278,862		2,275,910		2,260,730		2,259,710
Loans held for sale	Level 2		544		544		1,316		1,316
Bank owned life insurance	Level 2		59,248		59,248		58,971		58,971
Accrued interest receivable	Level 2		8,202		8,202		7,836		7,836

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	Level 2		2,265,122		2,205,359		2,275,382		2,208,724
Repurchase agreements	Level 2		162,312		162,312		154,771		154,771
FHLBI advances	Level 2		98,000		99,553		68,000		68,858
Subordinated debentures	Level 2		44,324		44,345		55,154		55,760
Accrued interest payable	Level 2		1,422		1,422		1,479		1,479
Interest rate swap	(1)		274		274		253		253

(1)

See Note 11 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of financial assets and liabilities.

(2)

It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLBI stock due to transferability restrictions.

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable and payable, bank owned life insurance, noninterest checking deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and variable rate loans and deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values are based on market prices or dealer quotes, and if no such information is available, on the rate and term of the security and information about the issuer. For fixed rate loans and deposits and for variable rate loans and deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. Fair value of subordinated debentures and FHLBI advances is based on current rates for similar financing. Fair value of the interest rate swap is determined primarily utilizing market-consensus forecasted yield curves. Fair value of off-balance sheet items is estimated to be nominal.

(Continued)

55.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11. FAIR VALUES

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price of the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

We are required to use valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, we utilize a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect our own conclusions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

(Continued)

56.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11. FAIR VALUES (Continued)

The following is a description of our valuation methodologies used to measure and disclose the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis:

Securities available for sale. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based on quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, municipal general obligation and revenue bonds and mutual funds. Level 3 securities include bonds issued by certain relatively small municipalities located within our markets that have very limited marketability due to their size and lack of ratings from a recognized rating service. We carry these bonds at historical cost, which we believe approximates fair value, unless our periodic financial analysis or other information becomes known which necessitates a valuation allowance. There was no such valuation allowance as of March 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. We have no Level 1 securities available for sale.

Derivatives. The interest rate swap is measured at fair value on a recurring basis. We measure fair value utilizing models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as forecasted yield curves, and accordingly, the interest rate swap agreement is classified as Level 2.

Mortgage loans held for sale. Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors, and are measured on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices, where applicable, or the prices for other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we determined that the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale approximated the recorded cost of $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Loans. We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, we record nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent loans to reflect partial write-downs or specific reserves that are based on the observable market price or current estimated value of the collateral. These loans are reported in the nonrecurring table below at initial recognition of impairment and on an ongoing basis until recovery or charge-off.

Foreclosed Assets. At time of foreclosure or repossession, foreclosed and repossessed assets are adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets, establishing a new cost basis. We subsequently adjust estimated fair value of foreclosed assets on a nonrecurring basis to reflect write-downs based on revised fair value estimates.

(Continued)

57.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11. FAIR VALUES (Continued)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 are as follows:

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other			Significant
				Identical		Observable			Unobservable
				Assets		Inputs			Inputs
	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Available for sale securities
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	142,896,000		$	0	$	142,896,000		$	0
Mortgage-backed securities		62,461,000			0		62,461,000			0
Municipal general obligation bonds		127,594,000			0		119,175,000			8,419,000
Municipal revenue bonds		8,885,000			0		8,885,000			0
Other investments		1,969,000			0		1,969,000			0
Interest rate swap		(274,000	)		0		(274,000	)		0
Total	$	343,531,000		$	0	$	335,112,000		$	8,419,000

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the first three months of 2016.

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other			Significant
				Identical		Observable			Unobservable
				Assets		Inputs			Inputs
	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Available for sale securities
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	147,040,000		$	0	$	147,040,000		$	0
Mortgage-backed securities		67,074,000			0		67,074,000			0
Municipal general obligation bonds		122,023,000			0		113,604,000			8,419,000
Municipal revenue bonds		8,914,000			0		8,914,000			0
Other investments		1,941,000			0		1,941,000			0
Interest rate swap		(253,000	)		0		(253,000	)		0
Total	$	346,739,000		$	0	$	338,320,000		$	8,419,000

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during 2015.

(Continued)

58.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11. FAIR VALUES (Continued)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2016 are as follows:

			Quoted
			Prices in
			Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant
			Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)

Impaired loans ⁽¹⁾	$	8,960,000	$	0	$	0	$	8,960,000
Foreclosed assets ⁽¹⁾		1,478,000		0		0		1,478,000
Total	$	10,438,000	$	0	$	0	$	10,438,000

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

			Quoted
			Prices in
			Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant
			Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)

Impaired loans ⁽¹⁾	$	8,970,000	$	0	$	0	$	8,970,000
Foreclosed assets ⁽¹⁾		1,293,000		0		0		1,293,000
Total	$	10,263,000	$	0	$	0	$	10,263,000

⁽¹⁾Represents carrying value and related write-downs for which adjustments are based on the estimated value of the property or other assets.

12. REGULATORY MATTERS

We are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors, and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on our financial statements.

(Continued)

59.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If an institution is not well capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. Subject to limited exceptions, no institution may make a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, it would be undercapitalized. If an institution is undercapitalized, it is subject to close monitoring by its principal federal regulator, its asset growth and expansion are restricted, and plans for capital restoration are required. In addition, further specific types of restrictions may be imposed on the institution at the discretion of the federal regulator. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our bank was in the well capitalized category under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since March 31, 2016 that we believe have changed our bank’s categorization.

Our actual capital levels (dollars in thousands) and the minimum levels required to be categorized as adequately and well capitalized were:

											Minimum Required
											to be Well
						Minimum Required					Capitalized Under
						for Capital					Prompt Corrective
	Actual					Adequacy Purposes					Action Regulations
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
March 31, 2016
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated	$	340,557		13.1	%	$	207,722		8.0	%	$	NA		NA
Bank		340,668		13.1			207,495		8.0			259,369		10.0	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated		324,296		12.5			155,792		6.0			NA		NA
Bank		324,406		12.5			155,622		6.0			207,495		8.0
Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated		282,044		10.9			116,844		4.5			NA		NA
Bank		324,406		12.5			116,716		4.5			168,590		6.5
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
Consolidated		324,296		11.4			113,529		4.0			NA		NA
Bank		324,406		11.4			113,448		4.0			141,810		5.0

(Continued)

60.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

											Minimum Required
											to be Well
						Minimum Required					Capitalized Under
						for Capital					Prompt Corrective
	Actual					Adequacy Purposes					Action Regulations
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
December 31, 2015
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated	$	345,539		13.5	%	$	205,602		8.0	%	$	NA		NA
Bank		347,433		13.5			205,624		8.0			257,030		10.0	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated		329,858		12.8			154,201		6.0			NA		NA
Bank		331,752		12.9			154,218		6.0			205,624		8.0
Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated		280,171		10.9			115,804		4.5			NA		NA
Bank		331,752		12.9			115,664		4.5			167,070		6.5
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
Consolidated		329,858		11.6			114,138		4.0			NA		NA
Bank		331,752		11.6			114,280		4.0			142,850		5.0

Our consolidated capital levels as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include $42.3 million and $53.1 million, respectively, of trust preferred securities subject to certain limitations. Under applicable Federal Reserve guidelines, the trust preferred securities constitute a restricted core capital element. The guidelines provide that the aggregate amount of restricted core elements that may be included in our Tier 1 capital must not exceed 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, including restricted core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Our ability to include the trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital in accordance with the guidelines is not affected by the provision of the Dodd-Frank Act generally restricting such treatment, because (i) the trust preferred securities were issued before May 19, 2010, and (ii) our total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009 were less than $15.0 billion. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, all $42.3 million and $53.1 million, respectively, of the trust preferred securities were included in our consolidated Tier 1 capital.

Our regulatory capital calculations and the minimum requirements to be categorized as well capitalized and adequately capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations were impacted by BASEL III, which became effective January 1, 2015 and are included in the tables above. The net impact on our regulatory capital ratios and our overall capital position was not material.

(Continued)

61.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

On January 26, 2016, we closed on a repurchase of trust preferred securities that were auctioned as part of a pooled collateralized debt obligation (“Fund”). The Fund owned $11.0 million of the $32.0 million in trust preferred securities that had been issued by Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I, a wholly-owned business trust subsidiary. The $11.0 million in trust preferred securities was retired upon the repurchase, resulting in a commensurate reduction in the related Floating Rate Junior Subordinate Note, leaving $21.0 million outstanding. Our accepted bid equated to 73% of the $11.0 million par value, with the 27% discount resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.0 million (after-tax gain of approximately $1.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share). On a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2015, the repurchase resulted in a nine basis point increase in our tangible equity to tangible assets ratio and an $0.11 increase in our tangible book value per share, but an approximately 35 basis point decline in our regulatory tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital ratios. The repurchase was funded via a cash dividend from our bank, resulting in a similar decline of approximately 35 basis points in the regulatory capital ratios. Subsequent to the repurchase, the regulatory capital ratios of both Mercantile and our bank remained well above the minimum thresholds to be categorized as well capitalized.

Our and our bank’s ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations and to prudent and sound banking practices. On January 14, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.16 per share that was paid on March 23, 2016 to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2016. On April 14, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.16 per share that will be paid on June 23, 2016 to shareholders of record as of June 10, 2016.

On January 30, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a new program to repurchase up to $20.0 million of our common stock from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or by other means in accordance with applicable regulations. During the first three months of 2016, we purchased approximately 148,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $22.07, totaling about $3.3 million. Since the program’s inception, we have purchased approximately 936,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $20.32, totaling about $19.0 million. On April 19, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a $15.0 million expansion of the existing common stock repurchase program. All common stock repurchases to date have been funded from cash dividends paid to us from our bank, and we expect future common stock repurchases to be funded in the same manner.

62.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and our company. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “projects,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Future Factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward looking-statements, whether as a result of new information, future events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), or otherwise.

Future Factors include, among others, changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 or in this report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

Introduction

The following discussion compares the financial condition of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”) and our bank’s two subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this report. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to “us,” “we,” “our” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries referred to above.

Critical Accounting Policies

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are complex and require us to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurements are not possible or practical. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements included in this report. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included on pages F-43 through F-50 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (Commission file number 000-26719). Our allowance for loan losses policy and accounting for income taxes are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements, and actual results may differ from those estimates. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

63.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses identified and inherent in the originated loan portfolio. Our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, guidance from bank regulatory agencies, and assessments of the impact of current and anticipated economic conditions on the loan portfolio. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in our judgment, should be charged-off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan is likely. The balance of the allowance represents our best estimate, but significant downturns in circumstances relating to loan quality or economic conditions could result in a requirement for an increased allowance in the future. Likewise, an upturn in loan quality or improved economic conditions may result in a decline in the required allowance in the future. In either instance, unanticipated changes could have a significant impact on the allowance and operating results.

The allowance is increased through a provision charged to operating expense. Uncollectable loans are charged-off through the allowance. Recoveries of loans previously charged-off are added to the allowance. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that contractual interest and principal payments will not be collected either for the amounts or by the dates as scheduled in the loan agreement. Impairment is evaluated on an individual loan basis. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. The timing of obtaining outside appraisals varies, generally depending on the nature and complexity of the property being evaluated, general breadth of activity within the marketplace and the age of the most recent appraisal. For collateral dependent impaired loans, in most cases we obtain and use the “as is” value as indicated in the appraisal report, adjusting for any expected selling costs. In certain circumstances, we may internally update outside appraisals based on recent information impacting a particular or similar property, or due to identifiable trends (e.g., recent sales of similar properties) within our markets. The expected future cash flows exclude potential cash flows from certain guarantors. To the extent these guarantors provide repayments, a recovery would be recorded upon receipt. Loans are evaluated for impairment when payments are delayed, typically 30 days or more, or when serious deficiencies are identified within the credit relationship. Our policy for recognizing income on impaired loans is to accrue interest unless a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. We put loans into nonaccrual status when the full collection of principal and interest is not expected.

Income Tax Accounting: Current income tax assets and liabilities are established for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. In the preparation of income tax returns, tax positions are taken based on interpretation of federal and state income tax laws for which the outcome may be uncertain. We periodically review and evaluate the status of our tax positions and make adjustments as necessary. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are also established for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. A deferred income tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences that can be carried forward (used) in future years. The valuation of our net deferred income tax asset is considered critical as it requires us to make estimates based on provisions of the enacted tax laws. The assessment of the realizability of the net deferred income tax asset involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretations and judgments concerning accounting pronouncements, federal and state tax codes and the extent of future taxable income. There can be no assurance that future events, such as court decisions, positions of federal and state tax authorities, and the extent of future taxable income will not differ from our current assessment, the impact of which could be significant to the consolidated results of operations and reported earnings.

64.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Accounting guidance requires that we assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against our deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, we consider both positive and negative evidence and analyze changes in near-term market conditions as well as other factors which may impact future operating results. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.

Securities and Other Financial Instruments: Securities available for sale consist of bonds and notes which might be sold prior to maturity due to changes in interest rate, prepayment risks, yield and availability of alternative investments, liquidity needs or other factors. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other than temporary are reflected as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary losses, management considers: (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than carrying value; (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; and (3) the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Fair values for securities available for sale are obtained from outside sources and applied to individual securities within the portfolio. The difference between the amortized cost and the current fair value of securities is recorded as a valuation adjustment and reported in other comprehensive income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated fair value of retained servicing rights on loans sold. Servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. We utilize a discounted cash flow model to determine the value of our servicing rights. The valuation model utilizes mortgage prepayment speeds, the remaining life of the mortgage pool, delinquency rates, our cost to service loans, and other factors to determine the cash flow that we will receive from serving each grouping of loans. These cash flows are then discounted based on current interest rate assumptions to arrive at the fair value of the right to service those loans. Impairment is evaluated quarterly based on the fair value of the servicing rights, using groupings of the underlying loans classified by interest rates. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

Goodwill: Generally accepted accounting principles require us to determine the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of an acquired entity, and record their fair value on the date of acquisition. We employ a variety of means in determination of the fair value, including the use of discounted cash flow analysis, market comparisons, 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 calculation 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 asset or liability. Once valuations have been adjusted, the net difference between the price paid for the acquired company and the value of its balance sheet is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed if conditions in the market place or changes in the company’s organizational structure occur. We use a discounted income approach and a market valuation model, which compares the inherent value of our company to valuations of recent transactions in the market place to determine if our goodwill has been impaired.

65.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Financial Overview

We reported net income of $8.5 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2016, compared to $6.6 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2015. The repurchase of $11.0 million in trust preferred securities at a 27% discount during the first quarter of 2016 increased reported net income by approximately $1.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. Reflecting continuing loan growth, provision expense totaled $0.6 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared to a negative provision expense of $0.4 million recorded during the first quarter of 2015.

The overall quality of our loan portfolio remains strong, with nonperforming loans equaling only 0.21% of total loans as of March 31, 2016. Gross loan charge-offs totaled $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2016, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs also totaled $0.5 million. We continue our collection efforts on charged-off loans, and expect to record recoveries in future periods; however, given the nature of these efforts, it is not practical to forecast the dollar amount and timing of the recoveries.

New commercial term loan originations totaled approximately $105 million during the first quarter of 2016. We also experienced net increases in commercial lines of credit, in large part reflecting lines that are part of new commercial lending relationships established during recent quarterly periods. Net loan growth for the first quarter of 2016 totaled $17.9 million, reflecting the impact of scheduled monthly payments as well as expected and unexpected commercial loan payoffs. The new loan pipeline remains strong, and at March 31, 2016, we had over $77 million in unfunded loan commitments on commercial construction and development projects that are in the construction phase. We believe our loan portfolio is well diversified, with commercial and industrial loans equaling 31%, commercial real estate non-owner occupied loans comprising 29%, commercial real estate owner occupied loans comprising 19% and residential mortgage and consumer loans aggregating 14% of total loans at March 31, 2016. As a percent of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate owner occupied loans combined equaled 59% at March 31, 2016.

Our funding structure is also well diversified. As of March 31, 2016, noninterest-bearing checking accounts comprised 27%, interest-bearing checking and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“sweep accounts”) combined for 21%, savings deposits and money market accounts aggregated to 26% and local time deposits accounted for 18% of total funds. Wholesale funds, comprised of brokered deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) advances, represented the remaining 8% of total funds.

Financial Condition

Our total assets increased $22.5 million during the first three months of 2016, and totaled $2.93 billion as of March 31, 2016. Total loans increased $17.9 million, while securities available for sale declined $3.2 million and cash and cash equivalents increased $11.3 million. Total deposits decreased $10.3 million and subordinated debentures declined $10.8 million, while sweep accounts were up $7.5 million during the first three months of 2016. Since the merger with Firstbank that was consummated on June 1, 2014, we have generally funded net loan growth with cash flows from our securities portfolio and other interest-earning assets; however, we expect our securities portfolio and other interest-earning assets to reach the desired levels during the second quarter of 2016. As a result, future net loan growth will generally be funded from increases in deposits and borrowed funds.

66.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Commercial loans increased $27.8 million during the first three months of 2016, and at March 31, 2016 totaled $1.97 billion, or 86.0% of the loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2015, the commercial loan portfolio comprised 85.5% of total loans. The increase in commercial loans during the first three months of 2016 primarily reflects new commercial term loans to existing and new borrowers. Commercial and industrial loans were up $18.3 million and non-owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans increased $21.7 million, while owner occupied CRE loans decreased $4.3 million, multi-family and residential rental loans declined $2.5 million and vacant land, land development and residential construction loans were down $5.5 million. As a percent of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate owner occupied loans combined equaled 58.6% as of March 31, 2016, compared to 58.7% at December 31, 2015.

We significantly enhanced our commercial loan sales efforts over the past few years. We are very pleased with the approximately $1.3 billion in new commercial term loan fundings since the beginning of 2012, including about $105 million during the first three months of 2016. As of March 31, 2016, availability on existing construction and development loans totaled over $77 million, with most of those funds expected to be drawn over the next twelve months. Our current pipeline reports indicate continued strong commercial loan funding opportunities in future periods, including approximately $218 million in new lending commitments, a majority of which we expect to be accepted and funded over the next 12 to 18 months. Our commercial lenders also report substantial additional opportunities they are currently discussing with existing and potentially new borrowers.

We continue to experience commercial loan principal paydowns and payoffs. While a portion of the principal paydowns and payoffs received have been welcomed, such as on stressed loan relationships, we have also experienced instances where well-performing relationships have been refinanced at other financial institutions or non-bank entities, and other situations where the borrower has sold the underlying asset. In many of those instances where the loans were refinanced elsewhere, we believed the terms and conditions of the new lending arrangements were too aggressive, generally reflecting the very competitive banking environment in our markets. We remain committed to prudent underwriting standards that provide for an appropriate yield and risk relationship, as well as concentration limits we have established within our commercial loan portfolio. In addition, we continue to receive accelerated principal paydowns from certain borrowers who have elevated deposit balances generally resulting from profitable operations and an apparent unwillingness to expand their businesses and/or replace equipment primarily due to economic- and tax-related uncertainties. Usage of existing commercial lines of credit has remained relatively steady.

One-to-four family mortgage loans and other consumer loans declined a combined $9.8 million during the first three months of 2016, and at March 31, 2016, totaled a combined $321 million, or 14.0% of total loans. One-to-four family mortgage loans and other consumer loans, when combined, equated to 14.5% of total loans as of December 31, 2015.

67.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio at March 31, 2016:

	3/31/16		12/31/15		9/30/15		6/30/15		3/31/15
Commercial:
Commercial & Industrial	$	714,612,000	$	696,303,000	$	643,118,000	$	622,073,000	$	587,675,000
Land Development & Construction		39,630,000		45,120,000		47,734,000		47,622,000		56,050,000
Owner Occupied Commercial RE		441,662,000		445,919,000		427,016,000		422,354,000		431,995,000
Non-Owner Occupied Commercial RE		666,013,000		644,351,000		636,227,000		603,724,000		566,152,000
Multi-Family & Residential Rental		112,533,000		115,003,000		123,525,000		124,658,000		117,477,000
Total Commercial		1,974,450,000		1,946,696,000		1,877,620,000		1,820,431,000		1,759,349,000

Retail:
1-4 Family Mortgages		185,535,000		190,385,000		193,003,000		201,907,000		208,425,000
Home Equity & Other Consumer Loans		135,683,000		140,646,000		146,765,000		149,494,000		152,986,000
		321,218,000		331,031,000		339,768,000		351,401,000		361,411,000

Total	$	2,295,668,000	$	2,277,727,000	$	2,217,388,000	$	2,171,832,000	$	2,120,760,000

Our credit policies establish guidelines to manage credit risk and asset quality. These guidelines include loan review and early identification of problem loans to provide effective loan portfolio administration. The credit policies and procedures are meant to minimize the risk and uncertainties inherent in lending. In following these policies and procedures, we must rely on estimates, appraisals and evaluations of loans and the possibility that changes in these could occur quickly because of changing economic conditions. Identified problem loans, which exhibit characteristics (financial or otherwise) that could cause the loans to become nonperforming or require restructuring in the future, are included on an internal watch list. Senior management and the Board of Directors review this list regularly. Market value estimates of collateral on impaired loans, as well as on foreclosed and repossessed assets, are reviewed periodically; however, we have a process in place to monitor whether value estimates at each quarter-end are reflective of current market conditions. Our credit policies establish criteria for obtaining appraisals and determining internal value estimates. We may also adjust outside and internal valuations based on identifiable trends within our markets, such as recent sales of similar properties or assets, listing prices and offers received. In addition, we may discount certain appraised and internal value estimates to address distressed market conditions.

Nonperforming assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and accruing interest and foreclosed properties, totaled $6.3 million (0.2% of total assets) as of March 31, 2016, compared to $6.7 million (0.2% of total assets) as of December 31, 2015. Given the low level of nonperforming loans and accruing loans 30 to 89 days delinquent, combined with the declining level of watch list credits and what we believe are strong credit administration practices, we are pleased with the overall quality of the loan portfolio.

68.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following tables provide a breakdown of nonperforming assets by collateral type:

NONPERFORMING LOANS

	3/31/16		12/31/15		9/30/15		6/30/15		3/31/15
Residential Real Estate:
Land Development	$	30,000	$	23,000	$	25,000	$	27,000	$	54,000
Construction		0		0		0		0		0
Owner Occupied / Rental		2,484,000		2,917,000		2,588,000		2,384,000		2,578,000
		2,514,000		2,940,000		2,613,000		2,411,000		2,632,000

Commercial Real Estate:
Land Development		140,000		155,000		170,000		184,000		197,000
Construction		0		0		0		0		0
Owner Occupied		1,970,000		2,131,000		2,602,000		2,587,000		17,495,000
Non-Owner Occupied		51,000		108,000		2,539,000		2,677,000		360,000
		2,161,000		2,394,000		5,311,000		5,448,000		18,052,000

Non-Real Estate:
Commercial Assets		137,000		69,000		271,000		212,000		5,565,000
Consumer Assets		30,000		41,000		19,000		32,000		18,000
		167,000		110,000		290,000		244,000		5,583,000

Total	$	4,842,000	$	5,444,000	$	8,214,000	$	8,103,000	$	26,267,000

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & REPOSSESSED ASSETS

	3/31/16		12/31/15		9/30/15		6/30/15		3/31/15
Residential Real Estate:
Land Development	$	0	$	0	$	353,000	$	353,000	$	329,000
Construction		0		0		0		0		0
Owner Occupied / Rental		471,000		598,000		1,126,000		932,000		646,000
		471,000		598,000		1,479,000		1,285,000		975,000

Commercial Real Estate:
Land Development		0		0		0		0		0
Construction		0		0		0		0		0
Owner Occupied		907,000		612,000		139,000		139,000		139,000
Non-Owner Occupied		100,000		83,000		654,000		609,000		550,000
		1,007,000		695,000		793,000		748,000		689,000

Non-Real Estate:
Commercial Assets		0		0		0		0		0
Consumer Assets		0		0		0		0		0
		0		0		0		0		0

Total	$	1,478,000	$	1,293,000	$	2,272,000	$	2,033,000	$	1,664,000

69.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following tables provide a reconciliation of nonperforming assets:

NONPERFORMING LOANS RECONCILIATION

	1st Qtr			4th Qtr			3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr
	2016			2015			2015			2015			2015

Beginning balance	$	5,444,000		$	8,214,000		$	8,103,000		$	26,267,000		$	29,432,000
Additions, net of transfers to ORE		528,000			902,000			743,000			2,486,000			414,000
Returns to performing status		0			(43,000	)		0			0			(5,000	)
Principal payments		(774,000	)		(3,457,000	)		(567,000	)		(16,414,000	)		(3,203,000	)
Loan charge-offs		(356,000	)		(172,000	)		(65,000	)		(4,236,000	)		(371,000	)

Total	$	4,842,000		$	5,444,000		$	8,214,000		$	8,103,000		$	26,267,000

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & REPOSSESSED ASSETS RECONCILIATION

	1st Qtr			4th Qtr			3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr
	2016			2015			2015			2015			2015

Beginning balance	$	1,293,000		$	2,272,000		$	2,033,000		$	1,664,000		$	1,995,000
Additions		595,000			676,000			581,000			652,000			277,000
Sale proceeds		(402,000	)		(1,300,000	)		(319,000	)		(220,000	)		(538,000	)
Valuation write-downs		(8,000	)		(355,000	)		(23,000	)		(63,000	)		(70,000	)

Total	$	1,478,000		$	1,293,000		$	2,272,000		$	2,033,000		$	1,664,000

During the first quarter of 2016, loan charge-offs totaled $0.5 million while recoveries of prior period charge-offs also aggregated to $0.5 million. We continue our collection efforts on charged-off loans, and expect to record recoveries in future periods; however, given the nature of these efforts, it is not practical to forecast the dollar amount and timing of the recoveries.

In each accounting period, we adjust the allowance to the amount we believe is necessary to maintain the allowance at an adequate level. Through the loan review and credit departments, we establish portions of the allowance based on specifically identifiable problem loans. The evaluation of the allowance is further based on, but not limited to, consideration of the internally prepared Allowance Analysis, loan loss migration analysis, composition of the loan portfolio, third party analysis of the loan administration processes and portfolio, and general economic conditions.

70.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The Allowance Analysis applies reserve allocation factors to non-impaired outstanding loan balances, the result of which is combined with specific reserves to calculate an overall allowance dollar amount. For non-impaired commercial loans, reserve allocation factors are based on the loan ratings as determined by our standardized grade paradigms and by loan purpose. Our commercial loan portfolio is segregated into five classes: 1) commercial and industrial loans; 2) vacant land, land development and residential construction loans; 3) owner occupied real estate loans; 4) non-owner occupied real estate loans; and 5) multi-family and residential rental property loans. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the historical trends of net loan charge-offs through a migration analysis whereby net loan losses are tracked via assigned grades over various time periods, with adjustments made for environmental factors reflecting the current status of, or recent changes in, items such as: lending policies and procedures; economic conditions; nature and volume of the loan portfolio; experience, ability and depth of management and lending staff; volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and adversely classified loans; effectiveness of the loan review program; value of underlying collateral; loan concentrations; and other external factors such as competition and regulatory environment. Adjustments for specific lending relationships, particularly impaired loans, are made on a case-by-case basis. Non-impaired retail loan reserve allocations are determined in a similar fashion as those for non-impaired commercial loans, except that retail loans are segmented by type of credit and not a grading system. We regularly review the Allowance Analysis and make needed adjustments based upon identifiable trends and experience.

A migration analysis is completed quarterly to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans. Our migration analysis takes into account various time periods, with most weight placed on the time frame from December 31, 2010 through March 31, 2016. We believe this time period represents an appropriate range of economic conditions, and that it provides for an appropriate basis in determining reserve allocation factors given current economic conditions and the general consensus of economic conditions in the near future.

Although the migration analysis provides a historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our commercial loans as of any quarter-end date. Therefore, we incorporate the environmental factors as adjustments to the historical data. Environmental factors include both internal and external items. We believe the most significant internal environmental factor is our credit culture and the relative aggressiveness in assigning and revising commercial loan risk ratings, with the most significant external environmental factor being the assessment of the current economic environment and the resulting implications on our commercial loan portfolio.

The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from commercial loan customers, and we have a disciplined and formalized review of the existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element with respect to each residential real estate loan and consumer loan is the timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a reporting system that monitors past due loans and have adopted policies to pursue creditor’s rights in order to preserve our collateral position.

The allowance for originated loans equaled $16.0 million as of March 31, 2016, or 0.9% of total originated loans outstanding, compared to $15.2 million, or 0.9% of total originated loans outstanding at December 31, 2015. We also had an allowance for acquired loans as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, equaling $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The allowance equaled 336% of nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2016, compared to 288% as of December 31, 2015. The increase in this ratio during the first quarter reflects a combined increase in the balance of the allowance and a decline in total nonperforming loans.

71.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

As of March 31, 2016, the allowance for originated loans was comprised of $14.9 million in general reserves relating to non-impaired loans, $0.4 million in specific reserve allocations relating to nonaccrual loans, and $0.7 million in specific reserves on other loans, primarily accruing loans designated as troubled debt restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings totaled $21.2 million at March 31, 2016, consisting of $2.1 million that are on nonaccrual status and $19.1 million that are on accrual status. The latter, while considered and accounted for as impaired loans in accordance with accounting guidelines, is not included in our nonperforming loan totals. Impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $1.1 million as of March 31, 2016 had been subject to previous partial charge-offs aggregating $4.9 million. Those partial charge-offs were recorded as follows: less than $0.1 million during 2016, $4.3 million in 2015, less than $0.1 million in 2013 and 2012, $0.4 million in 2011 and $0.2 million in 2010. As of March 31, 2016, there were no specific reserves allocated to impaired loans that had been subject to a previous partial charge-off.

The following table provides a breakdown of our originated and acquired loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings:

	3/31/16		12/31/15		9/30/15		6/30/15		3/31/15

Performing	$	19,088,000	$	19,336,000	$	18,743,000	$	20,031,000	$	23,350,000
Nonperforming		2,112,000		2,358,000		2,786,000		3,245,000		23,272,000

Total	$	21,200,000	$	21,694,000	$	21,529,000	$	23,276,000	$	46,622,000

Although we believe the allowance is adequate to absorb loan losses in our originated loan portfolio as they arise, there can be no assurance that we will not sustain loan losses in any given period that could be substantial in relation to, or greater than, the size of the allowance.

Securities available for sale decreased $3.2 million during the first three months of 2016, totaling $344 million as of March 31, 2016. Purchases during the first three months of 2016, consisting almost exclusively of U.S. Government agency bonds ($11.2 million) and municipal bonds ($6.7 million), totaled $17.9 million. Proceeds from matured and called U.S. Government agency bonds and municipal bonds during the first three months of 2016 totaled $16.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, with another $4.7 million from principal paydowns on mortgage-backed securities. In addition, proceeds from the sale of a municipal bond totaled $0.3 million. At March 31, 2016, the portfolio was primarily comprised of U.S. Government agency bonds (42%), municipal bonds (40%) and U.S. Government agency issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (18%). All of our securities are currently designated as available for sale, and are therefore stated at fair value. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at March 31, 2016 totaled $344 million, including a net unrealized gain of $4.1 million. We maintain the securities portfolio at levels to provide adequate pledging and secondary liquidity for our daily operations. In addition, the securities portfolio serves a primary interest rate risk management function. We expect purchases during the remainder of 2016 to generally consist of U.S. Government agency bonds and municipal bonds, with the securities portfolio maintained at about 11% of total assets.

FHLB of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) stock totaled $7.6 million as of March 31, 2016, unchanged from the balance at December 31, 2015. Our investment in FHLBI stock is necessary to engage in their advance and other financing programs. We have regularly received quarterly cash dividends, and we expect a cash dividend will continue to be paid in future quarterly periods.

72.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Market values on our U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and municipal bonds are generally determined on a monthly basis with the assistance of a third party vendor. Evaluated pricing models that vary by type of security and incorporate available market data are utilized. Standard inputs include issuer and type of security, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads. The market value of certain non-rated securities issued by relatively small municipalities generally located within our markets is estimated at carrying value. We believe our valuation methodology provides for a reasonable estimation of market value, and that it is consistent with the requirements of accounting guidelines.

Interest-earning balances, primarily consisting of excess funds deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, are used to manage daily liquidity needs and interest rate sensitivity. During the first three months of 2016, the average balance of these funds equaled $42.0 million, or 1.6% of average earning assets. We expect the level of these funds to average approximately 1% to 2% of average earning assets in future quarters.

Net premises and equipment equaled $46.0 million at March 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.9 million during the first three months of 2016. Purchases totaled $0.2 million, while depreciation expense totaled $0.7 million and $0.4 million was moved to foreclosed and repossessed assets in association with the closure of three branch offices. Foreclosed and repossessed assets equaled $1.5 million as of March 31, 2016, compared to $1.3 million as of December 31, 2015. Sale proceeds during the first quarter of 2016 totaled $0.4 million, while transfers in from the loan portfolio and net premises and equipment totaled $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Valuation write-downs totaled less than $0.1 million. While we expect further transfers from loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets in future periods reflecting our collection efforts on some impaired lending relationships, we believe the overall strong quality of our loan portfolio will limit any overall increase in, and average balance of, this particular nonperforming asset category.

Total deposits decreased $10.3 million during the first three months of 2016, totaling $2.27 billion at March 31, 2016. Out-of-area deposits decreased $17.7 million during the first three months of 2016, and as a percent of total deposits, equaled 4.6% as of March 31, 2016, compared to 5.3% as of December 31, 2015.

Noninterest-bearing checking accounts increased $3.5 million during the first three months of 2016, generally due to deposit account openings as part of recently established commercial lending relationships. Interest-bearing checking accounts decreased $30.8 million, money market deposit accounts grew $35.5 million and savings deposits increased $6.3 million during the first three months of 2016. Local time deposits declined $7.1 million, a majority of which were transferred to non-time deposits at maturity. This is a continuation of a trend over the past several years due to the very low interest rate environment, and we expect this trend to continue at least until short term interest rates start to increase in a meaningful way.

Sweep accounts increased $7.5 million during the first three months of 2016, totaling $162 million as of March 31, 2016. Our sweep account program entails transferring collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts and savings deposits into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such sweep accounts are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance, and are accounted for as secured borrowings.

73.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

FHLBI advances increased $30.0 million during the first three months of 2016, reflecting new advances obtained to fund brokered deposit maturities and net loan growth. As of March 31, 2016, FHLBI advances totaled $98.0 million. The FHLBI advances are generally collateralized by a blanket lien on our residential mortgage loan portfolio. Our borrowing line of credit as of March 31, 2016 totaled about $499 million, with availability approximating $401 million.

Liquidity

Liquidity is measured by our ability to raise funds through deposits, borrowed funds, and capital, or cash flow from the repayment of loans and securities. These funds are used to fund loans, meet deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements and operate our company. Liquidity is primarily achieved through local and out-of-area deposits and liquid assets such as securities available for sale, matured and called securities, federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits. Asset and liability management is the process of managing our balance sheet to achieve a mix of earning assets and liabilities that maximizes profitability, while providing adequate liquidity.

To assist in providing needed funds, we have regularly obtained monies from wholesale funding sources. Wholesale funds, primarily comprised of deposits from customers outside of our market areas and advances from the FHLBI, totaled $202 million, or 8.0% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of March 31, 2016, compared to $189 million, or 7.6% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of December 31, 2015.

Outstanding balance at March 31, 2016	$	162,312,000
Weighted average interest rate at March 31, 2016		0.11	%
Maximum daily balance three months ended March 31, 2016	$	175,088,000
Average daily balance for three months ended March 31, 2016	$	158,281,000
Weighted average interest rate for three months ended March 31, 2016		0.11	%

As a member of FHLBI, we have access to FHLBI advance borrowing programs. FHLBI advances increased $30.0 million during the first three months of 2016. As of March 31, 2016, FHLBI advances totaled $98.0 million. Based on available collateral at March 31, 2016, we could borrow an additional $401 million.

We also have the ability to borrow up to $30.0 million on a daily basis through a correspondent bank using an established unsecured federal funds purchased line of credit. We did not access this line of credit during the first three months of 2016; in fact, we have not accessed any federal funds purchased lines of credit since January of 2010. In contrast, our interest-earning deposit balance with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago averaged $40.6 million during the first three months of 2016. We also have a line of credit through the Discount Window of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Using certain municipal bonds as collateral, we could have borrowed up to $16.8 million as of March 31, 2016. We did not utilize this line of credit during the first three months of 2016 or at any time during the previous seven fiscal years, and do not plan to access this line of credit in future periods.

74.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table reflects, as of March 31, 2016, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date, excluding accrued interest:

	One Year		One to		Three to		Over
	or Less		Three Years		Five Years		Five Years		Total

Deposits without a stated maturity	$	1,699,614,000	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	1,699,614,000
Certificates of deposit		325,084,000		184,488,000		55,936,000		0		565,508,000
Short-term borrowings		162,312,000		0		0		0		162,312,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		13,000,000		45,000,000		20,000,000		20,000,000		98,000,000
Subordinated debentures		0		0		0		44,324,000		44,324,000
Other borrowed money		0		0		0		3,512,000		3,512,000
Property leases		408,000		763,000		264,000		11,000		1,446,000

In addition to normal loan funding and deposit flow, we must maintain liquidity to meet the demands of certain unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit. As of March 31, 2016, we had a total of $806 million in unfunded loan commitments and $33.6 million in unfunded standby letters of credit. Of the total unfunded loan commitments, $588 million were commitments available as lines of credit to be drawn at any time as customers’ cash needs vary, and $218 million were for loan commitments generally expected to close and become funded within the next twelve months. We regularly monitor fluctuations in loan balances and commitment levels, and include such data in our overall liquidity management.

We monitor our liquidity position and funding strategies on an ongoing basis, but recognize that unexpected events, changes in economic or market conditions, a reduction in earnings performance, declining capital levels or situations beyond our control could cause liquidity challenges. While we believe it is unlikely that a funding crisis of any significant degree is likely to materialize, we have developed a comprehensive contingency funding plan that provides a framework for meeting liquidity disruptions.

Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity was $339 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $334 million at December 31, 2015. The $4.7 million increase during the first three months of 2016 primarily reflects the positive impact of net income totaling $8.5 million and the negative impacts of cash dividends on common shares totaling $2.6 million and our share repurchase program aggregating $3.3 million. Also positively impacting shareholders’ equity during the first three months of 2016 was an increase in the net unrealized gain on securities available for sale of $1.2 million.

On January 30, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a new program to repurchase up to $20.0 million of our common stock from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or by other means in accordance with applicable regulations. During the first three months of 2016, we purchased approximately 148,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $22.07, totaling $3.3 million. Since the program’s inception, we have purchased approximately 936,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $20.32, totaling $19.0 million. On April 19, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a $15.0 million expansion of the existing common stock repurchase program. All common stock repurchases to date have been funded from cash dividends paid to us from our bank, and we expect future common stock repurchases to be funded in the same manner.

75.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

We and our bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved final rules, commonly referred to as “BASEL III,” implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks. Under the final rules, which became effective January 1, 2015, minimum requirements have increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by us and our bank. The final rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0%, require a minimum ratio of Total Capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0% and require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. A new capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer will be phased-in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increase each subsequent year by an additional 0.625% until reaching its final level of 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the final rules. The final rules also revise the definition and calculation of Tier 1 capital, Total Capital and risk-weighted assets.

As of March 31, 2016, our bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 13.1%, compared to 13.5% at December 31, 2015. Our bank’s total regulatory capital decreased $6.8 million during the first three months of 2016, reflecting the net impact of net income totaling $7.3 million and cash dividends paid to us aggregating $13.0 million. Our bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was also impacted by a $23.4 million increase in total risk-weighted assets, primarily resulting from net loan growth. As of March 31, 2016, our bank’s total regulatory capital equaled $341 million, or approximately $81 million in excess of the 10.0% minimum which is among the requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized.” Our and our bank’s capital ratios as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are disclosed in Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

We recorded net income of $8.5 million, or $0.52 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2016, compared to net income of $6.6 million, or $0.39 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2015. The repurchase of $11.0 million in trust preferred securities at a 27% discount during the first quarter of 2016 increased net income by approximately $1.8 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share.

The improved earnings performance in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the prior-year first quarter primarily resulted from increased noninterest income and net interest income, which more than offset increased provision expense and overhead costs. The increased noninterest income mainly resulted from the recording of a pre-tax gain associated with the trust preferred securities repurchase transaction, and the increased net interest income primarily resulted from an improved net interest margin, a higher level of average earning assets, and the first quarter of 2016 having one more calendar day than the previous year’s first quarter. The higher provision expense primarily reflects ongoing loan growth, and the increased overhead costs mainly resulted from a larger bonus accrual.

76.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Interest income during the first quarter of 2016 was $28.9 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 4.7%, from the $27.6 million earned during the first quarter of 2015. The increase in interest income resulted from a higher yield on average earning assets, the first quarter of 2016 having one more calendar day than the first quarter of 2015, and an increase in average earning assets. The yield on average earning assets was 4.37% during the first quarter of 2016, compared to 4.25% during the first quarter of 2015. The increased yield on average earning assets primarily resulted from a change in earning asset mix and an increased yield on securities, which more than offset a decreased yield on loans. Capitalizing on an opportunity stemming from the 2014 merger with Firstbank, the earning asset mix was reallocated by reinvesting cash flows from monthly paydowns on lower-yielding mortgage-backed securities and matured and called U.S. Government agency and municipal bonds into the higher-yielding loan portfolio. Average loans represented approximately 85% of average earning assets during the first quarter of 2016, up from about 80% during the prior-year first quarter. The yield on securities was 2.52% during the first quarter of 2016, up from 2.17% during the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to an increased level of discount accretion related to called U.S. Government agency bonds. Unaccreted discount totaling $0.3 million associated with called U.S. Government agency bonds was recorded as interest income during the first quarter of 2016, compared to only about $8,000 during the first quarter of 2015. The yield on loans, which equaled 4.72% and 4.84%, respectively, during the first quarter of 2016 and the prior-year first quarter, generally declined over the past seven quarters, consistent with the industry and primarily due to the ongoing low interest rate environment and competitive pressures; however, the negative impact of the lower loan yield on the yield on average earning assets was largely offset by the aforementioned reallocation of earning assets. The reallocation strategy is expected to conclude during the second quarter of 2016 as the level of securities reaches the internal policy guideline. The impact of this strategy ending will be tempered somewhat by the Federal Open Market Committee’s (“FOMC”) raising of the targeted federal funds rate by 25 basis points in December of 2015 and loan pricing discipline. The loan yield in the first quarter of 2016 was essentially unchanged in comparison to the linked quarter in light of elevated accretion income on purchased loans, higher commercial loan fees, and increased rates on certain variable-rate loans stemming from the FOMC’s rate increase. Accretion of acquired loans amounted to $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared to $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2015.

Interest expense during the first quarter of 2016 was $3.0 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 9.7%, from the $2.7 million expensed during the first quarter of 2015. The increase in interest expense in the 2016 period compared to the respective 2015 period is primarily attributable to an increase in the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, which more than offset the positive impact of a decrease in the volume of average interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 0.56% in the first quarter of 2015 to 0.64% in the current-year first quarter primarily reflects higher costs of certificates of deposit, subordinated debentures, and FHLBI advances, which more than offset decreases in the costs of certain non-certificate of deposit account categories. The higher cost of certificates of deposit was expected in light of purchase accounting amortization entries related to certificates of deposit, which were associated with fair value measurements recorded on the merger date, ending in July of 2015. A $0.6 million reduction in interest expense on certificates of deposit related to purchase accounting entries was recorded during the first quarter of 2015; no reduction in interest expense was recorded during the first quarter of 2016. The higher cost of subordinated debentures primarily resulted from $0.2 million in interest expense being recorded in relation to the $11.0 million trust preferred securities repurchase transaction and corresponding reduction in the notional amount of interest rate swap agreement. The interest expense recorded primarily reflects the market value of the $11.0 million portion of the interest rate swap on the effective date of the repurchase transaction. The higher cost of FHLBI advances mainly resulted from obtaining several longer-term advances during the third quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 to fund brokered deposit maturities and net loan growth; the rates on these advances were higher than the average rate on the existing advance portfolio on the respective settlement dates.

77.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The cost of non-certificate of deposit accounts decreased from 0.19% during the first quarter of 2015 to 0.09% during the first quarter of 2016 in light of rates being lowered on certain non-certificate of deposit account categories during the latter part of 2015. Average interest-bearing liabilities were $1.89 billion during the first quarter of 2016, down $86.2 million, or 4.4%, from the $1.98 billion average during the first quarter of 2015.

Net interest income during the first quarter of 2016 was $25.9 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4.2%, from the $24.9 million earned during the first quarter of 2015. The increase in net interest income was due to a higher net interest margin, the first quarter of 2016 having one more calendar day than the first quarter of 2015, and an increase in average earning assets. The net interest margin increased from 3.83% in the first quarter of 2015 to 3.92% in the current-year first quarter due to an increased yield on average earning assets. The increase in the yield on average earning assets from 4.25% during the first quarter of 2015 to 4.37% during the first quarter of 2016 mainly resulted from a change in earning asset mix and an increased yield on securities, which more than offset a decreased yield on loans. The cost of funds was 0.45% in the first quarter of 2016, compared to 0.42% in the prior-year first quarter; the higher cost of funds primarily resulted from the previously discussed increased costs of certificates of deposit, subordinated debentures, and FHLBI advances. The net interest margin remained relatively stable over the past seven quarters, ranging from 3.79% to 3.95%. The yield on loans generally declined over the past seven quarters, consistent with the industry and primarily due to the ongoing low interest rate environment and competitive pressures. The negative impact of the lower loan yield has been largely offset by assets shifting out of the low-yielding securities portfolio and into the higher-yielding loan portfolio. As noted previously, the reallocation of earning assets is expected to end in the second quarter of 2016, and the resulting impact will be somewhat tempered by the FOMC’s December 2015 rate hike and a continuing focus on loan pricing discipline.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our consolidated average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the period presented. Tax-exempt securities interest income and yield have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 35%. Securities interest income was increased by $184,000 and $165,000 in the first quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, for this adjustment.

78.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

	Quarters ended March 31,
	2 0 1 6								2 0 1 5
	Average					Average			Average					Average
	Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate
	(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Loans	$	2,273,960		$	26,779		4.72	%	$	2,119,464		$	25,311		4.84	%
Investment securities		354,499			2,237		2.52			440,380			2,388		2.17
Other interest-earning assets		42,008			57		0.54			87,620			55		0.25
Total interest - earning assets		2,670,467			29,073		4.37			2,647,464			27,754		4.25

Allowance for loan losses		(15,938	)							(20,481	)
Other assets		237,700								247,933

Total assets	$	2,892,229							$	2,874,916


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits	$	1,588,930		$	1,866		0.47	%	$	1,723,684		$	1,899		0.45	%
Short-term borrowings		158,281			44		0.11			143,524			38		0.11
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		90,857			350		1.53			49,750			152		1.22
Other borrowings		50,818			747		5.82			58,145			651		4.48
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,888,886			3,007		0.64			1,975,103			2,740		0.56

Noninterest-bearing deposits		652,338								557,603
Other liabilities		14,135								11,530
Shareholders’ equity		336,870								330,680

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,892,229							$	2,874,916

Net interest income				$	26,066							$	25,014

Net interest rate spread							3.73	%							3.69	%
Net interest spread on average assets							3.61	%							3.53	%
Net interest margin on earning assets							3.92	%							3.83	%

A loan loss provision expense of $0.6 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2016, compared to a negative provision expense of $0.4 million during the first quarter of 2015. The provision expense recorded during the first quarter of 2016 primarily reflects ongoing loan growth, while the negative provision recorded during the prior-year first quarter resulted from multiple factors, including recoveries of previously charged-off loans, reversals of specific reserves, a reduced level of loan-rating downgrades and ongoing loan-rating upgrades.

Net loan charge-offs of less than $0.1 million were recorded during the first quarter of 2016, compared to net loan recoveries of $1.4 million during the prior-year first quarter. The allowance for originated loans, as a percentage of total originated loans, was 0.9% as of March 31, 2016, compared to 1.6% as of March 31, 2015. Our allowance for acquired loans totaled $0.3 million as of March 31, 2016.

79.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Noninterest income during the first quarter of 2016 was $7.1 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 91.8%, from the $3.7 million earned during the prior-year first quarter. The increase in noninterest income primarily resulted from a $2.9 million pre-tax gain being recorded in association with the trust preferred securities repurchase transaction, which more than offset decreased credit and debit card income and mortgage banking income. A higher level of service charges on accounts, in large part reflecting an ongoing project to ensure all depositors are in a product that best meets their needs and is priced appropriately, also contributed to the increased noninterest income. During the first quarter of 2015, additional interchange income on credit and debit cards in the amount of $0.2 million was recorded, reflecting a one-time change in the timing of receipt of such income. Mortgage banking income was $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $0.7 million in the prior-year first quarter; the level of mortgage banking income in the first quarter of each year is typically lower than in the other quarters in light of seasonal factors. Mortgage banking income during the latter half of 2015 was positively impacted by increased purchase activity in our market areas and the ongoing low interest rate environment.

Noninterest expense during the first quarter of 2016 was $19.9 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 3.3%, from the $19.3 million expensed during the first quarter of 2015. The increase in noninterest expense primarily resulted from higher salary and benefit expenses; these expenses totaled $11.0 million during the first quarter of 2016, an increase of $0.9 million, or 9.0%, from the $10.1 million expensed during the prior-year first quarter. The increase in salary and benefit expenses primarily resulted from a $0.6 million bonus accrual being recorded during the first three months of 2016; no bonus accrual was recorded during the first quarter of 2015.

During the first quarter of 2016, we recorded income before federal income tax of $12.5 million and a federal income tax expense of $4.0 million. During the first quarter of 2015, we recorded income before federal income tax of $9.7 million and a federal income tax expense of $3.1 million. The increase in federal income tax expense resulted from the higher level of income before federal income tax. Our effective tax rate was 31.6% during the first three months of 2016, compared to 31.5% during the respective 2015 period.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk and, to a lesser extent, liquidity risk. All of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no specific foreign exchange exposure. We have only limited agricultural-related loan assets and therefore have no significant exposure to changes in commodity prices. Any impact that changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices would have on interest rates is assumed to be insignificant. Interest rate risk is the exposure of our financial condition to adverse movements in interest rates. We derive our income primarily from the excess of interest collected on our interest-earning assets over the interest paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. The rates of interest we earn on our assets and owe on our liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Since market interest rates change over time, we are exposed to lower profitability if we cannot adapt to interest rate changes. Accepting interest rate risk can be an important source of profitability and shareholder value; however, excessive levels of interest rate risk could pose a significant threat to our earnings and capital base. Accordingly, effective risk management that maintains interest rate risk at prudent levels is essential to our safety and soundness.

80.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Evaluating the exposure to changes in interest rates includes assessing both the adequacy of the process used to control interest rate risk and the quantitative level of exposure. Our interest rate risk management process seeks to ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, management information systems and internal control procedures are in place to maintain interest rate risk at prudent levels with consistency and continuity. In evaluating the quantitative level of interest rate risk, we assess the existing and potential future effects of changes in interest rates on our financial condition, including capital adequacy, earnings, liquidity and asset quality.

We use two interest rate risk measurement techniques. The first, which is commonly referred to as GAP analysis, measures the difference between the dollar amounts of interest sensitive assets and liabilities that will be refinanced or repriced during a given time period. A significant repricing gap could result in a negative impact to our net interest margin during periods of changing market interest rates.

81.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table depicts our GAP position as of March 31, 2016:

	Within			Three to			One to			After
	Three			Twelve			Five			Five
	Months			Months			Years			Years			Total
Assets:
Commercial loans (1)	$	724,093,000		$	211,108,000		$	749,885,000		$	253,976,000		$	1,939,062,000
Residential real estate loans		32,872,000			15,051,000			142,353,000			117,324,000			307,600,000
Consumer loans		2,023,000			1,378,000			35,515,000			10,090,000			49,006,000
Securities (2)		24,730,000			27,347,000			165,764,000			133,531,000			351,372,000
Other interest-earning assets		60,814,000			250,000			1,750,000			0			62,814,000
Allowance for loan losses		0			0			0			0			(16,262,000	)
Other assets		0			0			0			0			232,464,000
Total assets		844,532,000			255,134,000			1,095,267,000			514,921,000		$	2,926,056,000

Liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking		372,519,000			0			0			0			372,519,000
Savings deposits		339,089,000			0			0			0			339,089,000
Money market accounts		309,906,000			0			0			0			309,906,000
Time deposits under $100,000		23,490,000			64,671,000			63,996,000			0			152,157,000
Time deposits $100,000 & over		57,962,000			178,960,000			176,429,000			0			413,351,000
Short-term borrowings		162,312,000			0			0			0			162,312,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		0			13,000,000			65,000,000			20,000,000			98,000,000
Other borrowed money		47,836,000			0			0			0			47,836,000
Noninterest-bearing checking		0			0			0			0			678,100,000
Other liabilities		0			0			0			0			14,233,000
Total liabilities		1,313,114,000			256,631,000			305,425,000			20,000,000			2,587,503,000
Shareholders' equity		0			0			0			0			338,553,000
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity		1,313,114,000			256,631,000			305,425,000			20,000,000		$	2,926,056,000

Net asset (liability) GAP	$	(468,582,000	)	$	(1,497,000	)	$	789,842,000		$	494,921,000

Cumulative GAP	$	(468,582,000	)	$	(470,079,000	)	$	319,763,000		$	814,684,000

Percent of cumulative GAP to total assets		(16.0%	)		(16.1%	)		10.9	%		27.8	%

⁽¹⁾	Floating rate loans that are currently at interest rate floors are treated as fixed rate loans and are reflected using maturity date and not repricing frequency.

⁽²⁾	Mortgage-backed securities are categorized by average life calculations based upon prepayment trends as of March 31, 2016.

The second interest rate risk measurement we use is commonly referred to as net interest income simulation analysis. We believe that this methodology provides a more accurate measurement of interest rate risk than the GAP analysis, and therefore, it serves as our primary interest rate risk measurement technique. The simulation model assesses the direction and magnitude of variations in net interest income resulting from potential changes in market interest rates.

82.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Key assumptions in the model include prepayment speeds on various loan and investment assets; cash flows and maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities; and changes in market conditions impacting loan and deposit volume and pricing. These assumptions are inherently uncertain, subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment; therefore, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or exactly predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and our strategies, among other factors.

We conducted multiple simulations as of March 31, 2016, in which it was assumed that changes in market interest rates occurred ranging from up 400 basis points to down 400 basis points in equal quarterly instalments over the next twelve months. The following table reflects the suggested impact on net interest income over the next twelve months in comparison to estimated net interest income based on our balance sheet structure, including the balances and interest rates associated with our specific loans, securities, deposits and borrowed funds, as of March 31, 2016. The resulting estimates are well within our policy parameters established to manage and monitor interest rate risk.

	Dollar Change			Percent Change
	In Net			In Net
Interest Rate Scenario	Interest Income			Interest Income

Interest rates down 400 basis points	$	(7,860,000	)		(8.0%	)
Interest rates down 300 basis points		(6,950,000	)		(7.0	)
Interest rates down 200 basis points		(5,780,000	)		(5.9	)
Interest rates down 100 basis points		(3,610,000	)		(3.7	)
No change in interest rates		340,000			0.3
Interest rates up 100 basis points		1,430,000			1.4
Interest rates up 200 basis points		2,200,000			2.2
Interest rates up 300 basis points		2,850,000			2.9
Interest rates up 400 basis points		3,210,000			3.3

The resulting estimates have been significantly impacted by the current interest rate and economic environments, as adjustments have been made to critical model inputs with regards to traditional interest rate relationships. This is especially important as it relates to floating rate commercial loans, which comprise a sizable portion of our balance sheet.

In addition to changes in interest rates, the level of future net interest income is also dependent on a number of other variables, including: the growth, composition and absolute levels of loans, deposits, and other earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; level of nonperforming assets; economic and competitive conditions; potential changes in lending, investing, and deposit gathering strategies; client preferences; and other factors.

83.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2016, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2016.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

84.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we may be involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to our business. In our opinion, we are not a party to any current legal proceedings that are material to our financial condition, either individually or in the aggregate.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and incorporated therein by reference.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

We made no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

As previously reported, on January 30, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $20.0 million of our common stock from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or by other means in accordance with applicable regulations. On April 19, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a $15.0 million expansion of the existing common stock repurchase program. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we repurchased shares of common stock as follows:

Period	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased		(b) Average Price Paid Per Share		(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		(d) Maximum Number of Shares or Approximate Dollar Value that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31		19,400	$	21.27		19,400	$	3,825,000
February 1 - 29		114,749		22.10		114,749		1,289,000
March 1 - 31		13,507		22.94		13,507		980,000
Total		147,656	$	22.07		147,656	$	980,000

The purchased shares were retired effective on the acquisition date.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

Not applicable.

85.

Table Of Contents

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.	EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2013

2.2	First Amendment to Merger Agreement dated February 20, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 21, 2014

3.1	Our Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009

3.2	Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of January 16, 2003 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-103376) that became effective on February 21, 2003

31	Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

32.1	Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

32.2	Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

101	The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

86.

Table Of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May 6, 2016.

	MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION





	By:	/s/ Michael H. Price
	Michael H. Price
	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)



	By:	/s/ Charles E. Christmas
	Charles E. Christmas
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

87.

Table Of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2013

2.2	First Amendment to Merger Agreement dated February 20, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 21, 2014

3.1	Our Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009

3.2	Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of January 16, 2003 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-103376) that became effective on February 21, 2003

31	Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

32.1	Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

32.2	Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

101	The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements