UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 10-Q
 

 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number 001-32434
 

 
MERCANTILE BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
Delaware
 
37-1149138
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
200 North 33rd Street
Quincy, ILLINOIS 62301
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)
(217) 223-7300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.       Yes  x    No   o .
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File requested to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  o     No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
o  Large Accelerated Filer    o   Accelerated Filer      o   Non-Accelerated Filer     x Smaller Reporting Company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act)      Yes  o    No   x .
 
As of August 12, 2011 the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $0.4167 per share was 8,748,330.
 
 
1

 
 
MERCANTILE BANCORP, INC.
 
FORM 10-Q
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6-29
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
30-53
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
53
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
53
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
54
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
54
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
54
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
55
Item 5.
Other Information
55
Item 6.
Exhibits
55
     
 
Signatures
 
     
Exhibits
   
     
 
Section 302 Certifications
 
 
Section 906 Certifications
 
 
XBRL Content
 
 
 
2

 
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements .
 
MERCANTILE BANCORP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value and share data)
   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
       
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 10,046     $ 10,585  
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    91,683       75,593  
Federal funds sold
    17,657       11,370  
Cash and cash equivalents
    119,386       97,548  
Available-for-sale securities
    104,269       107,250  
Held-to-maturity securities (fair values of $804 and $1,246)
    782       1,208  
Loans held for sale
    5,148       7,513  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $20,435 and $28,199
    577,807       632,963  
Interest receivable
    2,919       3,328  
Foreclosed assets held for sale, net
    27,220       21,091  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    2,836       2,885  
Cost method investments in common stock
    1,190       1,392  
Mortgage servicing rights
    1,113       784  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    15,845       15,572  
Premises and equipment, net
    23,203       23,993  
Core deposit and other intangibles, net
    426       492  
Other assets
    6,845       13,162  
Total assets
  $ 888,989     $ 929,181  
                 
Liabilities
               
Deposits
               
Demand
  $ 118,224     $ 111,741  
Savings, NOW and money market
    204,968       227,850  
Time
    416,796       406,539  
Brokered time
    61,589       87,084  
Total deposits
    801,577       833,214  
Short-term borrowings
    12,854       13,660  
Long-term debt
    7,000       15,000  
Junior subordinated debentures
    61,858       61,858  
Interest payable
    8,516       6,986  
Other liabilities
    4,222       4,498  
                 
Total liabilities
    896,027       935,216  
                 
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
               
                 
Stockholders’ Deficit
               
       Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. stockholders’ deficit
               
Common stock, $0.42 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares;
               
Issued — 8,887,113 shares at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
               
Outstanding — 8,748,330 shares at June 30, 2011 and 8,703,330 at December 31, 2010
    3,648       3,629  
Additional paid-in capital
    9,315       11,738  
Retained deficit
    (20,278 )     (19,524 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,037       2,994  
      (5,278 )     (1,163 )
Treasury stock, at cost
               
Common; 138,783 shares at June 30, 2011 and 183,783 shares at December 31, 2010
    (1,760 )     (2,295 )
                 
Total Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. stockholders’ deficit
    (7,038 )     (3,458 )
                 
       Noncontrolling interest
    -       (2,577 )
                 
Total stockholders’ deficit
    (7,038 )     (6,035 )
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
  $ 888,989     $ 929,181  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 
3

 

MERCANTILE BANCORP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
   
Three months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest and Dividend Income
                       
Loans, including fees
                       
Taxable
  $ 7,868     $ 9,759     $ 16,090     $ 19,761  
Tax exempt
    234       236       460       472  
Securities
                               
Taxable
    781       926       1,542       1,896  
Tax exempt
    200       296       404       506  
Federal funds sold
    9       7       14       15  
Dividends on Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
    2       3       5       7  
Deposits with financial institutions and other
    42       40       74       118  
Total interest and dividend income
    9,136       11,267       18,589       22,775  
                                 
Interest Expense
                               
Deposits
    2,939       3,888       6,108       8,059  
Short-term borrowings
    15       50       50       237  
Long-term debt and junior subordinated debentures
    964       1,045       1,974       2,058  
Total interest expense
    3,918       4,983       8,132       10,354  
                                 
Net Interest Income
    5,218       6,284       10,457       12,421  
                                 
Provision for Loan Losses
    1,176       7,150       213       11,140  
                                 
Net Interest Income (Loss) After Provision For Loan Losses
    4,042       (866 )     10,244       1,281  
                                 
Noninterest Income
                               
Fiduciary activities
    613       582       1,227       1,163  
Brokerage fees
    305       357       568       656  
Customer service fees
    344       418       678       783  
Other service charges and fees
    438       230       617       369  
Net gains on sales of assets
    3       -       3       8  
Net gains on loan sales
    72       126       171       218  
Net gains (losses) on sale of available-for-sale securities
    (56 )     -       377       -  
Loan servicing fees
    121       123       244       247  
Net increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    135       139       272       277  
Other
    411       225       429       412  
Total noninterest income
    2,386       2,200       4,586       4,133  
                                 
Noninterest Expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    3,928       4,289       7,766       8,694  
Net occupancy expense
    575       626       1,177       1,224  
Equipment expense
    527       606       1,045       1,169  
Deposit insurance premium
    787       601       1,448       1,072  
Professional fees
    612       465       1,042       956  
Postage and supplies
    103       127       247       275  
Losses on foreclosed assets, net
    270       170       520       382  
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    38       40       93       79  
Other than temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale and cost method investments
    -       566       202       566  
Other
    1,492       1,357       3,059       2,846  
Total noninterest expense
    8,332       8,847       16,599       17,263  
                                 
Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
    (1,904 )     (7,513 )     (1,769 )     (11,849 )
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    94       (1,847 )     96       (3,037 )
Loss from Continuing Operations
    (1,998 )     (5,666 )     (1,865 )     (8,812 )
                                 
Discontinued Operations
                               
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale in 2010 of $4,254, net of income tax expense of $2,045)
    3       13       824       3,210  
                                 
Net Loss
    (1,995 )     (5,653 )     (1,041 )     (5,602 )
                                 
Less: Net gain (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    14       (1,178 )     (287 )     (2,111 )
                                 
Net Loss attributable to Mercantile Bancorp, Inc.
  $ (2,009 )   $ (4,475 )   $ (754 )   $ (3,491 )
                                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
    8,748,330       8,703,330       8,733,661       8,703,330  
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
                               
Continuing operations
  $ (0.23 )   $ (0.51 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.77 )
Discontinued operations
    -        -       0.09       0.37  
Total Basic Loss Per Share
  $ (0.23 )   $ (0.51 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.40 )
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 
4

 

MERCANTILE BANCORP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Six Months Ended June 30
 
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities
           
Net loss before attribution of noncontrolling interest
  $ (1,041 )   $ (5,602 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (287 )     (2,111 )
Net loss attributable to Mercantile Bancorp, Inc.
    (754 )     (3,491 )
Items not requiring (providing) cash
               
Depreciation
    789       906  
Provision for loan losses
    213       11,140  
Amortization of premiums and discounts on securities
    270       319  
Amortization of core deposit intangibles and other purchase accounting adjustments
    39       79  
Deferred income taxes
    -       (860 )
Net realized gains on sale of available-for-sale securities
    (377 )     -  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale and cost method investments
    202       566  
Losses on foreclosed assets
    520       382  
Gains on loan sales
    (171 )     (226 )
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    93       79  
Recovery of mortgage servicing rights
    (348 )     -  
Gain on sale of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank
    (824 )     (4,257 )
Gains on sale of premises and equipment
    (3 )     (8 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
    (1 )     (5 )
Net increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    (272 )     (316 )
Changes in
               
Loans originated for sale
    (13,554 )     (18,855 )
Proceeds from sales of loans
    16,016       17,473  
Interest receivable
    409       262  
Other assets
    6,368       1,463  
Interest payable
    1,530       1,342  
Other liabilities
    (259 )     (174 )
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
    (287 )     (2,111 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    9,599       3,708  
                 
Investing Activities
               
Cash received from sales of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank
    6       14,585  
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
    (24,373 )     (14,152 )
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities
    18,430       21,208  
Proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities
    8,907       -  
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities
    427       678  
Net change in loans
    45,435       31,364  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (19 )     (30 )
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
    5       -  
Proceeds from sales of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    50       -  
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets
    2,814       8,022  
Net cash provided by investing activities
    51,682       61,675  
                 
Financing Activities
               
Net decrease in demand deposits, money market, NOW and savings accounts
    (16,399 )     (54,524 )
Net decrease in time and brokered time deposits
    (15,233 )     (38,742 )
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    (806 )     (6,132 )
Repayments of long-term debt
    (8,000 )     (10,172 )
Payment to Mid-America Bancorp, Inc. minority shareholders
    (5 )     -  
Purchase by Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. of Mid-America debenture of $1,000,000 by the issuance of 45,000 shares of common stock:
               
- Increase in additional paid-in-capital
    446       -  
- Issuance of treasury stock
    535       -  
- Issuance of common stock
    19       -  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (39,443 )     (109,570 )
                 
Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    21,838       (44,187 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    97,548       123,391  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 119,386     $ 79,204  
                 
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
               
Interest paid
  $ 6,602     $ 10,146  
Income taxes paid (received)
  $ (5,028 )   $ (530 )
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans
  $ 9,515     $ 16,693  
Purchase of Mid-America debenture from minority shareholders
  $ (1,000 )   $ -  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 
5

 
 
MERCANTILE BANCORP, INC.
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(table dollar amounts in thousands)
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank, Royal Palm Bancorp, Inc. (the sole shareholder of Royal Palm Bank) and Heartland Bank, (“Banks”).  All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. These financial statements also include the accounts of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank prior to their sales in February 2010 (see Note 11), as well as the accounts of Mid-America Bancorp, Inc. prior to its merger into the Company in April 2011 (see Note 8).
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations or cash flows for a full-year period. The December 31, 2010 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements, but certain information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.
 
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed in 2011.
 
2. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share have been computed by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
 
3. ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.” New authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards Update 2010-06) in this update requires new disclosures about significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. The amendments also require a reporting entity to provide information about activity for purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in Level 3 fair value measurements and clarify disclosures about the level of disaggregation and disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques. This update became effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. The disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements of Level 3 fair value measurements became effective for the Company after December 15, 2010 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
 
FASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables:  Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.”   On July 21, 2010, new authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-20) under ASC Topic 310 was issued which requires an entity to provide more information in their disclosures about the credit quality of their financing receivables and the credit reserves held against them.  This statement addresses only disclosures and does not change recognition or measurement. The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 became effective for the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2010, as it relates to disclosures required as of the end of a reporting period. This amendment did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results, but it has significantly expanded the disclosures that the Company is required to provide.
 
FASB Accounting Standards Update 2011-02, “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.”   In April 2011, new authoritative accounting guidance was issued to provide additional guidance related to determining whether a creditor has granted a concession, include factors and examples for creditors to consider in evaluating whether a restructuring results in a delay in payment that is insignificant, prohibit creditors from using the borrower’s effective rate test to evaluate whether a concession has been granted to the borrower, and add factors for creditors to use in determining whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties.  A provision in ASU No. 2011-02 also ends the FASB’s deferral of the additional disclosures about troubled debt restructurings as required by ASU No. 2010-20.  The provisions of ASU No. 2011-02 are effective for the Company’s reporting period ending September 30, 2011.  The adoption of ASU 2011-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 
6

 
 
FASB Accounting Standards Update 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.” In April, 2011, new authoritative accounting guidance was issued to remove from the assessment of effective control the criterion relating to the transferor’s ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee.  The amendments in ASU No. 2011-03 also eliminate the requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possesses adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets.
 
The guidance in ASU No. 2011-03 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  The guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company will adopt the methodologies prescribed by ASU No. 2011-03 by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
 
FASB Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.”   In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 generally represent clarifications of Topic 820, but also include some instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed.  ASU No. 2011-04 results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.
 
The amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 are to be applied prospectively.  For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early application by public entities is not permitted.  The Company will adopt the methodologies prescribed by ASU No. 2011-04 by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
 
FASB Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, “Amendments to Topic 220, Comprehensive Income.”   In June 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05.  Under the amendments in ASU No. 2011-05, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income.  ASU No. 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity.  The amendments in ASU No. 2011-05 do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.
 
The amendments in ASU No. 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively.  For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted, because compliance with the amendments is already permitted.  The amendments do not require any transition disclosures.  The Company’s current reporting is in compliance with this amendment.
 
4. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock is stated at cost and is a required investment for institutions that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. The required investment in the common stock is based on a predetermined formula. As of June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company owned approximately $2.9 million of Federal Home Loan Bank stock, including $1.9 million of stock (1,931,404.94 shares) in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB of Chicago”). During the third quarter of 2007, the FHLB of Chicago received a Cease and Desist Order (“Order”) from their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board. The Order prohibits capital stock repurchases and redemptions until a time to be determined by the Federal Housing Finance Board. The FHLB of Chicago could continue to provide liquidity and funding through advances, but the Order prohibits capital stock repurchases until a time to be determined by the Federal Housing Finance Board. With regard to dividends, the FHLB of Chicago continues to assess its dividend capacity each quarter and make appropriate requests for approval from its regulator. The FHLB of Chicago did not pay a dividend during 2010; however, dividends at an annualized rate of 10 basis points per share were paid on February 14, 2011 and May 13, 2011. Management performed an impairment analysis and, based on currently available information, determined the investment in the FHLB of Chicago stock was ultimately recoverable as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
 
7

 
 
5. SECURITIES
 
The amortized cost and fair values of securities are as follows:
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Available-for-sale Securities:
                       
June 30, 2011:
                       
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 3,369     $ 67     $     $ 3,436  
U.S. Treasury
    1,025                   1,025  
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    65,711       1,458       (6 )     67,163  
State and political subdivisions
    32,093       643       (275 )     32,461  
Equity securities
    131       53             184  
                                 
    $ 102,329     $ 2,221     $ (281 )   $ 104,269  
                                 
Available-for-sale Securities:
                               
December 31, 2010:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 3,649     $ 78     $     $ 3,727  
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    65,094       1,860       (6 )     66,948  
State and political subdivisions
    33,906       714       (658 )     33,962  
Equity securities
    2,314       390       (91 )     2,613  
                                 
    $ 104,963     $ 3,042     $ (755 )   $ 107,250  
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Held-to-maturity Securities:
                       
June 30, 2011:
                       
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
  $ 782     $ 22     $     $ 804  
                                 
December 31, 2010:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
  $ 1,208     $ 38     $     $ 1,246  
 
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities at June 30, 2011, 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
 
                         
Within one year
  $ 6,667     $ 6,706     $     $  
One to five years
    14,453       15,056              
Five to ten years
    14,329       14,163              
After ten years
    1,038       997              
      36,487       36,922              
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    65,711       67,163       782       804  
Equity securities
    131       184              
                                 
Totals
  $ 102,329     $ 104,269     $ 782     $ 804  
 
The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, repurchase agreements and for other purposes, amounted to $62.1 million at June 30, 2011 and $29.0 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
8

 
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges on one of its investments in stock of other financial institutions, which is carried as a cost method investment in common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges of $566 thousand on two of its investments in stock of other financial institutions, which were carried as available-for-sale securities. Impairments are determined based on the difference between the Company’s carrying value and quoted market prices for the stocks as of the report date.  In making the determination of impairment for each of its investments, the Company considered the duration of the loss, prospects for recovery in a reasonable period of time and the significance of the loss compared to carrying value.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had sold all of its investments in stock of other financial institutions that were carried as available-for-sale.
 
The following table shows the Company’s 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 June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
Description of
Securities
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
                                     
June 30, 2011
                                   
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
  $ 4,790     $ (6 )   $     $     $ 4,790     $ (6 )
State and political subdivisions
    10,299       (275 )                 10,299       (275 )
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 15,089     $ (281 )   $     $     $ 15,089     $ (281 )
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
  $ 2,303     $ (6 )   $     $     $ 2,303     $ (6 )
State and political subdivisions
    10,608       (657 )     114       (1 )     10,722       (658 )
Equity securities
    287       (91 )                 287       (91 )
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 13,198     $ (754 )   $ 114     $ (1 )   $ 13,312     $ (755 )
 
At June 30, 2011, securities in an unrealized loss position in the investment portfolio are minimal. The Company’s mortgage-backed securities and state and political subdivision securities are in a loss position due to interest rate changes, not credit events. Those unrealized losses are considered temporary and the Company has the ability and intent to hold them for the foreseeable future. Their fair value is expected to recover as the investments approach their maturity date or there is a downward shift in interest rates.
 
6. COST METHOD INVESTMENTS IN COMMON STOCK
 
The Company has minority investments in the common stock of other community banks, which are not publicly traded, that are recorded under the cost method of accounting.  The Company had investments in three community banks at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 with a carrying value of $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
 
The Company’s cost method investments are reviewed for impairment based on each investee’s earnings performance, asset quality, changes in the economic environment, and current and projected future cash flows.  Based on this review, the Company determined one of its investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to poor earnings and asset quality. The Company recognized an impairment charge of approximately $202 thousand during the first six months of 2011 on this cost method investment based on the difference between the Company’s cost and the investee’s book value, which was determined to be a reasonable estimate of fair value. No impairment charges were deemed necessary based on the Company’s review of its cost method investments during 2010.
 
 
9

 
 
7. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
Categories of loans, including loans held for sale within residential real estate of $5,148,000 and $7,513,000, at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, include:
 
   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
           
Commercial and financial
 
$
136,632
   
$
146,463
 
Agricultural
   
9,593
     
11,708
 
Real estate - farmland
   
14,455
     
15,528
 
Real estate - construction
   
73,050
     
91,553
 
Real estate - commercial
   
132,276
     
153,767
 
Real estate - residential
   
183,483
     
189,479
 
Consumer
   
53,901
     
60,177
 
                 
Total loans
   
603,390
     
668,675
 
                 
Less
               
Allowance for loan losses
   
20,435
     
28,199
 
                 
Net loans
 
$
582,955
   
$
640,476
 
 
 The Company believes that sound loans are a necessary and desirable means of employing funds available for investment.  Recognizing the Company’s obligations to its depositors and to the communities it serves, authorized personnel are expected to seek to develop and make sound, profitable loans that resources permit and that opportunity affords.  The Company maintains lending policies and procedures, which focus lending efforts on the types, locations, and duration of loans most appropriate for the Company’s business model and markets. The Company’s principal lending activity is the origination of commercial loans and commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, 1-4 family residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, but also includes multi-family residential mortgage loans, and home equity lines of credit.  The Company will also consider construction loans, but generally only in relation to 1-4 family homes in core markets, and commercial construction loans the subsidiary banks are willing to put into their regular CRE portfolios. The primary lending market includes the areas surrounding each of the subsidiary banks.  This includes the Quincy, Illinois, Saint Joseph and Savannah, Missouri and Carmel, Indiana markets for Mercantile Bank, the Kansas City area for Heartland Bank, and the Southwest Florida communities of Naples, Marco Island and Fort Myers for Royal Palm Bank. Generally, assets of the borrowers collateralize loans, while individuals also guarantee loans to business entities.  The loans are expected to be repaid from cash flows of the borrowers or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.
 
Management reviews and approves the Company’s lending policies and procedures on a routine basis.  Management routinely (at least quarterly) evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and reviews reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans.  The Company’s underwriting standards are designed to encourage relationship banking.  Relationship banking implies a primary banking relationship with the borrower that includes, at minimum, an active deposit banking relationship in addition to the lending relationship.  The integrity and character of the borrower are significant factors in the Company’s loan underwriting.  As a part of underwriting, tangible positive or negative evidence of the borrower’s integrity and character are sought out.  Additional significant underwriting factors beyond location, duration, the sound and profitable cash flow basis underlying the loan and the borrower’s character are the quality of the borrower’s financial history, the liquidity of the underlying collateral and the reliability of the valuation of the underlying collateral.  In limited circumstances, the Company’s subsidiary banks will consider transactional lending if it is profitable and in a line of business in which the bank has experience.  This includes indirect automobile lending in the Quincy, Illinois market and conservatively underwritten commercial real estate in all markets.
 
The board of directors at each subsidiary bank establishes the Company’s policies and loan approval limits.  The Company’s lending activities reflect an underwriting strategy that emphasizes asset quality and fiscal prudence in order to keep capital resources available for the most attractive lending opportunities in the Company’s markets. Lending officers are assigned various levels of loan approval authority based upon their respective levels of experience and expertise. When the amount of loans to a borrower exceeds an officer’s lending limit, the loan request goes to either an officer with a higher limit or the Board of Directors loan committee for approval. The Company’s strategy for approving or disapproving loans is to follow conservative loan policies and underwriting practices, which include:
 
●      granting loans on a sound and collectible basis;
 
 
10

 
 
 
investing funds properly for the benefit of the Company’s shareholders and the protection of its depositors;
 
 
serving the legitimate needs of the communities in the Company’s markets while obtaining a balance between maximum yield and minimum risk;
 
 
ensuring that primary and secondary sources of repayment are adequate in relation to the amount of the loan; and
 
 
developing and maintaining adequate diversification of the loan portfolio as a whole and of the loans within each category
 
The Company’s lending policies prohibit a customer’s total borrowing relationship exceeding the subsidiary bank’s regulatory lending limit.  Loans to related parties, including executive officers, the Company’s directors, and the subsidiary banks’ directors are reviewed for compliance with regulatory guidelines at least annually.
 
The Company employs an external consulting firm to conduct quarterly loan reviews that validate loans on a sample basis against the Company’s loan policies.  In addition to compliance with the policies, the loan review process evaluates the risk assessments for specific loans made by the Company’s credit department, lenders and loan committees.  Results of these reviews are presented to management and the boards of directors.
  
The Company’s objective is to offer the commercial, agricultural, residential and consumer customers in its markets a variety of products and services, including a full array of loan products. The Company’s bank subsidiaries make real estate loans (including farmland, construction and mortgage loans); commercial, financial and agricultural loans; and consumer loans. Total loans include loans held for sale. The Company strives to do business in the areas served by its banks and their branches, and all of the Company’s marketing efforts and the vast majority of its loan customers are located within its existing market areas. The following is a discussion of each major type of lending.
 
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural Loans . These loans are primarily made within the Company’s market areas and are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income. As a general practice, the Company’s banks take as collateral a lien on any available equipment, accounts receivables or other assets owned by the borrower and often obtain the personal guaranty of the borrower. In general, these loans involve more credit risk than residential mortgage loans and commercial mortgage loans and, therefore, usually yield a higher return. The increased risk in commercial, financial and agricultural loans is due to the type of collateral securing these loans. The increased risk also derives from the expectation that commercial, financial and agricultural loans generally will be serviced principally from the operations of the business, and those operations may not be successful. As a result of these additional complexities, variables and risks, commercial, financial and agricultural loans require more thorough underwriting and servicing than other types of loans.
 
Real Estate Loans . The Company’s banks make real estate loans for farmland, construction and mortgage purposes as more thoroughly described below. Collectively, these loans, which include loans held for sale, comprise the largest category of the Company’s loans.
 
Farmland Real Estate Loans . Farmland real estate loans are collateralized by owner-occupied and investment properties located in the Company’s market areas. The Company’s banks offer a variety of mortgage loan products that generally are amortized over five to twenty years. The loans generally have rates fixed for up to a five year period, with the loans either having an adjustable rate feature or a balloon at the maturity of the term. Loans secured by farmland real estate are generally originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the lower of cost or appraised value. The bank underwrites and seeks Farm Service Agency guarantees to enhance the credit structure of some farmland real estate loans.
 
The banks secure a valid lien on farmland real estate loans and obtain a mortgage title insurance policy that insures that the property is free of encumbrances prior to the banks’ lien. The banks require hazard insurance if the farm property has improvements, and if the property is in a flood plain as designated by FEMA or HUD, the banks require flood insurance.
 
Construction Real Estate Loans . The Company’s banks also make loans to finance the construction of residential and non-residential properties. Construction loans generally are secured by first liens on real estate. The Company’s banks conduct periodic inspections, either directly or through an agent, prior to approval of periodic draws on these loans. Construction loans involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of a project under construction, and the project is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it can be difficult to accurately evaluate the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan to value ratio. As a result of these uncertainties, construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project rather than the ability of a borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. If a bank is forced to foreclose on a project prior to completion, there is no assurance that the bank will be able to recover all of the unpaid portion of the loan. In addition, the bank may be required to fund additional amounts to complete a project and may have to hold the property for an indeterminate period of time. While the Company’s banks have underwriting procedures designed to identify what management believes to be acceptable levels of risk in construction lending, these procedures may not prevent losses from the risks described above.
 
 
11

 
 
The banks secure a valid lien on construction real estate loans and obtain a mortgage title insurance policy that insures that the property is free of encumbrances prior to the banks lien. The banks require hazard insurance if the construction property has improvements, insurance bonding on a contractor, and if the property is in a flood plain as designated by FEMA or HUD, the banks require flood insurance.
 
Residential Real Estate Loans . A significant portion of the Company’s lending activity consists of the origination of mortgage loans collateralized by properties located in the Company’s market areas. The Company’s banks offer a variety of residential mortgage loan products that generally are amortized over five to twenty-five years. Residential loans collateralized by mortgage real estate generally have been originated in amounts of no more than 90% of the lower of cost or appraised value or the bank requires private mortgage insurance. Of the residential mortgage real estate loans originated, the Company generally retains on its books shorter-term loans with fixed or variable rates, and sells into the secondary mortgage market longer-term, fixed-rate loans to either Fannie Mae or a regional Federal Home Loan Bank, and retains the loan servicing rights.
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans . The Company’s banks offer a variety of commercial real estate mortgage loan products that generally are amortized up to twenty years. The rates on these loans usually range from a daily variable rate to a fixed rate for no more than five years. The commercial real estate mortgage loans are collateralized by owner/operator real estate mortgages, as well as investment real estate mortgages. Loans collateralized by commercial real estate mortgages are generally originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the lower of cost or appraised value.
 
The banks secure a valid lien on mortgage real estate loans and obtain a mortgage title insurance policy that insures that the property is free of encumbrances prior to the bank’s lien. The banks require hazard insurance in the amount of the loan and, if the property is in a flood plain as designated by FEMA or HUD, the banks require flood insurance.
 
Consumer Loans . The Company provides a wide variety of consumer loans (also referred to in this report as installment loans to individuals) including motor vehicle, watercraft, education, personal (collateralized and non-collateralized) and deposit account collateralized loans. The terms of these loans typically range from 12 to 72 months and vary based upon the nature of collateral and size of loan. Consumer loans entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan balance. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.
 
At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company held a concentration in commercial real estate loans amounting to $219,781,000 and $260,848,000, respectively.
 
 
12

 
 
The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans based on portfolio segment and impairment method at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
       
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Commercial 
& Financial
   
Agricultural
   
Real Estate- 
Farmland
   
Real Estate- 
Construction
   
Real Estate- 
Commercial
   
Real Estate- 
Residential
   
Installment 
Loans to 
Individuals
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
                                                                 
For the three months ended
    June 30, 2011
                                                               
                                                                 
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
3,156
   
$
34
   
$
66
   
$
11,031
   
$
4,645
   
$
4,023
   
$
1,187
   
$
24,142
 
Provision (Credit) charged to expense
   
410
     
3
     
(2)
     
758
     
(158)
     
232
     
(67)
     
1,176
 
Losses charged off
   
289
     
3
     
-
     
4,509
     
1
     
118
     
41
     
4,961
 
Recoveries
   
3
     
3
     
-
     
5
     
23
     
20
     
24
     
78
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,280
   
$
37
   
$
64
   
$
7,285
   
$
4,509
   
$
4,157
   
$
1,103
   
$
20,435
 
                                                                 
For the six months ended
    June 30, 2011
                                                               
                                                                 
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
4,540
   
$
44
   
$
73
   
$
12,288
   
$
4,625
   
$
5,126
   
$
1,503
   
$
28,199
 
Provision (Credit) charged to expense
   
311
     
(7)
     
(9)
     
1,058
     
(126)
     
(698)
     
(316)
     
213
 
Losses charged off
   
1,587
     
7
     
-
     
6,068
     
90
     
336
     
135
     
8,223
 
Recoveries
   
16
     
7
     
-
     
7
     
100
     
65
     
51
     
246
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,280
   
$
37
   
$
64
   
$
7,285
   
$
4,509
   
$
4,157
   
$
1,103
   
$
20,435
 
                                                                 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
928
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3,951
   
$
2,127
   
$
1,224
   
$
717
   
$
8,947
 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,352
   
$
37
   
$
64
   
$
3,334
   
$
2,382
   
$
2,933
   
$
386
   
$
11,488
 
                                                                 
Loans:
                                                               
Ending balance
 
$
136,632
   
$
9,593
   
$
14,455
   
$
73,050
   
$
132,276
   
$
183,483
   
$
53,901
   
$
603,390
 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
8,663
   
$
-
   
$
221
   
$
47,514
   
$
25,178
   
$
5,303
   
$
2,169
   
$
89,048
 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
127,970
   
$
9,593
   
$
14,234
   
$
25,536
   
$
107,098
   
$
178,180
   
$
51,732
   
$
514,343
 
 
   
December 31 2010
 
   
Commercial
& Financial
   
Agricultural
   
Real Estate- 
Farmland
   
Real Estate- 
Construction
   
Real Estate- 
Commercial
   
Real Estate- 
Residential
   
Installment 
Loans to 
Individuals
   
Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
                                                                 
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
3,023
   
$
200
   
$
300
   
$
5,840
   
$
2,974
   
$
4,956
   
$
1,558
   
$
18,851
 
Provision (Credit) charged to expense
   
8,845
     
(157
)
   
(188
)
   
19,452
     
3,003
     
3,359
     
653
     
34,967
 
Losses charged off
   
7,411
     
18
     
39
     
13,057
     
1,355
     
3,247
     
788
     
25,915
 
Recoveries
   
83
     
19
     
-
     
53
     
3
     
58
     
80
     
296
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
4,540
   
$
44
   
$
73
   
$
12,288
   
$
4,625
   
$
5,126
   
$
1,503
   
$
28,199
 
                                                                 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,497
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
8,509
   
$
2,207
   
$
1,346
   
$
804
   
$
15,363
 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,043
   
$
44
   
$
73
   
$
3,779
   
$
2,418
   
$
3,780
   
$
699
   
$
12,836
 
                                                                 
Loans:
                                                               
Ending balance
 
$
146,463
   
$
11,708
   
$
15,528
   
$
91,553
   
$
153,767
   
$
189,479
   
$
60,177
   
$
668,675
 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
4,726
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
52,375
   
$
24,279
   
$
6,004
   
$
2,348
   
$
89,732
 
Ending balance:
                                                               
Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
141,737
   
$
11,708
   
$
15,528
   
$
39,178
   
$
129,488
   
$
183,475
   
$
57,829
   
$
578,943
 
 
Management’s opinion as to the ultimate collectability of loans is subject to estimates regarding future cash flows from operations and the value of property, real and personal, pledged as collateral.  These estimates are affected by changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of borrowers.
 
13

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses . In originating loans, the Company recognizes that loan losses will be experienced and the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the quality of the collateral for such loan. Management has established an allowance for loan losses (“ALL”), which it believes is adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Loans are charged off against the ALL when the loans are deemed to be uncollectible. Although the Company believes the ALL is adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, the amount of the ALL is based upon the judgment of management, and future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ from the assumptions used by management in making the determinations. In addition, the Company’s subsidiary banks periodically undergo regulatory examinations, and future adjustments to the ALL could occur based on these examinations.
 
Based on an evaluation of the loan portfolio, management presents a quarterly review of the ALL to the board of directors, indicating any change in the ALL since the last review and any recommendations as to adjustments in the ALL. In making its evaluation, management considers the diversification by industry of the commercial loan portfolio, the effect of changes in the local real estate market on collateral values, the results of recent regulatory examinations, the effects on the loan portfolio of current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers, the amount of charge-offs for the period, the amount of nonperforming loans and related collateral security, and the present level of the ALL.
 
A model is utilized to determine the specific and general portions of the ALL. Through the loan review process, management assigns a risk weighting to each loan, according to payment history, collateral values and financial condition of the borrower. The loan grades aid management in monitoring the overall quality of the loan portfolio. Specific reserves are allocated for loans in which management has determined that deterioration has occurred. In addition, a general allocation is made for each loan category in an amount determined based on general economic conditions, historical loan loss experience, and amount of past due loans. Management maintains the ALL based on the amounts determined using the procedures set forth above.
 
Activity in the ALL for the periods ended June 30, 2010 were as follows:
 
   
Three months
Ended
June 30, 2010
   
Six months
Ended
June 30, 2010
 
             
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 18,917     $ 18,851  
Provision charged to expense
    7,150       11,140  
Losses charged off, net of recoveries of $46 and $124, respectively
    3,459       7,383  
Balance, end of period
  $ 22,608     $ 22,608  
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2011, provision for loan loss expense was $213 thousand, compared with $11.1 million for the same period in 2010. The year-over-year decrease was partially due to a negative provision of $963 thousand in the first quarter of 2011 compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2010. The Company’s analysis of the adequacy of its ALL as of March 31, 2011 reflected, prior to recording the negative provision, an excess balance in the ALL, primarily due to the reduction in total loans, stabilization of non-performing loan balances and receipt of an updated appraisal in April 2011 to support a substantial reduction of a specific reserve on a commercial real estate loan that was added in the fourth quarter of 2010. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, provision for loan loss expense was $1.2 million, compared with $7.2 million for the same period in 2010.
 
Credit Quality Indicators
 
The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on all loans at origination. In addition, lending relationships over $500,000, new commercial and commercial real estate loans, and watch list credits are reviewed at least annually by management in order to verify risk ratings. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
 
Pass – Loans classified as pass are well protected by the ability of the borrower to pay or by the value of the asset or underlying collateral.
 
Special Mention – Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the bank’s credit position at some future date.
 
 
14

 
 
Substandard – Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
 
Doubtful – Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.
 
Loss – Loans classified as loss are the portion of the loan that is considered uncollectible so that its continuance as an asset is not warranted. The amount of the loss determined will be charged-off.
 
The following tables present the credit risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio based on rating category and payment activity as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
   
Commercial & Agricultural
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Residential Real Estate
   
Consumer
 
Rating:
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
                                                 
Pass
  $ 126,393     $ 133,363     $ 126,739     $ 167,302     $ 168,304     $ 171,904     $ 51,317     $ 57,760  
Special Mention
    8,027       15,076       20,128       17,523       4,728       3,988       415       70  
Substandard
    7,320       2,130       72,914       74,252       5,302       6,074       2,169       2,345  
Doubtful
    1,343       2,712       -       1,770       -       -       -       2  
    Total
  $ 143,083     $ 153,281     $ 219,781     $ 260,847     $ 178,334     $ 181,966     $ 53,901     $ 60,177  
 
   
Loans Held for Sale
   
Floor Plan Loans
   
Total Loans
 
Rating:
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
                                     
Pass
  $ 5,148     $ 7,513     $ 3,143     $ 4,891     $ 481,044     $ 542,733  
Special Mention
    -       -       -       -       33,298       36,657  
Substandard
    -       -       -       -       87,705       84,801  
Doubtful
    -       -       -       -       1,343       4,484  
    Total
  $ 5,148     $ 7,513     $ 3,143     $ 4,891     $ 603,390     $ 668,675  
 
The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection.  Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at the earlier date if collection of principal and interest is considered doubtful.
 
All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off are reversed against interest income.  After collection of the full principal balance on these loans, interest is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
 
The following tables present the Company’s loan portfolio aging analysis as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
       
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater
Than
90 Days
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans 
Receivable
   
Total Loans >
90 Days &
Accruing
 
                                           
Commercial and financial
 
$
5,281
   
$
1,522
   
$
1,051
   
$
7,854
   
$
128,778
   
$
136,632
   
$
7
 
Agricultural
   
1
     
3
     
1
     
5
     
9,588
     
9,593
     
1
 
Real estate - farmland
   
187
     
     
     
187
     
14,268
     
14,455
     
 
Real estate - construction
   
236
     
     
20,329
     
20,565
     
52,485
     
73,050
     
 
Real estate - commercial
   
7,026
     
109
     
8,097
     
15,232
     
117,044
     
132,276
     
 
Real estate - residential
   
3,718
     
488
     
2,046
     
6,252
     
177,231
     
183,483
     
22
 
Installment loans to individuals
   
362
     
81
     
77
     
520
     
53,381
     
53,901
     
57
 
Total
 
$
16,811
   
$
2,203
   
$
31,601
   
$
50,615
   
$
552,776
   
$
603,390
   
$
87
 
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
30-59 Days  Past
Due
   
60-89 Days  Past
Due
   
Greater  Than
90 Days
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans 
Receivable
   
Total Loans > 90
Days &
Accruing
 
Commercial and financial
 
$
112
   
$
243
   
$
2,284
   
$
2,639
   
$
143,824
   
$
146,463
   
$
 
Agricultural
   
     
     
2
     
2
     
11,706
     
11,708
     
2
 
Real estate - farmland
   
357
     
     
     
357
     
15,171
     
15,528
     
 
Real estate - construction
   
2,606
     
5,480
     
21,816
     
29,902
     
61,651
     
91,553
     
 
Real estate - commercial
   
1,878
     
1,779
     
9,133
     
12,790
     
140,977
     
153,767
     
 
Real estate - residential
   
1,632
     
2,496
     
3,347
     
7,475
     
182,004
     
189,479
     
262
 
Installment loans to individuals
   
220
     
150
     
43
     
413
     
59,764
     
60,177
     
27
 
Total
 
$
6,805
   
$
10,148
   
$
36,625
   
$
53,578
   
$
615,097
   
$
668,675
   
$
291
 
 
 
15

 
 
 
A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with the impairment accounting guidance (ASC 310-10-35-16), when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The Company defines impaired loans as all loans classified as “substandard”, “doubtful” or “loss”. Impaired loans include nonperforming commercial loans but also include loans modified in troubled debt restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.
 
Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loans and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
 
Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of the expected future cash flows, the loan’s observable market value, or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses.  Significant restructured loans are considered impaired in determining the adequacy of the ALL.
 
The Company actively seeks to reduce its investment in impaired loans.  The primary tools to work through impaired loans are settlement with the borrowers or guarantors, foreclosure of the underlying collateral, or restructuring. 
 
The Company will restructure loans when the borrower is unable to comply with the terms of the loan, but can demonstrate the ability to meet acceptable restructured terms.  Restructurings generally include one or more of the following restructuring options; reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions intended to maximize collection.  Restructured loans in compliance with modified terms are classified as impaired.
 
At June 30, 2011 the Company had approximately $5.7 million in troubled debt restructurings that were classified as impaired including $2.3 million in construction real estate loans, $428 thousand in residential real estate loans, $2.8 million in commercial real estate loans, and $171 thousand in commercial loans.  In addition to these amounts, the Company had troubled debt restructurings totaling approximately $6.4 million, also classified as impaired, that were performing in accordance with their modified terms including $3.4 million in construction real estate loans, $107 thousand in residential real estate loans, and $2.9 million in commercial real estate loans.
 
The following tables present impaired loans as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
Six Months Ending
June 30, 2011
   
Three Months Ending
June 30, 2011
 
   
Recorded
Balance
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Specific
Allowance
   
 
Average
Investment in
Impaired
Loans
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Investment in
Impaired
Loans
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Loans without a specific valuation allowance:
                                         
                                           
Commercial and agriculture
  $ 6,457     $ 6,457     $     $ 4,271     $ 234     $ 3,292     $ 220  
Commercial real estate
    24,400       24,400             32,745       469       28,733       282  
Residential real estate
    1,570       1,570             2,158       23       1,648       12  
Consumer
                      2                    
                                                         
Loans with a specific valuation allowance:
                                                       
                                                         
Commercial and agriculture
    2,206       2,206       928       2,424       63       2,421       22  
Commercial real estate
    48,513       48,513       6,078       42,000       578       42,056       372  
Residential real estate
    3,733       3,733       1,224       3,533       99       3,521       69  
Consumer
    2,169       2,169       717       2,257       27       2,216       13  
                                                         
Total:
                                                       
                                                         
Commercial
  $ 81,576     $ 81,576     $ 7,006     $ 81,440     $ 1,344     $ 76,502     $ 896  
Residential
  $ 5,303     $ 5,303     $ 1,224     $ 5,691     $ 122     $ 5,169     $ 81  
Consumer
  $ 2,169     $ 2,169     $ 717     $ 2,259     $ 27     $ 2,216     $ 13  
 
 
16

 
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Recorded
Balance
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Specific
Allowance
   
Average
Investment in
Impaired Loans
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Loans without a specific valuation allowance:
                             
                               
Commercial and agriculture
  $ 987     $ 987     $     $ 2,283     $ 177  
Commercial real estate
    25,984       25,984             46,808       1,489  
Residential real estate
    1,626       1,626             4,784       41  
Consumer
                             
                                         
Loans with a specific valuation allowance:
                                       
                                         
Commercial and agriculture
    3,739       3,739       2,497       2,927       171  
Commercial real estate
    50,670       50,670       10,716       37,726       1,402  
Residential real estate
    4,378       4,378       1,346       4,293       63  
Consumer
    2,348       2,348       804       1,930       104  
                                         
Total:
                                       
                                         
    Commercial
  $ 81,380     $ 81,380     $ 13,213     $ 89,744     $ 3,239  
    Residential
  $ 6,004     $ 6,004     $ 1,346     $ 9,077     $ 104  
    Consumer
  $ 2,348     $ 2,348     $ 804     $ 1,930     $ 104  
 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans includes interest accrued and collected on the outstanding balances of accruing impaired loans as well as interest cash collections on non-accruing impaired loans for which the ultimate collectability of principal is not uncertain.
 
The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Commercial and financial
 
$
1,274
   
$
2,579
 
Agricultural
   
     
 
Real estate - farmland
   
     
134
 
Real estate - construction
   
20,329
     
29,892
 
Real estate - commercial
   
11,712
     
9,134
 
Real estate - residential
   
2,331
     
4,041
 
Installment loans to individuals
   
154
     
216
 
Total
 
$
35,800
   
$
45,996
 

 For the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized interest income on impaired loans of $1,493,000 and $3,447,000, respectively.  On a cash basis, the Company recognized interest income on impaired loans of  $1,399,000 and $4,475,000 for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and year ended December 31, 2010, respectively.

8. CAPITAL AND OPERATING MATTERS

Stockholders’ deficit at June 30, 2011 was $(7,038,000) compared to $(6,035,000) as of December 31, 2010, a decrease of $1,003,000 or 16.6%. The decrease was primarily due to the net loss recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2011, as well as adjustments related to the acquisition of convertible debentures issued by Mid-America Bancorp, Inc. (“Mid-America”), the conversion of those debentures into common stock of Mid-America and the merger of Mid-America into the Company. Prior to conversion of the Mid-America debentures, Mid-America had negative stockholders’ equity. The conversion and subsequent merger of Mid-America into the Company resulted in the transfer of the minority interest portion of Mid-America’s negative equity to the Company. Mid-America was formerly the sole shareholder of Heartland Bank.

Prior to April 4, 2011, in addition to its ownership of 55.5% of the outstanding voting stock of Mid-America, the Company also held convertible debentures issued by Mid-America totaling $11,925,000. Included in the total of $11,925,000 was $1,000,000 of debentures previously held by several minority shareholders of Mid-America.  In March 2011, the Company purchased the debentures held by the minority shareholders in exchange for issuance of a total of 45,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at approximately $45,000. The debentures paid interest at a rate of 5% per annum, had a maturity date of March 31, 2011 and were convertible at the holder’s option into common stock of Mid-America. Because these instruments represented inter-company transactions, they were eliminated on a consolidated basis and excluded from the Company’s financial statements. The purchase of the debenture at a discount was reflected as an increase in Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. stockholders’ deficit of approximately $1,000,000.
 
 
17

 
 
On April 4, 2011, the Company exercised its option to convert all of the debentures into additional shares of Mid-America common stock, thereby increasing its equity ownership of Mid-America to 91.5%. Pursuant to the State of Kansas Corporation Code, a corporation owning at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of stock of a subsidiary may merge such subsidiary into itself. On February 25, 2011, the Company’s board of directors had approved the merger of Mid-America into the Company and directed the Company’s officers to file the required Certificate of Ownership and Merger with the Kansas Secretary of State. The Company’s board of directors had further authorized the payment of a total of $5,000 for the surrender and cancellation of all shares of Mid-America common stock not owned by the Company, on a pro rata basis to the holders of such shares. On April 5, 2011, the Company completed the merger of Mid-America into the Company, Mid-America was dissolved and Heartland Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

As a result of the merger of Mid-America into the Company, total Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. stockholders’ equity decreased by approximately $2,800,000, representing the acquisition of the minority shareholders’ interest in the negative equity capital of Mid-America that was reported as Noncontrolling interest on the Company’s balance sheet prior to the merger.  Beginning April 5, 2011, the Company’s consolidated statements of operations include 100% of the net income or loss of Heartland Bank.

The Company and Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented in the following tables:

   
Actual
   
Minimum for Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
Minimum Capital Requirement
per Formal Agreement
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of June 30, 2011
     
Total capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
                                   
Consolidated
   
(9,401
   
(1.5
)%
   
50,927
     
8.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Mercantile Bank
   
52,201
     
11.2
%
   
37,448
     
8.00
%
   
56,173
     
12.00
%
Heartland Bank
   
6,998
     
7.4
%
   
7,588
     
8.00
%
   
12,331
     
13.00
%
Royal Palm Bank of Florida
   
3,781
     
5.2
%
   
5,796
     
8.00
%
   
8,695
     
12.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
(9,401
   
(1.5
)%
   
25,464
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Mercantile Bank
   
46,241
     
9.9
%
   
18,724
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Heartland Bank
   
4,977
     
5.3
%
   
3,794
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Royal Palm Bank of Florida
   
2,801
     
3.9
%
   
2,898
     
4.00
%
   
7,246
     
10.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital
(to average assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
(9,401
   
(1.1
)%
   
35,619
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Mercantile Bank
   
46,241
     
7.0
%
   
26,290
     
4.00
%
   
52,579
     
8.00
%
Heartland Bank
   
4,977
     
4.0
%
   
4,973
     
4.00
%
   
11,188
     
9.00
%
Royal Palm Bank of Florida
   
2,801
     
2.5
%
   
4,443
     
4.00
%
   
8,885
     
8.00
%

 
18

 
 
   
Actual
   
Minimum for Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
Minimum Capital Requirement
per Formal Agreement
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of December 31, 2010
     
Total capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
                                   
Consolidated
   
(7,021
)
   
(1.0
)%
   
55,900
     
8.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Mercantile Bank
   
50,215
     
9.9
%
   
40,783
     
8.00
%
   
61,175
     
12.00
%
Heartland Bank
   
8,198
     
7.7
%
   
8,507
     
8.00
%
   
12,760
     
13.00
%
Royal Palm Bank of Florida
   
2,332
     
3.0
%
   
6,409
     
8.00
%
   
9,614
     
12.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
(7,021
)
   
(1.0
)%
   
27,950
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Mercantile Bank
   
43,701
     
8.6
%
   
20,392
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Heartland Bank
   
6,024
     
5.7
%
   
4,253
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Royal Palm Bank of Florida
   
1,237
     
1.6
%
   
3,205
     
4.00
%
   
8,012
     
10.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital
(to average assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
(7,021
)
   
(0.7
)%
   
38,894
     
4.00
%
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Mercantile Bank
   
43,701
     
6.2
%
   
28,027
     
4.00
%
   
56,055
     
8.00
%
Heartland Bank
   
6,024
     
4.1
%
   
5,847
     
4.00
%
   
11,693
     
9.00
%
Royal Palm Bank of Florida
   
1,237
     
1.0
%
   
4,954
     
4.00
%
   
9,908
     
8.00
%

The capital ratios disclosed in the middle column of the table above are minimum requirements. The Company has entered into a Written Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank and the Banks have each entered into Consent Orders with the FDIC and their respective state banking agencies. Mercantile Bank’s Consent Order was effective in March 2011, while Royal Palm Bank and Heartland Bank were already operating under their Consent Orders, and the Company under its Written Agreement as of December 31, 2010. These formal enforcement actions convey specific actions needed to address certain findings from their regulatory examinations and to address each entity’s condition. For further discussion, see the “Regulatory Matters” section in Part I, Item 2 of this filing.

Applicable federal prompt corrective action regulations for banks provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Based on regulatory capital standards, as of June 30, 2011, Mercantile Bank is well-capitalized, Royal Palm Bank is significantly undercapitalized, and Heartland Bank is undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to close monitoring by their federal bank regulator, restrictions on asset growth and expansion, and other significantly greater regulatory restrictions than apply to well-capitalized or adequately capitalized institutions.

The Company estimates the need to raise approximately $19 million to return each of the Banks to compliance with its Consent Order. Given the current economic environment, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to raise the estimated capital needed.

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, action by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements and raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1
Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2
Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities which use observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
 
19

 
 
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Recurring Basis

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet.

Available-for-sale securities - The fair values of available-for-sale securities are determined by various valuation methodologies. Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. For these investments, the inputs used by the pricing service to determine fair value may include one or a combination of observable inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, bench mark securities, bids, offers and reference data market research publications and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 2 securities include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate bonds. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy and include local state and political subdivisions, debentures, and other illiquid equity securities.

The following table presents the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the ASC 820 hierarchy in which their fair value measurements fall as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
June 30, 2011
 
Fair Value
   
Quotes Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 3,436     $     $ 3,436     $  
U.S. Treasury
    1,025       1,025              
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    67,163             67,163        
State and political subdivisions
    32,461             32,461        
Equity securities – common stock in other financial institutions
    184       86             98  
                                 
    $ 104,269     $ 1,111     $ 103,060     $ 98  

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
December 31, 2010
 
Fair Value
   
Quotes Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 3,727     $     $ 3,727     $  
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    66,948             66,948        
State and political subdivisions
    33,962             33,962        
Equity securities – common stock in other financial institutions
    2,613        2,516             97  
                                 
    $ 107,250     $ 2,516     $ 104,637     $ 97  
 
 
20

 
 
Management values Level 3 securities based on exit prices for which management believes it could receive if they were to sell these securities. This value approximates costs for a majority of these investments. There were no changes in valuation techniques for the Level 3 securities during the period. The change in fair value of assets measured using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs on a recurring basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months Ended
June 30
   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Beginning balance
  $ 98     $ 97     $ 97     $ 135  
Total realized and unrealized gains and losses:
                               
Included in net income
                       
Included in other comprehensive income
                       
Purchases, issuances and settlements
                1       (38 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
                       
                                 
Balance, June 30
  $ 98     $ 97     $ 98     $ 97  
                                 
Total gains or losses for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses related to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
  $     $     $     $  

Nonrecurring Basis

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Impaired loans (Collateral Dependent) - Loans for which it is probable that the Company 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 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.  Impaired loans that are collateral dependent are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair value adjustments on impaired loans were $7.0 million at June 30, 2011 compared to $14.7 million at December 31, 2010, and $15.7 million at June 30, 2010.

Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale – Other real estate consists of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans.  These properties are reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a component of the income statement. Fair value adjustments on foreclosed assets held for sale were $384 thousand at June 30, 2011 compared to $6.7 million at December 31, 2010, and $70 thousand at June 30, 2010.

Mortgage Servicing Rights – Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices.  Accordingly, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow models.  Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, mortgage servicing rights are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Cost Method Investments – Cost method investments do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices.  The cost method investments are periodically reviewed for impairment based on each investee’s earnings performance, asset quality, changes in the economic environment, and current and projected future cash flows.  Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, cost method investments are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

 
21

 

The following table presents the fair value measurement of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period and the level within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Carrying value at June 30, 2011
 
Fair Value
   
Quotes Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
Impaired loans
  $ 30,776     $     $     $ 30,776  
Foreclosed assets held for sale
    873                   873  
Cost method investments
    298                   298  
Mortgage servicing rights
    1,113                   1,113  


         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Carrying value at December 31, 2010
 
Fair Value
   
Quotes Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
Impaired loans
  $ 48,611     $     $     $ 48,611  
Foreclosed assets held for sale
    12,860                   12,860  
Mortgage servicing rights
    784                   784  

ASC 825, formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, and FSP FAS 107-1, requires all entities to disclose the estimated fair value of their financial instrument assets and liabilities. For the Company, as for most financial institutions, the majority of its assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments as defined in ASC 825. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack an available trading market as characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. It is also the Company’s general practice and intent to hold its financial instruments to maturity and to not engage in trading or sales activities except for loans held-for-sale and available-for-sale securities. Therefore, significant estimations and assumptions, as well as present value calculations, were used by the Company for the purposes of this disclosure.
   
Estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using the best available data and an estimation methodology suitable for each category of financial instruments. For those loans and deposits with floating interest rates, it is presumed that estimated fair values generally approximate the recorded book balances.

 
22

 
 
The estimation methodologies used, the estimated fair values, and the recorded book balances at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, were as follows:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Financial assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 119,386     $ 119,386     $ 97,548     $ 97,548  
Available-for-sale securities
    104,269       104,269       107,250       107,250  
Held-to-maturity securities
    782       804       1,208       1,246  
Loans held for sale
    5,148       5,148       7,513       7,513  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    577,807       608,593       632,963       657,110  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    2,836       2,836       2,885       2,885  
Cost method investments in common stock
    1,190       1,190       1,392       1,392  
Interest receivable
    2,919       2,919       3,327       3,328  
                                 
Financial liabilities
                               
Deposits
    801,577       798,536       833,214       827,922  
Short-term borrowings
    12,854       12,854       13,660       13,660  
Long-term debt and junior subordinated debentures
    68,858       38,460       76,858       46,449  
Interest payable
    8,516       8,516       6,986       6,986  
                                 
Unrecognized financial instruments (net of contract amount)
                               
Commitments to originate loans
                       
Letters of credit
                       
Lines of credit
                       

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, Interest Receivable, and Cost Method Investments in Common Stock - The carrying amount approximates fair value.
 
Held-to-Maturity Securities - Fair values equal quoted market prices if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices of similar securities.
 
Loans Held for Sale -   For homogeneous categories of loans, such as mortgage loans held for sale, fair value is estimated using the quoted market prices for securities backed by similar loans, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.
 
Loans -   The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  Loans with similar characteristics were aggregated for purposes of the calculations.  The carrying amount of accrued interest approximates its fair value.
 
Deposits -   For demand deposits, savings accounts, NOW accounts, and money market deposits, the carrying amount approximates fair value.  The fair value of fixed-maturity time and brokered time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
 
Short-Term Borrowings and Interest Payable -   The carrying amount approximates fair value.
 
Long-Term Debt and Junior Subordinated Debentures -   Rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt.
 
Commitments to Originate Loans, Letters of Credit, and Lines of Credit -   The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.  For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.  The fair value of forward sale commitments is estimated based on current market prices for loans of similar terms and credit quality.  The fair values of letters of credit and lines of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.

 
23

 
 
Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values.

The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities, which are not considered financial instruments, have not been valued differently than has been customary with historical cost accounting.

Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments, without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include the Company’s fiduciary services department, brokerage operations, deferred taxes, and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

Management believes that reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely, due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates that must be made, given the absence of active secondary markets for many of the financial instruments. This lack of uniform valuation methodologies also introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values.

10. INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations at the statutory rate to the Company’s actual income tax expense (benefit) is shown below:
 
   
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011
   
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2010
 
             
Computed at the statutory rate (35%)
  $ (619 )   $ (14,924 )
Increase (decrease) resulting from
               
Graduated tax rates
    18       426  
Tax exempt income
    (281 )     (620 )
State income taxes
    (294 )     (2,190 )
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    (93 )     (193 )
Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    1,487       29,767  
Other
    (122 )     (19 )
                 
Actual tax expense
  $ 96     $ 12,247  
 
 
24

 
 
The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred taxes shown on the balance sheets are as follows:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Deferred tax assets
           
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 7,683     $ 9,708  
Accrued compensated absences
    124       135  
Deferred compensation
    846       801  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    135       132  
Deferred loss on investments
    2,460       2,304  
Capital loss carryforward on disposal of HNB
    3,111       3,465  
Net operating loss carryforward
    20,048       16,617  
Deferred loan fees
    51       48  
Alternative minimum tax credits
    1,074       1,074  
Other
    3,512       3,475  
                 
      39,044       37,759  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
               
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
    258       251  
Depreciation
    484       510  
State taxes
    1,031       1,031  
Mortgage servicing rights
    444       302  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
    662       822  
Purchase accounting adjustments
    93       89  
Other
    169       165  
                 
      3,141       3,170  
                 
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance
    35,903       34,589  
                 
Valuation allowance
               
Beginning balance
  $ (34,589 )   $ (5,590 )
Increase during the period
    (1,487 )     (29,767 )
Decrease during the period resulting from the elimination to discontinuing operations
    322        
(Increase) decrease during the period
    (149 )     768  
                 
Ending balance
    (35,903 )     (34,589 )
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $     $  

As of June 30, 2011, the Company had $48.6 million of net operating loss carryforwards, which will expire in 15-20 years. The Company has recognized a valuation allowance on a portion of the operating losses that have been determined not to be utilizable based on management’s analysis.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the Company had $1.1 million of alternative minimum tax credits available to offset future federal income taxes.  The credits have no expiration date.
 
11. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company completed the sale of Marine Bank & Trust (“Marine Bank”) and Brown County State Bank (“Brown County”) to United Community Bancorp, Inc. (“United”), of Chatham, Illinois for approximately $25.8 million on February 26, 2010.The transaction originally resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $4,254,000. However, at the time of the sale, the Company entered into a letter agreement with United whereby the Company would be entitled to a portion of principal payments on two specified loan participations received by United subsequent to the sale. As of June 30, 2011, the Company has received approximately $857,000 in accordance with the letter agreement, increasing the pre-tax gain to approximately $5,111,000. Certain adjustments were recorded relating to the sale resulting in a gain of $818,000 during the first quarter of 2011.

 
25

 
 
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities at the date the Company sold Marine Bank and Brown County:
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,343  
Available-for-sale securities
    39,306  
Held-to-maturity securities
    1,027  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $1,183
    206,872  
Interest receivable
    2,300  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    1,574  
Premises and equipment
    3,698  
Other assets
    19,465  
         
Total assets disposed
    278,585  
         
Deposits
    232,330  
Long-term debt
    13,500  
Interest payable
    559  
Other liabilities
    10,469  
         
Total liabilities released
    256,858  
         
Net assets disposed
  $ 21,727  

The following table summarizes the income and expenses of the discontinued operations for the periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, including Marine Bank and Brown County:
 
   
Three Months Ended June
   
Six Months Ended June
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Interest and dividend income
  $     $     $     $ 2,206  
Interest expense
                      572  
Net interest margin
                      1,634  
                                 
Provision for loan loss
                      48  
Gain on Sale of Marine and Brown County
                      4,254  
Noninterest income
    3       13       824       281  
Noninterest expense
                      866  
                                 
Net income (loss) before taxes
    3       13       824       5,255  
                                 
Income tax expense
                      2,045  
                                 
Net income
  $ 3     $ 13     $ 824     $ 3,210  

12. MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
 
Mortgage servicing assets are recognized separately when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. Under the servicing assets and liabilities accounting guidance (ASC 860-50), servicing rights resulting from the sale or securitization of loans originated by the Company are initially measured at fair value at the date of transfer. The Company subsequently measures each class of servicing asset using the amortization method. Under the amortization method, servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. The amortized assets are assessed for impairment or increased obligation based on fair value at each reporting date.

Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. These variables change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change, and may have an adverse impact on the value of the mortgage servicing right and may result in a reduction to noninterest income.
 
 
26

 
 
Each class of separately recognized servicing assets subsequently measured using the amortization method are evaluated and measured for impairment. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount of the servicing assets for that tranche. The valuation allowance is adjusted to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment after the initial measurement of impairment. Changes in valuation allowances are reported separately on the income statement. Fair value in excess of the carrying amount of servicing assets for that stratum is not recognized.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.
 
Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The risks inherent in mortgage servicing assets relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in mortgage interest rates. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others was approximately $197.3 million and $199.7 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with the foregoing loan servicing, and included in demand deposits, were approximately $1.4 million and $1.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
The aggregate estimated fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing rights at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 totaled $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Comparable market values and a valuation model that calculates the present value of future cash flows were used to estimate fair value. For purposes of measuring impairment, risk characteristics including product type, investor type, and interest rates, were used to stratify the originated mortgage servicing rights.
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Mortgage servicing rights
           
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 784     $ 885  
Servicing rights capitalized
    193       709  
Recovery of MSR income
    349        
Amortization of servicing rights
    (93 )     (341 )
      1,233       1,253  
Valuation allowance
    (120 )     (469 )
                 
    $ 1,113     $ 784  
 
Activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage servicing rights was as follows:
             
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 469     $ 366  
Additions
          103  
Reductions
    (349 )      
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 120     $ 469  

13. OFF BALANCE SHEET CREDIT COMMITMENTS
 
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various transactions, which, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, are not included in its consolidated balance sheets. These transactions are referred to as “off balance-sheet commitments.” The Company enters into these transactions to meet the financing needs of its customers. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which involve elements of credit risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company minimizes its exposure to loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and monitoring procedures.

The Company enters into contractual commitments to extend credit, normally with fixed expiration dates or termination clauses, at specified rates and for specific purposes. Customers use credit commitments to ensure that funds will be available for working capital purposes, for capital expenditures and to ensure access to funds at specified terms and conditions. Substantially all of the Company’s commitments to extend credit are contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards at the time of loan funding. Management assesses the credit risk associated with certain commitments to extend credit in determining the level of the allowance for loan losses. Commitments to originate loans totaled $6.4 million at June 30, 2011 and $13.7 million at December 31, 2010. The commitments extend over varying periods of time with the majority being disbursed within a one-year period. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had granted unused lines of credit to borrowers totaling $76.5 million and $76.8 million, respectively, for commercial lines and open-end consumer lines.
 
 
27

 
 
Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The Company’s policies generally require that standby letters of credit arrangements contain collateral and debt covenants similar to those contained in loan agreements. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Company would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. If the commitment is funded, the Company would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. Standby letters of credit totaled $7.0 million at June 30, 2011 and $7.6 million at December 31, 2010. At June 30, 2011, the outstanding standby letters of credit had a weighted average term of approximately one year. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no liability for the fair value of the Company’s potential obligations under these guarantees has been recorded since the amount is deemed immaterial.

14. COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Comprehensive loss components and related taxes were as follows:

   
For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net loss
  $ (1,995 )   $ (5,653 )
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities:
               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(21) for 2011 and $(279) for 2010
    4       (477 )
Less reclassification adjustment for the sale of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank
           
Less reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income, net of tax expense of $21 for 2011
    (35 )      
Less reclassification adjustment for other than temporary losses included in income, net of tax benefit of $(215) for 2010
          (351 )
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $0 for 2011 and $(64) for 2010
    39       (126 )
                 
Adjustment of ASC 715 (formerly SFAS 158) liability, net of tax benefit of $(10) for 2011 and $(10) for 2010
    17       17  
Plus valuation allowance on deferred tax asset on defined benefit post-retirement liability
    11        
                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    67       (109 )
                 
Comprehensive loss
    (1,928 )     (5,762 )
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    14       (1,178 )
                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Mercantile Bancorp, Inc.
  $ (1,942 )   $ (4,584 )
 
 
28

 
 
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net loss
  $ (1,041 )   $ (5,602 )
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized depreciation on available-for-sale securities:
               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $(94) for 2011 and $72 for 2010
    (108 )     (175 )
Less reclassification adjustment for the sale of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank
    818        
Less reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income, net of tax expense of $143 for 2011
    234        
Less reclassification adjustment for other than temporary losses included in income net of tax benefit of $(77) for 2011 and $(215) for 2010
    (125 )     (351 )
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(160) for 2011 and $143 for 2010
    (1,035 )     176  
                 
Plus valuation allowance on deferred tax liability on available-for-sale securities
    (160 )      
Adjustment of SFAS 158 liability, net of tax expense of $10 for 2011 and $10 for 2010
    17       18  
Plus valuation allowance on deferred tax asset on defined benefit post-retirement liability
    11        
                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (1,167 )     194  
                 
Comprehensive loss
    (2,208 )     (5,409 )
                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (287 )     (2,111 )
                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Mercantile Bancorp, Inc.
  $ (1,921 )   $ (3,298 )

15. GOING CONCERN CONSIDERATIONS
 
As a result of the effects of the economic downturn and the losses generated by the Company in the last several years, the capital of the Company and the Banks has been significantly depleted. The Banks have experienced significant increases in non-performing assets, impaired loans and loan loss provisions, resulting in the imposition of Consent Orders at each of the Banks and a Written Agreement at the Company. For further discussion of these regulatory enforcement actions, see Part 1, Item 2 of this filing under the heading “Regulatory Matters.” Management is currently attempting to raise additional capital that will provide the Company with the necessary liquidity to return the Banks to compliance with regulatory capital requirements of the Consent Orders. The Company’s ability to raise capital is contingent on the current capital markets and the Company’s financial performance. Available capital markets are not currently favorable and the Company cannot be certain of its ability to raise capital on any terms.
 
The losses reported by the Company in the last several years were primarily due to large provisions for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale and cost method investments, goodwill impairment charges and the establishment of a valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax asset. Prior to sustaining these losses the Company had a history of profitable operations. The return to profitable operations is contingent on the overall economic recovery and the stability of collateral values of the real estate that secures many of the Company’s loans.

While the Company believes that it may be able to raise sufficient capital to meet its capital requirements and manage loan losses in the near term until such time that the overall economy improves without having to liquidate assets, the realization of assets in other-than-normal course of business in order to provide liquidity could result in additional losses to be reflected in the Company’s financial statements. For further discussion of the Company’s efforts to raise capital, see Part 1, Item 2 of this filing under the heading “Capital Resources”.

 
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-looking Statements
 
Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained in the Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s operations or performance. Use of the words “believe,” “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “continue”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, “should”, or similar expressions, identifies these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates or projections with respect to the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations or business, such as:
 
 
projections of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, assets, liabilities, dividends,      capital structure, or other financial items;
 
descriptions of plans or objectives of management for future operations, products, or services, including pending acquisition transactions;
 
forecasts of future economic performance; and
 
descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing.

Many possible factors or events could affect the future financial results and performance of the Company and could cause those financial results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statement. These possible events or factors include, without limitation:

 
●  
the effects of current and future business and economic conditions in the markets the Company serves change or are less favorable than it expected;
 
 
●  
deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption are greater than the Company expected;
 
 
●  
competitive factors including product and pricing pressures among financial services organizations may increase;
 
 
●  
the effects of changes in interest rates on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, the values of loan collateral, securities and interest sensitive assets and liabilities may lead to a reduction in the Company’s net interest margins;
 
 
●  
changes in market rates and prices may adversely impact securities, loans, deposits, mortgage servicing rights, and other financial instruments;
 
 
●  
the legislative or regulatory developments, including changes in laws concerning taxes, banking, securities, insurance and other aspects of the financial securities industry, such as the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and the extensive rule making it requires to be undertaken by various regulatory agencies may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations;
 
 
●  
personal or commercial bankruptcies increase;
 
 
●  
the Company’s ability to expand and grow its business and operations, including the establishment of additional branches and acquisition of additional banks or branches of banks, may be more difficult or costly than the Company expected;
  
 
●  
changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines;

 
●  
credit risks, including credit risks resulting from the devaluation of collateral debt obligations and/or structured investment vehicles on the capital markets to which the Company currently has no direct exposure;

 
●  
the failure of assumptions underlying the Company’s deferred tax valuation assumptions;

 
●  
the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of the Company’s allowance for loan losses;

 
●  
construction and development loans are based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project.  These estimates may be inaccurate, and cause the Company to be exposed to more losses on these projects than on other loans;
 
 
30

 
 
 
● 
changes occur in the securities markets;
 
 
● 
technology-related changes may be harder to make or more expensive than the Company anticipated;
 
 
● 
worldwide political and social unrest, including acts of war and terrorism;
 
 
● 
changes occur in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board;
 
 
● 
impairment of the goodwill and core deposit intangibles the Company has recorded with acquisitions and the resulting adverse impact on the Company’s profitability; and
 
 
● 
the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could result in the Company’s failure to develop and implement successfully capital raising and debt restructuring plans.
 
A forward-looking statement may include a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying the forward-looking statement. The Company believes it has chosen the assumptions or bases in good faith and that they are reasonable. However, the Company cautions you that assumptions or bases almost always vary from actual results, and the differences between assumptions or bases and actual results can be material. Any forward-looking statements made or incorporated by reference in this report are made as of the date of this report, and, except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in such statements.  You should consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these statements.
 
General
 
Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. is a three-bank holding company headquartered in Quincy, Illinois with 12 banking facilities (11 full service offices and 1 stand-alone drive-up facility) serving 9 communities located throughout west-central Illinois, central Indiana, western Missouri, eastern Kansas and southwestern Florida. The Company is focused on meeting the financial needs of its markets by offering competitive financial products, services and technologies. It is engaged in retail, commercial and agricultural banking, and its core products include loans, deposits, trust, and investment management.  The Company derives substantially all of its net income from its subsidiary banks.
 
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries .  As of June 30, 2011, the Company was the sole shareholder of the following banking subsidiaries:
 
 
Mercantile Bank (“Mercantile Bank”), located in Quincy, Illinois; and
 
Royal Palm Bancorp, Inc. (“Royal Palm”), the sole shareholder of Royal Palm Bank of Florida (“Royal Palm Bank”), located in Naples, Florida.
 
Heartland Bank (“Heartland Bank”), located in Leawood, Kansas
 
Prior to April 4, 2011, the Company owned 55.5% of the outstanding voting stock of Mid-America Bancorp, Inc. (“Mid-America”), which was the sole shareholder of Heartland Bank. In addition to its equity interest in Mid-America, the Company also held convertible debentures issued by Mid-America totaling $11.9 million. Included in the total of $11.9 million was $1.0 million of debentures previously held by several minority shareholders of Mid-America.  In March 2011, the Company purchased the debentures held by the minority shareholders in exchange for issuance of a total of 45 thousand shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at approximately $45 thousand. The debentures paid interest at a rate of 5% per annum, had a maturity date of March 31, 2011 and were convertible at the holder’s option into common stock of Mid-America. Because these instruments represented inter-company transactions, they were eliminated on a consolidated basis and excluded from the Company’s financial statements.
 
On April 4, 2011, the Company exercised its option to convert the debentures into additional shares of Mid-America common stock, thereby increasing its equity ownership of Mid-America to 91.5%. Pursuant to the State of Kansas Corporation Code, a corporation owning at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of stock of a subsidiary may merge such subsidiary into itself. On February 25, 2011, the Company’s board of directors had approved the merger of Mid-America into the Company and directed the Company’s officers to file the required Certificate of Ownership and Merger with the Kansas Secretary of State, upon the Company’s satisfaction of the merger. The Company’s board of directors further authorized the payment of a total of $5,000 for the surrender and cancellation of all shares of Mid-America common stock not owned by the Company, on a pro rata basis to the holders of such shares. On April 5, 2011, the Company completed the merger of Mid-America into the Company, Mid-America was dissolved and Heartland became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
 
 
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As a result of the merger of Mid-America into the Company, total Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. stockholders’ equity decreased by approximately $2.8 million, representing the acquisition of the minority shareholders’ interest in the negative equity capital of Mid-America that was reported as noncontrolling interest on the Company’s balance sheet prior to the merger.  Beginning April 5, 2011, the Company’s consolidated statements of operations include 100% of the net income or loss of Heartland Bank.
 
Other Investments in Financial Institutions .   As of June 30, 2011, the Company had less than majority ownership interests in two financial institutions, both of which are included in cost method investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Specifically, the Company owned the following percentages of the outstanding voting stock of these banking entities:
 
 
·
2.5% of Premier Community Bank of the Emerald Coast (“Premier Community”), located in Crestview, Florida; and
 
·
4.9% of Brookhaven Bank (“Brookhaven”), located in Atlanta, Georgia;
 
During the second quarter of 2011, the Company sold its remaining ownership interests in Paragon National Bank and Solera National Bancorp, Inc. for a total of approximately $491 thousand, recognizing a net loss on the sales of approximately $56 thousand. These investments were included in available-for-sale equity investments on the balance sheet.
 
In June 2009, the Company elected to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its outstanding junior subordinated debentures relating to its trust preferred securities.  The terms of the junior subordinated debentures and the trust documents allow the Company to defer payments of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods without default or penalty.  During the deferral period, the respective trusts will likewise suspend the declaration and payment of dividends on the trust preferred securities.  Also during the deferral period, the Company may not, among other things and with limited exceptions, pay cash dividends on or repurchase its common stock nor make any payment on outstanding debt obligations that rank equally with or junior to the junior subordinated debentures.  As of June 30, 2011, the accumulated deferred interest payments totaled $7.5 million.
 
In November 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule requiring insured depository institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012, on December 30, 2009, along with each institution’s risk-based deposit insurance assessment for the third quarter of 2009. The FDIC is also scheduled to increase the normal assessment rates with the intent being to replenish the Deposit Insurance Fund to the statutory limit of 1.15% of insured deposits by December 31, 2013. The December 30, 2009 prepayment from continuing operations totaled approximately $3.9 million, and is being amortized based on the actual quarterly assessment invoices received from the FDIC. As of June 30, 2011, the prepaid FDIC assessment balance is approximately $1.5 million.
 
Results of Operations
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Overview .  Unless otherwise indicated, discussions below regarding income and expense for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 refer to the Company’s continuing operations. Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from both continuing and discontinued operations was $2.0 million compared with a net loss of $4.5 million for the same period in 2010. The primary factors contributing to the increase in net income were a decrease in provision for loan losses of $6.0 million, an increase in noninterest income of $186 thousand, and a decrease in noninterest expense of $515 thousand, primarily offset by a decrease in net interest income of $1.1 million and increase in income tax expense of $1.9 million.  Basic loss per share (EPS) for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $(0.23) compared with $(0.51) for the same period in 2010.
 
Total assets at June 30, 2011 were $889.0 million compared with $929.2 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $40.2 million or 4.3%, primarily attributable to decreases in loans, partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents. Total loans, including loans held for sale, at June 30, 2011 were $603.4 million compared with $668.7 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $65.3 million or 9.8%. Total deposits at June 30, 2011 were $801.6 million compared with $833.2 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $31.6 million or 3.8%. Total Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. stockholders’ deficit at June 30, 2011 was $(7.0) million compared with $(3.5) million at December 31, 2010.
 
The Company’s annualized return on average assets was (0.90)% for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared with (1.74)% for the same period in 2010.
 
 
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Discontinued Operations .  As a result of the sale of two of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Marine Bank and Trust and Brown County State Bank, to United Community Bancshares, Inc. on February 26, 2010, the income and expenses of those two banks for the period January 1 through February 26, 2010 are included in “Income from discontinued operations” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations
 
Net Interest Income . For the three months ended June 30, 2011, net interest income decreased $1.1 million, or 17.0%, to $5.2 million compared with $6.3 million for the same period in 2010. The decrease was primarily due to decreased volumes and yields on loans and securities, partially offset by decreased volumes and rates of most categories of interest-bearing liabilities. For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the net interest margin decreased by 13 basis points to 2.54% from 2.67% while the net interest spread decreased by 10 basis points to 2.40% from 2.50%, respectively.
 
Interest and dividend income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $2.1 million, or 18.9%, to $9.1 million compared with $11.3 million for the same period in 2010.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in loan interest income of $1.9 million.  Average total loans from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $125.8 million, or 17.0%, to $615.8 million compared with $741.6 million for the same period in 2010, while the average yield on total loans decreased 13 basis points to 5.28% for the same period. Average total investments for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $18.1 million, or 14.3%, to $108.6 million compared with $126.7 million for the same period in 2010, while the average yield on investments decreased 24 basis points to 3.63% for the same period. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, the yield on total average earning assets decreased by 34 basis point to 4.44%.
 
Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $1.1 million, or 21.4%, to $3.9 million compared with $5.0 million for the same period in 2010.  This decrease was due primarily to decreases in interest expense on deposits of $949 thousand.  Average total interest-bearing deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $88.9 million, or 11.4%, to $692.0 million compared with $780.9 million for the same period in 2010, while the average cost of funds on total interest-bearing deposits decreased 29 basis points to 1.70% for the same period.  The average cost of funds on the majority of categories of deposits decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to the decline in general market rates.  Average total long-term debt for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $8.0 million, or 10.4%, to $68.9 million compared with $76.9 million for the same period in 2010, while the average cost of funds on long-term debt increased 17 basis points to 5.62% for the same period. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, the cost of funds on total average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 24 basis points to 2.04%.
 
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated an analysis of net interest income by each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding and the interest earned or paid on such amounts. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities and the net interest margin on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods. All average balances are daily average balances and nonaccruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

 
33

 
 
   
For the three months ended June 30
   
2011
   
2010
   
Average Balance
   
Income/
Expense
   
Yield/Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Income/
Expense
   
Yield/Rate
Assets
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 81,006     $ 42       0.21 %   $ 61,104     $ 40       0.26 %
Federal funds sold
    16,157       9       0.22 %     12,279       7       0.23 %
Securities:
                                               
Taxable
                                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
    3,519       20       2.28 %     2,898       25       3.46 %
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    36,656       292       3.20 %     34,101       266       3.13 %
Other securities
    45,705       469       4.12 %     62,415       635       4.08 %
Total taxable
    85,880       781       3.65 %     99,414       926       3.74 %
Non-taxable — State and political subdivision (3)
    22,711       200       3.53 %     27,286       296       4.35 %
Loans (net of unearned discount ) (1)(2)
    615,848       8,102       5.28 %     741,609       9,995       5.41 %
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    2,864       2       0.28 %     2,955       3       0.41 %
Total interest-earning assets
    824,466     $ 9,136       4.44 %     944,647     $ 11,267       4.78 %
                                                 
Cash and due from banks
    11,940                       10,543                  
Interest receivable
    3,078                       3,761                  
Foreclosed assets held for sale, net
    26,676                       20,541                  
Cost method investments in common stock
    1,190                       1,392                  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    15,774                       15,218                  
Premises and equipment
    23,403                       24,995                  
Other
    7,310                       26,966                  
Intangible assets
    1,204                       1,893                  
Allowance for loan loss
    (24,034 )                     (18,684 )                
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 891,007                     $ 1,031,272                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
  $ 67,829     $ 33       0.20 %   $ 67,147     $ 47       0.28 %
Savings deposits
    45,211       23       0.20 %     47,584       40       0.34 %
Money-market deposits
    97,497       129       0.53 %     115,121       169       0.59 %
Time and brokered time deposits
    481,483       2,754       2.29 %     551,046       3,632       2.64 %
Short-term borrowings
    10,152       15       0.59 %     20,331       50       0.99 %
Long term debt
    7,000       68       3.90 %     15,000       159       4.25 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    61,858       896       5.81 %     61,858       886       5.74 %
                                                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    771,030     $ 3,918       2.04 %     878,087     $ 4,983       2.28 %
                                                 
Demand deposits
    113,362                       100,175                  
Interest payable
    8,277                       5,181                  
Other liabilities
    3,069                       4,059                  
Noncontrolling interest
    -                       2,907                  
Stockholders’ equity
    (4,731 )                     40,863                  
                                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 891,007                     $ 1,031,272                  
                                                 
Interest spread
                    2.40 %                     2.50 %
Net interest income
          $ 5,218                     $ 6,284          
Net interest margin
                    2.54 %                     2.67 %
Interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
    106.93 %                     107.48 %                
(1) Non-accrual loans have been included in average loans, net of unearned discount
(2) Includes loans held for sale
(3) The tax exempt income for state and political subdivisions in not recorded on a tax equivalent basis.
 
The following table presents information regarding the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated for the major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and distinguishes between the increase (decrease) attributable to changes in volume and changes in interest rates. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and rate.
 
 
34

 
 
   
For the three months ended June 30,
2011 vs. 2010
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Change in
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                   
Increase (decrease) in interest income:
                 
Interest-bearing bank deposits
  $ 11     $ (9 )   $ 2  
Federal funds sold
    2       -       2  
Investment securities:
                       
U.S. Treasuries and Agencies
    5       (10 )     (5 )
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    20       6       26  
States and political subdivision (1)
    (45 )     (51 )     (96 )
Other securities
    (171 )     5       (166 )
Loans (net of unearned discounts)
    (1,659 )     (234 )     (1,893 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    -       (1 )     (1 )
Change in interest income
    (1,837 )     (294 )     (2,131 )
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    -       (14 )     (14 )
Savings deposits
    (2 )     (15 )     (17 )
Money-market deposits
    (24 )     (16 )     (40 )
Time and brokered time deposits
    (429 )     (449 )     (878 )
Short-term borrowings
    (19 )     (16 )     (35 )
Long-term debt and junior subordinated debentures
    (111 )     30       (81 )
Change in interest expense
    (585 )     (480 )     (1,065 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
  $ (1,252 )   $ 186     $ (1,066 )
 
(1)  The tax exempt income for state and political subdivisions is not recorded on a tax equivalent basis.
 
Provision for Loan Losses . Provisions for loan losses are charged against income to bring the Company’s allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) to a level deemed appropriate by management. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, the provision was $1.2 million, compared with $7.2 million for the same period in 2010. The allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2011 was $20.4 million, or 3.39% of total loans, a decrease of $7.8 million from $28.2 million or 4.22% of total loans at December 31, 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the balance required to be maintained in the ALL as determined by managements’ evaluation as of June 30, 2011.  Nonperforming loans were $42.3 million, or 7.01% of total loans as of June 30, 2011, compared with $53.3 million, or 7.97% of total loans as of December 31, 2010 primarily due to the transfer of nonperforming loans into foreclosed assets.  Impaired loans decreased from $89.7 million at December 31, 2010 to $89.0 million at June 30, 2011.  The Company anticipates a portion of the impaired loans will eventually be charged off, but believes it has adequately reserved for these losses based on circumstances existing as of June 30, 2011.
 
Management has a process in place to review each subsidiary bank’s loan portfolio on a quarterly basis by an independent consulting firm that reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.  The purpose of these quarterly reviews is to assist management in its evaluation of the adequacy of the ALL.  In light of the elevated levels of nonperforming and impaired loans over the past two years, management has increased the frequency and scope of the reviews in areas deemed to have the greatest risk of potential losses. Management’s goal is to identify problems loans as soon as possible, with the hope that early detection and attention to these loans will minimize the amount of the loss.
 
Noninterest Income . Noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased $186 thousand to $2.4 million compared with $2.2 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase in noninterest income was primarily due to increases in other service charges and fees, net losses on sale of available-for-sale securities, and other income, primarily offset by decreases in customer service fees and net gains on loan sales.
 
 
35

 
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest income:
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Fiduciary activities
  $ 613     $ 582  
Brokerage fees
    305       357  
Customer service fees
    344       418  
Other service charges and fees
    438       230  
Net gains on sales of assets
    3       -  
Net gains on loan sales
    72       126  
Net losses on sale of available-for-sale securities
    (56 )     -  
Loan servicing fees
    121       123  
Net increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    135       139  
Other
    411       225  
                 
Total noninterest income
  $ 2,386     $ 2,200  
 
Other service charges and fees for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased $208 thousand to $438 thousand compared with $230 thousand for the same period in 2010, primarily due to an increase in wire transfer fees collected for approximately three months from a business deposit customer of Mercantile Bank. The relationship with this customer was terminated in July 2011 for reasons unrelated to the fee income earned.
 
Net losses on sale of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $56 thousand compared to $0 for the same period in 2010, due to a loss on the sale of the Company’s investment in the common stock of Solera National Bancorp, Inc., partially offset by the second quarter 2011 gain on sale of the Company’s equity investment in the common stock of Paragon National Bank.
 
Other noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased $186 thousand to $411 thousand compared with $225 thousand for the same period in 2010, primarily due to the recovery in value of mortgage servicing rights of approximately $349 thousand as determined by a third party valuation.
 
Noninterest Expense . For the three months ended June 30, 2011, noninterest expense decreased $515 thousand, or 5.8% to $8.3 million compared with $8.8 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to decreases in salaries and employee benefits and other than temporary losses on cost method investments, partially offset by increases in FDIC deposit insurance premiums and other noninterest expense.
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest expense:
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 3,928     $ 4,289  
Net occupancy expense
    575       626  
Equipment expense
    527       606  
Deposit insurance premium
    787       601  
Professional fees
    612       465  
Postage and supplies
    103       127  
Losses on foreclosed assets, net
    270       170  
Other than temporary losses on cost method investments
    -       566  
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    38       40  
Other
    1,492       1,357  
                 
Total noninterest expense
  $ 8,332     $ 8,847  
 
Salaries and employee benefits decreased $361 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to $3.9 million, from $4.3 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to an early retirement and reduction in force initiative by the Company in 2010 that resulted in the elimination of 22 full-time positions, representing approximately 7.7% of the Company’s workforce prior to implementation of these actions. The Company had 245 full-time equivalent employees at June 30, 2011 compared to 268 at June 30, 2010, restated to exclude discontinued operations.
 
 
36

 
 
Other than temporary losses on available-for-sale and cost method investments for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $0, compared to $566 thousand for the same period in 2011, due to an impairment charge on one of the Company’s cost method investments in the second quarter of 2010. This impairment was determined based on the difference between the Company’s carrying value and the book value of the investee as of June 30, 2010. Because the investee’s stock does not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices, the Company considered book value to be a reasonably accurate estimate of fair value.
 
Deposit insurance premiums increased $186 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to $787 thousand, from $601 thousand for the same period in 2010, primarily due to increased FDIC assessment rates for all financial institutions in order to replenish the Deposit Insurance Fund to statutory levels, along with increases in the risk-based components of the assessments for each of the Company’s subsidiary banks attributable to the banks’ weakened financial condition.
 
Other noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased $135 thousand to $1.5 million compared with $1.4 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to expenses associated with the increased number of properties included in foreclosed assets held for sale.
 
Income Taxes Expense (Benefit).   Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $94 thousand compared to a benefit of $(1.8) million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance related to the Company’s deferred tax assets. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company’s evaluation of the adequacy of the valuation allowance determined that it was no longer more likely than not that it could generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets in future near-term periods as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the Company recorded an additional valuation allowance in the amount of $10.3 million, representing the full remaining balance of the Company’s and each of its subsidiary banks’ deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company recorded further increases to the valuation allowance of $1.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively, to reduce its net deferred tax assets to $0. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company’s income tax expense based on taxable income before income taxes was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets.
 
The Company has recognized no increase in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Florida jurisdictions.  With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.
 
Results of Operations
Comparison of Operating Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Overview .  Unless otherwise indicated, discussions below regarding income and expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 refer to the Company’s continuing operations. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from both continuing and discontinued operations was $754 thousand compared with net loss of $3.5 million for the same period in 2010. The primary factors contributing to the increase in net income were a decrease in provision for loan losses of $10.9 million, an increase in noninterest income of $453 thousand, and a decrease in noninterest expense of $664 thousand.  Basic loss per share (EPS) for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $(0.09) compared with $(0.40) for the same period in 2010.
 
The Company’s annualized return on average assets was (0.17)% for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with (0.62)% for the same period in 2010.
 
Discontinued Operations .  As a result of the sale of two of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Marine Bank and Trust and Brown County State Bank, to United Community Bancshares, Inc. on February 26, 2010, the income and expenses of those two banks for the period January 1 through February 26, 2010 are included in “Income (loss) from discontinued operations” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
 
Net Interest Income . For the six months ended June 30, 2011, net interest income decreased $2.0 million, or 15.8%, to $10.5 million compared with $12.4 million for the same period in 2010. The decrease was primarily due to decreased volumes and yields on loans and securities, partially offset by decreased volumes and rates of most categories of interest-bearing liabilities. For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the net interest margin decreased by 5 basis points to 2.53% from 2.58% while the net interest spread decreased by 3 basis points to 2.40% from 2.42%, respectively.
 
 
37

 
 
Interest and dividend income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $4.2 million, or 18.4%, to $18.6 million compared with $22.8 million for the same period in 2010.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in loan interest income of $3.7 million.  Average total loans for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $127.4 million, or 16.8%, to $629.8 million compared with $757.1 million for the same period in 2010, while the average yield on total loans decreased 9 basis point to 5.30% for the same period. Average total investments for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $17.9 million, or 14.1%, to $109.7 million compared with $127.6 million for the same period in 2010, while the average yield on investments decreased 22 basis points to 3.58% for the same period. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, the yield on total average earning assets decreased by 23 basis points to 4.50%.
 
Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $2.2 million, or 21.5%, to $8.1 million compared with $10.4 million for the same period in 2010.  This decrease was due primarily to decreases in interest expense on deposits of $2.0 million.  Average total interest-bearing deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $103.9 million, or 13.0%, to $698.0 million compared with $802.0 million for the same period in 2010, while the average cost of funds on total interest-bearing deposits decreased 26 basis points to 1.77% for the same period.  The average cost of funds on the majority of all categories of deposits decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to the decline in general market rates.  Average total long-term debt for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $5.8 million, or 7.5%, to $72.1 million compared with $77.9 million for the same period in 2010, while the average cost of funds on long-term debt increased 19 basis points to 5.52% for the same period. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, the cost of funds on total average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 21 basis points to 2.10%.
 
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated an analysis of net interest income by each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding and the interest earned or paid on such amounts. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities and the net interest margin on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods. All average balances are daily average balances and nonaccruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

 
38

 
 
   
For the six months ended June 30
   
2011
   
2010
   
Average Balance
   
Income/
Expense
   
Yield/Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Income/
Expense
   
Yield/Rate
Assets
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 77,866     $ 74       0.19 %   $ 70,522     $ 118       0.34 %
Federal funds sold
    13,439       14       0.21 %     12,984       15       0.23 %
Securities:
                                               
Taxable
                                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
    3,543       41       2.33 %     1,458       25       3.46 %
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    34,857       533       3.08 %     34,136       556       3.28 %
Other securities
    48,187       968       4.05 %     64,033       1,315       4.14 %
Total taxable
    86,587       1,542       3.59 %     99,627       1,896       3.84 %
Non-taxable — State and political subdivision (3)
    23,111       404       3.53 %     28,015       506       3.64 %
Loans (net of unearned discount ) (1)(2)
    629,752       16,550       5.30 %     757,136       20,233       5.39 %
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    2,871       5       0.35 %     2,902       7       0.49 %
Total interest-earning assets
    833,626     $ 18,589       4.50 %     971,186     $ 22,775       4.73 %
                                                 
Cash and due from banks
    9,918                       9,415                  
Interest receivable
    3,220                       3,777                  
Foreclosed assets held for sale, net
    24,852                       17,703                  
Cost method investments in common stock
    1,257                       1,392                  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    15,706                       15,151                  
Premises and equipment
    23,603                       25,218                  
Other
    8,677                       24,974                  
Intangible assets
    1,222                       1,907                  
Allowance for loan loss
    (26,080 )                     (18,849 )                
Discontinued operations, Assets held for sale
    -                       85,797                  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 896,001                     $ 1,137,671                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
  $ 68,728     $ 69       0.20 %   $ 67,942     $ 93       0.28 %
Savings deposits
    45,427       46       0.20 %     47,843       85       0.36 %
Money-market deposits
    99,778       260       0.53 %     124,253       370       0.60 %
Time and brokered time deposits
    484,109       5,733       2.39 %     561,950       7,511       2.70 %
Short-term borrowings
    10,114       50       1.00 %     22,884       237       2.09 %
Long term debt
    10,196       200       3.96 %     16,031       379       4.77 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    61,858       1,774       5.78 %     61,858       1,679       5.47 %
                                                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    780,210     $ 8,132       2.10 %     902,761     $ 10,354       2.31 %
                                                 
Demand deposits
    110,464                       99,874                  
Interest payable
    7,862                       4,827                  
Other liabilities
    3,017                       4,394                  
Discontinued operations, Liabilities held for sale
    -                       80,660                  
Noncontrolling interest
    (1,245 )                     3,353                  
Stockholders’ equity
    (4,307 )                     41,802                  
                                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 896,001                     $ 1,137,671                  
                                                 
Interest spread
                    2.40 %                     2.42 %
Net interest income
          $ 10,457                     $ 12,421          
Net interest margin
                    2.53 %                     2.58 %
Interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
    106.85 %                     107.58 %                
(1) Non-accrual loans have been included in average loans, net of unearned discount
(2) Includes loans held for sale
(3) The tax exempt income for state and political subdivisions in not recorded on a tax equivalent basis.
 
 
39

 
 
The following table presents information regarding the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated for the major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and distinguishes between the increase (decrease) attributable to changes in volume and changes in interest rates. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and rate.
 
   
For the six months ended June 30,
2011 vs. 2010
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Change in
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                   
Increase (decrease) in interest income:
                 
Interest-bearing bank deposits
  $ 11     $ (55 )   $ (44 )
Federal funds sold
    1       (2 )     (1 )
Investment securities:
                       
U.S. Treasuries and Agencies
    26       (10 )     16  
Mortgage-backed securities: GSE residential
    12       (35 )     (23 )
States and political subdivision (1)
    (86 )     (16 )     (102 )
Other securities
    (319 )     (28 )     (347 )
Loans (net of unearned discounts)
    (3,353 )     (330 )     (3,683 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    -       (2 )     (2 )
Change in interest income
    (3,708 )     (478 )     (4,186 )
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    1       (25 )     (24 )
Savings deposits
    (4 )     (35 )     (39 )
Money-market deposits
    (67 )     (43 )     (110 )
Time and brokered time deposits
    (975 )     (803 )     (1,778 )
Short-term borrowings
    (97 )     (90 )     (187 )
Long-term debt and junior subordinated debentures
    (158 )     74       (84 )
Change in interest expense
    (1,300 )     (922 )     (2,222 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
  $ (2,408 )   $ 444     $ (1,964 )
 
(1)  The tax exempt income for state and political subdivisions is not recorded on a tax equivalent basis.
 
Provision for Loan Losses . Provisions for loan losses are charged against income to bring the Company’s allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) to a level deemed appropriate by management. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the provision was $213 thousand, compared with $11.1 million for the same period in 2010. Included in the provision for the six month ended June 30, 2011 was a negative provision of $963 thousand in the first quarter of 2011 and a provision of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2011. The negative provision in the first quarter of 2011 resulted from the Company’s first quarter analysis of the adequacy of its ALL.  That analysis reflected, prior to recording the negative provision, an excess balance in the ALL, primarily due to the reduction in total loans, stabilization of non-performing loan balances and receipt of an updated appraisal in April 2011 to support a substantial reduction of a specific reserve on a commercial real estate loan that was added in the fourth quarter of 2010. The ALL at June 30, 2011 was $20.4 million, or 3.39% of total loans, a decrease of $7.8 million from $28.2 million or 4.22% of total loans at December 31, 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the balance required to be maintained in the ALL as determined by managements’ evaluation as of June 30, 2011.  Nonperforming loans were $42.3 million, or 7.01% of total loans as of June 30, 2011, compared with $53.3 million, or 7.97% of total loans as of December 31, 2010 primarily due to the transfer of nonperforming loans into foreclosed assets.  Impaired loans decreased from $89.7 million at December 31, 2010 to $89.0 million at June 30, 2011.  The Company anticipates a portion of the impaired loans will eventually be charged off, but believes it has adequately reserved for these losses based on circumstances existing as of June 30, 2011.
 
Management has a process in place to review each subsidiary bank’s loan portfolio on a quarterly basis by an independent consulting firm that reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.  The purpose of these quarterly reviews is to assist management in its evaluation of the adequacy of the ALL.  In light of the elevated levels of nonperforming and impaired loans over the past two years, management has increased the frequency and scope of the reviews in areas deemed to have the greatest risk of potential losses. Management’s goal is to identify problems loans as soon as possible, with the hope that early detection and attention to these loans will minimize the amount of the loss.
 
 
40

 
 
Noninterest Income . Noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased $663 thousand to $4.6 million compared with $4.1 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase in noninterest income was primarily due to increases in other service charges and fees and net gains on sale of available-for-sale securities.
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest income:
 
   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Fiduciary activities
  $ 1,227     $ 1,163  
Brokerage fees
    568       656  
Customer service fees
    678       783  
Other service charges and fees
    617       369  
Net gains on sales of assets
    3       8  
Net gains on loan sales
    171       218  
Net gains on sale of available-for-sale securities
    377       -  
Loan servicing fees
    244       247  
Net increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    272       277  
Other
    429       412  
                 
Total noninterest income
  $ 4,586     $ 4,133  
 
Other service charges and fees for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased $208 thousand to $438 thousand compared with $230 thousand for the same period in 2010, primarily due to an increase in wire transfer fees collected from a business deposit customer of Mercantile Bank. The relationship with this customer was terminated in July 2011 for reasons unrelated to the fee income earned.
 
Net gains on sale of available-for-sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $377 thousand compared to $0 for the same period in 2010, due to sales of the Company’s remaining equity investments in the common stock of Enterprise Financial Services Corp., Manhattan Bancorp, Inc., and Paragon National Bank, partially offset by a loss on the sale of the Company’s investment in the common stock of Solera National Bancorp, Inc.
 
Other noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased $17 thousand to $429 thousand compared with $412 thousand for the same period in 2010, partially due to the recovery in value of mortgage servicing rights of approximately $349 thousand as determined by a third party valuation, primarily offset by a decrease in fees for providing data processing services to three former subsidiaries that were sold in December 2009 and February 2010.
 
Noninterest Expense . For the six months ended June 30, 2011, noninterest expense decreased $664 thousand to $16.6 million compared with $17.3 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to decreases in salaries and employee benefits and other than temporary losses on cost method investments, partially offset by increases in FDIC deposit insurance premiums and other noninterest expense.
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest expense:
 
   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 7,766     $ 8,694  
Net occupancy expense
    1,177       1,224  
Equipment expense
    1,045       1,169  
Deposit insurance premium
    1,448       1,072  
Professional fees
    1,042       956  
Postage and supplies
    247       275  
Losses on foreclosed assets, net
    520       382  
Other than temporary losses on cost method investments
    202       566  
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    93       79  
Other
    3,059       2,846  
                 
Total noninterest expense
  $ 16,599     $ 17,263  
 
 
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Salaries and employee benefits decreased $928 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to $7.8 million, from $8.7 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to an early retirement and reduction in force initiative by the Company in 2010 that resulted in the elimination of 22 full-time positions, representing approximately 7.7% of the Company’s workforce prior to implementation of these actions. The Company had 245 full-time equivalent employees at June 30, 2011 compared to 268 at June 30, 2010, restated to exclude discontinued operations.
 
Other than temporary losses on available-for-sale and cost method investments for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $202 thousand, compared to $566 for the same period in 2010, due to impairment charges on the Company’s cost method investments.  These impairments were determined based on the difference between the Company’s carrying value and the book value of each investee as of June 30, 2011. Because the investees’ stocks do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices, the Company considered book value to be a reasonably accurate estimate of fair value.
 
Deposit insurance premiums increased $376 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to $1.4 million, from $1.1 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to increased FDIC assessment rates for all financial institutions in order to replenish the Deposit Insurance Fund to statutory levels, along with increases in the risk-based components of the assessments for each of the Company’s subsidiary banks attributable to the banks’ weakened financial condition.
 
Income Taxes Expense (Benefit) .  Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $96 thousand compared to a benefit of $(3.0) million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance related to the Company’s deferred tax assets. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company’s evaluation of the adequacy of the valuation allowance determined that it was no longer more likely than not that it could generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets in future near-term periods as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the Company recorded an additional valuation allowance in the amount of $10.3 million, representing the full remaining balance of the Company’s and each of its subsidiary banks’ deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company recorded further increases to the valuation allowance of $1.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively, to reduce its net deferred tax assets to $0. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company’s income tax expense based on taxable income before income taxes was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets.
 
The Company has recognized no increase in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Florida jurisdictions.  With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.
 
Financial Condition
June 30, 2011 Compared to December 31, 2010
 
Loan Portfolio . Total loans, including loans held for sale, decreased $65.3 million or 9.8% to $603.4 million as of June 30, 2011 from $668.7 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company’s subsidiary banks experienced decreased loan balances in the first six months of 2011 due to seasonal fluctuations, debt paydowns, charge-offs, foreclosures, stricter underwriting standards, and the uncertain economy and the fear of continued recession causing potential borrowers to reduce their spending.  At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the ratio of total loans to total deposits was 75.3% and 80.3%, respectively. For the same periods, total loans represented 67.9% and 72.0% of total assets, respectively.
 
 
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The following table summarizes the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan at the dates indicated:
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial and financial
  $ 136,632       22.64 %   $ 146,463       21.90 %
Agricultural
    9,593       1.59 %     11,708       1.75 %
Real estate — farmland
    14,455       2.40 %     15,528       2.32 %
Real estate — construction
    73,050       12.11 %     91,553       13.69 %
Real estate — commercial
    132,276       21.92 %     153,767       23.00 %
Real estate — residential (1)
    183,483       30.41 %     189,479       28.34 %
Installment loans to individuals
    53,901       8.93 %     60,177       9.00 %
                                 
Total loans
    603,390       100.00 %     668,675       100.00 %
                                 
Allowance for loan losses
    20,435               28,199          
Total loans, including loans held for sale, net of allowance for loan losses
  $ 582,955             $ 640,476          
  (1) Includes loans held for sale
 
Nonperforming Assets . Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due, restructured loans, repossessed assets and other assets acquired in satisfaction of debts previously contracted.  It is management’s policy to place loans on nonaccrual status when interest or principal is 90 days or more past due. Such loans may continue on accrual status only if they are both well-secured and in the process of collection.
 
Total nonperforming loans decreased to $42.3 million as of June 30, 2011 from $53.3 million as of December 31, 2010, while total nonperforming loans and nonperforming other assets decreased to $69.5 million as of June 30, 2011 from $74.4 million as of December 31, 2010 primarily due to the transfer of nonperforming loans into foreclosed assets.  Impaired loans decreased from $89.7 million at December 31, 2010 to $89.0 million at June 30, 2011.  The Company anticipates a portion of the impaired loans will eventually be charged off, but believes it has adequately reserved for these losses based on circumstances existing as of June 30, 2011.
 
Nonperforming other assets is comprised primarily of the carrying value of several foreclosed commercial real estate properties in the Midwest and Florida that the Company intends to sell, with the carrying value representing management’s assessment of the net realizable value in the current market. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans decreased to 7.01% as of June 30, 2011, from 7.97% as of December 31, 2010 primarily due to the transfer of nonperforming loans into foreclosed assets. The ratio of nonperforming loans and nonperforming other assets to total loans increased to 11.52% as of June 30, 2011 from 11.12% as of December 31, 2010 primarily due to the overall decrease in total loans.
 
 
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The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:
 
   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Nonaccrual loans
           
Commercial and financial
  $ 1,274     $ 2,579  
Agricultural
           
Real estate — farmland
          134  
Real estate — construction
    20,329       29,892  
Real estate — commercial
    11,712       9,134  
Real estate — residential
    2,331       4,041  
Installment loans to individuals
    154       216  
                 
Total nonaccrual loans
    35,800       45,996  
                 
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
    87       290  
Restructured loans
    6,430       6,995  
                 
Total nonperforming loans
    42,317       53,281  
                 
Other real estate owned
    26,955       21,040  
Other foreclosed assets
    265       51  
Other assets acquired in satisfaction of debt previously contracted
           
                 
Total nonperforming other assets
    27,220       21,091  
                 
Total nonperforming loans and nonperforming other assets
  $ 69,537     $ 74,372  
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses
    7.01 %     7.97 %
Nonperforming loans and nonperforming other assets to loans, before allowance for loan losses
    11.52 %     11.12 %
 
Allowance for Loan Losses . In originating loans, the Company recognizes that loan losses will be experienced and the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the quality of the collateral for such loan. Management has established an allowance for loan losses (“ALL”), which it believes is adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Loans are charged off against the ALL when the loans are deemed to be uncollectible. Although the Company believes the ALL is adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, the amount of the ALL is based upon the judgment of management, and future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ from the assumptions used by management in making the determinations. In addition, the Company’s subsidiary banks periodically undergo regulatory examinations, and future adjustments to the ALL could occur based on these examinations.
 
Based on an evaluation of the loan portfolio, management presents a quarterly review of the ALL to the board of directors, indicating any change in the balance since the last review and any recommendations as to adjustments to the balance. In making its evaluation, management considers the diversification by industry of the commercial loan portfolio, the effect of changes in the local real estate market on collateral values, the results of recent regulatory examinations, the effects on the loan portfolio of current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers, the amount of charge-offs for the period, the amount of nonperforming loans and related collateral security, and the present level of the ALL.
 
A model is utilized to determine the specific and general portions of the ALL. Through the loan review process, management assigns one of six loan grades to each loan, according to payment history, collateral values and financial condition of the borrower. The loan grades aid management in monitoring the overall quality of the loan portfolio. Specific reserves are allocated for loans in which management has determined that deterioration has occurred. In addition, a general allocation is made for each loan category in an amount determined based on general economic conditions, historical loan loss experience, and amount of past due loans. Management maintains the ALL based on the amounts determined using the procedures set forth above.
 
 
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The ALL decreased $7.8 million to $20.4 million as of June 30, 2011 from $28.2 million as of December 31, 2010. Provision for loan losses was $213 thousand and net charge-offs were $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The negative provision resulted from the Company’s analysis of the adequacy of its ALL as of March 31, 2011.  That analysis reflected, prior to recording the negative provision, an excess balance in the ALL, primarily due to the reduction in total loans, stabilization of non-performing loan balances and receipt of an updated appraisal in April 2011 to support a substantial reduction of a specific reserve on a commercial real estate loan that was added in the fourth quarter of 2010. The ALL as a percent of total loans decreased to 3.39% as of June 30, 2011 from 4.22% as of December 31, 2010. As a percent of nonperforming loans, the allowance for loan losses decreased to 48.29% as of June 30, 2011 from 52.93% as of December 31, 2010 attributable to the decrease in the ALL.  The Company believes it has adequately reserved for potential losses based on circumstances existing as of June 30, 2011.
 
The following table presents for the periods indicated an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and other related data:
 
   
As of and for the Six
Months Ended
June 30,
2011
   
As of and for
the Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 
             
Average loans outstanding during year
  $ 629,752     $ 731,460  
                 
Allowance for loan losses:
               
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 28,199     $ 18,851  
                 
Loans charged-off:
               
Commercial and financial
    1,587       7,411  
Agricultural
    7       18  
Real estate — farmland
          39  
Real estate — construction
    6,068       13,057  
Real estate — commercial
    90       1,355  
Real estate — residential
    336       3,247  
Installment loans to individuals
    135       788  
                 
Total charge-offs
    8,223       25,915  
                 
Recoveries:
               
Commercial and financial
    16       83  
Agricultural
    7       19  
Real estate — farmland
           
Real estate — construction
    7       53  
Real estate — commercial
    100       3  
Real estate — residential
    65       58  
Installment loans to individuals
    51       80  
                 
Total recoveries
    246       296  
                 
Net charge-offs
    7,977       25,619  
Provision for loan losses
    213       34,967  
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 20,435     $ 28,199  
                 
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans outstanding at year end
    3.39 %     4.22 %
                 
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total nonperforming loans
    48.29 %     52.93 %
                 
Ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans
    1.27 %     3.50 %
 
Concentration of Credit Risk . Included in the Company’s loan portfolio at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, are approximately $12.6 million and $15.7 million, respectively, of purchased participation loans to borrowers located in areas outside the Company’s normal markets.  Although the Company applies the same underwriting standards to these loans, there may be additional risk associated with those out of the Company’s normal territory.
 
 
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At June 30, 2011, Heartland Bank had approximately $2.6 million in loans with various customers collateralized by stock in a troubled financial institution.  The Company is currently working with these customers to increase collateral to acceptable levels and believes there are adequate reserves placed against the loans.
 
S ecuritie s . The Company uses its securities portfolio to ensure liquidity for cash requirements, to manage interest rate risk, to provide a source of income, to ensure collateral is available for municipal pledging requirements and to manage asset quality. Where the Company has less than majority ownership interests in banking organizations that are publicly traded, it continuously adjusts its common stock investments to their current market value through the securities portfolio as an unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities.
 
The Company has classified securities as both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of June 30, 2011. Available-for-sale securities are held with the option of their disposal in the foreseeable future to meet investment objectives, liquidity needs or other operational needs. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity, and are carried at historical cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of the available for-sale securities was $104.2 million and the amortized cost was $102.3 million for an unrealized gain of $1.9 million.  As of December 31, 2010, the fair value of the available-for-sale securities was $107.3 million and the amortized cost was $105.0 million for an unrealized gain of $2.3 million.  Fluctuations in net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are due primarily to increases or decreases in prevailing interest rates for the types of securities held in the portfolio.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the amortized cost of held-to-maturity securities was $782 thousand, a decrease of $426 thousand from the December 31, 2010 amortized cost of $1.2 million.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the Company owned approximately $2.9 million of Federal Home Loan Bank stock, including $1.9 million of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB of Chicago”). During the third quarter of 2007, the FHLB of Chicago received a Cease and Desist Order (“Order”) from their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board.  The FHLB of Chicago could continue to provide liquidity and funding through advances, but the Order prohibits capital stock repurchases and redemptions until a time to be determined by the Federal Housing Finance Board. With regard to dividends, the FHLB of Chicago continues to assess its dividend capacity each quarter and make appropriate request for approval.  There were no dividends paid by the FHLB of Chicago during 2010; however, dividends at an annualized rate of 10 basis points per share were paid on February 14, 2011 and May 13, 2011.
 
Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale . At June 30, 2011, foreclosed assets increased $6.2 million or 29.4% to $27.2 million from $21.0 million as of December 31, 2010, primarily attributable to the default of several purchased participations in commercial real estate developments that resulted in foreclosure by the lead bank on the properties collateralizing the loans. Royal Palm Bank accounted for $3.8 million of the increase, with $1.0 million at Mercantile Bank and $1.4 million at Heartland Bank.
 
Other Assets . At June 30, 2011, other assets decreased $6.4 million or 48.2% to $6.8 million from $13.2 million as of December 31, 2010, primarily attributable to the receipt of federal income tax refunds in the first quarter of 2011 relating to the carryback of net operating losses from 2009.
 
Deposits . Total deposits decreased $31.6 million or 3.8% to $801.6 million as of June 30, 2011 from $833.2 million as of December 31, 2010. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $6.5 million or 5.8% to $118.2 million as of June 30, 2011 from $111.7 million as of December 31, 2010, while interest-bearing deposits decreased $38.1 million or 5.3% to $683.4 million as of June 30, 2011 from $721.5 million as of December 31, 2010. The majority of the overall decrease in deposits during the first six months of 2011 was attributable to reduced funding required in the loan portfolio.
 
Borrowings . The Company utilizes borrowings to supplement deposits in funding its lending and investing activities. Short-term borrowings consist of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, US Treasury demand notes, short-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Long-term debt consists of long-term advances from the FHLB and junior subordinated debentures.
 
As of June 30, 2011, short-term borrowings were $12.9 million, a decrease of $800 thousand from $13.7 million as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in short-term borrowings is primarily attributable to withdrawals by the government of US Treasury demand notes and the purchase by the Company of convertible debentures issued by Mid-America to minority shareholders of Mid-America.
 
 
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Long-term borrowings were $7.0 million as of June 30, 2011, a decrease of $8.0 million from $15.0 million as of December 31, 2010, attributable to a reduction in advances from the FHLB as part of the Company’s overall funding strategy. Included in long-term borrowings as of June 30, 2011 were long-term FHLB borrowings totaling $5.0 million, with maturities ranging from the years 2012 to 2013 and interest rates ranging from 3.85% to 4.52%.
 
Junior subordinated debentures were $61.9 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Maturities ranged from the years 2035 to 2037 (callable at the Company’s option in 2011, 2015 and 2017), and interest rates ranged from 1.96% to 7.17%. In June 2009, the Company decided to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its outstanding $61.9 million of junior subordinated notes relating to its trust preferred securities.  The terms of the junior subordinated notes and the trust documents allow the Company to defer payments of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods without default or penalty.  During the deferral period, the respective trusts will likewise suspend the declaration and payment of dividends on the trust preferred securities.  Also during the deferral period, the Company may not, among other things and with limited exceptions, pay cash dividends on or repurchase its common stock or make any payment on outstanding debt obligations that rank equally with or junior to the junior subordinated notes.  As previously disclosed, the Company had suspended the payment of cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. As of June 30, 2011, the accumulated deferred interest payments totaled $7.5 million.  
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity management is the process by which the Company ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet the present and future cash flow obligations arising in the daily operations of the business in a timely and efficient manner. These financial obligations consist of needs for funds to meet commitments to borrowers for extensions of credit, funding capital expenditures, withdrawals by customers, maintaining deposit reserve requirements, servicing debt, paying dividends to shareholders, and paying operating expenses. Management believes that adequate liquidity exists to meet all projected cash flow obligations.
 
The Company achieves a satisfactory degree of liquidity through actively managing both assets and liabilities. Asset management guides the proportion of liquid assets to total assets, while liability management monitors future funding requirements and prices liabilities accordingly.
 
The Company’s most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing demand deposits, and federal funds sold.  The balances of these assets are dependent on the Company’s operating, investing, lending, and financing activities during any given period.  As of June 30, 2011, cash and cash equivalents totaled $119.4 million, an increase of $21.9 million from $97.5 million as of December 31, 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to additional balances maintained by Mercantile Bank at the Federal Reserve Bank in order to avoid the incurrence of any daylight overdrafts.
 
The Company’s primary sources of funds consist of deposits, investment maturities and sales, loan principal repayment, sales of loans, and capital funds. Additional liquidity is provided by repurchase agreements, junior subordinated debentures and the ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank.
 
Capital Resources  
 
Other than the issuance of common stock, the Company’s primary source of capital is net income retained by the Company. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company had a net loss of $754 thousand and paid no dividends. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred a net loss of $44.6 million and paid no dividends.  As of June 30, 2011, total stockholders’ deficit was $(7.0) million, a decrease of $1.0 million from $(6.0) million as of December 31, 2010.
 
In recent regulatory guidance, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has emphasized that voting common stockholders’ equity generally should be the dominant element within Tier 1 capital for bank holding companies and that it is the most desirable element of capital from a supervisory standpoint. The Board of Governors has reiterated that bank holding companies should place primary reliance on common equity and has cautioned bank holding companies against over-reliance on non-common-equity capital elements.
 
The Federal Reserve Board uses capital adequacy guidelines in its examination and regulation of bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks. Risk-based capital ratios are established by allocating assets and certain off-balance sheet commitments into four risk-weighted categories. These balances are then multiplied by the factor appropriate for that risk-weighted category. The guidelines require bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks to maintain a total capital to total risk-weighted asset ratio of not less than 8.00%, of which at least one half must be Tier 1 capital, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of not less than 4.00%.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was (1.48)%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was (1.48)%, and its Tier 1 leverage ratio was (1.06)%. The capital ratios fell below the adequately capitalized levels primarily due to continued operating losses at each of its subsidiary banks. The regulatory capital ratios are further reduced by the limitation on trust preferred securities includible in Tier 1 capital, based on the decreased level of core capital.
 
 
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Without prior approval, the subsidiary banks are restricted as to the amount of dividends that they may declare to the balance of the retained earnings account, adjusted for defined bad debts. In addition, the FDIC has authority to prohibit or to limit the payment of dividends by a bank if, in the banking regulator’s opinion, payment of a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice in light of the financial condition of the banking organization. The Company and its subsidiary banks are each prohibited from paying any dividends without regulatory consent, pursuant to various regulatory enforcement actions taken at each entity. For further discussion, see the “Regulatory Matters” section of this filing.
 
The Company has generated a net loss of $754 thousand as of June 30, 2011 and has generated net losses in each of the last three years, with $44.6 million in 2010, $58.5 million in 2009 and $8.8 million in 2008. The 2008 and 2009 losses were largely due to the operating losses at Royal Palm Bank and Heartland Bank. Both of those banks continued to generate losses in 2010, as did Mercantile Bank, the Company’s largest subsidiary. Each bank has experienced significant increases in non-performing assets, impaired loans and loan loss provisions, resulting in each bank’s primary regulator imposing a Consent Order. For further discussion of these regulatory enforcement actions, see the “Regulatory Matters” section of this filing.
 
Mercantile Bank’s net loss in 2010 was primarily due to charge-offs of purchased participations in large commercial real estate developments in various parts of the country. Royal Palm Bank’s operating losses (excluding goodwill impairment) over the past three years were primarily attributable to the severe decline in real estate values in its southwest Florida market, creating both loan losses and write-downs of foreclosed assets. Heartland Bank’s losses over the past three years were largely due to charge-offs of purchased participations from, or loans secured by stock in, unrelated financial institutions banks that have been closed by the FDIC. Although the banks are confident that they have identified the bulk of their asset quality issues and will see improved operating performance in 2011, there can be no assurance that they will not experience additional losses. Due to the net losses incurred by the Company in the last three years, equity capital has been reduced to a level that leaves the Company with very little capacity to absorb further losses. Mercantile Bank is the Company’s largest subsidiary bank, representing approximately 74% of total consolidated assets at June 30, 2011, and although operating under a regulatory Consent Order due to elevated levels of impaired loans, it retains significant earnings capacity and has generated net income of $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. However, it is unlikely that Mercantile Bank could generate sufficient earnings to offset continued losses at Royal Palm Bank and Heartland Bank.
 
In June 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors initiated a process to identify and evaluate a broad range of strategic alternatives to strengthen the Company’s capital base and enhance shareholder value. These strategic alternatives have included and may include asset sales, rationalization of non-business operations, consolidation of operations, closing of branches, mergers of subsidiaries, capital raising and other recapitalization transactions. As part of this process, the Board created a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of independent directors to develop, evaluate and oversee any strategic alternatives that the Company may pursue. The Special Committee retained outside financial and legal advisors to assist with its evaluation and oversight.
 
In November 2009, as a part of a capital-raising plan developed by the Special Committee and its advisors, the Company reached agreements to sell three of its subsidiary banks for cash or in exchange for the cancellation of indebtedness owed by the Company. The first of these transactions closed in December 2009, with the other two closing in February 2010, which served to reduce debt and provide liquidity to support the capital requirements of its remaining subsidiaries.
 
The Special Committee also developed and executed a plan to raise additional equity through a shareholder rights offering. On July 12, 2010, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), to register units comprised of shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to acquire the Company’s common stock. Holders of the Company’s common stock would receive one subscription right for each share of Company common stock held as of September 23, 2010, the record date. The offering period expired on October 29, 2010. On November 3, 2010, the Company terminated the offering without acceptance of any of the subscriptions exercised thereunder. The Company’s Board of Directors determined that in light of the Company’s stock price trading substantially below the subscription price, it was appropriate not to accept the subscriptions that were exercised.
 
If the Company is unsuccessful in assessing and implementing other strategic and capital-raising options, and if a liquidity crisis would develop, the Company has various alternatives, which could include selling or closing certain branches or subsidiary banks, packaging and selling high-quality commercial loans, executing sale/leaseback agreements on its banking facilities, and other options. If executed, these transactions would decrease the various banks’ assets and liabilities, generate gains on the sales of assets, improve capital ratios, and reduce general, administrative and other expense. In addition, the affected subsidiary banks would dividend the funds to the Company to provide liquidity, assuming such dividends receive the requisite regulatory approval. The Company is continuing to explore and evaluate all strategic and capital-raising options with its financial and legal advisors.
 
 
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Regulatory Matters
 
In connection with regular examinations of the Company, Mercantile Bank, Royal Palm Bank, Royal Palm Bancorp, Heartland Bank and Mid-America Bancorp by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (“FRB”), the FDIC, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (“IDFPR”) and Florida Office of Financial Regulation (“FOFR”), various actions were taken by the regulatory agencies, none of which resulted in the imposition of fines or penalties. These regulatory actions fall into three categories:
 
 
Consent Order (“Order”) a formal action by the FDIC requiring a bank to take corrective measures to address deficiencies identified by the FDIC. The bank can continue to serve its customers in all areas including making loans, establishing lines of credit, accepting deposits and processing banking transactions. All customer deposits remain fully insured to the maximum limits set by the FDIC.
 
 
Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) an agreement characterized by regulatory authorities as an informal action that is neither published nor made publicly available by the agencies and is used when circumstances warrant a milder form of action than a formal supervisory action, such as an Order.
 
 
Written Agreement (“WA”) a formal enforcement action by the FRB, similar in nature to an MOU, but is legally binding and will be published and made public.
 
The Company.   In March 2009, the Company entered into a MOU with the FRB. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company was expected to, among other things, provide its subsidiary banks with financial and managerial resources as needed, submit capital and cash flow plans to the FRB and provide periodic performance updates to the FRB. In addition, the Company was prohibited from paying any special salaries or bonuses to insiders, paying dividends, paying interest related to trust preferred securities, or incurring any additional debt, without the prior written approval of the FRB. On July 31, 2009, the Company submitted to the FRB a three-year strategic and capital plan designed to strengthen the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ operations and capital position going forward. The plan reflected the current challenges with respect to capital and the difficulties in projecting the impact of the economic weakness in the Company’s markets on its loan portfolio, as well as strategies to maintain the financial strength of the Company and its subsidiaries. A significant part of the plan was the initiative by the Company to sell one or more subsidiary banks in order to generate liquidity to reduce debt, improve capital ratios and provide necessary capital contributions to its remaining subsidiary banks. The result of this initiative was the exchange for debt of HNB National Bank in December 2009 and the sale of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank in February 2010.
 
In February 2010, the Company entered into a WA with the FRB, replacing the previously issued MOU. The terms of the WA are generally consistent with the MOU, with a requirement that an updated capital and cash flow plan be submitted to the FRB. On May 19, 2010, the Company submitted to the FRB a revised three-year strategic and capital plan that outlined the proposed strategies to maintain its regulatory capital status of at least “adequately capitalized”, maintain positive cash balances at the parent company level, ensure that each of its subsidiaries meets the capital requirements directed by their respective regulatory orders, and meet its debt service requirements, including distributions on its trust preferred securities. On December 15, 2010, the Company submitted to the FRB an updated three-year strategic and capital plan that outlines the revised proposed strategies to meet the objectives outlined in the May 19, 2010 capital plan.
 
In March 2011, the FRB conducted a target inspection of the Company that used financial information as of December 31, 2010 and focused on the financial condition and future prospects of the Company as well as compliance with the WA. The FRB’s report was dated April 4, 2011 and noted continued deterioration in financial condition, citing the classification of each of the subsidiary banks as “troubled institutions,” volume of adversely classified assets, net losses incurred in each of the last three years, deficit capital balance and excessive leverage position. Although the Company met most of the requirements of the WA, it was not in full compliance with the provisions related to source of strength and capital, due to the lack of success thus far in implementing its capital-raising initiatives. The FRB report stated that it is imperative that the board and management pursue every opportunity to recapitalize the organization and that the WA will remain in place. See the “Capital Resources” section of this filing for discussion of the Company’s efforts to raise capital.
 
 
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On April 29, 2011 the Company received notice from NYSE Amex, LLC (the “Exchange”) indicating the Company is below certain of the Exchange’s continued listing standards regarding stockholders’ equity, losses from continuing operations, and net losses in two of its three most recent fiscal years.  The Company was requested to submit a plan of compliance to the Exchange by May 25, 2011. Based on a review of the information presented by the Company on May 24, 2011, as well as ongoing conversations with Company representatives, the Exchange notified the Company on July 18, 2011 that it determined the Company has made a reasonable demonstration of its ability to regain compliance and granted the Company an extension. The continued listing is subject to various conditions, including the completion of a sale or significant progress toward a sale by the Company of certain assets by September 30, 2011, completion of a capital-raising transaction as required by applicable banking regulators by December 31, 2011, and other financial improvements.
 
  Mercantile Bank. In March 2010, Mercantile Bank entered into a MOU with the FDIC and the IDFPR. Under the terms of the MOU, Mercantile Bank agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to each supervisory authority including, but not limited to, financial performance updates, loan performance updates, written plan for reducing classified assets and concentrations of credit, written plan to improve liquidity and reduce dependency on volatile liabilities, written capital plan, and written reports of progress. In addition, the bank agreed not to declare any dividends or make any distributions of capital without the prior approval of the supervisory authorities, and within 30 days of the date of the MOU, to maintain its Tier 1 leverage capital ratio at no less than 8.0% and total risk based capital ratio at no less than 12.0%.
 
In March 2011, following receipt of the results of an examination conducted jointly by the FDIC and IDFPR that documented continued deterioration in the financial condition of the bank, including failure to comply with certain provisions of the March 2010 MOU, Mercantile Bank entered into an Order with the FDIC and IDFPR. The terms of the Order, which is a stronger enforcement action than the MOU, include substantially all of the requirements mandated by the MOU. In addition, the Order obligates Mercantile Bank to, among other things, obtain an independent analysis of the bank’s management needs, hire and retain qualified management, increase the board of directors’ participation in the affairs of the bank and refrain from extending additional credit to classified borrowers.
 
As of June 30, 2011, Mercantile Bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 7.04%, Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 9.88% and a total risk based capital ratio of 11.15%. As of December 31, 2010, Mercantile Bank had a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 6.24%, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 8.57% and a total risk based capital ratio of 9.85% These ratios fell below the level required by the MOU and the Order primarily due to additional provisions for loan losses, and the Company elected not to inject any capital into Mercantile Bank until it determines a course of action to raise capital at the Company level. The FDIC has been notified of the non-compliance, and requested the bank to provide a plan to restore the ratios to the required levels. The Company and Mercantile Bank, with the assistance of their legal and other professional advisors, submitted a plan to the FDIC and IDFPR on April 29, 2011.  The primary focus of the plan involved the Company’s capital-raising initiatives, which, if successful, would provide sufficient liquidity for the Company to make capital contributions to restore the bank’s capital to the levels mandated by the MOU and the Order. On June 7, 2011, the FDIC and IDFPR notified the bank that its April 2011 capital plan was not acceptable due to a lack of a definitive agreement with another institution or investor to provide readily available capital.  The regulators encouraged management and the board of directors to aggressively pursue any potentially viable capital-raising initiative.  The Company and Mercantile Bank are continuing to explore various strategies and to address the deficiencies noted by the regulators in the April 2011 capital plan.  For further discussion, see the “Capital Resources” section of this filing.
 
On July 28, 2011, Mercantile Bank entered into a second Order with the FDIC and IDFPR, related to the bank’s acceptance of a deposit relationship and processing of wire transfers for a money service business. The terms of the Order require the bank to, among other things, cease operating with all money transmitters and currency businesses, providing brokerage, sale or exchange of non-United States currency for deposit customers, obtain approval from the FDIC and IDFPR prior to entering into any new lines of business, and implement a plan for enhancing its compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act. The bank terminated the deposit relationship and incoming wire transfers associated with the relationship on July 25, 2011, and terminated outgoing wire transfers associated with the relationship on July 26, 2011.
 
Royal Palm Bank.   In October 2008, Royal Palm Bank entered into a MOU with the FDIC and FOFR. Under the terms of the MOU, Royal Palm Bank agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to each supervisory authority including, but not limited to, financial performance updates, loan performance updates, written plan for improved earnings, written capital plan, review and assessment of all officers who head departments of the bank, and written reports of progress. In addition, Royal Palm Bank agreed not to declare any dividends or make any distributions of capital without the prior approval of the supervisory authorities, and to maintain its Tier 1 leverage capital ratio at no less than 8.0%, the Tier 1 risk based capital ratio at no less than 10.0%, and total risk based capital ratio at no less than 12.0%.
 
In May 2009, Royal Palm Bank entered into an Order with the FDIC and FOFR. The terms of the Order, which is a stronger enforcement action than the MOU, include substantially all of the requirements mandated by the MOU. In addition, the Order obligates Royal Palm Bank to, among other things, notify each supervisory authority of plans to add any individual to the board of directors or employ any individual as a senior executive officer.
 
 
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At September 30, 2009, Royal Palm Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 1.51% and total risk based capital ratio was 3.61%, and as a result, the bank was not in compliance with the Order requirements for capital ratios. As specified in the Order, Royal Palm Bank notified the supervisory authorities within 10 days of the determination of the ratios. On October 7, 2009, the FDIC notified the bank that it was critically undercapitalized and subject to certain mandatory requirements under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”). Royal Palm Bank was also required to submit a capital restoration plan to the FDIC by October 30, 2009, along with certain other disclosures related to the mandatory requirements under FDIA for critically undercapitalized banks. On October 9, 2009, the Company injected $2 million of additional capital into Royal Palm Bank and as a result, as of that date, the bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 2.69%, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 4.24% and a total risk based capital ratio of 5.58%.
 
On October 23, 2009, the FOFR notified Royal Palm Bank that the bank was required to have a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 6.0% as of November 30, 2009, as well as a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 8.0% and a total risk based capital ratio of at least 12.0% as of December 31, 2009. The Company injected $11.0 million of capital into Royal Palm Bank on December 1, 2009, with the proceeds from a short-term loan from Great River Bancshares, Inc. As of December 31, 2009, Royal Palm Bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 8.90%, Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 13.79% and a total risk based capital ratio of 15.11%, and was in compliance with all requirements of the Order.
 
As of December 31, 2010, Royal Palm Bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 1.00%, Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 1.57% and a total risk based capital ratio of 2.96%. These capital ratios fell below the level required by the Order primarily due to additional provisions for loan losses. Due to the Tier 1 leverage ratio falling below 2% as of December 31, 2010, the bank was classified as critically undercapitalized under prompt corrective action guidelines. To address this situation, the Company injected $1.5 million into Royal Palm Bank in February 2011, which increased the capital ratios to the significantly undercapitalized level. The FDIC was notified of the non-compliance with the Order as of December 31, 2010, and requested the bank to provide a plan to restore the ratios to the required levels. The Company and Royal Palm Bank, with the assistance of their legal and other professional advisors, submitted a plan to the FDIC and FOFR on March 15, 2011.  The primary focus of the plan involved the Company’s attempts to recapitalize Royal Palm Bank through a sale of the bank. The FDIC deemed the plan to be unacceptable as filed and requested that a revised plan be submitted, incorporating alternative actions to address the bank’s capital deficiencies if the Company is unsuccessful at selling the bank. On May 25, 2011, the Company and Royal Palm Bank submitted a revised plan that indicated the focus remains on the sale of the bank, with an update as to the efforts to ensure the sale occurs quickly and in a safe and sound manner.  The revised plan also discussed alternatives to a bank sale, including recapitalization of the Company by third party investors, purchase of the Company by third parties and the strategic sale of branches and assets of the Company’s other subsidiary bank charters.  On June 30, 2011, the FDIC again notified Royal Palm Bank that its capital plan was unacceptable, due to the lack of a definitive agreement with a third party buyer, and issued a Supervisory Prompt Corrective Action Directive (“the Directive”) requiring the bank, within 60 days of the effective date of the Directive, to increase capital to an “adequately capitalized” level, as defined in FDIC regulations.
 
As of June 30, 2011, Royal Palm Bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 2.52%, Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 3.87% and a total risk based capital ratio of 5.22%. The FDIC was again notified of the non-compliance with the Order. Due to continuing operating losses projected for the third quarter of 2011, the bank is at risk of its capital ratios dropping to the critically undercapitalized level as of September 30, 2011, without further capital contributions. The Company injected an additional $840 thousand into Royal Palm Bank in the second quarter of 2011, but has elected not to make any further capital injections until it determines a course of action to raise capital at the Company level. The Company and Royal Palm Bank are continuing to aggressively explore various strategies to raise capital and to meet the requirements of the Directive.  For further discussion, see the “Capital Resources” section of this filing.
 
Royal Palm Bancorp. In September 2009, Royal Palm Bancorp entered into a MOU with the FRB. As a one-bank holding company, this MOU primarily reflected regulatory concerns related to Royal Palm Bancorp’s subsidiary (Royal Palm Bank). Under the terms of the MOU, Royal Palm Bancorp agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to the FRB including, but not limited to, financial performance updates and written reports of progress. In addition, Royal Palm Bancorp agreed to assist Royal Palm Bank in addressing weaknesses identified in the bank examination, and not to pay any salaries or bonuses to insiders, incur any debt, declare any dividends or make any distributions of capital without the prior approval of the supervisory authorities.
 
Heartland Bank. In March 2009, Heartland Bank entered into an Order with the FDIC. Under the terms of the Order, Heartland Bank agreed to, among other things, prepare and submit plans and reports to the FDIC regarding certain matters including, but not limited to, progress reports detailing actions taken to secure compliance with all provisions of the order, loan performance updates as well as a written plan for the reduction of adversely classified assets, a revised comprehensive strategic plan, and a written profit plan and comprehensive budget. In addition, Heartland Bank agreed not to declare any dividends without the prior consent of the FDIC and to maintain its Tier 1 leverage capital ratio at no less than 8.0% and maintain its total risk based capital at no less than 12.0%.
 
 
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In March 2011, following receipt of the results of an examination conducted by the FDIC that documented continued deterioration in the financial condition of the bank, including failure to comply with certain provisions of the March 2009 Order, Heartland Bank entered into an updated Order with the FDIC. The terms of the March 2011 Order include substantially all of the requirements mandated by the March 2009 Order. In addition, the March 2011 Order obligates Heartland Bank to, among other things, maintain its Tier 1 capital ratio at no less than 9.0% and maintain its total risk based capital ratio at no less than 13.0%.
 
As of June 30, 2011, Heartland Bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 4.00%, Tier 1 capital ratio of 5.25%, and total risk based capital ratio of 7.38%.  As of December 31, 2010, Heartland had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 4.12%, Tier 1 capital ratio of 5.67%, and total risk based capital ratio of 7.71%. These ratios fell below the level required by the Order primarily due to additional provisions for loan losses, and the Company elected not to inject any capital into Heartland until it determines a course of action to raise capital at the Company level. The FDIC was notified of the non-compliance with the Order as of December 31, 2010, and requested the bank to provide a plan to restore the ratios to the required levels. On June 15, 2011, the Company and Heartland Bank, with the assistance of their legal and other professional advisors, submitted a plan to the FDIC, the primary focus of which was the sale of certain of the bank’s distressed assets to a third-party buyer, followed by the Company’s sale of the remainder of the Heartland Bank charter to another third party.   On June 24, 2011, the FDIC notified the bank that its capital plan was unacceptable, due to the lack of a definitive agreement with a third party buyer. The Company and Heartland Bank are continuing to aggressively explore various strategies to raise capital and to meet the requirements of the Order.  For further discussion, see the “Capital Resources” section of this filing.
 
Mid-America Bancorp.   In September 2009, Mid-America Bancorp entered into a MOU with the FRB. As a one-bank holding company, this MOU primarily reflected regulatory concerns related to Mid-America’s subsidiary (Heartland Bank). Under the terms of the MOU, Mid-America Bancorp agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to the FRB including, but not limited to, financial performance updates and written reports of progress. In addition, Mid-America Bancorp agreed to assist Heartland Bank in addressing weaknesses identified in the bank examination, and not to pay any salaries or bonuses to insiders, incur any debt, declare any dividends or make any distributions of capital without the prior approval of the supervisory authorities.
 
On April 5, 2011, the Company completed the merger of Mid-America Bancorp into the Company, Mid-America Bancorp was dissolved and Heartland Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  See further discussion in the “General” section of this filing.
 
Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting procedures generally accepted in the United States of America which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of the Company’s operations.  Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature.  As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective, or complex. These estimates involve judgments, estimates, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions of conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood.
 
The Company’s significant accounting policies are integral to understanding the results reported. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in detail in Note 1 to its consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2011. The majority of these accounting policies do not require management to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments or estimates, or the variability of the estimates is not material. However, management has identified the following critical policies.
 
 
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Allowance for Loan Losses.   The allowance for loan losses provides coverage for probable losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio.  Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses each quarter based on changes, if any, in underwriting activities, the loan portfolio composition (including product mix and geographic, industry or customer-specific concentrations), trends in loan performance, regulatory guidance and economic factors.  This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires the use of significant management estimates.  Many factors can affect management’s estimates of specific and expected losses, including volatility of default probabilities, rating migrations, loss severity and economic and political conditions.  The allowance is increased through provisions charged to operating earnings and reduced by net charge-offs.
 
The Company determines the amount of the allowance based on relative risk characteristics of the loan portfolio.  The allowance recorded for commercial loans is based on reviews of individual credit relationships and an analysis of the migration of commercial loans and actual loss experience.  The allowance recorded for homogeneous consumer loans is based on an analysis of loan mix, risk characteristics of the portfolio, fraud loss and bankruptcy experiences, and historical losses, adjusted for current trends, for each homogeneous category or group of loans.  The allowance for loan losses relating to impaired loans is based on the loan’s observable market price, the collateral for certain collateral-dependent loans, or the discounted cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate.
 
Regardless of the extent of the Company’s analysis of customer performance, portfolio trends or risk management processes, certain inherent but undetected losses are probable within the loan portfolio.  This is due to several factors including inherent delays in obtaining information regarding a customer’s financial condition or changes in their unique business conditions, the judgmental nature of individual loan evaluations, collateral assessments and the interpretation of economic trends.  Volatility of economic or customer-specific conditions affecting the identification and estimation of losses for larger non-homogeneous credits and the sensitivity of assumptions utilized to establish allowances for homogeneous groups of loans are among other factors.  The Company estimates a range of inherent losses related to the existence of the exposures.  The estimates are based upon the Company’s evaluation of imprecision risk associated with the commercial and consumer allowance levels and the estimated impact of the current economic environment.
 
Deferred Taxes.   The Company has maintained significant net deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences, the largest of which relates to the net operating loss carryforward and the allowance for loan losses. For income tax return purposes, only net charge-offs are deductible, not the provision for loan losses. Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the recoverability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of the current and future economic and business conditions. Management considers both positive and negative evidence regarding the ultimate recoverability of the deferred tax assets. Positive evidence includes the existence of taxes paid in available carryback years, available tax planning strategies and the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, while negative evidence includes a cumulative loss in the current year and prior year and general business and economic trends. As of June 30, 2011, management has evaluated the recoverability of the net deferred tax asset and established a full valuation allowance for certain federal and state net operating losses and credit carryforwards that are not expected to be fully realized.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .
 
There have been no material changes since December 31, 2010. For more information regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, and in particular, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Rate Sensitive Assets and Liabilities” and Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures .
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures . The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported to the Company’s management within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting . There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
None
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
In addition to the risk factors previously discussed in Part 1, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and in Part II, Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company also faces the risk set forth below:
 
Compliance with NYSE Amex’s continued listing standards. In April 2011, the Company received a notice of noncompliance with the Exchange’s continued listing standards regarding stockholders’ equity, losses from continuing operations, and net losses and request for a plan to become compliant with those standards.  In July 2011,  the Exchange accepted the Company’s plan of compliance and granted an extension to the listing subject to the Company’s meeting certain conditions, including the completion of a sale or significant progress toward a sale by the Company of certain assets by September 30, 2011, completion of a capital raising transaction as required by applicable banking regulators by December 31, 2011, and other financial improvements.  There is no assurance the Company will be able to implement its plan successfully by such dates.
 
The Standard & Poor’s downgrade in the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating, and in the credit ratings of instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by certain related institutions, agencies and instrumentalities, could result in risks to the Company and general economic conditions that we are not able to predict.      On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the United States long-term debt rating from its AAA rating to AA+.   On August 8, 2011, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the credit ratings of certain long-term debt instruments issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and other U.S. government agencies linked to long-term U.S. debt. Instruments of this nature are key assets on the balance sheets of financial institutions, including the Bank.  These downgrades could adversely affect the market value of such instruments, and could adversely impact our ability to obtain funding that is collateralized by affected instruments, as well as affecting the pricing of that funding when it is available. We cannot predict if, when or how these changes to the credit ratings will affect economic conditions. These ratings downgrades could result in a significant adverse impact to the Company, and could exacerbate the other risks to which the Company is subject, including those described under Risk Factors in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities.
 
There were the following issuer purchases of equity securities (i.e., the Company’s common stock) during the three months ended June 30, 2011:
 
Second Quarter
2011 Calendar
Month
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(1)
   
Average Price
Paid per Share (1)
   
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (2)
   
Maximum Approximate
Dollar Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (3)
 
                         
April
    0       N/A       0     $ 8,128,000  
May
    0       N/A       0     $ 8,128,000  
June
    0       N/A       0     $ 8,128,000  
Total
    0       N/A       0          
 
(1)  The total number of shares purchased and the average price paid per share include, in addition to other purchases, shares purchased in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions by the Company’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan.  For the months indicated, there were no shares purchased by the Plan.
 
(2)  Includes only shares subject to publicly announced stock repurchase program, i.e. the $10 million stock repurchase program approved by the Board on August 15, 2005 and announced on August 17, 2005 (the “2005 Repurchase Program”).  Does not include shares purchased by the Company’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan.
 
(3)  Dollar amount of repurchase authority remaining at month-end under the 2005 Repurchase Program, the Company’s only publicly announced repurchase program in effect at such dates.  The 2005 Repurchase Program is limited to 883,656 shares (10% of the number of outstanding shares on the date the Board approved the program, adjusted for the three-for-one stock split in June of 2006 and the three-for-two split in December of 2007) but not to exceed $10 million in repurchases.
 
 
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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
 
Identification of Exhibit
 
 
 
   
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101
 
XBRL Schema Document
     
101
 
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101
 
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
     
101
 
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
55

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: August 15, 2011
 
By:
/s/ Lee R. Keith
 
 
 
     
Lee R. Keith
 
     
Acting and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
     
Date: August 15, 2011
 
By:  
/s/ Michael P. McGrath
 
 
 
     
Michael P. McGrath
 
     
Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and
     
Chief Financial Officer
 
     
(principal financial officer/
principal accounting officer)
 
 
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