Edgar Filing: MERCANTILE BANK CORP

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Form 10-Q

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to .

Commission File No. 000-26719

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Michigan

38-3360865

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

310 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(616) 406-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

At November 8, 2012, there were 8,638,591 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

INDEX


			Page No.
PART I.	Financial Information

	Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
	September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011			1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -
	Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)			2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income -
	Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)			4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity -
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)			5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)			7

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)			9

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		46

	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		68

	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		71

PART II.	Other Information

	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		72

	Item 1A.	Risk Factors		72

	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		72

	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		72

	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		72

	Item 5.	Other Information		72

	Item 6.	Exhibits		73

	Signatures			74

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Unaudited)			(Audited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	15,311,000		$	12,402,000
Interest-bearing deposit balances		10,672,000			9,641,000
Federal funds sold		78,012,000			54,329,000

Total cash and cash equivalents		103,995,000			76,372,000

Securities available for sale		135,660,000			172,992,000
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		11,961,000			11,961,000

Loans		1,035,288,000			1,072,422,000
Allowance for loan losses		(27,762,000	)		(36,532,000	)

Loans, net		1,007,526,000			1,035,890,000

Premises and equipment, net		26,100,000			26,802,000
Bank owned life insurance		49,690,000			48,520,000
Accrued interest receivable		3,939,000			4,403,000
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets		11,160,000			15,282,000
Net deferred tax asset		22,801,000			26,013,000
Other assets		15,532,000			14,994,000

Total assets	$	1,388,364,000		$	1,433,229,000

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing	$	166,890,000		$	147,031,000
Interest-bearing		940,676,000			965,044,000

Total deposits		1,107,566,000			1,112,075,000

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		60,031,000			72,569,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		35,000,000			45,000,000
Subordinated debentures		32,990,000			32,990,000
Other borrowed money		1,433,000			1,434,000
Accrued interest and other liabilities		6,786,000			4,162,000

Total liabilities		1,243,806,000			1,268,230,000

Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding at September 30, 2012 and 21,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011		0			20,331,000
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 8,635,070 shares outstanding at September 30, 2012 and 8,605,391 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011		166,728,000			172,841,000
Common stock warrant		0			1,138,000
Retained earnings (deficit)		(24,183,000	)		(32,639,000	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,013,000			3,328,000

Total shareholders’ equity		144,558,000			164,999,000

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,388,364,000		$	1,433,229,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)


	Three Months			Three Months		Nine Months			Nine Months
	Ended			Ended		Ended			Ended
	Sept 30, 2012			Sept 30, 2011		Sept 30, 2012			Sept 30, 2011
Interest income
Loans, including fees	$	13,386,000		$	14,951,000	$	40,653,000		$	47,854,000
Securities, taxable		1,009,000			1,588,000		3,351,000			5,285,000
Securities, tax-exempt		319,000			439,000		1,109,000			1,368,000
Federal funds sold		46,000			60,000		116,000			138,000
Interest-bearing deposit balances		8,000			6,000		22,000			18,000

Total interest income		14,768,000			17,044,000		45,251,000			54,663,000

Interest expense
Deposits		2,728,000			4,040,000		8,581,000			13,007,000
Short-term borrowings		39,000			73,000		130,000			350,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		183,000			410,000		871,000			1,622,000
Other borrowings		234,000			226,000		705,000			782,000

Total interest expense		3,184,000			4,749,000		10,287,000			15,761,000

Net interest income		11,584,000			12,295,000		34,964,000			38,902,000

Provision for loan losses		(400,000	)		1,100,000		(3,400,000	)		5,000,000


Net interest income after provision for loan losses		11,984,000			11,195,000		38,364,000			33,902,000

Noninterest income
Services charges on accounts		378,000			405,000		1,142,000			1,228,000
Earnings on bank owned life insurance		378,000			452,000		1,170,000			1,340,000
Mortgage banking activities		447,000			195,000		1,021,000			453,000
Rental income from other real estate owned		270,000			208,000		806,000			599,000
Other income		584,000			544,000		1,792,000			1,639,000

Total noninterest income		2,057,000			1,804,000		5,931,000			5,259,000

Noninterest expense
Salaries and benefits		4,849,000			4,636,000		14,394,000			13,371,000
Occupancy		598,000			707,000		1,947,000			2,116,000
Furniture and equipment depreciation, rent and maintenance		282,000			305,000		888,000			912,000
Nonperforming asset costs		1,576,000			1,589,000		4,931,000			6,637,000
FDIC insurance costs		294,000			639,000		894,000			2,274,000
Other expense		2,586,000			2,099,000		7,389,000			6,689,000

Total noninterest expenses		10,185,000			9,975,000		30,443,000			31,999,000

Income before federal income tax expense		3,856,000			3,024,000		13,852,000			7,162,000

Federal income tax expense		1,240,000			0		4,365,000			0

Net income		2,616,000			3,024,000		9,487,000			7,162,000

Preferred stock dividends and accretion		0			342,000		1,030,000			1,011,000


Net income attributable to common shares	$	2,616,000		$	2,682,000	$	8,457,000		$	6,151,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

(Unaudited)


	Three Months		Three Months		Nine Months		Nine Months
	Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended
	Sept 30, 2012		Sept 30, 2011		Sept 30, 2012		Sept 30, 2011
Basic earnings per share	$	0.30	$	0.31	$	0.98	$	0.72

Diluted earnings per share	$	0.30	$	0.30	$	0.95	$	0.69

Cash dividends per share	$	0.00	$	0.00	$	0.00	$	0.00

Average basic shares outstanding		8,622,719		8,604,263		8,612,831		8,602,654

Average diluted shares outstanding		8,653,751		8,868,122		8,896,728		8,875,025

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months			Three Months		Nine Months			Nine Months
	Ended			Ended		Ended			Ended
	Sept 30, 2012			Sept 30, 2011		Sept 30, 2012			Sept 30, 2011
Net income	$	2,616,000		$	3,024,000	$	9,487,000		$	7,162,000

Other comprehensive income:
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect		(124,000	)		3,037,000		(596,000	)		4,300,000
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax effect		(298,000	)		0		(719,000	)		0

Other comprehensive income		(422,000	)		3,037,000		(1,315,000	)		4,300,000

Comprehensive income	$	2,194,000		$	6,061,000	$	8,172,000		$	11,462,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)


													Accumulated
							Common			Retained			Other			Total
	Preferred			Common			Stock			Earnings			Comprehensive			Shareholders’
($ in thousands)	Stock			Stock			Warrant			(Deficit)			Income			Equity
Balances, January 1, 2012	$	20,331		$	172,841		$	1,138		$	(32,639	)	$	3,328		$	164,999
Repurchase of preferred stock		(21,000	)														(21,000	)
Preferred stock dividends											(362	)					(362	)
Accretion of preferred stock		669									(669	)					0
Repurchase of common stock warrant					(6,327	)		(1,138	)								(7,465	)
Employee stock purchase plan (1,743 shares)					29												29
Stock option exercises (47,007 shares)					488												488
Stock tendered for stock option exercises (18,718 shares)					(317	)											(317	)
Stock-based compensation expense					14												14
Net income for the period from January 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012											9,487						9,487
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect														(596	)		(596	)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax effect														(719	)		(719	)

Balances, September 30, 2012	$	0		$	166,728		$	0		$	(24,183	)	$	2,013		$	144,558

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)


										Accumulated
					Common		Retained			Other		Total
	Preferred		Common		Stock		Earnings			Comprehensive		Shareholders’
($ in thousands)	Stock		Stock		Warrant		(Deficit)			Income		Equity
Balances, January 1, 2011	$	20,077	$	172,677	$	1,138	$	(68,781	)	$	825	$	125,936
Preferred stock dividends								(822	)				(822	)
Accretion of preferred stock		189						(189	)				0
Employee stock purchase plan (3,531 shares)				30									30
Stock option exercises (8,800 shares)				55									55
Dividend reinvestment plan (644 shares)				6									6
Stock-based compensation expense				66									66
Net income for the period from January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011								7,162					7,162
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect											4,300		4,300

Balances, September 30, 2011	$	20,266	$	172,834	$	1,138	$	(62,630	)	$	5,125	$	136,733

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Nine Months			Nine Months
	Ended			Ended
	Sept 30, 2012			Sept 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	9,487,000		$	7,162,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		1,669,000			1,694,000
Provision for loan losses		(3,400,000	)		5,000,000
Stock-based compensation expense		14,000			66,000
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale		57,233,000			29,603,000
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale		(62,347,000	)		(31,349,000	)
Net gain from sales of mortgage loans held for sale		(853,000	)		(338,000	)
Net loss from sale and valuation write-down of foreclosed assets		1,817,000			1,318,000
Earnings on bank owned life insurance		(1,170,000	)		(1,340,000	)
Net change in:
Accrued interest receivable		464,000			1,055,000
Other assets		2,638,000			2,599,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		1,652,000			173,000

Net cash from operating activities		7,204,000			15,643,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Loan originations and payments, net		27,283,000			149,809,000
Purchases of:
Securities available for sale		(45,973,000	)		(3,072,000	)
Proceeds from:
Maturities, calls and repayments of available for sale securities		82,580,000			55,179,000
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		0			2,384,000
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets		12,753,000			7,921,000
Purchases of premises and equipment, net		(415,000	)		(222,000	)

Net cash from investing activities		76,228,000			211,999,000
Cash flows from financing activities
Net decrease in time deposits		(43,811,000	)		(133,202,000	)
Net increase in all other deposits		39,302,000			44,703,000
Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase		(12,538,000	)		(47,639,000	)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances		20,000,000			0
Maturities and prepayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(30,000,000	)		(20,000,000	)
Maturities of wholesale repurchase agreements		0			(10,000,000	)
Net decrease in other borrowed money		(1,000	)		(90,000	)
Repurchase of preferred stock		(21,000,000	)		0
Repurchase of common stock warrant		(7,465,000	)		0
Proceeds from stock option exercises, net of cashless exercises		171,000			55,000
Employee stock purchase plan		29,000			30,000
Dividend reinvestment plan		0			6,000
Payment of cash dividends on preferred stock		(496,000	)		0

Net cash for financing activities		(55,809,000	)		(166,137,000	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)


	Nine Months		Nine Months
	Ended		Ended
	Sept 30, 2012		Sept 30, 2011
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		27,623,000		61,505,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		76,372,000		64,198,000

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	103,995,000	$	125,703,000

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	11,157,000	$	15,503,000
Federal income tax		0		0
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Transfers from loans to foreclosed assets		10,448,000		9,851,000
Preferred stock cash dividend accrued		0		1,488,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation: The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”) and our bank’s three subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, LLC (“our mortgage company”), Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC (“our real estate company”), and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance center”). These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a complete presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. In the opinion of management, the information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading and for a fair presentation of the results of operations for such periods. The results for the period ended September 30, 2012 should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

We formed a business trust, Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I (“the trust”), in 2004 to issue trust preferred securities. We issued subordinated debentures to the trust in return for the proceeds raised from the issuance of the trust preferred securities. The trust is not consolidated, but instead we report the subordinated debentures issued to the trust as a liability.

Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under our stock-based compensation plans and our common stock warrant through the date we repurchased the warrant as disclosed in Note 12, and are determined using the treasury stock method. Our unvested restricted shares, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends whether paid or accrued (i.e., participating securities), are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, our unvested restricted shares are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share.

Approximately 38,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, stock options for approximately 26,000 and 21,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Also, our stock warrant for approximately 616,000 shares of common stock was included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 taking into account our full repurchase of said stock warrant on July 3, 2012. Stock options for approximately 137,000 and 142,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Approximately 70,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. In addition, stock options and a stock warrant for approximately 48,000 and 616,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. Stock options for approximately 197,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

(Continued)

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

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

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. We do not separately identify individual residential and consumer loans for impairment disclosures.

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

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

(Continued)

10.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Derivatives: Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the use of the derivatives and whether the derivatives qualify for hedge accounting. Used as part of our asset and liability management to help manage interest rate risk, our derivatives have historically consisted of interest rate swap agreements that qualified for hedge accounting. In February 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that does qualify for hedge accounting. However, in June 2011, we simultaneously purchased and sold an interest rate cap, a structure commonly referred to as a “cap corridor”, which does not qualify for hedge accounting. The current outstanding interest rate swap agreement and cap corridor are discussed in more detail in Note 9. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes.

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

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

Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements, to improve financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed upon terms. This ASU eliminates consideration of the transferor’s ability to fulfill its contractual rights and obligations from the criteria, as well as related implementation guidance (i.e., that it possesses adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets), in determining effective control, even in the event of default by the transferee. Other criteria applicable to the assessment of effective control are not changed by this new guidance. This ASU became effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this new ASU did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

(Continued)

11.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, to align the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). Many of the amendments in this ASU will not result in a change in requirements but simply clarify existing requirements. The amendments in this ASU that do not change a principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements include the following: (1) the ASU permits an exception for measuring fair value when a reporting entity manages its financial instruments on the basis of its net exposure, rather than gross exposure, to those risks; (2) the ASU clarifies that the application of premiums and discounts in a fair value measurement is related to the unit of account for the asset or liability being measured at fair value and specifically prohibits blockage discounts for Level 2 and 3 investments; and (3) the amendments expand fair value measurement disclosures. The more significant new disclosures include: (1) for all Level 3 fair value measurements, quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used as well as a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements; (2) transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements on a gross basis, including the reasons for those transfers; and (3) the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the balance sheet but for which the fair value is required to be disclosed (e.g., held-to-maturity securities and loans). The ASU is to be applied prospectively and became effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this new ASU did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The ASU eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity. Instead, all changes in shareholders’ equity must be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the single continuous statement approach, the statement should present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and total other comprehensive income, and a total for comprehensive income. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present the components of net income and total net income followed consecutively by a second statement that should present the components of other comprehensive income, a total for other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income. Also known as “recycling,” companies will also be required to display reclassification adjustments and their effect on net income and other comprehensive income in the statement(s) in which they appear. The ASU does not change certain other current requirements including items that constitute net income and other comprehensive income. The ASU is to be applied retrospectively and became effective January 1, 2012. Beginning with the March 31, 2012 Form 10-Q, we have included the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

(Continued)

12.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2.	SECURITIES

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


	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
September 30, 2012
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	69,413,000	$	1,395,000	$	(79,000	)	$	70,729,000
Mortgage-backed securities		23,004,000		2,280,000		0			25,284,000
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		11,255,000		0		0			11,255,000
Municipal general obligation bonds		22,985,000		1,131,000		0			24,116,000
Municipal revenue bonds		2,748,000		122,000		0			2,870,000
Mutual funds		1,338,000		68,000		0			1,406,000

	$	130,743,000	$	4,996,000	$	(79,000	)	$	135,660,000

December 31, 2011
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	86,783,000	$	1,872,000	$	(59,000	)	$	88,596,000
Mortgage-backed securities		31,851,000		2,759,000		0			34,610,000
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		16,700,000		0		0			16,700,000
Municipal general obligation bonds		26,212,000		1,097,000		0			27,309,000
Municipal revenue bonds		4,300,000		123,000		0			4,423,000
Mutual funds		1,312,000		42,000		0			1,354,000

	$	167,158,000	$	5,893,000	$	(59,000	)	$	172,992,000

(Continued)

13.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2.	SECURITIES (Continued)

Securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows:


	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
September 30, 2012
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	8,905,000	$	(79,000	)	$	0	$	0		$	8,905,000	$	(79,000	)
Mortgage-backed securities		0		0			0		0			0		0
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		0		0			0		0			0		0
Municipal general obligation bonds		0		0			0		0			0		0
Municipal revenue bonds		0		0			0		0			0		0
Mutual funds		0		0			0		0			0		0

	$	8,905,000	$	(79,000	)	$	0	$	0		$	8,905,000	$	(79,000	)

December 31, 2011
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	9,765,000	$	(33,000	)	$	9,526,000	$	(26,000	)	$	19,291,000	$	(59,000	)
Mortgage-backed securities		0		0			0		0			0		0
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		0		0			0		0			0		0
Municipal general obligation bonds		0		0			0		0			0		0
Municipal revenue bonds		0		0			0		0			0		0
Mutual funds		0		0			0		0			0		0

	$	9,765,000	$	(33,000	)	$	9,526,000	$	(26,000	)	$	19,291,000	$	(59,000	)

(Continued)

14.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2.	SECURITIES (Continued)

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

At September 30, 2012, six debt securities with a fair value totaling $8.9 million have unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of $0.1 million, or 0.06% from the amortized cost basis of total securities. At September 30, 2012, 204 debt securities and a mutual fund with a fair value totaling $106.5 million have unrealized gains with aggregate appreciation of $5.0 million, or 3.8% from the amortized cost basis of total securities. After we considered whether the securities were issued by the federal government or its agencies and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies had occurred, we determined that unrealized losses were due to changing interest rate environments. As we do not intend to sell our debt securities before recovery of their cost basis and we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell our debt securities before recovery of the cost basis, no declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary.

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. The contractual maturity is utilized below for U.S. Government agency debt obligations and municipal bonds. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment fees. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately.

The maturities of securities and their weighted average yields at September 30, 2012 are also shown in the following table. The yields for municipal securities are included at their tax equivalent yield.


	Weighted Average Yield			Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in 2012		6.85	%	$	1,007,000	$	1,017,000
Due in 2013 through 2017		5.03			6,809,000		7,075,000
Due in 2018 through 2022		3.58			24,837,000		25,266,000
Due in 2023 and beyond		4.42			62,493,000		64,357,000
Mortgage-backed securities		5.17			23,004,000		25,284,000
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		1.75			11,255,000		11,255,000
Mutual funds		2.31			1,338,000		1,406,000

		4.21	%	$	130,743,000	$	135,660,000

(Continued)

15.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2.	SECURITIES (Continued)

At September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the amortized cost of securities issued by the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions totaled $25.7 million and $30.5 million, respectively, with estimated market values of $27.0 million and $31.7 million, respectively. Total securities of any other specific issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, did not exceed 10% of shareholders’ equity.

The carrying value of U.S. Government agency debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities that are pledged to secure repurchase agreements and letters of credit issued on behalf of our customers was $74.8 million and $109.0 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In addition, substantially all of our municipal bonds have been pledged to the Discount Window of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock are restricted and may only be resold or redeemed by the issuer.

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Our total loans at September 30, 2012 were $1.04 billion compared to $1.07 billion at December 31, 2011, a decline of $37.1 million, or 3.5%. The components of our loan portfolio disaggregated by class of loan within the loan portfolio segments at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the percentage change in loans from the end of 2011 to the end of the third quarter of 2012, are as follows:


											Percent
	September 30, 2012					December 31, 2011					Increase
	Balance		%			Balance		%			(Decrease)
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	271,814,000		26.3	%	$	260,613,000		24.3	%		4.3	%
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		56,622,000		5.5			61,959,000		5.8			(8.6	)
Real estate – owner occupied		276,185,000		26.6			271,869,000		25.3			1.6
Real estate – non-owner occupied		299,356,000		28.9			334,165,000		31.2			(10.4	)
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		53,434,000		5.2			68,299,000		6.4			(21.8	)

Total commercial		957,411,000		92.5			996,905,000		93.0			(4.0	)
Retail:
Home equity and other		39,423,000		3.8			42,336,000		3.9			(6.9	)
1-4 family mortgages		38,454,000		3.7			33,181,000		3.1			15.9

Total retail		77,877,000		7.5			75,517,000		7.0			3.1

Total loans	$	1,035,288,000		100.0	%	$	1,072,422,000		100.0	%		(3.5	)%

(Continued)

16.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Nonperforming loans as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:


	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	0	$	0
Nonaccrual loans		24,782,000		45,074,000

Total nonperforming loans	$	24,782,000	$	45,074,000

As discussed in the “Troubled Debt Restructurings” section of our Significant Accounting Policies, troubled debt restructurings can be in either accrual or nonaccrual status. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings are included in nonperforming loans whereas accruing troubled debt restructurings are generally excluded from nonperforming loans. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no accruing troubled debt restructurings included in nonperforming loans.

The recorded principal balance of nonaccrual loans, including troubled debt restructurings, if any, was as follows:


	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	3,870,000	$	5,916,000
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		2,850,000		3,448,000
Real estate – owner occupied		3,074,000		6,635,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		11,157,000		24,169,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		1,754,000		2,532,000

Total commercial		22,705,000		42,700,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		733,000		1,013,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,344,000		1,361,000

Total retail		2,077,000		2,374,000

Total nonaccrual loans	$	24,782,000	$	45,074,000

(Continued)

17.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of September 30, 2012:


	30 – 59 Days Past Due		60 – 89 Days Past Due		Greater Than 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans		Recorded Balance > 89 Days and Accruing
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	90,000	$	0	$	1,659,000	$	1,749,000	$	270,065,000	$	271,814,000	$	0
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		0		0		1,177,000		1,177,000		55,445,000		56,622,000		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0		1,633,000		1,633,000		274,552,000		276,185,000		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		0		234,000		3,811,000		4,045,000		295,311,000		299,356,000		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		170,000		588,000		758,000		52,676,000		53,434,000		0

Total commercial		90,000		404,000		8,868,000		9,362,000		948,049,000		957,411,000		0
Retail:
Home equity and other		31,000		13,000		0		44,000		39,379,000		39,423,000		0
1-4 family mortgages		48,000		80,000		642,000		770,000		37,684,000		38,454,000		0

Total retail		79,000		93,000		642,000		814,000		77,063,000		77,877,000		0

Total past due loans	$	169,000	$	497,000	$	9,510,000	$	10,176,000	$	1,025,112,000	$	1,035,288,000	$	0

(Continued)

18.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of December 31, 2011:


					Greater								Recorded
	30 – 59		60 – 89		Than 89								Balance > 89
	Days		Days		Days		Total				Total		Days and
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		Loans		Accruing
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	0	$	2,037,000	$	2,284,000	$	4,321,000	$	256,292,000	$	260,613,000	$	0
Vacant land, land development, and residential construction		0		145,000		2,448,000		2,593,000		59,366,000		61,959,000		0
Real estate – owner occupied		85,000		786,000		2,836,000		3,707,000		268,162,000		271,869,000		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		456,000		728,000		9,837,000		11,021,000		323,144,000		334,165,000		0
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		42,000		443,000		957,000		1,442,000		66,857,000		68,299,000		0

Total commercial		583,000		4,139,000		18,362,000		23,084,000		973,821,000		996,905,000		0
Retail:
Home equity and other		46,000		0		242,000		288,000		42,048,000		42,336,000		0
1-4 family mortgages		274,000		133,000		445,000		852,000		32,329,000		33,181,000		0

Total retail		320,000		133,000		687,000		1,140,000		74,377,000		75,517,000		0

Total past due loans	$	903,000	$	4,272,000	$	19,049,000	$	24,224,000	$	1,048,198,000	$	1,072,422,000	$	0

(Continued)

19.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired loans as of September 30, 2012, and average impaired loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, were as follows:


						Third Quarter		Year-To-Date
	Unpaid					Average		Average
	Contractual		Recorded			Recorded		Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related	Principal		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance	Balance		Balance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	4,210,000	$	3,289,000		$	3,209,000	$	3,521,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		2,279,000		1,166,000			1,480,000		1,959,000
Real estate – owner occupied		4,578,000		3,246,000			3,391,000		3,535,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		7,493,000		4,979,000			5,832,000		6,850,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		2,172,000		985,000			918,000		841,000

Total commercial		20,732,000		13,665,000			14,830,000		16,706,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		580,000		487,000			482,000		603,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,440,000		779,000			715,000		715,000

Total retail		2,020,000		1,266,000			1,197,000		1,318,000

Total with no related allowance recorded	$	22,752,000	$	14,931,000		$	16,027,000	$	18,024,000

(Continued)

20.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)


							Third Quarter		Year-To-Date
	Unpaid						Average		Average
	Contractual		Recorded				Recorded		Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related		Principal		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance		Balance		Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	3,278,000	$	2,785,000	$	1,358,000	$	3,528,000	$	3,406,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		3,305,000		3,117,000		1,465,000		2,981,000		3,529,000
Real estate – owner occupied		3,233,000		2,813,000		1,326,000		4,120,000		5,235,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		40,590,000		34,521,000		10,061,000		25,220,000		23,085,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		4,693,000		4,477,000		1,287,000		4,748,000		8,306,000

Total commercial		55,099,000		47,713,000		15,497,000		40,597,000		43,561,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		235,000		206,000		206,000		291,000		259,000
1-4 family mortgages		484,000		364,000		99,000		503,000		484,000

Total retail		719,000		570,000		305,000		794,000		743,000

Total with an allowance recorded	$	55,818,000	$	48,283,000	$	15,802,000	$	41,391,000	$	44,304,000

Total impaired loans:
Commercial	$	75,831,000	$	61,378,000	$	15,497,000	$	55,427,000	$	60,267,000
Retail		2,739,000		1,836,000		305,000		1,991,000		2,061,000

Total impaired loans	$	78,570,000	$	63,214,000	$	15,802,000	$	57,418,000	$	62,328,000

Interest income of $0.4 million and $1.1 million was recognized on impaired loans during the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively.

(Continued)

21.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired loans as of December 31, 2011, and average impaired loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, were as follows:


						Third Quarter		Year-To-Date
	Unpaid					Average		Average
	Contractual		Recorded			Recorded		Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related	Principal		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance	Balance		Balance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	4,670,000	$	4,254,000		$	1,353,000	$	1,704,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		5,308,000		2,755,000			2,278,000		6,387,000
Real estate – owner occupied		5,525,000		3,572,000			4,071,000		4,233,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		14,017,000		8,131,000			9,286,000		12,306,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		1,309,000		671,000			1,579,000		979,000

Total commercial		30,829,000		19,383,000			18,567,000		25,609,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		1,000,000		727,000			856,000		503,000
1-4 family mortgages		1,300,000		729,000			363,000		228,000

Total retail		2,300,000		1,456,000			1,219,000		731,000

Total with no related allowance recorded	$	33,129,000	$	20,839,000		$	19,786,000	$	26,340,000

(Continued)

22.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)


							Third Quarter		Year-To-Date
	Unpaid						Average		Average
	Contractual		Recorded				Recorded		Recorded
	Principal		Principal		Related		Principal		Principal
	Balance		Balance		Allowance		Balance		Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	3,500,000	$	3,023,000	$	1,172,000	$	4,886,000	$	6,422,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		5,551,000		4,267,000		1,799,000		2,064,000		3,814,000
Real estate – owner occupied		8,544,000		7,039,000		2,180,000		4,205,000		5,821,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		32,331,000		22,009,000		7,319,000		11,291,000		10,650,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		13,913,000		13,172,000		6,175,000		2,428,000		2,887,000

Total commercial		63,839,000		49,510,000		18,645,000		24,874,000		29,594,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		286,000		229,000		215,000		753,000		1,314,000
1-4 family mortgages		517,000		400,000		136,000		778,000		932,000

Total retail		803,000		629,000		351,000		1,531,000		2,246,000

Total with an allowance recorded	$	64,642,000	$	50,139,000	$	18,996,000	$	26,405,000	$	31,840,000

Total impaired loans:
Commercial	$	94,668,000	$	68,893,000	$	18,645,000	$	43,441,000	$	55,203,000
Retail		3,103,000		2,085,000		351,000		2,750,000		2,977,000

Total impaired loans	$	97,771,000	$	70,978,000	$	18,996,000	$	46,191,000	$	58,180,000

Interest income of less than $0.1 million was recognized on impaired loans during the third quarter and first nine months of 2011.

(Continued)

23.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

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

Loans by credit quality indicators were as follows as of September 30, 2012:

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


			Commercial						Commercial
			Vacant Land,		Commercial		Commercial		Real Estate -
	Commercial		Land Development,		Real Estate -		Real Estate -		Multi-Family
	and		and Residential		Owner		Non-Owner		and Residential
	Industrial		Construction		Occupied		Occupied		Rental
Internal credit risk grade groupings:
Grades 1 – 4	$	168,413,000	$	10,720,000	$	164,089,000	$	126,240,000	$	23,430,000
Grades 5 – 7		98,160,000		41,356,000		105,684,000		126,341,000		26,740,000
Grades 8 – 9		5,241,000		4,546,000		6,412,000		46,775,000		3,264,000

Total commercial	$	271,814,000	$	56,622,000	$	276,185,000	$	299,356,000	$	53,434,000

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:


	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages
Total retail	$	39,423,000	$	38,454,000

(Continued)

24.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Loans by credit quality indicators were as follows as of December 31, 2011:

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


			Commercial						Commercial
			Vacant Land,		Commercial		Commercial		Real Estate -
	Commercial		Land Development,		Real Estate -		Real Estate -		Multi-Family
	and		and Residential		Owner		Non-Owner		and Residential
	Industrial		Construction		Occupied		Occupied		Rental
Internal credit risk grade groupings:
Grades 1 – 4	$	163,296,000	$	9,539,000	$	149,010,000	$	123,048,000	$	27,245,000
Grades 5 – 7		89,463,000		44,946,000		111,921,000		164,049,000		26,278,000
Grades 8 – 9		7,854,000		7,474,000		10,938,000		47,068,000		14,776,000

Total commercial	$	260,613,000	$	61,959,000	$	271,869,000	$	334,165,000	$	68,299,000

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:


	Retail		Retail
	Home Equity		1-4 Family
	and Other		Mortgages
Total retail	$	42,336,000	$	33,181,000

(Continued)

25.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

All commercial loans are graded using the following number system:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Continued)

26.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investments in loans as of and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are as follows:


	Commercial			Retail
	Loans			Loans			Unallocated			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	26,471,000		$	3,167,000		$	51,000		$	29,689,000
Provision for loan losses		(355,000	)		(35,000	)		(10,000	)		(400,000	)
Charge-offs		(1,548,000	)		(343,000	)		0			(1,891,000	)
Recoveries		326,000			38,000			0			364,000

Ending balance	$	24,894,000		$	2,827,000		$	41,000		$	27,762,000

Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	33,431,000		$	3,019,000		$	82,000		$	36,532,000
Provision for loan losses		(3,480,000	)		121,000			(41,000	)		(3,400,000	)
Charge-offs		(10,662,000	)		(513,000	)		0			(11,175,000	)
Recoveries		5,605,000			200,000			0			5,805,000

Ending balance	$	24,894,000		$	2,827,000		$	41,000		$	27,762,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	15,498,000		$	305,000		$	0		$	15,803,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	9,396,000		$	2,522,000		$	41,000		$	11,959,000

Total loans:
Ending balance	$	957,411,000		$	77,877,000					$	1,035,288,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	61,378,000		$	1,836,000					$	63,214,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	896,033,000		$	76,041,000					$	972,074,000

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were no purchases or sales of loans not categorized as held for sale or reclassifications of loans held for sale.

(Continued)

27.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investments in loans as of and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are as follows:


	Commercial			Retail
	Loans			Loans			Unallocated			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at June 30, 2011	$	35,986,000		$	2,641,000		$	93,000		$	38,720,000
Provision for loan losses		586,000			533,000			(19,000	)		1,100,000
Charge-offs		(1,260,000	)		(82,000	)		0			(1,342,000	)
Recoveries		838,000			35,000			0			873,000

Ending balance	$	36,150,000		$	3,127,000		$	74,000		$	39,351,000

Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	42,358,000		$	2,972,000		$	38,000		$	45,368,000
Provision for loan losses		3,074,000			1,890,000			36,000			5,000,000
Charge-offs		(12,168,000	)		(1,938,000	)		0			(14,106,000	)
Recoveries		2,886,000			203,000			0			3,089,000

Ending balance	$	36,150,000		$	3,127,000		$	74,000		$	39,351,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	8,543,000		$	581,000		$	0		$	9,124,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	27,607,000		$	2,546,000		$	74,000		$	30,227,000

Total loans:
Ending balance	$	1,012,973,000		$	81,064,000					$	1,094,037,000

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	47,556,000		$	2,847,000					$	50,403,000

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	965,417,000		$	78,217,000					$	1,043,634,000

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no purchases or sales of loans not categorized as held for sale or reclassifications of loans held for sale.

(Continued)

28.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:


	Number of Contracts		Pre- Modification Recorded Principal Balance		Post- Modification Recorded Principal Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		1	$	133,000	$	128,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		5		18,042,000		18,042,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0

Total commercial		6		18,175,000		18,170,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0

Total retail		0		0		0

Total		6	$	18,175,000	$	18,170,000

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:


	Number of Contracts		Pre- Modification Recorded Principal Balance		Post- Modification Recorded Principal Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		6	$	850,000	$	843,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		5		1,588,000		1,587,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		6		22,433,000		22,433,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		0		0		0

Total commercial		17		24,871,000		24,863,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0

Total retail		0		0		0

Total		17	$	24,871,000	$	24,863,000

(Continued)

29.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:


	Number of Contracts		Pre- Modification Recorded Principal Balance		Post- Modification Recorded Principal Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		2	$	110,000	$	110,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		6		2,219,000		2,219,000
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		2		701,000		701,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		6		709,000		549,000

Total commercial		16		3,739,000		3,579,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0

Total retail		0		0		0

Total		16	$	3,739,000	$	3,579,000

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:


	Number of Contracts		Pre- Modification Recorded Principal Balance		Post- Modification Recorded Principal Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		14	$	2,339,000	$	2,330,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		8		3,422,000		3,421,000
Real estate – owner occupied		7		3,973,000		3,466,000
Real estate – non-owner occupied		9		7,006,000		7,004,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		10		1,450,000		1,290,000

Total commercial		48		18,190,000		17,511,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0		0

Total retail		0		0		0

Total		48	$	18,190,000	$	17,511,000

(Continued)

30.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended September 30, 2012 (amounts as of period end):


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

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

Total retail		0		0

Total		0	$	0

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (amounts as of period end):


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

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

Total retail		0		0

Total		0	$	0

(Continued)

31.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended September 30, 2011 (amounts as of period end):


	Number of Contracts		Recorded Principal Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		1	$	121,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		1		793,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		2		135,000

Total commercial		4		1,049,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0

Total retail		0		0

Total		4	$	1,049,000

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (amounts as of period end):


	Number of Contracts		Recorded Principal Balance
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial		2	$	280,000
Vacant land, land development and residential construction		0		0
Real estate – owner occupied		0		0
Real estate – non-owner occupied		1		793,000
Real estate – multi-family and residential rental		2		135,000

Total commercial		5		1,208,000
Retail:
Home equity and other		0		0
1-4 family mortgages		0		0

Total retail		0		0

Total		5	$	1,208,000

(Continued)

32.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

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

4.	PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Premises and equipment are comprised of the following:


	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Land and improvements	$	8,531,000	$	8,531,000
Buildings		24,539,000		24,528,000
Furniture and equipment		13,364,000		12,977,000

		46,434,000		46,036,000
Less: accumulated depreciation		20,334,000		19,234,000

Premises and equipment, net	$	26,100,000	$	26,802,000

Depreciation expense totaled $0.3 million during the third quarter of 2012, compared to $0.4 million during the third quarter of 2011. Depreciation expense totaled $1.1 million during the first nine months of 2012, compared to $1.2 million during the first nine months of 2011.

(Continued)

33.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

5.	DEPOSITS

Our total deposits at September 30, 2012 totaled $1.11 billion, reflecting a decline of $4.5 million, or 0.4%, since December 31, 2011. The components of our outstanding balances at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and percentage change in deposits from the end of 2011 to the end of the third quarter of 2012, are as follows:


											Percent
	September 30, 2012					December 31, 2011					Increase
	Balance		%			Balance		%			(Decrease)
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	166,890,000		15.1	%	$	147,031,000		13.2	%		13.5	%
Interest-bearing checking		186,175,000		16.8			179,770,000		16.2			3.6
Money market		146,354,000		13.2			145,402,000		13.1			0.7
Savings		47,893,000		4.3			32,468,000		2.9			47.5
Time, under $100,000		54,494,000		4.9			63,330,000		5.7			(14.0	)
Time, $100,000 and over		225,487,000		20.4			213,548,000		19.2			5.6

		827,293,000		74.7			781,549,000		70.3			5.9

Out-of-area interest-bearing checking		22,803,000		2.1			26,142,000		2.3			(12.8	)
Out-of-area time, under $100,000		8,864,000		0.8			18,457,000		1.7			(52.0	)
Out-of-area time, $100,000 and over		248,606,000		22.4			285,927,000		25.7			(13.1	)

		280,273,000		25.3			330,526,000		29.7			(15.2	)

Total deposits	$	1,107,566,000		100.0	%	$	1,112,075,000		100.0	%		(0.4	)%

6.	SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Information relating to our securities sold under agreements to repurchase follows:


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012			Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011
Outstanding balance at end of period	$	60,031,000		$	72,569,000
Average interest rate at end of period		0.26	%		0.31	%

Average daily balance during the period	$	60,234,000		$	80,137,000
Average interest rate during the period		0.29	%		0.51	%

Maximum daily balance during the period	$	73,054,000		$	116,397,000

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

(Continued)

34.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

7.	FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

Our outstanding balances at September 30, 2012 totaled $35.0 million and mature at varying dates from March 2017 through September 2017, with fixed rates of interest from 1.22% to 1.51% and averaging 1.35%. At December 31, 2011, outstanding balances totaled $45.0 million with maturities ranging from March 2012 through January 2014, with fixed rates of interest from 3.04% to 4.42% and averaging 3.57%.

During the third quarter of 2012, we modified the terms of two existing FHLB advances (totaling $15.0 million), extending the weighted average maturity from 1.3 years to 5.0 years and decreasing the weighted average interest rate from 3.10% to 1.51%. As the modification did not result in the terms being substantially different as defined by current accounting guidance, the transaction was accounted for as a modification, not extinguishment of debt. Accordingly, the prepayment fees incurred are amortized as an adjustment to the rate over the life of the new five-year advance.

Each advance is payable at its maturity date, and is subject to a prepayment fee if paid prior to the maturity date. The advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of September 30, 2012 totaled about $129 million, with availability approximating $89 million.

Maturities of currently outstanding FHLB advances are as follows:


2012	$	0
2013		0
2014		0
2015		0
2016		0
2017		35,000,000

8.	COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

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

(Continued)

35.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized, if any, in the balance sheet. Our bank’s maximum exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Our bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Collateral, such as accounts receivable, securities, inventory, and property and equipment, is generally obtained based on our credit assessment of the borrower. If required, estimated loss exposure resulting from these instruments is expensed and is generally recorded as a liability. There was no reserve or liability balance for these instruments as of September 30, 2012. We expensed $0.5 million and $0.4 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively, through provision for loan losses in association with a particular standby letter of credit. Due to the nature of the transaction and the insignificant amount, a specific reserve of $0.4 million was included within the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2011.

A summary of the contractual amounts of our financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 follows:


	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Commercial unused lines of credit	$	195,363,000	$	171,683,000
Unused lines of credit secured by 1 – 4 family residential properties		24,063,000		24,663,000
Credit card unused lines of credit		8,149,000		7,565,000
Other consumer unused lines of credit		4,489,000		3,367,000
Commitments to extend credit		90,448,000		30,929,000
Standby letters of credit		10,965,000		15,923,000

	$	333,477,000	$	254,130,000

Certain of our commercial loan customers have entered into interest rate swap agreements directly with our correspondent banks. To assist our commercial loan customers in these transactions, and to encourage our correspondent banks to enter into the interest rate swap transactions with minimal credit underwriting analyses on their part, we have entered into risk participation agreements with the correspondent banks whereby we agree to make payments to the correspondent banks owed by our commercial loan customers under the interest rate swap agreement in the event that our commercial loan customers do not make the payments. We are not a party to the interest rate swap agreements under these arrangements. As of September 30, 2012, the total notional amount of the underlying interest rate swap agreements was $30.0 million, with a net fair value from our commercial loan customers’ perspective of negative $4.4 million. These risk participation agreements are considered financial guarantees in accordance with applicable accounting guidance and are therefore recorded as liabilities at fair value, generally equal to the fees collected at the time of their execution. These liabilities are accreted into income during the term of the interest rate swap agreements, generally ranging from four to fifteen years.

(Continued)

36.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

9.	HEDGING ACTIVITIES

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

As of September 30, 2012, approximately 59% of our total loans were comprised of commercial loans on which the interest rates are variable; however, the interest rates on a significant portion of these loans will likely lag an increase in market interest rates under a rising interest rate environment. As of September 30, 2012, the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate, the index on which about 31% of our total commercial floating rate loans is based, was 4.50% compared to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of 3.25%. Historically, the two indices have been equal; however, we elected not to reduce the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate in late October and mid-December of 2008 when the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate declined by 50 and 75 basis points, respectively. It is our general intent to keep the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate unchanged until the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate equals the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate, at which time the two indices will likely remain equal in future periods. In addition, a majority of our floating rate loans, whether tied to the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate, Wall Street Journal Prime Rate or Libor rates, have interest rate floors that are currently higher than the indexed rate provides for. To help mitigate the negative impact to our net interest income in an increasing interest rate environment resulting from our cost of funds likely increasing at a higher rate than the yield on our assets, we may periodically enter into derivative financial instruments.

In June 2011, we simultaneously purchased and sold an interest rate cap with a correspondent bank, a structure commonly referred to as a “cap corridor.” The cap corridor, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, consisted of us purchasing a $100 million interest rate cap with a strike rate in close proximity to the then-current 30-Day Libor rate and selling a $100 million interest rate cap with a strike rate that is 125 basis points higher than the purchased interest rate cap strike rate. On the settlement date, the present value of the purchased interest rate cap was recorded as an asset, while the present value of the sold interest rate cap was recorded as a liability. At each month end, the recorded balances of the purchased and sold interest rate caps are adjusted to reflect the current present values, with the offsetting entry being recorded to interest income on commercial loans. We recorded a net reduction of $51,000 and $241,000 during the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, to interest income on commercial loans to reflect the net change in present values. Payments made or received under the purchased and sold interest rate cap contracts, if any, are also recorded to interest income on commercial loans. No such payments were made or received during the third quarter or the first nine months of 2012.

(Continued)

37.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

9.	HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)

In February 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a correspondent bank to hedge the floating rate on our trust preferred securities. Our $32.0 million of trust preferred securities have a rate equal to the 90-Day Libor Rate plus a fixed spread of 218 basis points, and are subject to repricing quarterly. The interest rate swap agreement provides for us to pay our correspondent bank a fixed rate, while our correspondent bank will pay us the 90-Day Libor Rate on a $32.0 million notional amount. The quarterly re-set dates for the floating rate on the interest rate swap agreement are the same as the re-set dates for the floating rate on the trust preferred securities. While the trade date of the interest rate swap agreement was in February 2012, the effective date is not until January 2013, with a maturity date of January 2018. The interest rate swap agreement does qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, monthly fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement, net of tax effect, are recorded to other comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement, which is recorded as a liability, equaled $1.1 million. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement on the trade date was $0.

10.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments were as follows as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):


	Level in	September 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Fair Value	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Hierarchy	Values		Values		Values		Values
Financial assets:
Cash	Level 1	$	1,427	$	1,427	$	1,311	$	1,311
Cash equivalents	Level 2		102,568		102,568		75,061		75,061
Securities available for sale	(1)		135,660		135,660		172,992		172,992
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	Level 2		11,961		11,961		11,961		11,961
Loans, net	Level 3		1,007,526		998,664		1,035,890		1,035,164
Bank owned life insurance	Level 2		49,690		49,690		48,520		48,520
Accrued interest receivable	Level 2		3,939		3,939		4,403		4,403
Purchased interest rate cap	(1)		17		17		312		312

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	Level 2		1,107,566		1,109,599		1,112,075		1,117,803
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	Level 2		60,031		60,031		72,569		72,569
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	Level 2		35,000		35,153		45,000		46,019
Subordinated debentures	Level 2		32,990		32,912		32,990		33,096
Accrued interest payable	Level 2		1,970		1,970		2,839		2,839
Sold interest rate cap	(1)		1		1		55		55
Interest rate swap	(1)		1,106		1,106		0		0

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

(Continued)

38.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

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

Current accounting pronouncements require disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments as disclosed in Note 11. Given current market conditions, a portion of our loan portfolio is not readily marketable and market prices do not exist. We have not attempted to market our loans to potential buyers, if any exist, to determine the fair value of those instruments. Since negotiated prices in illiquid markets depend upon the then present motivations of the buyer and seller, it is reasonable to assume that actual sales prices could vary widely from any estimate of fair value made without the benefit of negotiations. Additionally, changes in market interest rates can dramatically impact the value of financial instruments in a short period of time. Accordingly, the fair value measurements for loans included in the table above are unlikely to represent the instruments’ liquidation values.

11.

FAIR VALUES

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

(Continued)

39.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

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

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

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

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

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

Securities available for sale. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based on quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, municipal general obligation and revenue bonds, Michigan Strategic Fund bonds and mutual funds. We have no Level 1 or 3 securities.

Securities held to maturity. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost when we have the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. The fair value of held to maturity securities is based on quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models. We had no securities held to maturity outstanding as of September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

(Continued)

40.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

Mortgage loans held for sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value and are measured on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices, where applicable, or the prices for other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we determined that the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale was similar to the cost; therefore, we carried the $8.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of such loans at cost so are not included in the nonrecurring table below.

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

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

Derivatives. For interest rate cap contracts and interest rate swap agreements, we measure fair value utilizing models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as forecasted yield curves, and accordingly, interest rate cap contracts and interest rate swap agreements are classified as Level 2.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 are as follows:


	Total			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	70,729,000		$	0	$	70,729,000		$	0
Mortgage-backed securities		25,284,000			0		25,284,000			0
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		11,255,000			0		11,255,000			0
Municipal general obligation bonds		24,116,000			0		24,116,000			0
Municipal revenue bonds		2,870,000			0		2,870,000			0
Mutual funds		1,406,000			0		1,406,000			0
Derivatives
Interest rate cap contracts		16,000			0		16,000			0
Interest rate swap agreement		(1,106,000	)		0		(1,106,000	)		0

Total	$	134,570,000		$	0	$	134,570,000		$	0

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the first nine months of 2012.

(Continued)

41.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:


	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities
U.S. Government agency debt obligations	$	88,596,000	$	0	$	88,596,000	$	0
Mortgage-backed securities		34,610,000		0		34,610,000		0
Michigan Strategic Fund bonds		16,700,000		0		16,700,000		0
Municipal general obligation bonds		27,309,000		0		27,309,000		0
Municipal revenue bonds		4,423,000		0		4,423,000		0
Mutual funds		1,354,000		0		1,354,000		0
Derivatives
Interest rate cap contracts		257,000		0		257,000		0

Total	$	173,249,000	$	0	$	173,249,000	$	0

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during 2011.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2012 are as follows:


	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired loans ⁽¹⁾	$	40,649,000	$	0	$	0	$	40,649,000
Foreclosed assets ⁽¹⁾		11,160,000		0		0		11,160,000

Total	$	51,809,000	$	0	$	0	$	51,809,000

(Continued)

42.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:


	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired loans ⁽¹⁾	$	44,915,000	$	0	$	0	$	44,915,000
Foreclosed assets ⁽¹⁾		15,282,000		0		0		15,282,000

Total	$	60,197,000	$	0	$	0	$	60,197,000

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

12.

REGULATORY MATTERS

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

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If an institution is not well capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. Subject to limited exceptions, no institution may make a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, it would be undercapitalized. If an institution is undercapitalized, it is subject to close monitoring by its principal federal regulator, its asset growth and expansion are restricted, and plans for capital restoration are required. In addition, further specific types of restrictions may be imposed on the institution at the discretion of the federal regulator. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our bank was in the well capitalized category under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since September 30, 2012 that we believe have changed our bank’s categorization.

(Continued)

43.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

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


											Minimum Required
											to be Well
						Minimum Required					Capitalized Under
						for Capital					Prompt Corrective
	Actual					Adequacy Purposes					Action Regulations
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
September 30, 2012
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated	$	170,873		14.6	%	$	93,605		8.0	%	$	NA		NA
Bank		169,859		14.5			93,479		8.0			116,848		10.0	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated		156,087		13.3			46,803		4.0			NA		NA
Bank		155,092		13.3			46,740		4.0			70,109		6.0
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
Consolidated		156,087		11.4			54,763		4.0			NA		NA
Bank		155,092		11.3			54,694		4.0			68,367		5.0

December 31, 2011
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated	$	187,940		15.5	%	$	97,237		8.0	%	$	NA		NA
Bank		188,378		15.5			97,203		8.0			121,504		10.0	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
Consolidated		172,469		14.2			48,619		4.0			NA		NA
Bank		172,910		14.2			48,602		4.0			72,902		6.0
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
Consolidated		172,469		12.1			57,072		4.0			NA		NA
Bank		172,910		12.1			57,199		4.0			71,499		5.0

(Continued)

44.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

Our consolidated capital levels as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include $32.0 million of trust preferred securities issued by the trust in September 2004 and December 2004 subject to certain limitations. Under applicable Federal Reserve guidelines, the trust preferred securities constitute a restricted core capital element. The guidelines provide that the aggregate amount of restricted core elements that may be included in our Tier 1 capital must not exceed 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, including restricted core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Our ability to include the trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital in accordance with the guidelines is not affected by the provision of the Dodd-Frank Act generally restricting such treatment, because (i) the trust preferred securities were issued before May 19, 2010, and (ii) our total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009 were less than $15.0 billion. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all $32.0 million of the trust preferred securities were included in our consolidated Tier 1 capital.

Our and our bank’s ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations and to prudent and sound banking practices. On October 11, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.09 per share, to be paid on December 10, 2012 to shareholders of record as of November 9, 2012. This represents our first common stock cash dividend since the first quarter of 2010, as in April 2010 we had suspended payments of cash dividends on our common stock.

In conjunction with our second quarter 2012 repurchase of the non-voting preferred stock issued in May 2009 to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, on June 29, 2012, we announced via a Form 8-K filed with the SEC that on June 27, 2012, we reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury for repurchasing the warrant we had issued to it on May 15, 2009 in connection with our participation in the Capital Purchase Program. The warrant provided the U.S. Department of the Treasury with the right to purchase 616,438 shares of our common stock at a price of $5.11 per share. Under the agreement, we agreed to repurchase the warrant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for approximately $7.5 million. The repurchase of the warrant was consummated on July 3, 2012. To fund the repurchase, our bank paid us a cash dividend of $7.8 million on July 2, 2012. As part of the repurchase, we recorded a reduction of retained earnings of approximately $7.5 million on July 3, 2012.

45.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Item 2.

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

Forward Looking Statements

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

Future Factors include, among others, changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 or in this report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

Introduction

The following discussion compares the financial condition of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”), and our bank’s three subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, LLC (“our mortgage company”), Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this report. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to “us,” “we,” “our” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries referred to above.

Critical Accounting Policies

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are complex and require us to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurements are not possible or practical. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements included in this report. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included on pages F-47 through F-54 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 (Commission file number 000-26719). Our allowance for loan losses policy and accounting for income taxes are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements, and actual results may differ from those estimates. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

46.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

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

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

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

47.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Accounting guidance requires that we assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against our deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, we consider both positive and negative evidence and analyze changes in near-term market conditions as well as other factors which may impact future operating results. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. During 2011, we returned to pre-tax profitability for four consecutive quarters. Additionally, we experienced lower provision expense, continued declines in nonperforming assets and problem asset administration costs, a higher net interest margin, a further strengthening of our regulatory capital ratios and additional reductions in wholesale funding. This positive evidence allowed us to conclude that, as of December 31, 2011, it was more likely than not that we returned to sustainable profitability in amounts sufficient to allow for realization of our deferred tax assets in future years. Consequently, we reversed the valuation allowance that we had previously determined necessary to carry against our entire net deferred tax asset starting on December 31, 2009.

Financial Overview

Over the past several years, our earnings performance was negatively impacted by substantial provisions to the allowance as well as administrative costs associated with problem assets. Ongoing state, regional and national economic struggles negatively impacted some of our borrowers’ cash flows and underlying collateral values, leading to an elevated level of nonperforming assets, higher loan charge-offs and increased overall credit risk within our loan portfolio. We have worked with our borrowers to develop constructive dialogue to strengthen our relationships and enhance our ability to resolve complex issues. Although we have experienced significant improvement in our asset quality since the beginning of the latter part of 2010, in part due to modestly improving economic conditions, the environment for the banking industry will likely remain stressed until economic conditions further improve.

We recorded a net profit for the third quarter of 2012, our seventh consecutive quarterly net profit after over two years of quarterly losses. A significantly lower provision expense has primarily provided for the improved earnings performance; however, our improved earnings performance also reflects the many initiatives over the past several years to not only partially mitigate the impact of asset quality-related costs in the near term, but to benefit us on a longer-term basis as well. First, our net interest margin has improved as we have lowered local deposit rates and have replaced maturing higher-rate deposits and borrowed funds with lower-cost funds, while at the same time our commercial loan pricing initiatives have helped to mitigate the negative impact of a relatively high level of nonaccrual loans and more recently competitive commercial loan pricing pressures. In addition, we are increasing our local deposit balances, reflecting the successful implementation of various initiatives, campaigns and product enhancements. The local deposit growth, combined with the reduction of loans outstanding, have provided for a substantial reduction of, and reliance on, wholesale funds. Next, our regulatory capital position has increased substantially, primarily reflecting the impact of the net income recorded during the past seven quarters. Lastly, improved asset quality has provided for reductions in problem asset administration costs, while our improved financial condition and operating performance have resulted in lower Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance assessments.

Our improved financial condition and earnings performance were major contributing factors to our decision to repurchase the $21.0 million in non-voting preferred stock issued in May 2009 to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, during the second quarter of 2012. In addition, during the third quarter of 2012, we repurchased the warrant we had issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on May 15, 2009 in connection with our participation in the Capital Purchase Program, for $7.5 million. The warrant provided the U.S. Department of the Treasury with the right to purchase 616,438 shares of our common stock at a price of $5.11 per share.

48.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Our asset quality metrics remain on an improving trend, and we are optimistic that the positive trend will continue. In aggregate dollar amounts, nonperforming asset levels have declined almost 70% since the peak level at March 31, 2010, and at September 30, 2012, were at the lowest level since December 31, 2007. Progress in the stabilization of economic and real estate market conditions has provided for numerous loan rating upgrades, significantly lower volumes of loan rating downgrades and reduced net loan charge-offs, allowing for substantially lower provision expense. We expect a continuation of improved market conditions will provide for lower future period provision expense and problem asset administration costs when compared to levels over the past several years.

Financial Condition

During the first nine months of 2012, our total assets decreased $44.9 million, and totaled $1.39 billion as of September 30, 2012. The decline in total assets was comprised primarily of a $37.3 million decrease in securities and a $37.1 million reduction in total loans, more than offsetting a $27.6 million increase in cash and cash equivalents. Our total liabilities declined $24.4 million during the first nine months of 2012. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) decreased $12.5 million, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances declined $10.0 million and total deposits decreased $4.5 million. In addition, shareholders’ equity declined $20.4 million primarily due to the $21.0 million repurchase of preferred stock and the $7.5 million repurchase of the common stock warrant, more than offsetting the $8.5 million in net income attributable to common shares.

Our loan portfolio is primarily comprised of commercial loans. Commercial loans declined $39.5 million during the first nine months of 2012, and at September 30, 2012 totaled $957.4 million, or 92.5% of the loan portfolio. The decline in outstanding balances primarily reflects the impact of a concerted effort on our part to reduce the level of nonperforming commercial loans and commercial loans on our watch list (i.e., loans internally graded 7 and 8 — see Note 3 for additional information on our internal commercial loan grading system), as well as exposure to certain non-owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) lending. We did extend credit to several new commercial loan relationships and saw increased activity from some of our existing commercial loan customers during the first nine months of 2012; however, due in part to the ongoing sluggishness in business activity in our markets, our efforts to reduce the exposure to certain market segments and competitive pressures, our commercial loan portfolio declined. Loans collateralized by owner-occupied CRE increased $4.3 million and commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans increased $11.2 million during the first nine months of 2012. Line of credit usage was relatively unchanged during the period, although we would expect to see an increase in commercial line of credit usage when economic conditions improve. During the same nine month time period, loans collateralized by non-owner occupied CRE decreased $34.8 million and loans collateralized by multi-family and residential rental properties declined by $14.9 million. Our systematic approach to reducing our exposure to certain non-owner occupied CRE lending will be prolonged, given the nature of CRE lending and depressed economic conditions; however, we believe that such a reduction is in our best interest when taking into account the increased inherent credit risk and nominal deposit balances generally associated with the targeted borrowing relationships.

The commercial loan portfolio represents loans to businesses generally located within our market areas. Approximately 72% of the commercial loan portfolio is primarily secured by real estate properties, with the remaining generally secured by other business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. The continued concentration of the loan portfolio in commercial loans is consistent with our strategy of focusing a substantial amount of our efforts on commercial banking. Corporate and business lending is an area of expertise for our senior management team, and our commercial lenders have extensive commercial lending experience, with most having at least ten years’ experience. Of each of the loan categories that we originate, commercial loans are most efficiently originated and managed, thus limiting overhead costs by necessitating the attention of fewer employees. Our commercial lending business generates the largest portion of local deposits and is our primary source of demand deposits.

49.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table summarizes our loans secured by real estate, excluding residential mortgage loans representing permanent financing of owner occupied dwellings and home equity lines of credit:


	9/30/12		6/30/12		3/31/12		12/31/11		9/30/11
Residential-Related:
Vacant Land	$	6,042,000	$	5,435,000	$	5,591,000	$	5,679,000	$	5,673,000
Land Development		14,639,000		15,256,000		16,173,000		17,007,000		17,441,000
Construction		4,031,000		4,055,000		4,318,000		4,923,000		4,647,000

		24,712,000		24,746,000		26,082,000		27,609,000		27,761,000
Comm’l Non-Owner Occupied:
Vacant Land		8,793,000		8,827,000		9,255,000		10,555,000		11,082,000
Land Development		13,798,000		14,355,000		14,418,000		14,486,000		14,541,000
Construction		9,877,000		15,424,000		16,936,000		13,615,000		11,061,000
Commercial Buildings		333,407,000		350,762,000		357,128,000		376,805,000		397,279,000

		365,875,000		389,368,000		397,737,000		415,461,000		433,963,000
Comm’l Owner Occupied:
Construction		5,316,000		3,751,000		6,198,000		4,213,000		2,986,000
Other		6,617,000		6,811,000		7,246,000		7,445,000		7,591,000
Commercial Buildings		271,364,000		281,519,000		273,376,000		268,479,000		269,776,000

		283,297,000		292,081,000		286,820,000		280,137,000		280,353,000

Total	$	673,884,000	$	706,195,000	$	710,639,000	$	723,207,000	$	742,077,000

Residential mortgage loans and consumer loans increased in aggregate $2.4 million during the first nine months of 2012, and at September 30, 2012, totaled $77.9 million, or 7.5% of the total loan portfolio. Although the residential mortgage loan and consumer loan portfolios may increase in future periods, we expect the commercial sector of the lending efforts and resultant assets to remain the dominant loan portfolio category.

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

50.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The levels of net loan charge-offs and nonperforming assets have been elevated since early 2007. The substantial and rapid collapse of the residential real estate market that began in 2007 had a significant negative impact on the residential real estate development lending portion of our business. The resulting decline in real estate prices and slowdown in sales stretched the cash flow of our local developers and eroded the value of our underlying collateral, which caused elevated levels of nonperforming assets and net loan charge-offs. Since 2007, we have also witnessed stressed economic conditions in Michigan and throughout the country. The resulting decline in business revenue negatively impacted the cash flows of many of our borrowers, some to the point where loan payments became past due. In addition, real estate prices have fallen significantly, thereby exposing us to larger-than-typical losses in those instances where the sale of collateral is the primary source of repayment. Also during this time, we have seen deterioration in guarantors’ financial capacities to fund deficient cash flows and reduce or eliminate collateral deficiencies.

Throughout 2008, we experienced a rapid deterioration in a number of commercial loan relationships which previously had been performing satisfactorily. Analysis of certain commercial borrowers revealed a reduced capability on the part of these borrowers to make required payments as indicated by factors such as delinquent loan payments, diminished cash flow, deteriorating financial performance, or past due property taxes, and in the case of commercial and residential development projects slow absorption or sales trends. In addition, commercial real estate is the primary source of collateral for many of these borrowing relationships and updated evaluations and appraisals in many cases reflected significant declines from the original estimated values.

Throughout 2009, 2010, 2011 and the first nine months of 2012, we saw a continuation of the stresses caused by the poor economic conditions, especially in the CRE markets. High vacancy rates or slow absorption have resulted in inadequate cash flow generated from some real estate projects we have financed, and have required guarantors to provide personal funds to make full contractual loan payments and pay other operating costs. In some cases, the guarantors’ cash and other liquid reserves have become seriously diminished. In other cases, sale of the collateral, either by the borrower or us, is our primary source of repayment.

We are, however, encouraged by the apparent credit quality stabilization within our loan portfolio that began during the latter part of 2010. After a period of significant and ongoing increases from 2007 through September 30, 2009, the level of nonperforming assets was relatively unchanged through June 30, 2010 and then has generally declined through the end of the 2012 third quarter. Of particular note are the reduced level of additions to the nonperforming asset category and increased level of interest in, and sales of, foreclosed properties and assets securing nonperforming loans.

As of September 30, 2012, nonperforming assets totaled $35.9 million, or 2.6% of total assets, compared to $60.4 million (4.2% of total assets) and $56.8 million (3.8% of total assets) as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively. The $24.5 million reduction during the first nine months of 2012 and the $20.9 million decline during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012, are associated with assets in all major categories as reflected in the table below. As of September 30, 2012, nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties associated with residential real estate totaled $9.4 million, reflecting reductions of $4.6 million and $7.9 million during the past nine and twelve months, respectively. Nonperforming loans secured by, and foreclosed properties consisting of, non-owner occupied CRE properties totaled $17.6 million at September 30, 2012, reflecting reductions of $12.5 million and $4.8 million during the past nine and twelve months, respectively.

51.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table provides a breakdown of nonperforming assets by property type:


	9/30/12		6/30/12		3/31/12		12/31/11		9/30/11
Residential Real Estate:
Land Development	$	3,318,000	$	3,946,000	$	3,762,000	$	5,479,000	$	8,139,000
Construction		645,000		965,000		1,242,000		1,397,000		1,418,000
Owner Occupied / Rental		5,426,000		5,982,000		6,437,000		7,138,000		7,737,000

		9,389,000		10,893,000		11,441,000		14,014,000		17,294,000
Commercial Real Estate:
Land Development		1,158,000		1,174,000		1,531,000		2,111,000		1,885,000
Construction		0		0		403,000		409,000		0
Owner Occupied		6,395,000		6,850,000		7,687,000		10,642,000		11,287,000
Non-Owner Occupied		17,613,000		19,386,000		28,954,000		30,106,000		22,435,000

		25,166,000		27,410,000		38,575,000		43,268,000		35,607,000
Non-Real Estate:
Commercial Assets		1,386,000		1,765,000		2,144,000		3,060,000		3,897,000
Consumer Assets		1,000		1,000		14,000		14,000		29,000

		1,387,000		1,766,000		2,158,000		3,074,000		3,926,000

Total	$	35,942,000	$	40,069,000	$	52,174,000	$	60,356,000	$	56,827,000

The following table provides a reconciliation of nonperforming assets:


	3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr			4th Qtr			3rd Qtr
	2012			2012			2012			2011			2011
Beginning balance	$	40,069,000		$	52,174,000		$	60,356,000		$	56,827,000		$	61,895,000
Additions		158,000			3,306,000			9,651,000			10,188,000			3,740,000
Returns to performing status		0			0			(737,000	)		0			0
Principal payments		(1,245,000	)		(11,357,000	)		(5,533,000	)		(2,115,000	)		(5,058,000	)
Sale proceeds		(1,190,000	)		(1,586,000	)		(9,282,000	)		(3,038,000	)		(2,670,000	)
Loan charge-offs		(1,003,000	)		(1,337,000	)		(1,691,000	)		(890,000	)		(476,000	)
Valuation write-downs		(847,000	)		(1,131,000	)		(590,000	)		(616,000	)		(604,000	)

Total	$	35,942,000		$	40,069,000		$	52,174,000		$	60,356,000		$	56,827,000

Gross loan charge-offs totaled $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2012, of which approximately 90% was specifically reserved for as of June 30, 2012. Net loan charge-offs during the first nine months of 2012 totaled $5.4 million, or an annualized 0.7% of average total loans. For comparative purposes, net loan charge-offs equaled 1.4%, 2.4% and 2.2% of average loans during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Net loan charge-offs may remain elevated in the next several quarters compared to historical averages due to the higher volume of nonperforming loans and stressed economic conditions; however, we are cautiously optimistic that net loan charge-offs in future periods will be lower than what we experienced during 2011, 2010 and 2009.

52.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table provides a breakdown of net loan charge-offs (recoveries) by collateral type:


	3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr			4th Qtr			3rd Qtr
	2012			2012			2012			2011			2011
Residential Real Estate:
Land Development	$	77,000		$	(110,000	)	$	38,000		$	15,000		$	135,000
Construction		0			10,000			0			(90,000	)		(11,000	)
Owner Occupied / Rental		166,000			50,000			237,000			1,176,000			(187,000	)

		243,000			(50,000	)		275,000			1,101,000			(63,000	)
Commercial Real Estate:
Land Development		16,000			(7,000	)		103,000			(75,000	)		47,000
Construction		0			0			0			0			0
Owner Occupied		86,000			(164,000	)		793,000			68,000			(18,000	)
Non-Owner Occupied		1,317,000			(1,525,000	)		4,341,000			4,060,000			639,000

		1,419,000			(1,696,000	)		5,237,000			4,053,000			668,000
Non-Real Estate:
Commercial Assets		(148,000	)		(14,000	)		81,000			(435,000	)		(162,000	)
Consumer Assets		13,000			14,000			(4,000	)		0			26,000

		(135,000	)		0			77,000			(435,000	)		(136,000	)

Total	$	1,527,000		$	(1,746,000	)	$	5,589,000		$	4,719,000		$	469,000

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

53.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

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

A migration analysis is completed quarterly to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans. Our migration takes into account various time periods, and while we have historically generally placed most weight on the eight-quarter time frame as that period is close to the average duration of our loan portfolio, consideration is given to other time periods as part of our assessment. Given the stabilizing loan losses experienced in recent quarters in comparison to those loan losses recorded in the more stressed economic conditions of several years ago, we decided to transition from the eight-quarter time frame to a longer ten-quarter time frame during the third quarter of 2012. We believe that the ten-quarter period represents a more useful range of economic conditions, and that it provides for a more relevant basis in determining reserve allocation factors given the current economic conditions and the general consensus of economic conditions in the near future. This transition resulted in an increase of approximately $1.5 million to the required loan loss reserve level as of September 30, 2012.

Although the migration analysis provides an accurate historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our commercial loans as of any quarter-end date. Therefore, we incorporate the environmental factors as adjustments to the historical data. Environmental factors include both internal and external items. We believe the most significant internal environmental factor is our credit culture and the relative aggressiveness in assigning and revising commercial loan risk ratings. Although we have been consistent in our approach to commercial loan ratings, ongoing stressed economic conditions have resulted in an even higher sense of aggressiveness with regards to the downgrading of lending relationships. In addition, we made revisions to our grading paradigms in early 2009 that mathematically resulted in commercial loan relationships being more quickly downgraded when signs of stress are noted, such as slower sales activity for construction and land development CRE relationships and reduced operating performance/cash flow coverage for C&I relationships. These changes, coupled with the stressed economic environment, resulted in significant downgrades and the need for substantial provisions to the allowance over the past several years. To more effectively manage our commercial loan portfolio, we created a specific group tasked with managing our most distressed lending relationships.

54.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Coinciding with our transition from an eight-quarter loan loss migration analysis to a ten-quarter loan loss migration analysis during the third quarter of 2012, we also transitioned from a 50-basis point environmental factor matrix to a 35-basis point environmental factor matrix. We believe this change was appropriate since extending the look back period of the loan loss migration analysis expands the level of environmental experience inherently included in the qualitative-based reserve allocation factors. This transition, along with typical quarterly environmental adjustments, resulted in a net decrease of $3.0 million to the required loan loss reserve level as of September 30, 2012.

The most significant external environmental factor is the assessment of the current economic environment and the resulting implications on our commercial loan portfolio. Currently, we believe conditions remain stressed for non-owner occupied CRE; however, recent data and performance reflect a level of stability, and in some cases improvement, in the C&I class of our loan portfolio.

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

Reflecting the stressed economic conditions and resulting negative impact on our loan portfolio, we have substantially increased the allowance as a percent of the loan portfolio over the past several years. The allowance equaled $27.8 million, or 2.7% of total loans outstanding, as of September 30, 2012, compared to 3.4%, 3.6%, 3.1%, 1.5% and 1.4% at year-end 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. A significant portion of the decline in the level of allowance to total loans outstanding during the first nine months of 2012 reflects the charge-off of specific reserves that were created in prior periods and the elimination and reduction of specific reserves due to successful collection efforts, while the remainder of the decline primarily results from commercial loan upgrades and reductions in most reserve allocation factors on non-impaired commercial loans resulting from the impact of lower net loan charge-offs in recent periods on our migration calculations.

As of September 30, 2012, the allowance was comprised of $12.0 million in general reserves relating to non-impaired loans, $3.2 million in specific reserve allocations relating to nonaccrual loans, and $12.6 million in specific reserves on other loans, primarily accruing loans designated as troubled debt restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings totaled $50.3 million at the end of the third quarter of 2012, consisting of $11.6 million that are on nonaccrual status and $38.7 million that are on accrual status. The latter, while considered and accounted for as impaired loans in accordance with accounting guidelines, is not included in our nonperforming loan totals. Impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $21.9 million as of September 30, 2012 had been subject to previous partial charge-offs aggregating $12.8 million. Those partial charge-offs were recorded as follows: $3.4 million during the first nine months of 2012, $4.2 million in 2011, $4.2 million in 2010 and $1.0 million in 2009. As of September 30, 2012, specific reserves allocated to impaired loans that had been subject to a previous partial charge-off totaled $0.6 million.

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

55.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Securities decreased by $37.3 million during the first nine months of 2012, totaling $147.6 million as of September 30, 2012. Proceeds from called U.S. Government agency bonds during the first nine months of 2012 totaled $63.4 million, with another $8.9 million from principal paydowns on mortgage-backed securities, $4.8 million from matured and called tax-exempt municipal bonds, and $5.4 million from paid-off and matured Michigan Strategic Fund bonds. Purchases during the first nine months of 2012, consisting almost exclusively of U.S. Government agency bonds, totaled $46.0 million. At September 30, 2012, the portfolio was comprised of U.S. Government agency bonds (48%), tax-exempt municipal general obligation and revenue bonds (18%), U.S. Government agency issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (17%), FHLB stock (8%), Michigan Strategic Fund bonds (8%), and mutual funds (1%). All of our securities, exclusive of FHLB stock, are currently designated as available for sale, and are therefore stated at fair value. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at September 30, 2012 totaled $135.7 million, including a net unrealized gain of $4.9 million. We maintain the securities portfolio at levels to provide adequate pledging and secondary liquidity for our daily operations. In addition, the securities portfolio serves a primary interest rate risk management function.

FHLB stock totaled $12.0 million as of September 30, 2012, unchanged from December 31, 2011. Our investment in FHLB stock is necessary to engage in their advance and other financing programs. We received a quarterly cash dividend at a rate of 3.00% per annum during the first, second and third quarters of 2012 and at average rates of 2.50% and 2.00% per annum during 2011 and 2010, respectively, and we expect a cash dividend will continue to be paid in future quarters.

Market values on our U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and tax-exempt general obligation and revenue municipal bonds are determined on a monthly basis with the assistance of a third party vendor. Evaluated pricing models that vary by type of security and incorporate available market data are utilized. Standard inputs include issuer and type of security, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads. The market value of other securities is estimated at carrying value as those financial instruments are generally bought and sold at par value. We believe our valuation methodology provides for a reasonable estimation of market value, and that it is consistent with the requirements of accounting guidelines.

Federal funds sold, consisting of excess funds sold overnight to a correspondent bank, along with investments in interest-bearing deposits at correspondent and other banks, are used to manage daily liquidity needs and interest rate sensitivity. During the first nine months of 2012, the average balance of these funds equaled $71.7 million, or 5.6% of average earning assets, compared to the 6.1%, 4.5% and 3.0% maintained during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The level maintained during these time periods is considerably higher than our historical average of less than 1.0%. Given the stressed market and economic conditions, we made the decision in early 2009 to operate with a higher than traditional balance of federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits. Reflecting our improved operating performance and financial condition, along with modestly improved economic conditions, we did reduce the level of average federal funds sold during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to 2011, and we currently expect to maintain a similar balance of federal funds sold for at least the remainder of 2012.

Premises and equipment at September 30, 2012 equaled $26.1 million, a decrease of $0.7 million during the first nine months of 2012. Purchases of premises and equipment during the first nine months of 2012 totaled only $0.4 million, while depreciation expense totaled $1.1 million. On December 30, 2009, all FDIC-insured financial institutions were required to prepay estimated FDIC deposit insurance assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The amount we paid equaled $16.3 million, which is being expensed over the future quarterly assessment periods. As of September 30, 2012, the balance of this prepaid asset was $8.5 million. Under current regulations, any unused portion of the amount prepaid remaining after payment of amounts due on June 30, 2013 will be returned to us by the FDIC.

56.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Foreclosed and repossessed assets totaled $11.2 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $15.3 million on December 31, 2011. The $4.1 million decrease during the first nine months of 2012 consisted of $12.8 million in sales proceeds and $1.7 million in valuation write-downs and net loss on sales, which were partially offset by $10.4 million in transfers from the loan portfolio. We expect foreclosed and repossessed assets to remain at elevated levels as we move through the stressed economic environment and in certain situations elect to foreclose or repossess collateral. The State of Michigan has a relatively protracted foreclosure process that generally takes six to twelve months before deed is obtained. While we expect further transfers from loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets in future periods reflecting our collection efforts on impaired lending relationships, we are hopeful that the increased sales activity we witnessed during the past several quarters will continue and limit the overall increase in and average balance of this nonperforming asset category.

Deposits decreased $4.5 million during the first nine months of 2012, totaling $1.11 billion at September 30, 2012. Local deposits increased $45.7 million, while out-of-area deposits decreased $50.2 million. As a percent of total deposits, local deposits equaled 74.7% on September 30, 2012, compared to 70.3%, 60.0%, 48.3% and 29.4% on December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In comparing balances as of September 30, 2012 to those at December 31, 2008, total deposits have declined by $492.0 million, consisting of a $356.9 million increase in local deposits and an $848.9 million decrease in out-of-area deposits. The decline in out-of-area deposits primarily results from the decline in total loans and the increase in local deposits. The increase in local deposits reflects various programs and initiatives we have implemented over the past several years, including: certificate of deposit campaign; implementation of several deposit-gathering initiatives in our commercial lending function; introduction of new deposit-related products and services; and the continuation of providing our customers with the latest in technological advances that give improved information, convenience and timeliness.

Noninterest-bearing checking deposit accounts further increased during the first nine months of 2012, having increased during 2011 after remaining relatively stable over the prior several years. Noninterest-bearing checking accounts averaged $157.5 million during the first nine months of 2012, compared to an average balance of $137.0 million during 2011, and $110 million to $120 million over the prior several years. A portion of the increase represents transfers from our repurchase agreement product, reflecting a change in rates offered on the repurchase agreement product whereby for certain lower-balance customers, maintaining their relationship with us in a noninterest-bearing checking account was less expensive for them than keeping their funds in the repurchase agreement product when taking into account the rate paid and fees assessed.

Local interest-bearing checking accounts, increasing $6.4 million during the first nine months of 2012, are up $135.9 million since year-end 2008. Money market deposit accounts increased $1.0 million during the first nine months of 2012, and are up $121.5 million since year-end 2008. The increases in both interest-bearing checking accounts and money market deposit accounts reflect our enhanced marketing program and relatively aggressive rates which resulted in many new individual, business and municipality deposits and increased balances from existing depositors, as well as transfers from maturing certificates of deposit. Savings deposits increased $15.4 million during the first nine months of 2012, but are down $2.1 million since year-end 2008. A vast majority of the increase in savings accounts during 2012 reflects increased savings deposit balances from several local municipal customers, primarily corresponding with the receipt of property tax collections.

Certificates of deposit purchased by customers located within our market areas increased $3.1 million during the first nine months of 2012, and have increased $45.4 million since year-end 2008. A majority of the increase since year-end 2008 reflects increased CD balances from certain municipal customers.

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Deposits obtained from customers located outside of our market areas decreased $50.2 million during the first nine months of 2012, and have declined $848.9 million since year-end 2008. As of September 30, 2012, out-of-area deposits totaled $280.3 million. Out-of-area deposits primarily consist of certificates of deposit obtained from depositors located outside our market areas and placed by deposit brokers for a fee, but also include certificates of deposit obtained from the deposit owners directly. The owners of out-of-area deposits include individuals, businesses and municipalities located throughout the United States. In addition, in early 2011 we established an interest-bearing checking account relationship with an out-of-area depositor engaged in the management of retirement accounts. This custodial relationship totaled $22.8 million as of September 30, 2012, and is expected to remain relatively stable in future periods as we believe this to be a long-term relationship. The significant decline in out-of-area deposits since year-end 2008 primarily reflects the influx of cash resulting from the reduction in total loans and from the increase in local deposits.

Repurchase agreements decreased $12.5 million during the first nine months of 2012, totaling $60.0 million as of September 30, 2012. A majority of the decrease reflects transfers to noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, as well as seasonal declines in balances as business customers use funds for tax and bonus payments during the early part of the calendar year. Year-end balances are typically high points in this account. Repurchase agreements declined $44.4 million during 2011, a vast majority of which reflects transfers to noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts. As part of our sweep account program, collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts are invested into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such repurchase agreements are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance.

FHLB advances decreased $10.0 million during the first nine months of 2012, and are down $235.0 million since year-end 2008. As of September 30, 2012, FHLB advances totaled $35.0 million. The decline in FHLB advances since year-end 2008 primarily reflects the influx of cash resulting from the reduction in total loans and from the increase in local deposits. The FHLB advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of September 30, 2012 totaled about $129 million, with availability approximating $89 million.

Liquidity

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

To assist in providing needed funds, we have regularly obtained monies from wholesale funding sources. Wholesale funds, primarily comprised of deposits from customers outside of our market areas and advances from the FHLB, totaled $315.3 million, or 26.2% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of September 30, 2012, compared to $375.5 million, or 30.5% of combined deposits and borrowed funds as of December 31, 2011, and $1.41 billion, or 71.5% of combined deposits and borrowed funds as of December 31, 2008. The significant decline since year-end 2008 primarily reflects the influx of cash resulting from the reduction in total loans and from increased local deposits.

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Although local deposits have generally increased as new business, municipality and individual deposit relationships are established and as existing customers increase the balances in their accounts, and we witnessed significant local deposit growth during the past several years, some reliance on wholesale funds will likely remain. As part of our current interest rate risk management strategy, virtually the entire amount of the approximate $155 million in wholesale funds obtained during the first nine months of 2012 has a fixed interest rate and mature within three to five years, reflecting the fact that a majority of commercial loans we have extended since the beginning of 2011 have a fixed interest rate.

Wholesale funds are generally a lower all-in cost source of funds when compared to the interest rates that would have to be offered in our local markets to generate a commensurate level of funds. Interest rates paid on new out-of-area deposits and FHLB advances have historically been similar to interest rates paid on new certificates of deposit issued to local customers. In addition, the overhead costs associated with wholesale funds are considerably less than the overhead costs that would be incurred to attract and administer a similar level of local deposits, especially if the estimated costs of a needed expanded branching network were taken into account. We believe the relatively low overhead costs reflecting our limited branch network mitigate our reliance on wholesale funds and resulting negative impact on our net interest margin.

As part of our sweep account program, collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts are invested into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such repurchase agreements are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance. Repurchase agreements decreased $12.5 million during the first nine months of 2012, totaling $60.0 million as of September 30, 2012. A majority of the decrease reflects transfers to noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, as well as seasonal declines in balances as business customers use funds for tax and bonus payments during the early part of the calendar year. Year-end balances are typically high points in this account. Repurchase agreements declined $44.4 million during 2011, a vast majority of which reflects transfers to noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts. Information regarding our repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2012 and during the first nine months of 2012 is as follows:


Outstanding balance at September 30, 2012	$	60,031,000
Weighted average interest rate at September 30, 2012		0.26	%
Maximum daily balance nine months ended September 30, 2012	$	73,054,000
Average daily balance for nine months ended September 30, 2012	$	60,234,000
Weighted average interest rate for nine months ended September 30, 2012		0.29	%

As a member of the FHLB, we have access to the FHLB advance borrowing programs. FHLB advances declined $10.0 million during the first nine months of 2012, and are down $235.0 million since year-end 2008. As of September 30, 2012, FHLB advances totaled $35.0 million. The decline in FHLB advances since year-end 2008 primarily reflects the influx of cash resulting from the reduction in total loans and from the increase in local deposits. Based on available collateral at September 30, 2012, we could borrow an additional $89.0 million. During the third quarter of 2012, we modified the terms of two existing FHLB advances (totaling $15.0 million) having the effect of extending the weighted average term from 1.3 years to 5.0 years and decreasing the weighted average interest rate from 3.10% to 1.51%. As the modification did not result in the terms being substantially different as defined by current accounting guidance, the transaction was accounted for as a modification, not extinguishment of debt. Accordingly, the prepayment fees incurred are amortized as an adjustment to the rate over the life of the new five-year advance.

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We also have the ability to borrow up to $38.0 million on a daily basis through correspondent banks using established unsecured federal funds purchased lines of credit. At no time during the first nine months of 2012 did we access the federal funds purchased lines of credit; in fact, we have not accessed the lines of credit since January of 2010. In contrast, federal funds sold averaged $61.2 million during the first nine months of 2012 and $78.6 million during all of 2011, with another $10.4 million invested in interest-bearing deposits at correspondent banks during the first nine months of 2012 and $9.7 million during all of 2011. Given the stressed market and economic conditions, we made the decision in early 2009 to operate with a higher than traditional balance of federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits. Reflecting our improved operating performance and financial condition, along with modestly improved economic conditions, we did reduce the level of average federal funds sold during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to 2011, and we currently expect to maintain a similar balance of federal funds sold for at least the remainder of 2012. As a result, we expect the use of our federal funds purchased lines of credit, in at least the near future, will be rare, if at all.

We have a line of credit through the Discount Window of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Using a substantial majority of our tax-exempt municipal securities as collateral, we could have borrowed up to $22.4 million for terms of 1 to 28 days at September 30, 2012. We did not utilize this line of credit during the first nine months of 2012 or at any time during 2011, 2010 or 2009, and do not plan to access this line of credit in future periods.

The following table reflects, as of September 30, 2012, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date, excluding accrued interest:


	One Year		One to		Three to		Over
	or Less		Three Years		Five Years		Five Years		Total
Deposits without a stated maturity	$	570,115,000	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	570,115,000
Certificates of deposit		256,645,000		125,405,000		155,401,000		0		537,451,000
Short-term borrowings		60,031,000		0		0		0		60,031,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		0		0		35,000,000		0		35,000,000
Subordinated debentures		0		0		0		32,990,000		32,990,000
Other borrowed money		0		0		0		1,433,000		1,433,000

In addition to normal loan funding and deposit flow, we must maintain liquidity to meet the demands of certain unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit. As of September 30, 2012, we had a total of $322.5 million in unfunded loan commitments and $11.0 million in unfunded standby letters of credit. Of the total unfunded loan commitments, $232.1 million were commitments available as lines of credit to be drawn at any time as customers’ cash needs vary, and $90.4 million were for loan commitments expected to close and become funded within the next twelve months. The level of commitments to make loans over the past several years had declined significantly when compared to historical levels, primarily reflecting stressed economic conditions; however, the $90.4 million level at September 30, 2012 is relatively high when compared to the levels over the past several years. The increase primarily reflects the impact of our improved operating performance and financial condition, expanded sales efforts and modestly improved economic conditions. We regularly monitor fluctuations in loan balances and commitment levels, and include such data in our overall liquidity management.

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

Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity is a noninterest-bearing source of funds that can provide support for asset growth. Shareholders’ equity was $144.6 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $165.0 million at December 31, 2011. The $20.4 million decrease during the first nine months of 2012 is primarily due to the repurchase of $21.0 million in preferred stock and the $7.5 million repurchase of a common stock warrant. The preferred stock was issued in May 2009 to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, while the common stock warrant was issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury in connection with our participation in the Capital Purchase Program. To fund the repurchases, our bank paid us cash dividends aggregating approximately the same amounts. The repurchases of the preferred stock and common stock warrant were partially offset by net income attributable to common shares of $8.5 million. In addition, shareholders’ equity was negatively impacted by $1.3 million resulting from the change in the market value of our available for sale securities portfolio and change in fair value of our interest rate swap.

Despite a reduction in shareholders’ equity during the first nine months of 2012, our bank remains “well capitalized.” As of September 30, 2012, our bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.5%, compared to 15.5% at December 31, 2011. Our bank’s total regulatory capital, consisting of shareholders’ equity plus a portion of the allowance, decreased by $18.5 million during the first nine months of 2012, primarily reflecting cash dividends totaling $31.5 million, partially mitigated by net income of $10.5 million. Partially offsetting the decline in total regulatory capital was a reduction of $46.6 million in total risk-weighted assets, primarily resulting from a decrease in commercial loans. As of September 30, 2012, our bank’s total regulatory capital equaled $169.9 million, or approximately $53 million in excess of the 10.0% minimum which is among the requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized.” Our and our bank’s capital ratios as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are disclosed in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

We and our bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. Our bank’s ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations, and to prudent and sound banking practices. On October 11, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.09 per share, to be paid on December 10, 2012 to shareholders of record as of November 9, 2012. This represents our first common stock cash dividend since the first quarter of 2010, as in April 2010 we had suspended payments of cash dividends on our common stock.

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Results of Operations

We recorded net income attributable to common shares of $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2012 ($0.30 per basic share and diluted share), compared to net income attributable to common shares of $2.7 million ($0.31 per basic share and $0.30 per diluted share) recorded during the third quarter of 2011. We recorded net income attributable to common shares of $8.5 million ($0.98 per basic share and $0.95 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2012, compared to net income attributable to common shares of $6.2 million ($0.72 per basic share and $0.69 per diluted share) recorded during the first nine months of 2011. The establishment of a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the reversal of the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2011 distort 2012 and 2011 after-tax operating result comparisons. On a pre-tax basis, our income was $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2012 and $13.9 million for the first nine months of 2012; pre-tax income for the respective 2011 periods was $3.0 million and $7.2 million.

The improved pre-tax earnings performance in the third quarter of 2012 and the first nine months of 2012 compared to the respective prior-year periods primarily results from lower provisions to the allowance for loan losses. The decreased provision expense reflects lower volumes of loan rating downgrades and nonperforming loans, a higher volume of loan rating upgrades, significant recoveries of prior-period loan charge-offs, the elimination or significant reduction of certain specific reserve allocations due to successful collection efforts, and continued progress in the stabilization of economic and real estate market conditions and resulting collateral valuations. In addition, in many instances the reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans were lowered as higher loan charge-off periods were replaced with lower loan charge-off periods in the quarterly reserve migration calculations. A higher net interest margin, which partially mitigated the negative impact of a lower level of average earning assets, lower FDIC insurance premiums, and increased noninterest income also contributed to the improved earnings performance in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to the respective 2011 periods. The enhanced earnings performance in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011 is also attributable to a reduction in costs associated with the administration and resolution of problem assets.

Our earnings performance continues to be hindered by elevated costs associated with the administration and resolution of problem assets; however, these costs trended downward during 2011 and into 2012 as the level of nonperforming assets declined. Although decreasing, the level of nonperforming assets remains elevated when compared to pre-2007 reporting periods as a result of the state, regional and national economic struggles experienced over the past several years and related impact on certain of our borrowers. We expect continued reductions in nonperforming asset administration and resolution costs in future periods as the level of nonperforming assets continues to decline.

Interest income during the third quarter of 2012 was $14.8 million, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 13.4%, from the $17.1 million earned during the third quarter of 2011. Interest income during the first nine months of 2012 was $45.3 million, a decrease of $9.4 million, or 17.2%, from the $54.7 million earned during the first nine months of 2011. The reduction in interest income is attributable to a significant decrease in earning assets, and to a lesser extent, a declining yield on earning assets. During the third quarter of 2012, earning assets averaged $1.27 billion, a decline of $144.9 million, or 10.2%, from the $1.41 billion in average earning assets during the third quarter of 2011. Average loans were down $68.8 million, average securities decreased $55.7 million, average federal funds sold decreased $21.3 million, and average interest-bearing deposit balances increased $0.9 million. During the first nine months of 2012, earning assets averaged $1.28 billion, or $187.4 million lower than average earning assets of $1.47 billion during the same time period in 2011. Average loans were down $115.8 million, average securities decreased $60.7 million, average federal funds sold decreased $11.6 million, and average interest-bearing deposit balances increased $0.7 million.

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During the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, earning assets had a weighted average yield (tax equivalent-adjusted basis) of 4.66% and 4.83%, respectively. During the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, earning assets had a weighted average yield (tax equivalent-adjusted basis) of 4.74% and 5.01%, respectively. The declines in earning asset yield in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods resulted from a decreased yield on average loans, and to a much lesser extent, a decreased yield on average securities.

The yield on average loans was 5.09% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 5.34% in the respective 2011 period, while the yield on average loans was 5.12% during the first nine months of 2012 compared to 5.45% during the first nine months of 2011. The lower yields on average loans in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods mainly resulted from a decreased yield on average commercial loans, which equaled 5.12% in the current-year third quarter compared to 5.37% in the respective prior-year period and 5.13% during the first nine months of 2012 compared to 5.48% during the first nine months of 2011. The commercial loan yield was negatively impacted by the lowering of rates on certain commercial loans throughout 2011 and into 2012 as a result of borrowers warranting decreased loan rates due to improved financial performance, the renewal of certain maturing term loans at lower rates, and competitive pricing pressures. In addition, the commercial loan yield was negatively impacted by an ongoing interest rate risk management strategy implemented in early 2011 whereby certain commercial loan relationships are being converted from the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate; this strategy, which is discussed in Item 3 of Part I of this report, has a short-term negative impact on net interest income as the conversions generally involve interest rate reductions. The commercial loan yield in the 2012 and 2011 periods was negatively impacted by net declines in the present values of the purchased and sold interest rate caps. Excluding the impact of these net declines, the yield on average commercial loans was 5.14% and 5.47% and the yield on average total loans was 5.11% and 5.44% in the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, while the yield on average commercial loans was 5.17% and 5.51% and the yield on average total loans was 5.15% and 5.48% during the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The yield on average securities was 4.11% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 4.42% in the respective 2011 period, and the yield on average securities during the first nine months of 2012 was 4.24% compared to 4.45% during the first nine months of 2011. The lower yields on average securities in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods mainly resulted from a decreased yield on U.S. Government agency bonds, reflecting a decline in market rates. The yield on U.S. Government agency bonds was 3.53% in the third quarter of 2012 and 3.82% during the first nine months of 2012 compared to 4.22% and 4.26% in the respective 2011 periods. Purchases of U.S. Government agency bonds with lower yields during the fourth quarter of 2011 and into 2012 using proceeds received from called bonds of the same type negatively impacted the yield on average securities. The bond purchases were necessary to meet collateral requirements and internal funds management policy guidelines. Unaccreted discount of $116,000 related to called U.S. Government agency bonds was recognized as income during the first nine months of 2012; excluding this discount, the yield on U.S. Government agency bonds would have been 3.60% in the first nine months of 2012. Unaccreted discount of $55,000 related to called U.S. Government agency bonds was recognized as income during the first nine months of 2011; excluding this discount, the yield on U.S. Government agency bonds would have been 4.20% in the first nine months of 2011. The negative impact of the declined U.S. Government agency bond yield on the yield on average total securities was partially offset by a shift in the securities portfolio mix from lower-yielding agency bonds to higher-yielding municipal securities. Average U.S. Government agency bonds represented 45.6% of average total securities in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 49.0% in the prior-year third quarter, and 44.7% of average total securities during the first nine months of 2012 compared to 50.4% in the comparable prior-year period. Average municipal securities represented 18.7% of average total securities in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 15.9% in the prior-year third quarter, and 18.9% of average total securities during the first nine months of 2012 compared to 15.0% during the same 2011 period.

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A change in earning asset mix in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to the respective prior-year periods, most notably an increase in higher-yielding average loans and declines in lower-yielding average securities and federal funds sold as a percentage of average earning assets, partially offset the negative impacts of the decreased yields on average loans and average securities on earning asset yield. Average loans equaled 82.1% of average earning assets during the third quarter of 2012, while average securities, federal funds sold, and interest-bearing deposit balances equaled 11.4%, 5.7%, and 0.8%, respectively. During the third quarter of 2011, average loans, securities, federal funds sold, and interest-bearing deposit balances represented 78.5%, 14.1%, 6.7%, and 0.7%, respectively, of average earning assets. Average loans equaled 82.4% of average earning assets during the first nine months of 2012, while average securities, federal funds sold, and interest-bearing deposit balances equaled 12.0%, 4.8%, and 0.8%, respectively. During the first nine months of 2011, average loans, securities, federal funds sold, and interest-bearing deposit balances represented 79.8%, 14.6%, 5.0%, and 0.6%, respectively, of average earning assets.

Interest expense during the third quarter of 2012 was $3.2 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 33.0%, from the $4.8 million expensed during the third quarter of 2011. Interest expense during the first nine months of 2012 was $10.3 million, a decrease of $5.5 million, or 34.7%, from the $15.8 million expensed during the first nine months of 2011. The reduction in interest expense in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods is attributable to a decrease in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities and a decline in the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. During the third quarter of 2012, interest-bearing liabilities averaged $1.07 billion, or $152.9 million lower than average interest-bearing liabilities of $1.22 billion during the prior-year third quarter. Average interest-bearing deposits were down $128.8 million, while average short-term borrowings decreased $13.8 million, FHLB advances decreased $10.0 million, and average other borrowings decreased $0.3 million. During the first nine months of 2012, interest-bearing liabilities averaged $1.08 billion, or $203.9 million lower than average interest-bearing liabilities of $1.29 billion during the same time period in 2011. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $160.3 million, while average short-term borrowings decreased $22.5 million, average FHLB advances decreased $16.6 million, and average other borrowings decreased $4.5 million.

During the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, interest-bearing liabilities had a weighted average rate of 1.18% and 1.54%, respectively. During the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, interest-bearing liabilities had a weighted average rate of 1.27% and 1.64%, respectively. The lower weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities in the 2012 periods compared to the respective prior-year periods was primarily due to the decline in market interest rates that began late in the third quarter of 2007 and continued through December of 2008 and a change in average interest-bearing liability mix, most notably decreases in higher-costing average out-of-area and brokered certificates of deposit and FHLB advances and increases in certain lower-costing non-certificate of deposit accounts as a percentage of average interest-bearing liabilities. Market interest rates remained low during 2009, 2010, 2011, and the first nine months of 2012. The lowering of interest rates on non-certificate of deposit accounts and repurchase agreements on various occasions during the last six months of 2011 and the first nine months of 2012 positively impacted the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods. In addition, maturing fixed-rate certificates of deposit and FHLB advances were renewed at lower rates, replaced by lower-costing funds, or allowed to runoff during 2011 and the first nine months of 2012.

Net interest income during the third quarter of 2012 was $11.6 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 5.8%, from the $12.3 million earned during the third quarter of 2011. Net interest income during the first nine months of 2012 was $35.0 million, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 10.1%, from the $38.9 million earned during the first nine months of 2011. The decrease in net interest income in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods was due to a decrease in earning assets, which more than offset an increase in the net interest margin. Average total loans during the third quarter of 2012 declined $68.8 million, or

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6.2%, compared to the prior-year third quarter, while average securities declined $55.7 million, or 27.9%, and average federal funds sold declined $21.3 million, or 22.7%, during the comparable time periods. Average total loans during the first nine months of 2012 decreased $115.8 million, or 9.9%, compared to the respective prior-year period, while average securities decreased $60.7 million, or 28.2%, and average federal funds sold decreased $11.6 million, or 16.0%, during the comparable time periods.

The net interest margin during the third quarter of 2012 was 3.67%, compared to 3.50% during the third quarter of 2011. During the first nine months of 2012, the net interest margin was 3.67%, compared to 3.58% during the same time period in 2011. Excluding the impact of the net decline in the present values of the purchased and sold interest rate caps, the net interest margin equaled 3.68% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 3.58% in the third quarter of 2011 and 3.70% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 3.60% in the first nine months of 2011. The improved net interest margin in the third quarter of 2012 and the first nine months of 2012 compared to the respective 2011 periods reflects a reduction in our cost of funds, which more than offset the decreased yield on earning assets. Although our yield on earning assets declined in the 2012 periods compared to the respective prior-year periods, our cost of funds declined at a greater rate, resulting in the improved net interest margin. The lowering of interest rates on certain non-certificate of deposit accounts and repurchase agreements on various occasions during the latter half of 2011 and the first nine months of 2012 positively impacted the cost of funds. The cost of funds also decreased as a result of higher-costing matured certificates of deposit and FHLB advances being renewed at lower rates, replaced by lower-costing funds, or allowed to runoff.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our consolidated average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the third quarter of 2012 and 2011. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the period presented. Tax-exempt securities interest income and yield have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 35%. Securities interest income was increased by $152,000 and $180,000 in the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, for this adjustment.

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	Quarters ended September 30,
	2012								2011
	Average					Average			Average					Average
	Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate
						(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Loans	$	1,042,370		$	13,386		5.09	%	$	1,111,184		$	14,951		5.34	%
Investment securities		144,071			1,480		4.11			199,715			2,207		4.42
Federal funds sold		72,735			46		0.25			94,049			60		0.25
Interest-bearing deposit balances		10,660			8		0.28			9,775			6		0.24

Total interest - earning assets		1,269,836			14,920		4.66			1,414,723			17,224		4.83
Allowance for loan losses		(29,245	)							(39,149	)
Other assets		146,928								129,066

Total assets	$	1,387,519							$	1,504,640

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits	$	942,042		$	2,728		1.15	%	$	1,070,887		$	4,040		1.50	%
Short-term borrowings		57,730			39		0.27			71,493			73		0.41
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		35,000			183		2.05			45,000			410		3.57
Other borrowings		34,406			234		2.66			34,704			226		2.55

Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,069,178			3,184		1.18			1,222,084			4,749		1.54

Noninterest-bearing deposits		167,775								140,976
Other liabilities		6,315								6,718
Shareholders’ equity		144,251								134,862

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,387,519							$	1,504,640

Net interest income				$	11,736							$	12,475

Net interest rate spread							3.48	%							3.29	%

Net interest spread on average assets							3.36	%							3.29	%

Net interest margin on earning assets							3.67	%							3.50	%

A negative provision expense of $0.4 million and $3.4 million was recorded during the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, compared to a provision expense of $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $5.0 million in the first nine months of 2011. The reduced provision expense reflects lower volumes of loan rating downgrades and nonperforming loans, a higher volume of loan rating upgrades, significant recoveries of prior-period loan charge-offs, the elimination or significant reduction of certain specific reserve allocations due to successful collection efforts, and continued progress in the stabilization of economic and real estate market conditions and resulting collateral valuations. In addition, in many instances the reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans were lowered as higher loan charge-off periods were replaced with lower loan charge-off periods in the

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quarterly reserve migration calculations. Net loan charge-offs of $1.5 million were recorded during the third quarter of 2012, compared to net loan charge-offs of $0.5 million during the prior-year third quarter. During the first nine months of 2012, net loan charge-offs totaled $5.4 million, compared to $11.0 million during the same time period in 2011. Of the $1.9 million in gross loans charged-off during the third quarter of 2012, $1.7 million, or about 90%, represents the elimination of specific reserves that were established through provision expense in earlier periods. Of the $11.2 million in gross loans charged-off during the first nine months of 2012, $3.9 million, or about 35%, represents the elimination of specific reserves that were established through provision expense in earlier periods. The allowance, as a percentage of total loans outstanding, was 2.68% as of September 30, 2012, compared to 3.41% as of December 31, 2011 and 3.60% as of September 30, 2011.

Noninterest income during the third quarter of 2012 was $2.1 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 14.0%, from the $1.8 million earned during the third quarter of 2011. Noninterest income during the first nine months of 2012 was $5.9 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 12.8%, from the $5.2 million earned during the same time period in 2011. The increase in noninterest income in the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods was mainly due to higher residential mortgage banking fee income, reflecting increased activity due to lower mortgage interest rates, and rental income from foreclosed properties, which more than offset decreased earnings on bank owned life insurance and service charges on accounts. The decline in earnings on bank owned life insurance primarily resulted from reduced investment yields, as paydowns on mortgage-backed securities were reinvested into similar securities with lower rates, while the decline in service charges on accounts mainly resulted from decreased fees associated with a particular checking account category as a result of a reduction in the number of active accounts.

Noninterest expense during the third quarter of 2012 was $10.2 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 2.1%, from the $10.0 million expensed during the third quarter of 2011. Noninterest expense during the first nine months of 2012 was $30.4 million, down $1.6 million, or 4.9%, from the $32.0 million expensed during the same time period in 2011. The increase in noninterest expense in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior-year third quarter primarily resulted from increased salary and benefit costs. Salary and benefit costs totaled $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of $0.2 million, or 4.6%, from the $4.6 million expensed in the third quarter of 2011, primarily reflecting expenses associated with the reinstatement or increasing of certain employee benefit programs that had been suspended or lowered in prior years. The decline in noninterest expense in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the respective 2011 period primarily resulted from decreased nonperforming asset administration and resolution costs and FDIC insurance premiums, which more than offset increased salary and benefit costs arising from the reinstitution or increasing of certain employee benefit programs.

Nonperforming asset administration and resolution costs totaled $1.6 million during the third quarter of 2012 and 2011; these costs totaled $4.9 million during the first nine months of 2012, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 25.7%, from the $6.6 million in costs incurred during the same time period in 2011. Nonperforming asset administration and resolution costs remain elevated; however, the costs are expected to decrease further in future periods as the level of nonperforming assets continues to decline.

FDIC insurance premiums were $0.3 million during the third quarter of 2012 and $0.9 million during the first nine months of 2012, compared to $0.6 million and $2.3 million during the respective 2011 periods. The lower premiums during the 2012 periods compared to the respective 2011 periods resulted from a decreased assessment rate and base. The decreased assessment rate reflects our improved financial condition and operating performance and the implementation of the FDIC’s revised risk-based assessment system on April 1, 2011.

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MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

During the third quarter of 2012, we recorded income before federal income tax of $3.9 million and a federal income tax expense of $1.2 million. During the first nine months of 2012, we recorded income before federal income tax of $13.9 million and a federal income tax expense of $4.4 million. During the third quarter of 2011, we recorded income before federal income tax of $3.0 million and no federal income tax expense. During the first nine months of 2011, we recorded income before federal income tax of $7.2 million and no federal income tax expense. A federal income tax expense was recorded in the third quarter of 2012 and the first nine months of 2012 as a result of the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset being reversed at year-end 2011.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

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

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

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MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

The following table depicts our GAP position as of September 30, 2012:


	Within Three Months			Three to Twelve Months			One to Five Years			After Five Years			Total
Assets:
Commercial loans (1)	$	173,848,000		$	187,053,000		$	564,388,000		$	15,080,000		$	940,369,000
Residential real estate loans		31,436,000			11,501,000			29,892,000			18,662,000			91,491,000
Consumer loans		1,358,000			616,000			1,263,000			191,000			3,428,000
Securities (2)		25,639,000			2,063,000			30,296,000			89,623,000			147,621,000
Federal funds sold		78,012,000			0			0			0			78,012,000
Interest-bearing deposits		9,922,000			0			750,000			0			10,672,000
Allowance for loan losses		0			0			0			0			(27,762,000	)
Other assets		0			0			0			0			144,533,000

Total assets		320,215,000			201,233,000			626,589,000			123,556,000		$	1,388,364,000

Liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking		208,978,000			0			0			0			208,978,000
Savings deposits		47,893,000			0			0			0			47,893,000
Money market accounts		146,354,000			0			0			0			146,354,000
Time deposits under $100,000		8,653,000			24,338,000			30,367,000			0			63,358,000
Time deposits $100,000 & over		42,488,000			181,166,000			250,439,000			0			474,093,000
Short-term borrowings		60,031,000			0			0			0			60,031,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		0			0			35,000,000			0			35,000,000
Other borrowed money		34,423,000			0			0			0			34,423,000
Noninterest-bearing checking		0			0			0			0			166,890,000
Other liabilities		0			0			0			0			6,786,000

Total liabilities		548,820,000			205,504,000			315,806,000			0			1,243,806,000
Shareholders’ equity		0			0			0			0			144,558,000

Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity		548,820,000			205,504,000			315,806,000			0		$	1,388,364,000

Net asset (liability) GAP	$	(228,605,000	)	$	(4,271,000	)	$	310,783,000		$	123,556,000

Cumulative GAP	$	(228,605,000	)	$	(232,876,000	)	$	77,907,000		$	201,463,000

Percent of cumulative GAP to total assets		(16.5	%)		(16.8	%)		5.6	%		14.5	%

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

⁽²⁾	Mortgage-backed securities are categorized by average life calculations based upon prepayment trends as of September 30, 2012.

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The second interest rate risk measurement we use is commonly referred to as net interest income simulation analysis. We believe that this methodology provides a more accurate measurement of interest rate risk than the GAP analysis, and therefore, it serves as our primary interest rate risk measurement technique. The simulation model assesses the direction and magnitude of variations in net interest income resulting from potential changes in market interest rates. Key assumptions in the model include prepayment speeds on various loan and investment assets; cash flows and maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities; and changes in market conditions impacting loan and deposit volume and pricing. These assumptions are inherently uncertain, subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment; therefore, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or exactly predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and our strategies, among other factors.

We conducted multiple simulations as of September 30, 2012, in which it was assumed that changes in market interest rates occurred ranging from up 400 basis points to down 400 basis points in equal quarterly instalments over the next twelve months. The following table reflects the suggested impact on net interest income over the next twelve months in comparison to estimated net interest income based on our balance sheet structure, including the balances and interest rates associated with our specific loans, securities, deposits and borrowed funds, as of September 30, 2012. The resulting estimates are well within our policy parameters established to manage and monitor interest rate risk.


Interest Rate Scenario	Dollar Change In Net Interest Income			Percent Change In Net Interest Income
Interest rates down 400 basis points	$	(3,000,000	)		(6.6	%)
Interest rates down 300 basis points		(2,600,000	)		(5.8	)
Interest rates down 200 basis points		(2,200,000	)		(4.9	)
Interest rates down 100 basis points		(1,500,000	)		(3.3	)
No change in interest rates		(300,000	)		(0.7	)
Interest rates up 100 basis points		300,000			0.7
Interest rates up 200 basis points		1,000,000			2.2
Interest rates up 300 basis points		1,600,000			3.5
Interest rates up 400 basis points		1,500,000			3.3

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

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MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

As of September 30, 2012, the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate was 4.50% as compared to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of 3.25%. Historically, the two indices have been equal; however, we elected not to reduce the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate in late October and mid-December of 2008 when the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate declined by 50 and 75 basis points, respectively. In conducting our simulations since year-end 2008, we have made the assumption that the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate will remain unchanged until the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate equals the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate, at which time the two indices will remain equal in the increasing interest rate scenarios. One of our primary interest rate goals has been to reduce the negative impact this repricing gap will likely have on our net interest income in an increasing interest rate environment, for which we have devised two primary strategies. First, starting in early 2011, we started a program to convert certain commercial loan relationships from the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. As of September 30, 2012, approximately 57% of our floating rate commercial loans were tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, compared to less than 5% at year-end 2010. Although this program has a short-term negative impact on net interest income as the conversion generally involves an interest rate reduction, it will have a positive impact on net interest income in a rising interest rate environment as the affected commercial loans will be subject to increased repricing sooner than otherwise. Second, in June of 2011, we entered into a two-year cap corridor that is addressed in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which as of September 30, 2012 would provide for a net increase in net interest income of $0.3 million, $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million in the increasing interest rate environments of 100 basis points, 200 basis points, 300 basis points and 400 basis points, respectively. This financial impact is included in the table above.

Brokered certificate of deposit rates have substantially decreased since December of 2008, with part of the decline attributable to a significant imbalance whereby the supply of available funds far outweighs the demand from banks looking to raise funds. As a result, we have substantially limited further reductions in brokered certificate of deposit rates in the declining interest rate scenarios.

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

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2012, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012. There have been no significant changes in our controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

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

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

We made no unregistered sale of equity securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


Period	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased		(b) Average Price Paid Per Share		(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		(d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1 – 31		1,128	$	18.22		0		0
August 1 – 31		15,710	$	17.03		0		0
September 1 – 30		587	$	17.48		0		0
Total		17,425	$	17.12		0		0

The shares shown in column (a) above as having been purchased were acquired from several of our employees when they used shares of common stock that they already owned to pay part of the exercise price when exercising stock options under our employee stock-based compensation plans.

On June 27, 2012, we reached an agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) for repurchasing the Warrant we issued to the Treasury on May 15, 2009 in connection with our participation in the Capital Purchase Program (the “Warrant”). The Capital Purchase Program was part of the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program. The Warrant provided the Treasury with the right to purchase 616,438 shares of our common stock at a price of $5.11 per share. Under the agreement reached with the Treasury, we repurchased the Warrant for $7,465,100. The closing for the repurchase occurred on July 3, 2012, and was documented by a letter agreement between us and Treasury dated July 3, 2012.

We do not have a stock repurchase plan or program, and the repurchase of the Warrant did not relate to any such plan or program.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.

Other Information.

Not applicable.

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MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

Item 6.

Exhibits


EXHIBIT NO.		EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

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

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

10.1		Letter Agreement dated July 3, 2012 between the United States Department of the Treasury and Mercantile Bank Corporation relating to Mercantile’s repurchase of its Warrant for 616,438 shares of common stock is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012

10.2		2012 Mercantile Senior Executive Officer Bonus Plan for Michael H. Price is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed July 5, 2012

31		Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

32.1		Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

32.2		Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

101		The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements *

Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

73.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on November 8, 2012.


MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

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

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

74.

EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NO.		EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

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

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

10.1		Letter Agreement dated July 3, 2012 between the United States Department of the Treasury and Mercantile Bank Corporation relating to Mercantile’s repurchase of its Warrant for 616,438 shares of common stock is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012

10.2		2012 Mercantile Senior Executive Officer Bonus Plan for Michael H. Price is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed July 5, 2012

31		Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

32.1		Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

32.2		Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

101		The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements *

75.