FRME Q3 2014



FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
___________________

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

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number 0-17071

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana                                                                            35-1544218
(State or other jurisdiction of                                   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, IN                  47305-2814
(Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (765) 747-1500

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)

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 (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
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. (Check one): Large accelerated filer [X]   Accelerated filer [ ]   Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company [ ]

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

As of October 31, 2014, there were 36,074,444 outstanding common shares of the registrant.

1

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS


FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION



Page No.
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 
 

2

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30,
2014

December 31,
2013

(Unaudited)

ASSETS
 

 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
74,237


$
109,434

Interest-bearing time deposits
24,171


55,069

Investment securities available for sale
567,996


536,201

Investment securities held to maturity (fair value of $634,555 and $560,847)
621,818


559,378

Loans held for sale
6,423


5,331

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $65,596 and $67,870
3,706,871


3,564,539

Premises and equipment
74,105


74,454

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
43,127


38,990

Interest receivable
19,455


18,672

Core deposit intangibles
12,043


13,818

Goodwill
188,948


188,948

Cash surrender value of life insurance
165,423


164,571

Other real estate owned
14,540


22,246

Tax asset, deferred and receivable
41,131


56,614

Other assets
31,095


28,997

TOTAL ASSETS
$
5,591,383


$
5,437,262

LIABILITIES
 

 
Deposits:
 

 
Noninterest-bearing
$
939,540


$
930,772

Interest-bearing
3,370,583


3,300,696

Total Deposits
4,310,123


4,231,468

Borrowings:
 

 
Federal funds purchased
61,428


125,645

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
117,892


148,672

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
255,423


122,140

Subordinated debentures and term loans
126,874


126,807

Total Borrowings
561,617


523,264

Interest payable
3,819


1,771

Other liabilities
31,271


45,836

Total Liabilities
4,906,830


4,802,339

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES





STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1,000 par value, $1,000 liquidation value:
 

 
Authorized - 600 shares
 

 
Issued and outstanding - 125 shares
125


125

Common Stock, $.125 stated value:
 

 
Authorized - 50,000,000 shares
 

 
Issued and outstanding - 36,074,246 and 35,921,761 shares
4,509


4,490

Additional paid-in capital
395,582


393,783

Retained earnings
280,187


242,935

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
4,150


(6,410
)
Total Stockholders' Equity
684,553


634,923

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
5,591,383


$
5,437,262

 


See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

3

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
INTEREST INCOME
 

 

 

 
Loans receivable:




 

 
Taxable
$
43,981


$
33,548


$
128,329


$
104,725

Tax exempt
61


85


180


315

Investment securities:


 

 

 
Taxable
5,046


3,876


14,902


11,071

Tax exempt
3,683


2,840


10,691


7,809

Deposits with financial institutions
18


18


76


99

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
501


369


1,648


1,108

Total Interest Income
53,290


40,736


155,826


125,127

INTEREST EXPENSE
 

 

 

 
Deposits
2,853


2,213


8,276


7,703

Federal funds purchased
102


72


174


84

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
74


192


457


594

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
734


506


2,092


1,427

Subordinated debentures and term loans
1,661


731


4,950


2,189

Total Interest Expense
5,424


3,714


15,949


11,997

NET INTEREST INCOME
47,866


37,022


139,877


113,130

Provision for loan losses
1,600


1,533


1,600


5,632

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
46,266


35,489


138,277


107,498

OTHER INCOME
 

 

 

 
Service charges on deposit accounts
4,119


3,120


11,768


8,761

Fiduciary activities
2,152


1,986


6,724


6,357

Other customer fees
3,991


2,899


11,773


8,495

Commission income
1,723


1,636


5,877


5,556

Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance
1,524


611


2,925


1,921

Net gains and fees on sales of loans
1,458


1,673


3,340


6,508

Net realized gains on sales of available for sale securities
910





2,335


487

Other income
2,417


(125
)

4,671


1,651

Total Other Income
18,294


11,800


49,413


39,736

OTHER EXPENSES
 

 

 

 
Salaries and employee benefits
24,173


20,616


72,904


61,943

Net occupancy
3,401


2,430


10,543


7,299

Equipment
2,187


1,852


7,022


5,368

Marketing
1,070


559


2,628


1,561

Outside data processing fees
1,853


1,515


5,723


4,386

Printing and office supplies
350


320


1,201


962

Core deposit amortization
592


383


1,776


1,153

FDIC assessments
920


677


2,843


2,095

Other real estate owned and credit-related expenses
2,618


1,648


6,988


4,993

Professional and other outside services
1,573


1,444


4,483


4,936

Other expenses
3,839


2,775


10,804


7,965

Total Other Expenses
42,576


34,219


126,915


102,661

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
21,984


13,070


60,775


44,573

Income tax expense
5,862


2,667


15,873


11,490

NET INCOME
16,122


10,403


44,902


33,083

Preferred stock dividends



(430
)




(2,139
)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
$
16,122


$
9,973


$
44,902


$
30,944

Per Share Data:
 

 

 

 
Basic Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
$
0.45


$
0.35


$
1.25


$
1.08

Diluted Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
$
0.45


$
0.35


$
1.24


$
1.07

Cash Dividends Paid
$
0.08


$
0.05


$
0.21


$
0.13

Average Diluted Shares Outstanding (in thousands)
36,329


29,081


36,295


29,026



See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

4

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013

2014

2013
Net income
$
16,122


$
10,403


$
44,902


$
33,083

Other comprehensive income net of tax:
 

 

 

 
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities available for sale arising during the period, net of tax of $152, $470, $6,105 and $6,810
283


(873
)

11,338


(12,646
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale for which a portion of an other than temporary impairment has been recognized in income, net of tax of $103, $916 and $48
(1
)

(192
)

1,701


89

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges arising during the period, net of tax of $10, $86, $885 and $543
18


(162
)

(1,645
)

1,007

Amortization of items previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $39 and $423



73





786

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income, net of tax of $194, $72, $450 and $35
(360
)

135


(834
)

65

 
(60
)

(1,019
)

10,560


(10,699
)
Comprehensive income
$
16,062


$
9,384


$
55,462


$
22,384





See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


5

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 

Preferred

Common Stock

Additional



Accumulated
Other



Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Paid in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total
Balances, December 31, 2013
125


$
125


35,921,761


$
4,490


$
393,783


$
242,935


$
(6,410
)

$
634,923

Comprehensive Income
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net Income
 

 

 

 

 

44,902


 

44,902

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 

10,560


10,560

Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($.21 per Share)
 

 

 

 

 

(7,650
)

 

(7,650
)
Share-based Compensation
 

 

125,188


16


1,595


 

 

1,611

Stock Issued under Employee Benefit Plans
 

 

21,016


3


373


 

 

376

Stock Issued under Dividend Reinvestment and
Stock Purchase Plan
 

 

18,139


2


378


 

 

380

Stock Options Exercised
 

 

38,650


5


505


 

 

510

Stock Redeemed
 

 

(50,508
)

(7
)

(1,052
)

 

 

(1,059
)
Balances, September 30, 2014
125


$
125


36,074,246


$
4,509


$
395,582


$
280,187


$
4,150


$
684,553




See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

6

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
September 30,
 
2014

2013
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:
 

 
Net income
$
44,902


$
33,083

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
Provision for loan losses
1,600


5,632

Depreciation and amortization
4,505


3,932

Change in deferred taxes
16,032


12,647

Share-based compensation
1,611


1,285

Tax benefit from stock options exercised
(60
)



Loans originated for sale
(149,001
)

(242,014
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
147,909


259,002

Gains on sales of securities available for sale
(2,335
)

(487
)
Change in interest receivable
(783
)

196

Change in interest payable
2,048


(686
)
Other adjustments
(14,015
)

(6,329
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
52,413


$
66,261

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 

 
Net change in interest-bearing deposits
$
30,898


$
19,568

Purchases of:
 

 
Securities available for sale
(114,563
)

(216,731
)
Securities held to maturity
(114,821
)

(9,026
)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
47,722


25,222

Proceeds from maturities of:
 

 
Securities available for sale
47,096


79,209

Securities held to maturity
51,029


59,642

Change in Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
(4,137
)

(5
)
Net change in loans
(159,559
)

(37,528
)
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
11,860


5,574

Other adjustments
7,367


(5,569
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(197,108
)

$
(79,644
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 

 
Net change in :
 

 
Demand and savings deposits
$
(47,610
)

$
69,475

Certificates of deposit and other time deposits
126,265


(160,012
)
Borrowings
386,643


215,923

Repayment of borrowings
(348,357
)

(58,686
)
Cash dividends on common stock
(7,650
)

(3,795
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock



(2,139
)
Stock issued under employee benefit plans
376


389

Stock issued under dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans
380


236

Stock options exercised
450


97

Tax benefit from stock options exercised
60




Stock redeemed
(1,059
)

(484
)
Cumulative preferred stock redeemed (SBLF)


(56,740
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
$
109,498


$
4,264

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(35,197
)

(9,119
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, January 1
109,434


101,460

Cash and Cash Equivalents, September 30
$
74,237


$
92,341

Additional cash flow information:
 

 
Interest paid
$
13,901


$
12,683

Income tax paid
$
4,409


$
5,378

Loans transferred to other real estate owned
$
3,807


$
5,045

Fixed assets transferred to other real estate owned
$
297

 
$
461

Non-cash investing activities using trade date accounting
$
6,502


$
713




See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

7

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 1 
 
GENERAL
 
Financial Statement Preparation

The significant accounting policies followed by First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported, have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements.

The consolidated condensed balance sheet of the Corporation as of December 31, 2013, has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Corporation’s annual financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Corporation’s Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.


NOTE 2

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

CFS Bancorp, Inc.

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. CFS was headquartered in Munster, Indiana and had 20 full-service banking centers serving the northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois areas. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of a share of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.6 million.

The Corporation engaged in this transaction with the expectation that it would be accretive and add a new market area with a demographic profile consistent with many of the current Indiana markets served by the Bank. Goodwill resulted from this transaction due to the expected synergies from combining operations.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to CFS's net tangible and intangible assets based on their current estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. Based on valuations of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the purchase price for the CFS acquisition was allocated as follows:



Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents

$
10,992

Interest-bearing time deposits

213,379

Investment securities available for sale

15,913

Investment securities held to maturity

14,372

Mortgage loans held for sale

189

Loans

603,114

Premises and equipment

19,643

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

6,188

Interest receivable

1,770

Cash surrender value of life insurance

36,555

Other real estate owned

12,857

Tax asset, deferred and receivable

30,717

Other assets

111,656

Deposits

(955,432
)
Securities sold under repurchase agreements

(9,830
)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances

(15,000
)
Interest payable

(294
)
Other liabilities

(16,033
)
Net tangible assets acquired

80,756

Core deposit intangible

7,313

Goodwill

47,573

Purchase price

$
135,642




8

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Of the total purchase price, $7,313,000 has been allocated to a core deposit intangible that will be amortized over its estimated life of 10 years. The remaining purchase price has been allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Corporation had one-time expenses related to the CFS acquisition and the integration of their core system of $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The majority of expense was in salary and employee benefits related to employees retained through integration of $521,000, equipment and processing expenses of $619,000 primarily related to running CFS' core system prior to integration and marketing expenses of $125,000 due to mailings to current CFS customers during the integration time frame.

Community Bancshares, Inc.

On July 21, 2014, First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation ("First Merchants"), and Community Bancshares, Inc., an Indiana corporation (“Community Bancshares”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, Community Bancshares will, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, merge with and into First Merchants (the “Merger”) whereupon the separate corporate existence of Community Bancshares will cease and First Merchants will survive.  Immediately following the Merger, Community Bank, an Indiana state bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Bancshares, will be merged with and into First Merchants Bank, National Association, a national bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants, with First Merchants Bank, National Association continuing as the surviving bank.  As a result of this merger, First Merchants ($5.6 billion) and Community Bancshares ($259 million) will have combined assets of approximately $5.9 billion. The Corporation had $256,000 of one-time expenses related to the Community Bancshares acquisition for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. These expenses were primarily for legal and professional services. All regulatory and shareholder approvals required in connection with the Merger have been obtained. Consummation of the Merger is expected to occur on November 7, 2014.


NOTE 3 
 
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and approximate fair values of the investment securities at the dates indicated were:
 
 
Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value
Available for sale at September 30, 2014
 

 

 

 
U.S. Treasury










U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities
$
100


$
9




$
109

State and municipal
225,402


10,601


$
206


235,797

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
323,254


6,560


283


329,531

Corporate obligations
1,570




717


853

Equity securities
1,706


 

 

1,706

Total available for sale
552,032


17,170


1,206


567,996

Held to maturity at September 30, 2014
 

 

 

 
State and municipal
191,660


4,935


64


196,531

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
430,158


8,847


981


438,024

Total held to maturity
621,818


13,782


1,045


634,555

Total Investment Securities
$
1,173,850


$
30,952


$
2,251


$
1,202,551

 
Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value
Available for sale at December 31, 2013
 

 

 

 
U.S. Treasury
$
15,914

 
$
80

 
$
21

 
$
15,973

U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities
3,550


12


17


3,545

State and municipal
231,005


3,878


3,896


230,987

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
279,299


3,926


1,973


281,252

Corporate obligations
6,374


 

3,636


2,738

Equity securities
1,706


 

 

1,706

Total available for sale
537,848


7,896


9,543


536,201

Held to maturity at December 31, 2013
 

 

 

 
State and municipal
145,941


62


91


145,912

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
413,437


5,220


3,722


414,935

Total held to maturity
559,378


5,282


3,813


560,847

Total Investment Securities
$
1,097,226


$
13,178


$
13,356


$
1,097,048




9

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities and held to maturity securities at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Available for Sale

Held to Maturity
 
Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value

Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value
Maturity Distribution at September 30, 2014:
 

 

 

 
Due in one year or less
$
5,184


$
5,214


$
5,167


$
5,195

Due after one through five years
9,676


9,989


18,087


18,429

Due after five through ten years
47,127


49,113


83,138


85,034

Due after ten years
165,085


172,443


85,268


87,873

 
$
227,072


$
236,759


$
191,660


$
196,531

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
323,254


329,531


430,158


438,024

Equity securities
1,706


1,706





Total Investment Securities
$
552,032


$
567,996


$
621,818


$
634,555


The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits and for other purposes, was $461,303,000 at September 30, 2014, and $373,533,000 at December 31, 2013.

The book value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $114,070,000 at September 30, 2014, and $126,900,000 at December 31, 2013.

Gross gains and losses on the sales and redemptions of available for sale securities, and other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are shown below.
 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2014

2013

2014

2013
Sales and Redemptions of Available for Sale Securities:
 

 

 

 
Gross gains
$
909


$


$
2,335


$
487

Gross losses







Other-than-temporary impairment losses








 
 
The following table shows the Corporation’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013:
 
 
Less than
12 Months

12 Months
or Longer

Total
 
Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Temporarily Impaired Available for Sale Securities at September 30, 2014
 

 

 

 

 

 
State and municipal
$
3,239


$
5


$
13,678


$
201


$
16,917


$
206

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
18,096


100


5,615


183


23,711


283

Corporate obligations
 

 

821


717


821


717

Total Temporarily Impaired Available for Sale Securities
21,335


105


20,114


1,101


41,449


1,206

Temporarily Impaired Held to Maturity Securities at September 30, 2014
 

 

 

 

 

 
State and municipal
8,475


64






8,475


64

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
58,004


687


18,639


294


76,643


981

Total Temporarily Impaired Held to Maturity Securities
66,479


751


18,639


294


85,118


1,045

Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities
$
87,814


$
856


$
38,753


$
1,395


$
126,567


$
2,251

 


 








10

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




 
Less than
12 Months

12 Months
or Longer

Total
 
Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Temporarily Impaired Available for Sale Securities at December 31, 2013
 

 

 

 

 

 
U.S. Treasury
$
4,875


$
21






$
4,875


$
21

U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities
3,433


17






3,433


17

State and municipal
111,791


3,840


$
583


$
56


$
112,374


$
3,896

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
117,866


1,701


2,683


272


120,549


1,973

Corporate obligations
 

 

2,711


3,636


2,711


3,636

Total Temporarily Impaired Available for Sale Securities
237,965


5,579


5,977


3,964


243,942


9,543

Temporarily Impaired Held to Maturity Securities at December 31, 2013
 

 

 

 

 

 
State and municipal
17,318


91


184




17,502


91

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
213,048


3,462


2,640


260


215,688


3,722

Total Temporarily Impaired Held to Maturity Securities
230,366


3,553


2,824


260


233,190


3,813

Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities
$
468,331


$
9,132


$
8,801


$
4,224


$
477,132


$
13,356



Certain investments in debt and equity securities are reported in the financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost as indicated in the table below.


September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Investments reported at less than historical cost:
 

 
Historical cost
$
128,819


$
490,488

Fair value
$
126,567


$
477,132

Percent of the Corporation's available for sale and held to maturity portfolio
10.6
%

43.6
%


The Corporation’s management has evaluated all securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") as of September 30, 2014. The evaluations are based on the nature of the securities, the extent and duration of the loss and the intent and ability of the Corporation to hold these securities either to maturity or through the expected recovery period.

In the second quarter of 2014, the Corporation sold four of its six trust preferred securities with an amortized cost of $4.8 million, which resulted in a net gain of $641,000. The Corporation has two remaining trust preferred securities. Such investments have an amortized cost of $1.5 million and a fair value of $821,000, which is less than 1 percent of the Corporation’s entire investment portfolio.  The Corporation utilized Standard and Poor's to determine the fair value of the two remaining trust preferred securities.

In determining the fair value of the trust preferred securities, the Corporation utilizes a third party for portfolio accounting services, including market value input. The Corporation has obtained an understanding of what inputs are being used by the vendor in pricing the portfolio and how the vendor was classifying these securities based upon these inputs.  From these discussions, the Corporation’s management is comfortable that the classifications are proper. The Corporation has gained trust in the data for two reasons:  (a) independent spot testing of the data is conducted by the Corporation through obtaining market quotes from various brokers on a periodic basis and (b) actual gains or loss resulting from the sale of certain securities has proven the data to be accurate over time.  

Discount rates used in the OTTI cash flow analysis on these variable rate securities were those margins in effect at the inception of the security added to the appropriate three-month LIBOR spot rate obtained from the forward LIBOR curve used to project future principal and interest payments. These spreads ranged from .85 percent to 1.57 percent spread over LIBOR.

Management believes the declines in fair value for these securities are temporary.  Should any additional impairment of any of these securities become other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the OTTI is identified.

U.S. Government-Sponsored Mortgage-Backed Securities

The unrealized losses on the Corporation’s investment in U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities were a result of changes in interest rates. The Corporation expects to recover the amortized cost basis over the term of the securities as the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality. The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. The Corporation does not consider the investment securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.



11

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




State and Municipal

The unrealized losses on the Corporation’s investments in securities of state and political subdivisions were caused by changes in interest rates. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost basis of the investments. The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. The Corporation does not consider the investment securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.

Corporate Obligations

The Corporation’s unrealized losses on Corporate Obligations were due to the decline in value related to the pooled trust preferred securities, and is attributable to temporary illiquidity and the financial crisis affecting these markets, coupled with the potential credit loss resulting from the adverse change in expected cash flows. Due to the illiquidity in the market, it is unlikely that the Corporation would be able to recover its investment in these securities if the Corporation sold the securities at this time. Management has analyzed the cash flow characteristics of the securities and this analysis included utilizing the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information, including announcements of deferrals or defaults of trust preferred securities.  The Corporation compared expected discounted cash flows, based on performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security, to the carrying value of the investment to determine if OTTI existed.  The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. The Corporation does not consider the remainder of the investment securities, which are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.  

Credit Losses Recognized on Investments

Certain corporate obligations have experienced fair value deterioration due to credit losses and other market factors. The following table provides information about those securities for which only a credit loss was recognized in income and other losses were recorded in other comprehensive income.
 
 
Accumulated
Credit Losses in
2014

Accumulated
Credit Losses in
2013
Credit losses on debt securities held:
 

 
Balance, January 1
$
11,355


$
11,355

Additions related to other-than-temporary losses not previously recognized




Balance, September 30
$
11,355


$
11,355



NOTE 4  
 
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE
 
The Corporation’s primary lending focus is small business and middle market commercial, commercial real estate, residential real estate and consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification.  The following tables show the composition of the loan portfolio, the allowance for loan losses and certain credit quality elements, all excluding loans held for sale.  Loans held for sale as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were $6,423,000 and $5,331,000, respectively.

The following table shows the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolio by loan class for the periods indicated:
 

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Commercial and industrial loans
$
900,970


$
761,705

Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers
99,649


114,348

Real estate loans:
 

 
Construction
178,213


177,082

Commercial and farmland
1,603,698


1,611,809

Residential
625,609


616,385

Home Equity
269,952


255,223

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
66,832


69,783

Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
1,208


1,545

Other loans
26,336


24,529

 Loans
$
3,772,467


$
3,632,409

Allowance for loan losses
(65,596
)

(67,870
)
Net Loans
$
3,706,871


$
3,564,539

 
 

12

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Allowance, Credit Quality and Loan Portfolio

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses to cover probable credit losses identified during its loan review process. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at September 30, 2014.  The process for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is critical to the Corporation’s financial results.  It requires management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, to estimate the effect of uncertain matters.  The allowance for loan losses considers current factors, including economic conditions and ongoing internal and external examinations, and will increase or decrease as deemed necessary to ensure the allowance remains adequate.  In addition, the allowance as a percentage of charge offs and nonperforming loans will change at different points in time based on credit performance, loan mix and collateral values.

The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge offs less recoveries. All charge offs are approved by the Bank’s senior loan officers or loan committees, depending on the amount of the charge off. The Bank charges off a loan when a determination is made that all or a portion of the loan is uncollectible. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The amount provided for loan losses in a given period may be greater than or less than net loan losses experienced during the period, and is based on management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. The determination of the provision amount in a given period is based on management’s ongoing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan "watch" list and independent loan reviews.  The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified and management’s judgment as to the impact of the current environment and economic conditions on the portfolio.

In conformance with ASC 805 and ASC 820, loans purchased after December 31, 2008 are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. Such loans are only included in the allowance to the extent a specific impairment is identified that exceeds the fair value adjustment on an impaired loan or the historical loss and environmental factor analysis indicates losses inherent in a purchased portfolio exceeds the fair value adjustment on the portion of the purchased portfolio not deemed impaired.

The allowance consists of specific impairment reserves as required by ASC 310-10-35, a component for historical losses in accordance with ASC 450 and the consideration of current environmental factors in accordance with ASC 450. A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected.

The historical loss allocation for loans not deemed impaired according to ASC 310 is the product of the volume of loans within the non-impaired criticized and non-criticized risk grade classifications, each segmented by call code, and the historical loss factor for each respective classification and call code segment. The historical loss factors are based upon actual loss experience within each risk and call code classification. The historical look back period for non-criticized loans looks to the most recent rolling-four-quarter average and aligns with the look back period for non-impaired criticized loans. Each of the rolling four quarter periods used to obtain the average, include all charge offs for the previous twelve-month period, therefore the historical look back period includes seven quarters. The resulting allocation is reflective of current conditions. Criticized loans are grouped based on the risk grade assigned to the loan. Loans with a special mention grade are assigned a loss factor, and loans with a classified grade but not impaired are assigned a separate loss factor. The loss factor computation for this allocation includes a segmented historical loss migration analysis of criticized risk grades to charge off.

In addition to the specific reserves and historical loss components of the allowance, consideration is given to various environmental factors to help ensure that losses inherent in the portfolio are reflected in the allowance for loan losses. The environmental component adjusts the historical loss allocations for commercial and consumer loans to reflect relevant current conditions that, in management's opinion, have an impact on loss recognition. Environmental factors that management reviews in the analysis include: national and local economic trends and conditions; trends in growth in the loan portfolio and growth in higher risk areas; levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and non-accruals; experience and depth of lending management and staff; adequacy of, and adherence to, lending policies and procedures including those for underwriting; industry concentrations of credit; and adequacy of risk identification systems and controls through the internal loan review and internal audit processes.




13

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)





At September 30, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was $65,596,000, a decrease of $628,000 from the September 30, 2013 balance of $66,224,000. Specific reserves on impaired loans increased $1,895,000 to $3,370,000, from $1,475,000 at September 30, 2013. Net charge offs for the three months ended September 30, 2014, were $4,371,000, an increase of $860,000 from the same period in 2013. The provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $1,600,000, an increase of $67,000 for the same period in in 2013. The determination of the provision for loan losses in any period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, and its judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio.

The following tables summarize changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Consumer

Residential

Finance
Leases

Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Balances, July 1
$
28,614


$
22,582


$
2,243


$
14,928




$
68,367

Provision for losses
1,385


528


113


(424
)

$
(2
)

1,600

Recoveries on loans
1,987


1,215


86


431


3


3,722

Loans charged off
(4,444
)

(2,707
)

(214
)

(728
)



(8,093
)
Balances, September 30, 2014
$
27,542


$
21,618


$
2,228


$
14,207


$
1


$
65,596



 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Consumer

Residential

Finance
Leases

Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Balances, January 1
$
27,176


$
23,102


$
2,515


$
15,077





$
67,870

Provision for losses
1,736


(177
)

(39
)

100


$
(20
)

1,600

Recoveries on loans
4,485


2,356


303


1,360


23


8,527

Loans charged off
(5,855
)

(3,663
)

(551
)

(2,330
)

(2
)

(12,401
)
Balances, September 30, 2014
$
27,542


$
21,618


$
2,228


$
14,207


$
1


$
65,596




Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Consumer

Residential

Finance
Leases

Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Balances, July 1
$
26,563


$
23,605


$
2,885


$
15,113


$
36


$
68,202

Provision for losses
(346
)

1,560


(31
)

333


17


1,533

Recoveries on loans
1,494


258


110


311


3


2,176

Loans charged off
(1,680
)

(2,795
)

(161
)

(1,051
)



(5,687
)
Balances, September 30, 2013
$
26,031


$
22,628


$
2,803


$
14,706


$
56


$
66,224



 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Consumer

Residential

Finance
Leases

Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Balances, January 1
$
25,913


$
26,703


$
2,593


$
14,157





$
69,366

Provision for losses
1,929


132


267


3,236


$
68


5,632

Recoveries on loans
4,050


3,023


426


946


3


8,448

Loans charged off
(5,861
)

(7,230
)

(483
)

(3,633
)

(15
)

(17,222
)
Balances, September 30, 2013
$
26,031


$
22,628


$
2,803


$
14,706


$
56


$
66,224







14

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following tables show the Corporation’s allowance for credit losses and loan portfolio by loan segment as of the periods indicated:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Consumer

Residential

Finance
Leases

Total
Allowance Balances:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,818


$
609




$
484


 

$
2,911

Collectively evaluated for impairment
25,669


20,605


$
2,228


13,723


$
1


62,226

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
55


404










459

Total Allowance for Loan Losses
$
27,542


$
21,618


$
2,228


$
14,207


$
1


$
65,596

Loan Balances:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
18,284


$
22,502


 

$
3,644


 

$
44,430

Collectively evaluated for impairment
1,001,354


1,707,966


$
66,832


890,676


$
1,208


3,668,036

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
7,317


51,443





1,241





60,001

Loans
$
1,026,955


$
1,781,911


$
66,832


$
895,561


$
1,208


$
3,772,467

 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Consumer

Residential

Finance
Leases

Total
Allowance Balances:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
585


$
763


 

$
6


 

$
1,354

Collectively evaluated for impairment
26,493


22,208


$
2,515


15,071


 

66,287

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
98


131










229

Total Allowance for Loan Losses
$
27,176


$
23,102


$
2,515


$
15,077




$
67,870

Loan Balances:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
10,240


$
29,007


 

$
2,820


 

$
42,067

Collectively evaluated for impairment
882,794


1,690,285


$
69,783


867,094


$
1,545


3,511,501

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
7,548


69,599





1,694





78,841

Loans
$
900,582


$
1,788,891


$
69,783


$
871,608


$
1,545


$
3,632,409

 
 
The risk characteristics of the Corporation’s material portfolio segments are as follows:

Commercial

Commercial loans are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Commercial real estate

These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk grade criteria. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans.


15

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Residential and Consumer

With respect to residential loans that are secured by 1-4 family residences and are generally owner occupied, the Corporation generally establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and requires private mortgage insurance if that ratio is exceeded. Home equity loans are typically secured by a subordinate interest in 1-4 family residences, and consumer loans are secured by consumer assets such as automobiles or recreational vehicles. Some consumer loans are unsecured such as small installment loans and certain lines of credit. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers, which can be impacted by economic conditions in their market areas such as unemployment levels. Repayment can also be impacted by changes in property values on residential properties. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

Loans are reclassified to a non-accruing status when, in management’s judgment, the collateral value and financial condition of the borrower do not justify accruing interest. Interest previously recorded, but not deemed collectible, is reversed and charged against current income. Payments subsequently received on non-accrual loans are applied to principal. A loan is returned to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and collectability is probable, typically after a minimum of six consecutive months of performance.  Payments received on impaired accruing or delinquent loans are applied to interest income as accrued.

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s non-accrual loans by loan class as of the periods indicated:
 

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Commercial and industrial loans
$
7,139


$
9,283

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
10,669


30

Real estate Loans:
 

 
Construction
951


4,978

Commercial and farmland
14,680


28,095

Residential
13,546


12,068

Home Equity
1,896


1,667

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
223


117

Other Loans



164

Total
$
49,104


$
56,402

 
 
Commercial impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, as well as substandard, doubtful and loss grade loans that were still accruing but deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310. Also included in impaired loans are accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings.

Allowable methods for determining the amount of impairment include estimating fair value using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized.  This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. The fair value of real estate is generally based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically ascertained by assessing, either singularly or some combination of,  asset appraisals, accounts receivable aging reports, inventory listings and or customer financial statements. Both appraised values and values based on borrower’s financial information are discounted as considered appropriate based on age and quality of the information and current market conditions.


16

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following tables show the composition of the Corporation’s commercial impaired loans by loan class as of the periods indicated:
 
 
 

 

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
30,525

 
$
13,122

 
 
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
28

 
25

 
 
Real estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
11,455

 
8,168

 
 
Commercial and farmland
82,625

 
60,605

 
 
Residential
4,826

 
2,986

 
 
Home equity
3,272

 
118

 
 
Other loans
33

 
 
 
 
Total
$
132,764

 
$
85,024

 
 
Impaired loans with related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
2,027

 
$
1,810

 
$
773

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
10,645

 
10,645

 
1,100

Real estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and farmland
7,159

 
4,478

 
1,013

Residential
1,460

 
1,460

 
484

Total
$
21,291

 
$
18,393

 
$
3,370

Total Impaired Loans
$
154,055

 
$
103,417

 
$
3,370



 
December 31, 2013
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
35,066

 
$
16,371

 
 
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
32

 
30

 
 
Real estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
16,109

 
10,625

 
 
Commercial and farmland
128,073

 
83,033

 
 
Residential
6,746

 
3,910

 
 
Home equity
3,299

 
112

 
 
Other loans
454

 
172

 
 
Total
$
189,779

 
$
114,253

 
 
Impaired loans with related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
1,390

 
$
1,216

 
$
683

Real estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and farmland
4,657

 
4,215

 
894

Residential
74

 
71

 
6

Total
$
6,121

 
$
5,502

 
$
1,583

Total Impaired Loans
$
195,900

 
$
119,755

 
$
1,583















17

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Average
Recorded Investment

Interest
Income Recognized

Average
Recorded Investment

Interest
Income Recognized
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
13,406


$
86


$
13,820


$
263

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
25




27



Real estate Loans:
 

 




Construction
8,026


112


8,197


331

Commercial and farmland
61,356


895


62,367


2,663

Residential
3,018


40


3,164


93

Home equity
118





147



Total
$
85,949


$
1,133


$
87,722


$
3,350

Impaired loans with related allowance:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
1,814


$
10


$
1,864


$
30

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
10,645




10,645



Real estate Loans:
 

 




Commercial and farmland
4,484




4,528


23

Residential
1,460




1,460



Total
$
18,403


$
10


$
18,497


$
53

Total Impaired Loans
$
104,352


$
1,143


$
106,219


$
3,403



 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Average
Recorded Investment

Interest
Income Recognized

Average
Recorded Investment

Interest
Income Recognized
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
8,352


$
110


$
9,553


$
184

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
32




33



Real estate Loans:







Construction
4,115


29


4,262


85

Commercial and farmland
34,298


620


35,198


1,642

Residential
2,687


82


3,028


114

Home equity
217





236



Other loans
174




184


1

Total
$
49,875


$
841


$
52,494


$
2,026

Impaired loans with related allowance:







Commercial and industrial loans
$
865




$
889


$
7

Real estate Loans:







Commercial and farmland
5,742


$
5


5,844


5

Residential
74




78




Total
$
6,681


$
5


$
6,811


$
12

Total Impaired Loans
$
56,556


$
846


$
59,305


$
2,038



As part of the ongoing monitoring of the credit quality of the Corporation's loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to: (i) the level of criticized commercial loans, (ii) net charge offs, (iii) non-performing loans and (iv) the general national and local economic conditions.
 

18

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The Corporation utilizes a risk grading of pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss to assess the overall credit quality of large commercial loans. All large commercial credit grades are reviewed at a minimum of once a year for pass grade loans. Loans with grades below pass are reviewed more frequently depending on the grade. A description of the general characteristics of these grades is as follows:

Pass - Loans that are considered to be of acceptable credit quality.
Special Mention - Loans which possess some credit deficiency or potential weakness, which deserves close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Corporation's credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose the Corporation to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. The key distinctions of this category's classification are that it is indicative of an unwarranted level of risk; and weaknesses are considered “potential”, not “defined”, impairments to the primary source of repayment. Examples include businesses that may be suffering from inadequate management, loss of key personnel or significant customer or litigation.
Substandard - A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified have a well-defined weakness that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Other characteristics may include:
 
o
the likelihood that a loan will be paid from the primary source of repayment is uncertain or financial deterioration is underway and very close attention is warranted to ensure that the loan is collected without loss,
 
o
the primary source of repayment is gone, and the Corporation is forced to rely on a secondary source of repayment, such as collateral liquidation or guarantees,
 
o
loans have a distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected,
 
o
unusual courses of action are needed to maintain a high probability of repayment,
 
o
the borrower is not generating enough cash flow to repay loan principal; however, it continues to make interest payments,
 
o
the Corporation is forced into a subordinated or unsecured position due to flaws in documentation,
 
o
loans have been restructured so that payment schedules, terms and collateral represent concessions to the borrower when compared to the normal loan terms,
 
o
the Corporation is seriously contemplating foreclosure or legal action due to the apparent deterioration of the loan, and
 
o
there is significant deterioration in market conditions to which the borrower is highly vulnerable.

Doubtful - Loans that have all of the weaknesses of those classified as Substandard. However, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, these weaknesses make full collection of principal highly questionable and improbable. Other credit characteristics may include the primary source of repayment is gone or there is considerable doubt as to the quality of the secondary sources of repayment. The possibility of loss is high, but because of certain important pending factors that may strengthen the loan, loss classification is deferred until the exact status of repayment is known.

Loss – Loans that are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuing to carry them as an asset is not warranted. Loans will be classified as Loss when it is neither practical not desirable to defer writing off or reserving all or a portion of a basically worthless asset, even though partial recovery may be possible at some time in the future.



19

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following tables summarize the credit quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, by loan class for the periods indicated.  Consumer non-performing loans include accruing consumer loans 90 plus days delinquent and consumer non-accrual loans.  The entire balance of a loan is considered delinquent if the minimum payment contractually required to be made is not received by the specified date. Loans that evidenced deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected are included in the applicable categories below.
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
Commercial
Pass

Commercial
Special
Mention

Commercial Substandard

Commercial
Doubtful

Commercial Loss

Consumer Performing

Consumer
Non-Performing

Total
Commercial and industrial loans
$
835,214


$
15,803


$
49,658


$
295




 

 

$
900,970

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
83,753


1,957


13,939


 



 

 

99,649

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 



 

 

 
Construction
153,293


1,584


8,606


 



$
14,581


$
149


178,213

Commercial and farmland
1,480,054


40,232


83,177







 

235


1,603,698

Residential
139,702


2,181


7,227







464,912


11,587


625,609

Home equity
6,068


266


447


 



261,316


1,855


269,952

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
 

 

 

 



66,589


243


66,832

Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
1,095


 

113


 









1,208

Other loans
26,333


3





 



 

 

26,336

Loans
$
2,725,512


$
62,026


$
163,167


$
295




$
807,398


$
14,069


$
3,772,467


 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Commercial
Pass

Commercial
Special
Mention

Commercial Substandard

Commercial
Doubtful

Commercial Loss

Consumer Performing

Consumer
Non-Performing

Total
Commercial and industrial loans
$
708,835


$
11,332


$
41,013


$
525




 

 

$
761,705

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
114,318





30


 



 

 

114,348

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 



 

 

 
Construction
162,976


1,132


12,029


 



 


$
945


177,082

Commercial and farmland
1,473,714


57,676


80,184







 


235


1,611,809

Residential
143,657


2,232


11,494


136




$
448,494


10,372


616,385

Home equity
6,194


35


1,184


 



246,101


1,709


255,223

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
 

 

 

 



69,666


117


69,783

Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
1,420


 

125


 








1,545

Other loans
24,334





195


 




 

 

24,529

Loans
$
2,635,448


$
72,407


$
146,254


$
661




$
764,261


$
13,378


$
3,632,409




20

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following table shows a past due aging of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, by loan class as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013:

 
September 30, 2014
 
Current

30-59 Days
Past Due

60-89 Days
Past Due

Loans > 90 Days
And Accruing

Non-Accrual

Total Past Due
& Non-Accrual

Total
Commercial and industrial loans
$
887,365


$
2,522


$
3,758


$
186


$
7,139


$
13,605


$
900,970

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
88,526


174


280





10,669


11,123


99,649

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Construction
176,229


1,033






951


1,984


178,213

Commercial and farmland
1,583,226


4,044


1,748





14,680


20,472


1,603,698

Residential
607,204


3,841


469


549


13,546


18,405


625,609

Home equity
266,566


710


703


77


1,896


3,386


269,952

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
66,366


217


7


19


223


466


66,832

Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
1,208




 









1,208

Other loans
26,336




 

 







26,336

Loans
$
3,703,026


$
12,541


$
6,965


$
831


$
49,104


$
69,441


$
3,772,467



 
December 31, 2013
 
Current

30-59 Days
Past Due

60-89 Days
Past Due

Loans > 90 Days
And Accruing

Non-Accrual

Total Past Due
& Non-Accrual

Total
Commercial and industrial loans
$
749,020


$
2,628


$
774





$
9,283


$
12,685


$
761,705

Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
114,305


13






30


43


114,348

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Construction
171,046


1,058


 


 


4,978


6,036


177,082

Commercial and farmland
1,573,403


3,807


5,801


$
703


28,095


38,406


1,611,809

Residential
595,192


7,156


1,475


494


12,068


21,193


616,385

Home equity
251,188


1,652


563


153


1,667


4,035


255,223

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
69,061


550


55


 


117


722


69,783

Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
1,545


 

 

 





1,545

Other loans
24,365


 

 

 

164


164


24,529

Loans
$
3,549,125


$
16,864


$
8,668


$
1,350


$
56,402


$
83,284


$
3,632,409

 
 
See the information regarding the analysis of loan loss experience in the "LOAN QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES" section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as ITEM 2 of this Form 10-Q.

On occasion, borrower experience declines in income and cash flow. As a result, these borrowers seek to reduce contractual cash outlays including debt payments. Concurrently, in an effort to preserve and protect its earning assets, specifically troubled loans, the Corporation is working to maintain its relationship with certain customers who are experiencing financial difficulty by contractually modifying the borrower's debt agreement with the Corporation. In certain loan restructuring situations, the Corporation may grant a concession to a debtor experiencing financial difficulty, resulting in a trouble debt restructuring. A concession is deemed to be granted when, as a result of the restructuring, the Corporation does not expect to collect all amounts due, including interest accrued at the original contract rate. If the payment of principal at original maturity is primarily dependent on the value of collateral, the current value of the collateral is considered in determining whether the principal will be paid.

The following tables summarize troubled debt restructurings in the Corporation's loan portfolio that occurred during the periods indicated:
 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Pre-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Post-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Number
of
Loans

Pre-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Post-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Number
of
Loans
Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Commercial and farmland









$
259


$
259


1

Residential
$
256


$
245


5


448


428


7

Home Equity
229


247


7


314


343


10

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures









26


26


2

Total
$
485


$
492


12


$
1,047


$
1,056


20

 
 

21

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)





Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Pre-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Post-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Number
of
Loans

Pre-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Post-Modification
Recorded
Balance

Number
of
Loans
Commercial and industrial loans
$
162


$
183


1


$
294


$
315


5

Real estate Loans:


 

 

 

 

 
Commercial and farmland
1,464


1,469


6


6,449


5,450


10

Residential
190


191


2


658


649


8

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures






44


45


2

Total
$
1,816


$
1,843


9


$
7,445


$
6,459


25



The following tables show the recorded investment of troubled debt restructurings, by modification type, that occurred during the periods indicated:
 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Term
Modification

Rate
Modification

Combination

Total
Modification
Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 
Residential




$
241


$
241

           Home Equity




245


245

Total




$
486


$
486




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Term
Modification

Rate
Modification

Combination

Total
Modification
Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and farmland
$
283








$
283

Residential



$
60


$
361


421

           Home Equity
 
 
95

 
245

 
340

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
 




24


24

Total
$
283


$
155


$
630


$
1,068




Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Term
Modification

Rate
Modification

Combination

Total
Modification
Commercial and industrial loans
$
175






$
175

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and farmland
1,399







1,399

Residential
158


$
34




192

Total
$
1,732


$
34




$
1,766




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Term
Modification

Rate
Modification

Combination

Total
Modification
Commercial and industrial loans
$
228




$
63


$
291

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and farmland
1,399





1,950


3,349

Residential
158


$
94


353


605

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
 




26


26

Total
$
1,785


$
94


$
2,392


$
4,271



22

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Loans secured by residential real estate made up 73 percent of the post-modification balance of troubled debt restructured loans made in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The following tables summarize the troubled debt restructures that occurred during the twelve months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, that subsequently defaulted during the period indicated and remained in default at period end. For purposes of this schedule, a loan is considered in default if it is 30 or more days past due.


Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Number of
Loans

Recorded
Balance

Number of
Loans

Recorded
Balance
Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 
Residential
1


$
71


1


$
71

Total
1


$
71


1


$
71



Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Number of
Loans

Recorded
Balance

Number of
Loans

Recorded
Balance
Commercial and industrial loans
1

$
18


1


$
18

Real estate Loans:
 

 

 

 
Commercial and farmland




1


223

Residential
2

166


2


166

Total
3

$
184


4


$
407

 
 
For potential consumer loan restructures, impairment evaluation occurs prior to modification. Any subsequent impairment is typically addressed through the charge off process, or may be addressed through a specific reserve. Consumer troubled debt restructurings are generally included in the general historical allowance for loan loss at the post modification balance. Consumer non-accrual and delinquent troubled debt restructurings are also considered in the calculation of the non-accrual and delinquency trend environmental allowance allocation. Commercial troubled debt restructured loans risk graded special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss are individually evaluated for impairment under ASC 310. Any resulting specific reserves are included in the allowance for loan losses. Commercial 30 - 89 day delinquent troubled debt restructurings are included in the calculation of the delinquency trend environmental allowance allocation. All commercial non-impaired loans, including non-accrual and 90+ day delinquents, are included in the ASC 450 loss migration analysis.


NOTE 5

ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN LOANS ACQUIRED IN A PURCHASE

On February 10, 2012, First Merchants Bank, National Association (the "Bank") assumed $113.0 million in loans as part of a Purchase and Assumption Agreement of SCB Bank. This loan portfolio was acquired at a fair value discount of $19.2 million.

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired all of the assets of CFS Bancorp, Inc. as discussed in NOTE 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q. The acquired assets included $639.6 million in loans which were acquired at a fair value discount of $36.5 million.

Loans acquired in the transactions described above are included in NOTE 4.  LOANS AND ALLOWANCE included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

As discussed in NOTE 4.  LOANS AND ALLOWANCE included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, loans purchased after December 31, 2008 are recorded at the acquisition date fair value, which could result in a fair value discount or premium.  Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the date of acquisition that the acquirer will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments are accounted under ASC 310-30, Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.  The difference between contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable portion of the fair value discount or premium.  The accretable portion of the fair value discount or premium is the difference between the expected cash flows and the net present value of expected cash flows, with such difference accreted into earnings over the term of the loans.    


23

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following table includes the outstanding balance and carrying amount of loans acquired during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, which are included in the balance sheet amounts of loans receivable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

CFS

SCB

Total

CFS

SCB

Total
Commercial and industrial loans
$
77,186


$
6,406


$
83,592


$
81,303


$
8,184


$
89,487

Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers



959


959





1,161


1,161

Real estate loans:




 





 
Construction
11,099





11,099


17,962





17,962

Commercial and farmland
264,241


16,482


280,723


311,631


23,418


335,049

Residential
150,454


7,717


158,171


166,754


9,359


176,113

       Home Equity
40,864


16,381


57,245


49,042


18,236


67,278

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
1,054


140


1,194


2,360


269


2,629

Other Loans
87





87


132


407


539

Total
$
544,985


$
48,085


$
593,070


$
629,184


$
61,034


$
690,218













Carrying Amount
$
519,516


$
41,292


$
560,808


$
585,913


$
50,269


$
636,182

Allowance
398


61


459





229


229

Carrying Amount Net of Allowance
$
519,118


$
41,231


$
560,349


$
585,913


$
50,040


$
635,953



The balance of the allowance for loan losses for loans acquired and accounted for under ASC 310-30 was $459,000 and $229,000 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

As customer cash flow expectations have improved, nonaccretable yield was reclassified to accretable yield.  The accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, and reclassifications from nonaccretable yield, are identified in the table below.


Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

CFS

SCB

Total

SCB
Beginning balance
$
12,085


$
5,069


$
17,154


$
3,959

Additions










Accretion
(2,791
)

(693
)

(3,484
)

(413
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable
2,601


329


2,930



Disposals
(1,345
)

(363
)

(1,708
)


Ending balance
$
10,550


$
4,342


$
14,892


$
3,546




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

CFS

SCB

Total

SCB
Beginning balance
$
13,435


$
5,864


$
19,299


$
5,142

Additions










Accretion
(5,677
)

(1,749
)

(7,426
)

(1,596
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable
4,382


718


5,100



Disposals
(1,590
)

(491
)

(2,081
)


Ending balance
$
10,550


$
4,342


$
14,892


$
3,546





24

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 6
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Corporation is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Corporation principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Corporation manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and through the use of derivative financial instruments.  Specifically, the Corporation enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Corporation’s known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable-rate liabilities.  The Corporation also has derivatives that are a result of a service the Corporation provides to certain qualifying customers, and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Corporation’s assets or liabilities. The Corporation manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments offered as a part of this service to its customers in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Corporation’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Corporation primarily uses interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of fixed amounts to a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation receiving variable payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.  Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium.  As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation had five interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $56.0 million and one interest rate cap with a notional amount of $13.0 million that were designated as cash flow hedges.  

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During 2014, $26.0 million of the interest rate swaps and the $13.0 million interest rate cap were used to hedge the variable cash outflows (LIBOR-based) associated with existing trust preferred securities when the outflows converted from a fixed rate to variable rate in September of 2012.  In addition, the remaining $30.0 million of interest rate swaps were used to hedge the variable cash outflows (LIBOR-based) associated with three Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, the Corporation did not recognize any ineffectiveness.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Corporation’s variable-rate liabilities.  During the next twelve months, the Corporation expects to reclassify $1,369,000 from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense.

Non-designated Hedges

The Corporation does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.  Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Corporation provides to certain customers. The Corporation executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies.  Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Corporation executes with a third party, such that the Corporation minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.  As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.  As of September 30, 2014, the notional amount of customer-facing swaps was approximately $145,055,000.  This amount is offset with third party counterparties, as described above.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet

The table below presents the fair value of the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments, as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet, as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
 
 
Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives
 
September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
 
Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest rate contracts
Other Assets

$
236


Other Assets

$
1,162


Other Liabilities

$
1,620


Other Liabilities

$
1,021

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest rate contracts
Other Assets

$
2,873


Other Assets

$
2,847


Other Liabilities

$
2,927


Other Liabilities

$
2,932

  

25

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement

The tables below present the effect of the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments on the Income Statement for three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013.
 
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments under
FASB ASC 815-10

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized Income on
Derivative

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized Income on
Derivative

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized Income on
Derivative
 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
Interest rate contracts

Other income

$
43


$
31



Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments under
FASB ASC 815-10

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized Income on
Derivative

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized Income on
Derivative

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized Income on
Derivative
 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2013

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2013
Interest rate contracts

Other income

$
(16
)

$
249

 

The amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income is included in the table below for the periods indicated.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
Three Months ended
 
Nine Months ended
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
Interest Rate Products
$
28

 
$
(248
)
 
$
(2,530
)
 
$
1,550



The amount of gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into income is included in the table below for the periods indicated.

Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income into Income
(Effective Portion)
Three Months ended
 
Nine Months ended
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
Interest Expense
$
(356
)
 
$
(207
)
 
$
(1,051
)
 
(587
)


The Corporation’s exposure to credit risk occurs because of nonperformance by its counterparties.  The counterparties approved by the Corporation are usually financial institutions, which are well capitalized and have credit ratings through Moody’s and/or Standard & Poor’s, at or above investment grade.  The Corporation’s control of such risk is through quarterly financial reviews, comparing mark-to-mark values with policy limitations, credit ratings and collateral pledging.

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The Corporation has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Corporation fails to maintain its status as a well or adequate capitalized institution, then the Corporation could be required to terminate or fully collateralize all outstanding derivative contracts.

The Corporation also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Corporation defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, the Corporation could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. As of September 30, 2014, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $4,277,000. As of September 30, 2014, the Corporation had minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and had posted collateral of $4,581,000. If the Corporation had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2014, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value.



26

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 7 

DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Corporation used fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments, to certain assets, and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  ASC 820 applies only when other guidance requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.

As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. It represents an exit price at the measurement date. Market participants are buyers and sellers, who are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact in the principal (or most advantageous) market for the asset or liability being measured. Current market conditions, including imbalances between supply and demand, are considered in determining fair value. The Corporation values its assets and liabilities in the principal market where it sells the particular asset or transfers the liability with the greatest volume and level of activity. In the absence of a principal market, the valuation is based on the most advantageous market for the asset or liability (i.e., the market where the asset could be sold or the liability transferred at a price that maximizes the amount to be received for the asset or minimizes the amount to be paid to transfer the liability).

Valuation inputs refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a given asset or liability. Inputs can be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are those assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the particular asset or liability. These inputs are based on market data and are obtained from a source independent of the Corporation. Unobservable inputs are assumptions based on the Corporation’s own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date. All inputs, whether observable or unobservable, are ranked in accordance with a prescribed fair value hierarchy which gives the highest ranking to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest ranking to unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market activity (Level 3). Fair values for assets or liabilities classified as Level 2 are based on one or a combination of the following factors: (i) quoted prices for similar assets; (ii) observable inputs for the asset or liability, such as interest rates or yield curves; or (iii) inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Corporation considers an input to be significant if it drives 10 percent or more of the total fair value of a particular asset or liability.


27

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Recurring Measurements

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
 
 
 

Fair Value Measurements Using:
September 30, 2014
Fair Value

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Available for sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities
109

 
 
 
109

 
 
State and municipal
235,797

 
 
 
229,167

 
$
6,630

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
329,531

 
 
 
329,531

 
 
Corporate obligations
853

 
 
 
 
 
853

Equity securities
1,706

 
 
 
1,702

 
4

Interest rate swap asset
2,911

 
 
 
2,911

 
 
Interest rate cap
198

 
 
 
198

 
 
Interest rate swap liability
4,547

 
 
 
4,547

 
 


 
 

Fair Value Measurements Using:
December 31, 2013
Fair Value

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Available for sale securities:
 

 

 

 
U.S. Treasury
$
15,973

 
 
 
$
15,973

 
 
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities
3,545


 

3,545


 
State and municipal
230,987


 

223,752


$
7,235

U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
281,252


 

281,252


 
Corporate obligations
2,738


 

 

2,738

Equity securities
1,706


 

1,702


4

Interest rate swap asset
3,619


 

3,619




Interest rate cap
390


 

390




Interest rate swap liability
3,953


 

3,953






Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.  There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques as of September 30, 2014.

Available for Sale Investment Securities

Where quoted, market prices are available in an active market and securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. There are no securities classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include agencies, mortgage backs, state and municipal, and equity securities. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. Level 3 fair value, including corporate obligations, state and municipal and equity securities, was determined using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated market estimates of interest rates and volatility in markets that have not been active.

Third party vendors compile prices from various sources and may apply such techniques as matrix pricing to determine the value of identical or similar investment securities classified within Level 2. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the banking industry to value investment securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific investment securities but rather relying on the investment securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted investment securities. Any investment security not valued based upon the methods above are considered Level 3.









28

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Corporate Obligations        

Corporate obligations are primarily comprised of pooled trust preferred securities and are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. These securities were rated A or better at inception, but at September 30, 2014, Moody’s ratings on these securities ranged from Ca to C. The issuers in these securities are primarily banks, but some of the pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. On a quarterly basis, the Corporation uses an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) evaluation process to compare the present value of expected cash flows to determine whether an adverse change in cash flows has occurred. The OTTI evaluation process considers the structure and term of the collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”), interest rates, principal balances of note classes and underlying issuers, the timing and amount of interest and principal payments of the underlying issuers, and the allocation of the payments to the note classes.  The current estimate of expected cash flows is based on the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information including announcements of interest payment deferrals or defaults of underlying trust preferred securities. Assumptions used in the evaluation process include expected future default rates and prepayments as well as recovery assumptions on defaults and deferrals. In addition, the process is used to “stress” each CDO, or make assumptions more severe than expected activity, to determine the degree to which assumptions could deteriorate before the CDO could no longer fully support repayment of the Corporation’s note class. Upon completion of the September 30, 2014 quarterly evaluation process, the conclusion was no OTTI for the three months ending September 30, 2014, or for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

In the second quarter of 2014, the Corporation sold four of its six trust preferred securities with an amortized cost of $4.8 million, which resulted in a net gain of $641,000. The Corporation has two remaining trust preferred securities. Such investments have an amortized cost of $1.5 million and a fair value of $821,000.

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements

See information regarding the Corporation's interest rate derivative products in NOTE 6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

Level 3 Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013.
 
 
Available for Sale Securities
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2013
Balance at beginning of the period
$
7,533

 
$
17,915

 
$
9,977

 
$
18,328

Total realized and unrealized gains and losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income


 

 
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income
68

 
(486
)
 
2,960

 
(521
)
Purchases, issuances and settlements


 


 
 
 
 
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3
 
 
3,905

 
 
 
3,905

Principal payments
(114
)
 
(336
)
 
(5,450
)
 
(714
)
Ending balance
$
7,487

 
$
20,998

 
$
7,487

 
$
20,998



There were no gains or losses for the period included in earnings that were attributable to the changes in unrealized gains or losses related to assets or liabilities held at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.


Transfers Between Levels

Transfer between Levels 1, 2 and 3 and the reasons for those transfers are as follows:

 
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Reason for Transfer
Transfers to/(from) Level:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale securities
 
 
$
(3,905
)
 
$
3,905

 
Selected state and municipal securities were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 due to limited availability of similar securities in active markets.
 
 
 
$
(3,905
)
 
$
3,905

 
 


29

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Nonrecurring Measurements

The following table presents the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
 
 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using
September 30, 2014

Fair Value

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)

$
19,830


 

 

$
19,830

Other real estate owned

$
5,638


 

 

$
5,638

 
 
 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2013

Fair Value

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
 Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)

$
12,117


 

 

$
12,117

Other real estate owned

$
6,877


 

 

$
6,877

 

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Impaired Loans (collateral dependent)

Loans for which it is probable that the Corporation will not collect all principal and interest due according to contractual terms are measured for impairment. Allowable methods for determining the amount of impairment include estimating fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of the loan is confirmed. During 2014, certain impaired loans were partially charged off or re-evaluated. Impaired loans that are collateral dependent are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when impairment is determined using the fair value method.


Other Real Estate Owned

The fair value for impaired loans and other real estate owned is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans or real estate and is determined using several methods. The fair value of real estate is generally determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically ascertained by assessing, either singularly or some combination of,  asset appraisals, accounts receivable aging reports, inventory listings and/or customer financial statements. Both appraised values and values based on borrower’s financial information are discounted as considered appropriate based on age and quality of the information and current market conditions.


30

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements, other than goodwill, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
September 30, 2014
Fair Value

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Inputs

Range (Weighted-Average)
State and municipal securities
$
6,630


Discounted cash flow

Maturity/Call date

1 month to 18 yrs
 
 

 

Blend of US Muni BQ curve

A- to BBB-
 
 

 

Discount rate

1% - 6.25%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate obligations/Equity securities
$
857


Discounted cash flow

Risk free rate

3 month LIBOR
 
 

 

plus Premium for illiquidity

plus 200bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
$
19,830


Collateral based measurements

Discount to reflect current market conditions and ultimate collectability

0% - 50% (2%)
 
 





 
Other real estate owned
$
5,638


Appraisals

Discount to reflect current market conditions

0% - 20% (4%)

December 31, 2013
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range (Weighted-Average)
State and municipal securities
$
7,235

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Maturity/Call date
 
1 month to 15 yrs
 
 
 
 
 
Blend of US Muni BQ curve
 
A- to BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
1% - 5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate obligations/Equity securities
$
2,742

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Risk free rate
 
3 month LIBOR
 
 
 
 
 
plus Premium for illiquidity
 
plus 200bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
$
12,117

 
Collateral based measurements
 
Discount to reflect current market conditions and ultimate collectability
 
0% - 50% (3%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate owned
$
6,877

 
Appraisals
 
Discount to reflect current market conditions
 
0% - 20% (2%)


Sensitivity of Significant Unobservable Inputs

The following is a discussion of the sensitivity of significant unobservable inputs, the interrelationships between those inputs and other unobservable inputs used in recurring fair value measurement and of how those inputs might magnify or mitigate the effect of changes in the unobservable inputs on the fair value measurement.

State and Municipal Securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s state and municipal securities are premiums for unrated securities and marketability discounts.  Significant increases or decreases in either of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.  Generally, changes in either of those inputs will not affect the other input.

Corporate Obligations/Equity Securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s corporate obligations/equity securities are premiums for unrated securities and marketability discounts.  Significant increases or decreases in either of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.  Generally, changes in either of those inputs will not affect the other input.


31

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table presents estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.




September 30, 2014





(unaudited)


 
Carrying
Amount

Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

Significant Unobservable
Inputs
 
(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)
Assets:
 

 

 

 
Cash and due from banks
$
74,237


$
74,237


 

 
Interest-bearing time deposits
24,171


24,171


 

 
Investment securities available for sale
567,996


 

$
560,509


$
7,487

Investment securities held to maturity
621,818


 

595,817


38,738

Loans held for sale
6,423


 

6,423


 
Loans
3,706,871


 

 

3,667,454

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
43,127


 

43,127


 
Interest rate swap and cap asset
3,109


 

3,109


 
Interest receivable
19,455


 

19,455


 
Liabilities:
 

 

 

 
Deposits
$
4,310,123


$
3,229,034


$
1,073,638


 
Borrowings:




 

 
Federal funds purchased
61,428


 

61,428


 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
117,892


 

117,903


 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
255,423


 

255,569


 
Subordinated debentures and term loans
126,874


 

101,257


 
Interest rate swap liability
4,547


 

4,547


 
Interest payable
3,819


 

3,819


 





December 31, 2013


 
Carrying
Amount

Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

Significant Unobservable
Inputs
 
(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)
Assets:
 

 

 

 
Cash and due from banks
$
109,434


$
109,434


 

 
Interest-bearing time deposits
55,069


55,069


 

 
Investment securities available for sale
536,201


 

$
526,224


$
9,977

Investment securities held to maturity
559,378


 

525,998


34,849

Loans held for sale
5,331


 

5,331


 
Loans
3,564,539


 

 

3,506,615

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
38,990


 

38,990


 
Interest rate swap and cap asset
4,009


 

4,009




Interest receivable
18,672


 

18,672


 
Liabilities:
 

 

 

 
Deposits
$
4,231,468


$
3,082,117


$
934,937


 
Borrowings:
 

 

 

 
Federal funds purchased
125,645




125,645



Securities sold under repurchase agreements
148,672


 

148,852


 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
122,140


 

122,962


 
Subordinated debentures and term loans
126,807


 

82,607


 

Interest rate swap liability
3,953


 

3,953



Interest payable
1,771


 

1,771


 


32

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of all other financial instruments recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at amounts other than fair value.

Cash and due from banks:  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

Interest-bearing time deposits:  The fair value of interest-bearing time deposits approximates carrying value.

Investment securities:  Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. The fair value of certain Level III securities is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered on investments with similar maturities and investment quality.

Mortgage Loans Held For Sale:  The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short duration between origination and date of sale.

Loans:  The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  See Impaired Loans above.

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock:  The fair value of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock is based on the price which it may be resold to the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank.

Derivative instruments:  The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflects the estimated amounts that would have been received to terminate these contracts at the reporting date based upon pricing or valuation models applied to current market information.  Interest rate caps are valued using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates rose above the strike rate of the caps.  The projected cash receipts on the caps are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities.

Interest Receivable and Interest Payable:  The fair value of interest receivables/payable approximates the carrying amount.

Deposits:  The fair values of noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand accounts and savings deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The carrying amounts for variable rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the balance sheet date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit and other time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on such time deposits.

Federal funds purchased:  The fair value of Federal Funds purchased approximates the carrying amount.

Borrowings:  The fair value of borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation, based on current rates for similar debt.

 
NOTE 8 
 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, as of September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale for which a Portion of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment has been Recognized in Income
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Defined Benefit Plans
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
1,566

 
$
(1,847
)
 
$
(501
)
 
$
(5,628
)
 
$
(6,410
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
11,338

 
1,701

 
(1,645
)
 


 
11,394

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(1,518
)
 


 
684

 


 
(834
)
Period change
9,820

 
1,701

 
(961
)
 

 
10,560

Balance at September 30, 2014
$
11,386

 
$
(146
)
 
$
(1,462
)
 
$
(5,628
)
 
$
4,150

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
17,904

 
$
(3,272
)
 
$
(2,652
)
 
$
(17,479
)
 
$
(5,499
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(12,646
)
 
89

 
1,007

 


 
(11,550
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(317
)
 


 
382

 
786

 
851

Period change
(12,963
)
 
89

 
1,389

 
786

 
(10,699
)
Balance at September 30, 2013
$
4,941

 
$
(3,183
)
 
$
(1,263
)
 
$
(16,693
)
 
$
(16,198
)



33

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following table presents the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were included in net income in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Components
 
2014
 
2013
 
Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized securities gains reclassified into income
 
$
910

 

 
Other income - net realized gains on sales of available for sale securities
Related income tax expense
 
(318
)
 

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
592

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$
(356
)
 
$
(207
)
 
Interest expense - subordinated debentures and term loans
Related income tax benefit
 
124

 
72

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(232
)
 
$
(135
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of net loss and prior service costs
 


 
$
(112
)
 
Other expenses - salaries and employee benefits
Related income tax benefit
 


 
39

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$

 
$
(73
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
360

 
$
(208
)
 
 



 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Nine Months Ended September 30,


Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Components
 
2014

2013

Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities (1)
 





Realized securities gains reclassified into income
 
$
2,335


$
487


Other income - net realized gains on sales of available for sale securities
Related income tax expense
 
(817
)

(170
)

Income tax expense

 
$
1,518


$
317




 





Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (2)
 





Interest rate contracts
 
$
(1,051
)

$
(587
)

Interest expense - subordinated debentures and term loans
Related income tax benefit
 
367


205


Income tax expense

 
$
(684
)

$
(382
)



 





Unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans
 





Amortization of net loss and prior service costs
 



$
(1,209
)

Other expenses - salaries and employee benefits
Related income tax benefit
 



423


Income tax expense

 
$


$
(786
)



 





Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
834


$
(851
)




(1) For additional detail related to unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities and related amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income see NOTE 3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES.

(2) For additional detail related to unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges and related amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income see NOTE 6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.



34

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 9 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock options and restricted stock awards ("RSAs") have been issued to directors, officers and other management employees under the Corporation's 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan and the 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan.  The stock options, which have a ten year life, become 100 percent vested ranging from six months to two years and are fully exercisable when vested. Option exercise prices equal the Corporation's common stock closing price on NASDAQ on the date of grant.  RSAs provide for the issuance of shares of the Corporation's common stock at no cost to the holder and generally vest after three years.  The RSAs vest only if the employee is actively employed by the Corporation on the vesting date and, therefore, any unvested shares are forfeited.  RSAs for employees retired from the Corporation continue to vest after retirement. Deferred stock units ("DSUs") can be credited to non-employee directors who have elected to defer payment of compensation under the Corporation's 2008 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors.  DSUs credited are equal to the restricted shares that the non-employee director would have received under the plan.  As of September 30, 2014, there were no outstanding DSUs.

The Corporation’s 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) provides eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation through quarterly offerings financed by payroll deductions. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees shall be equal to 85 percent of the average of the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on each trading day during the offering period. However, in no event shall such purchase price be less than the lesser of an amount equal to 85 percent of the market price of the Corporation’s stock on the offering date or an amount equal to 85 percent of the market value on the date of purchase. Common stock purchases are made quarterly and are paid through advance payroll deductions up to a calendar year maximum of $25,000.

Compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards is recorded by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of these awards over the remaining service periods of those awards, with no change in historical reported fair values and earnings.  Awards are valued at fair value in accordance with provisions of share-based compensation guidance and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the service periods of each award. To complete the exercise of vested stock options, RSA’s and ESPP options, the Corporation generally issues new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool. Share-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $552,000 and $1,611,000 compared to $475,000 and $1,285,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Share-based compensation has been recognized as a component of salaries and benefits expense in the accompanying CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME.

The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during 2014 and in prior years was calculated using a Black Scholes option pricing model.  The following summarizes the assumptions used in the 2014 Black Scholes model:

Risk-free interest rate
2.41
%
Expected price volatility
45.05
%
Dividend yield
2.73
%
Forfeiture rate
5.46
%
Weighted-average expected life, until exercise
7.7 years


 
The Black Scholes model incorporates assumptions to value share-based awards. The risk-free rate of interest, for periods equal to the expected life of the option, is based on a U.S. government instrument over a similar contractual term of the equity instrument. Expected price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Corporation’s common stock.  In addition, the Corporation generally uses historical information to determine the dividend yield and weighted-average expected life of the options until exercise. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior with regard to option exercise timing and forfeiture rates are considered separately for valuation and attribution purposes.

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods, if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures were estimated to be approximately 5.5 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, based on historical experience.













35

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




The following table summarizes the components of the Corporation's share-based compensation awards recorded as expense:


Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014

2013
 
2014
 
2013
Stock and ESPP Options
 

 
 
 

 
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
81


$
89

 
$
156


$
177

Income tax expense (benefit)
(21
)

(17
)
 
(26
)

1

Stock and ESPP option expense, net of income taxes
$
60


$
72

 
$
130


$
178

Restricted Stock Awards
 

 
 
 

 
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
471


$
386

 
$
1,455


$
1,108

Income tax benefit
(165
)

(135
)
 
(509
)

(387
)
Restricted stock awards expense, net of income taxes
$
306


$
251

 
$
946


$
721

Total Share-Based Compensation
 

 
 
 

 
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
552


$
475

 
$
1,611


$
1,285

Income tax benefit
(186
)

(152
)
 
(535
)

(386
)
Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes
$
366


$
323

 
$
1,076


$
899



As of September 30, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options and RSAs totaling $65,000 and $3,014,000, respectively, is expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 0.31 and 1.36 years, respectively.

Stock option activity under the Corporation's stock option plans as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, were as follows:

 
Number of
Shares

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
958,786


$
21.32


 

 
Granted
13,500


$
21.65


 

 
Exercised
(38,650
)

$
11.64


 

 
Canceled
(193,106
)

$
24.42


 

 
Outstanding September 30, 2014
740,530


$
20.99


3.32

1,929,297

Vested and Expected to Vest at September 30, 2014
740,530


$
20.99


3.32

1,929,297

Exercisable at September 30, 2014
718,030


$
21.05


3.14

1,885,287



The weighted-average grant date fair value was $8.13 and $5.73 for stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Corporation's closing stock price on the last trading day of the first nine months of 2014 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their stock options on September 30, 2014.  The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $388,000 and $106,000, respectively. Cash receipts of stock options exercised during this same period were $450,000 and $97,000, respectively.

The following table summarizes information on unvested RSAs outstanding as of September 30, 2014:

 
Number of Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested RSAs at January 1, 2014
429,002


$
12.51

Granted
93,715


$
20.46

Vested
(125,188
)

$
9.18

Forfeited
(8,111
)

$
16.03

Unvested RSAs at September 30, 2014
389,418


$
15.44



The grant date fair value of ESPP options was estimated at the beginning of the July 1, 2014 quarterly offering period of approximately $21,000. The ESPP options vested during the three months ending September 30, 2014, leaving no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested ESPP options at September 30, 2014.



36

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 10

Income Tax


Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
Income Tax Expense :
 

 

 

 
Currently Payable:
 

 

 

 
Federal
$
(969
)

$
(1,897
)

$
(541
)

$
(1,157
)
State
137





382




Deferred:
 

 

 

 
Federal
6,694


4,564


16,032


12,647

State











Total Income Tax Expense
$
5,862


$
2,667


$
15,873


$
11,490

Reconciliation of Federal Statutory to Actual Tax Expense:
 

 

 

 
Federal statutory income tax at 35%
$
7,694


$
4,575


$
21,271


$
15,601

Tax-exempt interest income
(1,310
)

(1,024
)

(3,805
)

(2,842
)
Stock compensation
8


14


29


40

Earnings on life insurance
(534
)

(213
)

(1,024
)

(672
)
Tax credits
(158
)

(375
)

(753
)

(411
)
Other
162


(310
)

155


(226
)
Actual Tax Expense
$
5,862


$
2,667


$
15,873


$
11,490



NOTE 11
 
Net Income Per Share
 
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the combination of all dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans, and the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period.

Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of share-based awards, the amount of compensation expense, if any, for future service that the Corporation has not yet recognized, and the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when share-based awards are exercised, are assumed to be used to repurchase common stock in the current period.
 
The following table reconciles basic and diluted net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013
 
Net Income

Weighted-Average Shares

Per Share
Amount

Net Income

Weighted-Average Shares

Per Share
Amount
Basic net income per share:
$
16,122


 

 

$
10,403


 

 
Less: Preferred Stock dividends and discount accretion



 

 

(430
)

 

 
Net income available to common stockholders
16,122


36,054,867


$
0.45


9,973


28,806,809


$
0.35

Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants



274,114


 




274,663


 
Diluted net income per share:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Net income available to common stockholders
$
16,122


36,328,981


$
0.45


$
9,973


29,081,472


$
0.35


 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Net Income
 
Weighted-Average Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
Net Income
 
Weighted-Average Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
Basic net income per share:
$
44,902

 
 
 
 
 
$
33,083

 
 
 
 
Less: Preferred Stock dividends and discount accretion
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,139
)
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
44,902

 
36,013,049

 
$
1.25

 
30,944

 
28,769,206

 
$
1.08

Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants
 
 
282,337

 
 
 
 
 
257,260

 
 
Diluted net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
$
44,902

 
36,295,386

 
$
1.24

 
$
30,944

 
29,026,466

 
$
1.07


37

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




Stock options to purchase 531,872 and 615,151 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively, were not included in the earnings per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.

Stock options to purchase 569,061 and 667,382 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were not included in the earnings per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.


NOTE 12
 
IMPACT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGES
 
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2014-01, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (January 2014). This Update permits entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The ASU modifies the conditions that an entity must meet to be eligible to use a method other than the equity or cost methods to account for qualified affordable housing project investments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (January 2014). The objective of this Update is to reduce diversity by clarifying when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The amendments in this Update may be adopted using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (April 2014). This Update seeks to better define the groups of assets which qualify for discontinued operations, in order to ease the burden and cost for preparers and stakeholders. This issue changed “the criteria for reporting discontinued operations” and related reporting requirements, including the provision for disclosures about the “disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation.” The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted only for disposals or classifications as held for sale. The Company will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (May 2014).
Section A - Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and
Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40)
Section B - Conforming Amendments to Other Topics and Subtopics in the Codification and Status Tables
Section C - Background Information and Basis for Conclusions

The topic of Revenue Recognition had become broad with several other regulatory agencies issuing standards, which lacked cohesion. The new guidance establishes a “comprehensive framework” and “reduces the number of requirements to which an entity must consider in recognizing revenue” and yet provides improved disclosures to assist stakeholders reviewing financial statements. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (June 2014). This Update addresses the concerns of stakeholders’ by changing the accounting practices surrounding repurchase agreements. The new guidance changes the “accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements.” The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (June 2014). This Update defines the accounting treatment for share-based payments and “resolves the diverse accounting treatment of those awards in practice.” The new requirement mandates that “a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition.” Compensation cost will now be recognized in the period in which it becomes likely that the performance target will be met. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.



38

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 13

CONSUMMATION OF MERGER

On July 21, 2014, First Merchants and Community Bancshares entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, Community Bancshares will, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, merge with and into First Merchants (the “Merger”) whereupon the separate corporate existence of Community Bancshares will cease and First Merchants will survive.  Immediately following the Merger, Community Bank, an Indiana state bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Bancshares, will be merged with and into First Merchants Bank, National Association, a national bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants, with First Merchants Bank, National Association continuing as the surviving bank.  As a result of this merger, First Merchants ($5.6 billion) and Community Bancshares ($259 million) will have combined assets of approximately $5.9 billion. All regulatory and shareholder approvals required in connection with the Merger have been obtained. Consummation of the Merger is expected to occur on November 7, 2014.





39

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

From time to time, we include forward-looking statements in our oral and written communication. We may include forward-looking statements in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as this Form 10-Q, in other written materials and in oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words like “believe”, “continue”, “pattern”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “anticipate”,  “expect” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “would”,  “should”,  “could”,  “might”, “can”, “may”, or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:

statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
statements regarding our business plan and growth strategies;
statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors which could affect the actual outcome of future events:

fluctuations in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, which could negatively affect our net interest margin, asset valuations and expense expectations;
adverse changes in the economy, which might affect our business prospects and could cause credit-related losses and expenses;
adverse developments in our loan and investment portfolios;
competitive factors in the banking industry, such as the trend towards consolidation in our market;
changes in the banking legislation or the regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies applicable to bank holding companies and banks like our affiliate bank;
acquisitions of other businesses by us and integration of such acquired businesses;
changes in market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with our business; and
the continued availability of earnings and excess capital sufficient for the lawful and prudent declaration and payment of cash dividends.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our anticipated future results.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Generally accepted accounting principles are complex and require us to apply significant judgments to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply those principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Certain policies are considered critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

We believe there have been no significant changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

BUSINESS SUMMARY

First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was organized in September 1982. The Corporation’s Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ’s Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), which opened for business in Muncie, Indiana, in March 1893. The Bank also operates Lafayette Bank and Trust, Commerce National Bank and First Merchants Trust Company as divisions of First Merchants Bank, National Association.  The Bank includes ninety-seven banking locations in twenty-six Indiana, two Illinois and two Ohio counties. In addition to its branch network, the Corporation’s delivery channels include ATMs, check cards, remote deposit capture, interactive voice response systems and internet technology. The Corporation’s business activities are currently limited to one significant business segment, which is community banking.

Through the Bank, the Corporation offers a broad range of financial services, including accepting time deposits, savings and demand deposits; making consumer, commercial, agri-business and real estate mortgage loans; renting safe deposit facilities; providing personal and corporate trust services; providing full-service brokerage; and providing other corporate services, letters of credit and repurchase agreements.

The Corporation also operates First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc., operating as First Merchants Insurance Group, a full-service property, casualty, personal lines, and employee benefit insurance agency headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.



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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Summary

First Merchants Corporation reported net income available to common stockholders of $16.1 million, or $0.45 per fully diluted common share for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $6.1 million, compared to net income available to common stockholders of $10.0 million, or $0.35 per fully diluted common share for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Net income available to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $44.9 million, or $1.24 per fully diluted common share, compared to net income available to common stockholders of $30.9 million, or $1.07 per fully diluted common share for the same period in 2013.

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. CFS was headquartered in Munster, Indiana and had 20 full-service banking centers serving the northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois areas. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of a share of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.6 million. Additional details of the merger are discussed within NOTE 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.
 
As of September 30, 2014, total assets equaled $5.6 billion, an increase of $154.1 million from December 31, 2013.  Investment securities increased $94.2 million and total loans of $3.8 billion increased $141.2 million from December 31, 2013. Additional details of the changes in the Corporation's loans and other earning assets are discussed within NOTE 4. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, and the "EARNING ASSETS" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-Q.

The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses totaled $65.6 million as of September 30, 2014.  The allowance provides 133.6 percent coverage of all non-accrual loans and 1.74 percent of total loans.  The Corporation had provision expense of $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $1.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2013.  Net charge-offs totaled $4.4 million and $3.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $3.5 million and $8.8 million for the same periods of 2013.   Additional details are discussed within the “LOAN QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-Q.

Total deposits of $4.3 billion increased from December 31, 2013 by $78.7 million. The largest increase was in brokered deposits, which increased $249.9 million. This increase was offset by a decrease in maturity deposits of $123.6 million compared to December 31, 2013.

Total borrowings increased $38.4 million from December 31, 2013 as Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $133.3 million. This increase was offset by decreases in Federal Funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, which decreased $64.2 million and $30.8 million, respectively.

The Corporation was able to maintain all regulatory capital ratios in excess of the regulatory definition of “well-capitalized” as discussed in the “CAPITAL” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-Q.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income is the primary source of the Corporation’s earnings.  Net interest margin is a function of net interest income and the level of average earning assets.  Net interest income and net interest margin are presented in the following table on a fully taxable equivalent basis (“FTE”), which adjusts tax-exempt or nontaxable interest income to an amount that would be comparable to interest subject to income taxes using the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent in effect for all periods.  Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2014 remained stable at 4.0 percent compared to the third quarter of 2013, while earning assets increased by $1.1 billion. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, asset yields and interest costs remained stable at 4.4 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2013.

The increases in net interest income and average earning assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with the same periods in 2013, were driven primarily due to the Corporation acquiring 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in November 2013. Due to this transaction, the Bank acquired all the assets, deposits and liabilities of CFS. Additional details can be found in NOTE 2. BUSINESS COMBINATION, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

As a result of the acquisitions in prior periods, the Corporation recognized fair value accretion, which is included in interest income in the periods presented. Interest income included $3,484,000 and $413,000 of fair value accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fair value accretion of $7,426,000 and $1,596,000 was included in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additional details of the Corporation's remaining loan fair value discount, accretable and nonaccretable yield related to acquisitions can be found in NOTE 5. ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN LOANS ACQUIRED IN A PURCHASE, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.


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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following table presents the Corporation’s average balance sheet, interest income/interest expense, and the average rate as a percent of average earning assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013.


For the Three Months Ended
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 Income /
Expense
 
Average
Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 Income /
Expense
 
Average
Rate
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Funds Sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing time deposits
$
28,549

 
$
18

 
0.3
%
 
$
24,497

 
$
18

 
0.3
%
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
43,127

 
501

 
4.6

 
32,790

 
369

 
4.5

Investment Securities: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
776,270

 
5,046

 
2.6

 
615,878

 
3,876

 
2.5

Tax-Exempt (2)
409,241

 
5,665

 
5.5

 
297,274

 
4,368

 
5.9

Total Investment Securities
1,185,511

 
10,711

 
3.6

 
913,152

 
8,244

 
3.6

Loans held for sale
9,393

 
152

 
6.5

 
11,063

 
158

 
5.7

Loans: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
2,905,920

 
34,344

 
4.7

 
2,309,226

 
26,417

 
4.6

Real Estate Mortgage
455,714

 
5,025

 
4.4

 
274,345

 
3,049

 
4.4

Installment
369,797

 
4,460

 
4.8

 
308,520

 
3,924

 
5.1

Tax-Exempt (2)
12,866

 
94

 
2.9

 
15,053

 
131

 
3.5

Total Loans
3,753,690

 
44,075

 
4.7

 
2,918,207

 
33,679

 
4.6

Total Earning Assets
5,010,877

 
55,305

 
4.4
%
 
3,888,646

 
42,310

 
4.4
%
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
11,247

 
 
 
 
 
(4,733
)
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(68,123
)
 
 
 
 
 
(69,117
)
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
74,773

 
 
 
 
 
69,974

 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment
74,696

 
 
 
 
 
54,757

 
 
 
 
Other assets
475,234

 
 
 
 
 
347,455

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
5,578,704

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,286,982

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing NOW deposits
$
1,059,163

 
$
279

 
0.1
%
 
$
847,009

 
$
224

 
0.1
%
Money market deposits
736,339

 
372

 
0.2

 
576,135

 
290

 
0.2

Savings  deposits
528,746

 
154

 
0.1

 
357,267

 
93

 
0.1

Certificates and other time deposits
1,032,274

 
2,048

 
0.8

 
739,413

 
1,606

 
0.9

Total Interest-bearing Deposits
3,356,522

 
2,853

 
0.3

 
2,519,824

 
2,213

 
0.4

Borrowings
572,923

 
2,571

 
1.8

 
446,894

 
1,501

 
1.3

Total Interest-bearing Liabilities
3,929,445

 
5,424

 
0.6

 
2,966,718

 
3,714

 
0.5

Noninterest-bearing deposits
932,266

 
 
 
 
 
775,545

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
37,687

 
 
 
 
 
36,685

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
4,899,398

 
 
 
 
 
3,778,948

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
679,306

 
 
 
 
 
508,034

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
5,578,704

 
5,424

 
0.4

 
$
4,286,982

 
3,714

 
0.4

Net Interest Income
 
 
$
49,881

 
 
 
 
 
$
38,596

 
 
Net Interest Margin
 
 
 
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Average balance of securities is computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustments.
(2)  Tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a marginal tax rate of 35 percent for 2014 and 2013. These totals equal $2,015 and $1,574 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(3)  Non accruing loans have been included in the average balances.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 Income /
Expense
 
Average
Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 Income /
Expense
 
Average
Rate
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Funds Sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing time deposits
$
43,906

 
$
76

 
0.2
%
 
$
60,853

 
$
99

 
0.2
%
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
41,657

 
1,648

 
5.3

 
32,787

 
1,108

 
4.5

Investment Securities: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
761,924

 
14,902

 
2.6

 
608,343

 
11,071

 
2.4

Tax-Exempt (2)
389,682

 
16,447

 
5.6

 
270,378

 
12,013

 
5.9

Total Investment Securities
1,151,606

 
31,349

 
3.6

 
878,721

 
23,084

 
3.5

Loans held for sale
6,653

 
322

 
6.5

 
19,866

 
691

 
4.6

Loans: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
2,893,922

 
99,685

 
4.6

 
2,290,938

 
82,691

 
4.8

Real Estate Mortgage
417,899

 
14,650

 
4.7

 
277,666

 
9,259

 
4.4

Installment
353,134

 
13,672

 
5.2

 
308,240

 
12,084

 
5.2

Tax-Exempt (2)
12,328

 
277

 
3.0

 
15,990

 
484

 
4.0

Total Loans
3,683,936

 
128,606

 
4.7

 
2,912,700

 
105,209

 
4.8

Total Earning Assets
4,921,105

 
161,679

 
4.4
%
 
3,885,061

 
129,500

 
4.4
%
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
7,929

 
 
 
 
 
6,076

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(68,703
)
 
 
 
 
 
(69,432
)
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
83,259

 
 
 
 
 
67,109

 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment
74,732

 
 
 
 
 
54,142

 
 
 
 
Other assets
481,959

 
 
 
 
 
345,689

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
5,500,281

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,288,645

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing NOW deposits
$
1,061,762

 
$
827

 
0.1
%
 
$
850,125

 
$
683

 
0.1
%
Money market deposits
755,097

 
1,136

 
0.2

 
563,863

 
911

 
0.2

Savings  deposits
527,147

 
461

 
0.1

 
354,941

 
292

 
0.1

Certificates and other time deposits
1,021,044

 
5,852

 
0.8

 
795,074

 
5,817

 
1.0

Total Interest-bearing Deposits
3,365,050

 
8,276

 
0.3

 
2,564,003

 
7,703

 
0.4

Borrowings
508,992

 
7,673

 
2.0

 
391,294

 
4,294

 
1.5

Total Interest-bearing Liabilities
3,874,042

 
15,949

 
0.5

 
2,955,297

 
11,997

 
0.5

Noninterest-bearing deposits
925,107

 
 
 
 
 
768,586

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
38,724

 
 
 
 
 
36,606

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
4,837,873

 
 
 
 
 
3,760,489

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
662,408

 
 
 
 
 
528,156

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
5,500,281

 
15,949

 
0.4

 
$
4,288,645

 
11,997

 
0.4

Net Interest Income
 
 
$
145,730

 
 
 
 
 
$
117,503

 
 
Net Interest Margin
 
 
 
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Average balance of securities is computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustments.
(2)  Tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a marginal tax rate of 35 percent for 2014 and 2013. These totals equal $5,853 and $4,373 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(3)  Non accruing loans have been included in the average balances.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment.  Annualized amounts are computed utilizing a 30/360 day basis.


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income increased $6.5 million or 55.0 percent in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the third quarter of 2013.  In November 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc., which was the primary reason for an increase in non-interest income during the period when compared with the same period in 2013. Additional details can be found in NOTE 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

Significant increases realized during the third quarter of 2014 when compared to the same quarter of 2013 were service charge income and other customer fees (primarily electronic card interchange fees and investment brokerage fees) totaling $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. These increases were primarily due to the increased customer base that resulted from the CFS acquisition. Additionally, large increases in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 were realized in gains on sale of other real estate owned, gains on the sale of investment securities, and loan level hedge income of $1.5 million, $910,000 and $636,000, respectively. The Corporation also received death benefits from Bank Owned Life Insurance of $846,000 in the third quarter of 2014.

During the first nine months of 2014, non-interest income increased $9.7 million or 24.4 percent over the same period in 2013. The largest increases realized during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013 were service charge income and other customer fees (primarily electronic card interchange fees and investment brokerage fees) totaling $3.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Again, the increases were primarily due to the increased customer base that resulted from the CFS acquisition. Additionally, large increases in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 were realized in gains on sale of other real estate owned, gains on the sale of investment securities and death benefits received from Bank Owned Life Insurance of $2.9 million, $1.8 million and $846,000, respectively.

Offsetting these increases, was a $3.2 million decrease in net gains recognized on the sale of mortgage loans during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense increased $8.4 million or 24.4 percent in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the third quarter of 2013.  Salaries and employee benefits increased $3.6 million or 17.3 percent over the same quarter last year.  This was primarily driven by the addition of personnel from the acquisition of CFS. The Corporation also experienced an increase of $971,000 in net occupancy expenses as 20 locations were added to our banking center network as a result of the CFS acquisition. Additionally, other real estate owned expenses increased by $970,000 over the same quarter last year primarily due to property write-downs.

The Corporation had $256,000 of one-time expenses related to the Community Bancshares acquisition during the third quarter. These expenses were primarily for legal and professional services. Additional details can be found in NOTE 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

During the first nine months of 2014, non-interest expense increased $24.3 million or 23.6 percent when compared to the first nine months of 2013. Salaries and employee benefits increased $11.0 million or 17.7 percent over the same period last year.  This was primarily driven by the addition of personnel from the acquisition of CFS. Additionally, the Corporation incurred $1.2 million of expense related to health/wellness incentives and seeding of employee health savings accounts. The Corporation also experienced an increase of $3.2 million in net occupancy expenses as 20 locations were added to our banking center network as a result of the CFS acquisition. Additionally, an unusually high amount of snow removal costs throughout the entire corporate footprint accounted for $726,000 of premises expense. The Corporation also experienced an increase of $2.0 million in other real estate owned expense in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013.

In addition to the $256,000 of one-time expenses related to the Community Bancshares acquisition, the Corporation had one-time expenses related to the CFS acquisition and the integration of CFS' core system of $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Equipment expenses increased $1.6 million, of which $491,000 of this increase was due to running CFS' core system prior to integration.
 
INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2014 was $5,862,000 on pre-tax net income of $21,984,000.  For the same period in 2013, income tax expense was $2,667,000 on pre-tax net income of $13,070,000.

Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $15,873,000 on pre-tax net income of $60,775,000.  For the same period in 2013, income tax expense was $11,490,000 on pre-tax net income of $44,573,000.

Taxes, both current and deferred, decreased in the first nine months of 2014 by $15,483,000. The decline in the net asset was primarily due to a combination of increases in deferred tax liabilities and decreases in deferred tax assets. The deferred tax liabilities associated with unrealized gains on available for sale securities and pensions increased by $6,204,000 and $2,755,000, respectively. Additionally, the deferred tax assets associated with the accounting for loans and other real estate owned decreased by $4,959,000 and $3,301,000, respectively.


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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


CAPITAL

Capital adequacy is an important indicator of financial stability and performance.  The Corporation maintained a strong capital position as tangible common equity to tangible assets was 9.05 percent at September 30, 2014, and 8.34 percent at December 31, 2013.

The Corporation and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies and are assigned to a capital category.  The assigned capital category is largely determined by three ratios that are calculated according to the regulations: total risk-based capital, Tier 1 capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios. The ratios are intended to measure capital relative to assets and credit risk associated with those assets and off-balance sheet exposures of the entity.  The capital category assigned to an entity can also be affected by qualitative judgments made by regulatory agencies about the risk inherent in the entity's activities that are not part of the calculated ratios.  At September 30, 2014, the management of the Corporation believes that it meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. The most recent notifications from the regulatory agencies categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

There are five capital categories defined in the regulations, ranging from well capitalized to critically undercapitalized. Classification of a bank in any of the undercapitalized categories can result in actions by regulators that could have a material effect on a bank's operations.

To be considered well capitalized, a bank must have a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10 percent, a Tier I capital ratio of at least 6 percent, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5 percent, and must not be subject to any order or directive requiring the bank to improve its capital level.  An adequately capitalized bank has a total risk-based capital ratio of a least 8 percent, a Tier I capital ratio of at least 4 percent and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4 percent.  Banks with lower capital levels are deemed to be undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, depending on their actual levels.  The appropriate federal regulatory agency may also downgrade a bank to the next lower capital category upon a determination that the bank is in an unsafe or unsound practice.  Banks are required to monitor closely their capital levels and to notify their appropriate regulatory agency of any basis for a change in capital category.

As of September 30, 2014, the Corporation, on a consolidated basis, as well as the Bank, exceeded the minimum capital levels of the well capitalized category.
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
653,048

 
15.21
%
 
$
599,966

 
14.54
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
534,245

 
12.45
%
 
483,186

 
11.71
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
534,245

 
9.93
%
 
483,186

 
10.20
%
First Merchants Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
613,006

 
14.32
%
 
$
599,272

 
14.56
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
559,331

 
13.06
%
 
547,655

 
13.30
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
559,331

 
10.43
%
 
547,655

 
11.58
%
  

Tier I regulatory capital consists primarily of total stockholders’ equity and subordinated debentures issued to business trusts categorized as qualifying borrowings, less non-qualifying intangible assets and unrealized net securities gains or losses.

On January 3, 2013, the Corporation redeemed 22,695.94 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B Preferred Stock") held by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury") at an aggregate redemption price of $22,695,940, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The Series B Preferred Stock was issued to the Treasury in September of 2011 as part of the Corporation's participation in the Small Business Lending Fund Program. Following this redemption, the Treasury held 68,087 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock representing a remaining liquidation amount of approximately $68 million.

On July 2, 2013, the Corporation redeemed an additional 34,044 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock at an aggregate redemption price of $34,044,000, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Following this redemption, the Treasury held 34,043 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock representing a remaining liquidation amount of approximately $34 million.

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS Bancorp common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.7 million. This transaction resulted in a core deposit intangible of $7,313,000 and goodwill of $47,573,000. See Note 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, to the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q for additional information.

On November 22, 2013, the Corporation redeemed the final 34,043 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $34,043,000 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. There are no shares of the Corporation's Series B Preferred Stock currently outstanding.


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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Management believes that all of the above capital ratios are meaningful measurements for evaluating the safety and soundness of the Corporation. Additionally, management believes the following table is also meaningful when considering performance measures of the Corporation. The table details and reconciles tangible earnings per share, return on tangible capital and tangible assets to traditional GAAP measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Average goodwill
$
188,947

 
$
141,374

 
$
188,961

 
$
141,374

Average core deposit intangible (CDI)
12,323

 
7,197

 
12,922

 
7,579

Average deferred tax on CDI
(4,735
)
 
(2,286
)
 
(4,819
)
 
(2,264
)
Intangible adjustment
$
196,535

 
$
146,285

 
$
197,064

 
$
146,689

Average stockholders' equity (GAAP capital)
$
679,306

 
$
508,034

 
$
662,408

 
$
528,156

Average cumulative preferred stock
(125
)
 
(125
)
 
(125
)
 
(125
)
Average non-cumulative preferred stock issued under the Small Business Lending Fund Program
 
 
(34,413
)
 
 
 
(56,905
)
Intangible adjustment
(196,535
)
 
(146,285
)
 
(197,064
)
 
(146,689
)
Average tangible capital
$
482,646

 
$
327,211

 
$
465,219

 
$
324,437

Average assets
$
5,578,704

 
$
4,286,982

 
$
5,500,281

 
$
4,288,645

Intangible adjustment
(196,535
)
 
(146,285
)
 
(197,064
)
 
(146,689
)
Average tangible assets
$
5,382,169

 
$
4,140,697

 
$
5,303,217

 
$
4,141,956

Net income available to common stockholders
$
16,122

 
$
9,973

 
$
44,902

 
$
30,944

CDI amortization, net of tax
336

 
205

 
1,009

 
617

Tangible net income available to common stockholders
$
16,458

 
$
10,178

 
$
45,911

 
$
31,561

Per Share Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income available to common stockholders
$
0.45

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.24

 
$
1.07

Diluted tangible net income available to common stockholders
$
0.45

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.26

 
$
1.09

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average GAAP capital (ROE)
9.49
%
 
7.85
%
 
9.04
%
 
7.81
%
Return on average tangible capital
13.64
%
 
12.44
%
 
13.16
%
 
12.97
%
Return on average assets (ROA)
1.16
%
 
0.93
%
 
1.09
%
 
0.96
%
Return on average tangible assets
1.22
%
 
0.98
%
 
1.15
%
 
1.02
%

Return on average tangible capital is tangible net income available to common stockholders (annualized) expressed as a percentage of average tangible capital.  Return on average tangible assets is tangible net income available to common stockholders (annualized) expressed as a percentage of average tangible assets.

LOAN QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Corporation’s primary business focus is small business and middle market commercial, commercial real estate, residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification.  Commercial loans are individually underwritten and judgmentally risk rated.  They are periodically monitored and prompt corrective actions are taken on deteriorating loans.  Retail loans are typically underwritten with statistical decision-making tools and are managed throughout their life cycle on a portfolio basis.

Loan Quality

Non-performing loan balances will change as a result of routine problem loan recognition and resolution through collections, sales or charge offs. The performance of any loan can be affected by external factors such as economic conditions, or factors particular to a borrower, such as actions of a borrower’s management.

Non-accrual loans decreased by $7,298,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from $56,402,000 at December 31, 2013 to the September 30, 2014, balance of $49,104,000. Non-accrual loans include $10,645,000 related to an isolated relationship collateralized by diverse agriculture assets. This migration to non-accrual was unique to this relationship and is not characteristic of the entire agriculture class of the portfolio. In addition, other real estate owned declined $7,706,000 during the same period.  For other real estate owned, current appraisals are obtained to determine fair value as management continues to aggressively market these real estate assets. Accruing loans delinquent 90 or more days at September 30, 2014 decreased $519,000 to $831,000 from the December 31, 2013 balance of $1,350,000.


46

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Commercial impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans accounted for under ASC 310 as well as substandard, doubtful and loss grade loans that were still accruing but deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310.  Also included in impaired loans are accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings.

A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected substantially within the contractual terms of the note.  At September 30, 2014, commercial impaired loans totaled $103,417,000 a decrease of $16,338,000 from the balance of $119,755,000 at December 31, 2013. At September 30, 2014, an allowance for losses was not deemed necessary for commercial impaired loans totaling $85,024,000 as there was no identified loss on these credits. An allowance of $3,370,000 was recorded for the remaining balance of these impaired loans totaling $18,393,000 and is included in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses.

The following table details the Corporation's non-performing assets plus loans 90-days or more delinquent, and notes total commercial impaired loans for the periods indicated.
 
(Dollars in Thousands)

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Non-Performing Assets:

 


 

Non-accrual loans

$
49,104


$
56,402

Renegotiated loans

1,171


3,048

Non-performing loans (NPL)

50,275


59,450

Other real estate owned

14,540


22,246

Non-performing assets (NPA)

64,815


81,696

90+ days delinquent and still accruing

831


1,350

Non-performing assets plus 90+ days delinquent

$
65,646


$
83,046

Impaired Loans

$
103,417


$
119,755



The composition of non-performing assets plus loans 90-days or more delinquent is reflected in the following table.
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Non-Performing Assets and 90+ Days Delinquent:
 

 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
7,325


$
9,317

Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers
10,669


30

Real estate loans:
 

 
Construction
4,010


12,730

Commercial and farmland
23,590


43,229

Residential
16,975


15,340

Home Equity
2,666


1,977

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
267


259

Other loans
144


164

Non-performing assets plus 90+ days delinquent
$
65,646


$
83,046



47

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Provision for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The amount actually provided for loan losses in any period may be greater than or less than net loan losses, based on management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. The amount provided for loan losses and the determination of the adequacy of the allowance are based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan “watch” list and an ongoing loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified.

In conformance with ASC 805 and ASC 820, loans purchased after December 31, 2008 are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. Such loans are only included in the allowance to the extent a specific impairment is identified that exceeds the fair value adjustment on an impaired loan or the historical loss and environmental factor analysis indicates losses inherent in a purchased portfolio exceeds the fair value adjustment on the portion of the purchased portfolio not deemed impaired.

At September 30, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was $65,596,000, an decrease of $2,274,000 from December 31, 2013. As a percent of loans, the allowance was 1.74 percent at September 30, 2014, 1.83 at June 30, 2014, 1.92 at March 31, 2014 and 1.87 percent at December 31, 2013. The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $1,600,000, a decrease of $4,032,000 for the same period in 2013. Specific reserves on impaired loans increased $1,787,000 from $1,583,000 at December 31, 2013, to $3,370,000 at September 30, 2014.

Net charge offs for the three months ended September 30, 2014, were $4,371,000, an increase of $860,000 from the same period in 2013.  Of this amount, two charge offs, totaling 113.8 percent of net charge offs, were greater than $500,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net charge offs were $3,874,000, of which four charge offs totaling $5,982,000 and four recoveries totaling $3,023,000, were greater than $500,000. The distribution of the net charge offs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)
2014

2013

2014

2013
Net Charge Offs (Recoveries):
 

 

 

 
Commercial and industrial loans
$
2,465


$
494


$
1,412


$
2,179

Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers
(5
)

(284
)

(22
)

(306
)
Real estate loans:
 

 

 

 
Construction
(5
)

242


(379
)

99

Commercial and farmland
1,497


2,295


1,686


4,108

Residential
277


576


736


1,322

Home Equity
20


164


234


1,365

Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures
128


51


248


57

Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
(3
)

(3
)

(21
)

12

Other Loans
(3
)

(24
)

(20
)

(62
)
Total Net Charge Offs
$
4,371


$
3,511


$
3,874


$
8,774


 
Management continually evaluates the commercial loan portfolio by including consideration of specific borrower cash flow analysis and estimated collateral values, types and amounts on non-performing loans, past and anticipated loan loss experience, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and the current condition and amount of loans outstanding. The determination of the provision for loan losses in any period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, and its judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available for the holding company and its subsidiaries. These funds are necessary in order to meet financial commitments on a timely basis. These commitments include withdrawals by depositors, funding credit obligations to borrowers, paying dividends to stockholders, paying operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, and maintaining deposit reserve requirements. Liquidity is monitored and closely managed by the asset/liability committee.
 
The Corporation’s liquidity is dependent upon our receipt of dividends from the Bank, which is subject to certain regulatory limitations and access to other funding sources.  Liquidity of the Bank is derived primarily from core deposit growth, principal payments received on loans, the sale and maturity of investment securities, net cash provided by operating activities, and access to other funding sources.

The principal source of asset-funded liquidity is investment securities classified as available for sale, the market values of which totaled $567,996,000 at September 30, 2014, an increase of $31,795,000, or 5.9 percent, from December 31, 2013.  Securities classified as held to maturity that are maturing within a short period of time can also be a source of liquidity.  Securities classified as held to maturity that are maturing in one year or less, totaled $5,167,000 at September 30, 2014.  In addition, other types of assets such as cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and securities purchased under agreements to resell, loans and interest-bearing deposits with other banks maturing within one year are sources of liquidity.


48

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both the long-term and short-term is deposit growth and retention in the core deposit base.  In addition, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances are utilized as funding sources.  At September 30, 2014, total borrowings from the FHLB were $255,423,000. The Bank has pledged certain mortgage loans and investments to the FHLB. The total available remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB at September 30, 2014, was $283,830,000.

On November 1, 2013, the Corporation completed the private issuance and sale to four institutional investors of an aggregate of $70 million of debt comprised of (a) 5.00 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million (the "Senior Debt") and (b) 6.75 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $65 million (the "Subordinated Debt"). The Senior Debt agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties and financial and negative covenants. As of September 30, 2014, the Corporation was in compliance with these covenants. The net proceeds of the placement were used to pay off the Corporation's $55 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. which was scheduled to mature on February 15, 2015.

Additionally, on April 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a line of credit agreement with U.S. Bank, N.A. with a maximum borrowing capacity of $20 million. As of September 30, 2014, there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. Interest is payable quarterly based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.00 percent. The line of credit has a quarterly facility fee of 0.25 percent on the unused balance. The maturity date for the line of credit is April 10, 2015. The line of credit agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties and financial and negative covenants. As of September 30, 2014, the Corporation was in compliance with these covenants.

In the normal course of business, the Bank is a party to a number of other off-balance sheet activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in our consolidated financial statements.  Such activities include traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt.

The Bank provides customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby and commercial letters of credit. Summarized credit-related financial instruments at September 30, 2014, are as follows:
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
September 30, 2014
Amounts of commitments:
 
Loan commitments to extend credit
$
1,636,278

Standby and commercial letters of credit
44,186

 
$
1,680,464

 
 
Since many of the commitments are expected to expire unused or be only partially used, the total amount of unused commitments in the preceding table does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

In addition to owned banking facilities, the Corporation has entered into a number of long-term leasing arrangements to support ongoing activities.  The required payments under such commitments and borrowings at September 30, 2014, are as follows:
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Remaining
2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020 and
after

Total
Operating leases
$
714


$
2,689


$
2,192


$
1,511


$
844


$
537


$
2,724


$
11,211

Federal funds purchased
61,428


 

 

 

 

 

 

61,428

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
117,892







 

 

 

 

117,892

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
160,040


30,788


28,833


2,521


13,137


3


20,101


255,423

Subordinated debentures and term loans
172


 






 

 

126,702


126,874

Total
$
340,246


$
33,477


$
31,025


$
4,032


$
13,981


$
540


$
149,527


$
572,828




49

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Asset/Liability Management has been an important factor in the Corporation's ability to record consistent earnings growth through periods of interest rate volatility and product deregulation. Management and the Board of Directors monitor the Corporation's liquidity and interest sensitivity positions at regular meetings to review how changes in interest rates may affect earnings. Decisions regarding investment and the pricing of loan and deposit products are made after analysis of reports designed to measure liquidity, rate sensitivity, the Corporation’s exposure to changes in net interest income given various rate scenarios and the economic and competitive environments.

It is the objective of the Corporation to monitor and manage risk exposure to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates.  It is the goal of the Corporation’s Asset/Liability function to provide optimum and stable net interest income. To accomplish this, management uses two asset liability tools. GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Reports and Net Interest Income Simulation Modeling are constructed, presented and monitored quarterly.

Net interest income simulation modeling, or earnings-at-risk, measures the sensitivity of net interest income to various interest rate movements. The Corporation's asset liability process monitors simulated net interest income under three separate interest rate scenarios; base, rising and falling. Estimated net interest income for each scenario is calculated over a 12-month horizon. The immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario used in the model are presented below. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes and do not necessarily represent management's view of future market movements. Rather, these are intended to provide a measure of the degree of volatility interest rate movements may introduce into the earnings of the Corporation.

The base scenario is highly dependent on numerous assumptions embedded in the model, including assumptions related to future interest rates. While the base sensitivity analysis incorporates management's best estimate of interest rate and balance sheet dynamics under various market rate movements, the actual behavior and resulting earnings impact will likely differ from that projected. For certain assets, the base simulation model captures the expected prepayment behavior under changing interest rate environments. Assumptions and methodologies regarding the interest rate or balance behavior of indeterminate maturity products, such as savings, money market, NOW and demand deposits, reflect management's best estimate of expected future behavior.

The comparative rising 200 basis points and falling 100 basis points scenarios below, as of  September 30, 2014, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In the current rate environment, many driver rates are at or near historical lows, thus total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by management have the following results:
 
 

September 30, 2014
 

RISING

FALLING
Driver Rates

(200 Basis Points)

(100 Basis Points)
Prime

200


Federal funds

200


One-year CMT

200

(3
)
Three-year CMT

200

(80
)
Five-year CMT

200

(100
)
CD's

200

(22
)
FHLB advances

200

(64
)
 

Results for the base, rising 200 basis points, and falling 100 basis points interest rate scenarios are listed below based upon the Corporation’s rate sensitive assets and liabilities at September 30, 2014. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.
 
 

September 30, 2014
 

 

RISING

FALLING
(Dollars in Thousands)

Base

(200 Basis Points)

(100 Basis Points)
Net interest income

$
180,134


$
190,863


$
174,483

Variance from base

 

$
10,729


$
(5,651
)
Percent of change from base

 

5.96
%

(3.14
)%
 
 

50

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The comparative rising 200 basis points and falling 100 basis points scenarios below, as of December 31, 2013, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by management in the base simulation are as follows:
 
 

December 31, 2013
 

RISING

FALLING
Driver Rates

(200 Basis Points)

(100 Basis Points)
Prime

200


Federal funds

200


One-year CMT

200

(5
)
Three-year CMT

200

(50
)
Five-year CMT

200

(100
)
CD's

200

(20
)
FHLB advances

200

(33
)


Results for the base, rising 200 basis points, and falling 100 basis points interest rate scenarios are listed below. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.
 
 

December 31, 2013
 

 

RISING

FALLING
(Dollars in Thousands)

Base

(200 Basis Points)

(100 Basis Points)
Net interest income

$
179,646


$
190,736


$
175,238

Variance from base

 

$
11,090


$
(4,408
)
Percent of change from base

 

6.17
%

(2.45
)%


EARNING ASSETS

The following table presents the earning asset mix as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. Earning assets increased by $208,624,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Interest-bearing time deposits decreased $30,898,000, while investments increased by approximately $94,235,000. Loans and loans held for sale increased by $141,150,000. The three loan classes experiencing the largest increase from December 31, 2013, were commercial and industrial loans, residential and home equity real estate. These increases were offset primarily by decreases in three loan classes, which were agriculture production financing, real estate commercial and farmland and individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures.

(Dollars in Thousands)

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Interest-bearing time deposits

$
24,171


$
55,069

Investment securities available for sale

567,996


536,201

Investment securities held to maturity

621,818


559,378

Mortgage loans held for sale

6,423


5,331

Loans

3,772,467


3,632,409

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock

43,127


38,990

Total

$
5,036,002


$
4,827,378


 
OTHER

The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including the Corporation, and that address is (http://www.sec.gov).


51

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required under this item is included as part of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the headings “LIQUIDITY” and “INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK”.

52

Table of Contents
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision 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 upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation discussed above that occurred during the Corporation’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


53

Table of Contents
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1., ITEM 1A., ITEM 2., ITEM 3., ITEM 4. AND ITEM 5.
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None


ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Corporation’s December 31, 2013, Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

a. None

b. None

c. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information relating to our purchases of equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2014, as follows:

Period

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

Average
Price Paid
per Share

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as part of Publicly announced Plans or Programs

Maximum Number of Shares
that may yet be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs
July, 2014

305


$21.20




August, 2014

110


$19.88




September, 2014











The shares were purchased in connection with the exercise of certain outstanding stock options or restricted stock.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

a. None

b. None


54

Table of Contents

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No:
Description of Exhibits:
 
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger between First Merchants Corporation and Community Bancshares, Inc. dated as of July 21, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2014)
3.1
First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2011)
3.2
Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation dated October 28, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009)
4.1
First Merchants Corporation Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Merchants Capital Trust II dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.2
Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.3
Guarantee Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.4
Form of Capital Securities Certification of First Merchants Capital Trust II (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.5
First Merchants Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed on August 21, 2009)
4.6
Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of its (a) 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million and (b) 6.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in aggregate principal amount of $65 million.
10.1
Voting Agreement dated July 21, 2014, by and among First Merchants Corporation and certain shareholders of Community Bancshares, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2014)
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
32
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (2)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (2)
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (2)
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (2)
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (2)
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkebase Document (2)
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Filed herewith.
 
(2) Furnished herewith.



55

Table of Contents

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


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.
 
 
First Merchants Corporation
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date: November 6, 2014
by /s/ Michael C. Rechin
 
Michael C. Rechin
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: November 6, 2014
by /s/ Mark K. Hardwick
 
Mark K. Hardwick
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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Table of Contents

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No:
Description of Exhibits:
 
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger between First Merchants Corporation and Community Bancshares, Inc. dated as of July 21, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2014)
3.1
First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2011)
3.2
Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation dated October 28, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009)
4.1
First Merchants Corporation Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Merchants Capital Trust II dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.2
Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.3
Guarantee Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.4
Form of Capital Securities Certification of First Merchants Capital Trust II (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.5
First Merchants Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed on August 21, 2009)
4.6
Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of its (a) 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million and (b) 6.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in aggregate principal amount of $65 million.
10.1
Voting Agreement dated July 21, 2014, by and among First Merchants Corporation and certain shareholders of Community Bancshares, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2014)
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
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Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (2)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (2)
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (2)
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (2)
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (2)
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkebase Document (2)
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Filed herewith.
 
(2) Furnished herewith.


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