CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC (COFS) FY 2023 MD&A

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is designed to provide a review of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (“ChoiceOne” or the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes.

We have omitted discussion of 2022 results where it would be redundant to the discussion previously included in Part II, Item 7 of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Selected Financial Data

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary

ChoiceOne's net income for 2023 was $21.3 million, compared to $23.6 million in 2022. Diluted earnings per share were $2.82 in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $3.15 per share in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

ChoiceOne's asset mix has shifted from loans held for investment of 56.2% of deposits at December 31, 2022 to 66.5% of deposits at December 31, 2023. Total assets increased by $190.8 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. As a result of the change in asset mix and increase in total assets, interest income increased $23.9 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. This increase was driven by core loan growth of $201.5 million or 16.9%, which was partially offset by a decrease in investment securities of $33.2 million. Loans to other financial institutions, consisting of a warehouse line of credit, increased $19.4 million during the full year 2023.

Deposits, excluding brokered deposits, decreased $17.7 million or 0.8% as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. The decrease in deposits since December 31, 2022 was largely concentrated in the first quarter of 2023 as a result of a combination of customers using cash on hand for debt payoffs, seasonal tax and municipal bond payments, and customers seeking higher rates in money market securities or other investments. Deposits grew in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 due to new business, recapture of deposit losses, and some seasonality in municipal balances. ChoiceOne continues to be proactive in managing its liquidity position by using brokered deposits, the Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP"), and FHLB advances to ensure ample liquidity. At December 31, 2023, total available borrowing capacity from all sources was $933.3 million.

The increase in short term interest rates has led to higher deposit costs, which rose to 1.14% in 2023 compared to 0.27% in 2022 as deposits reprice and customers shift to CD and other interest bearing products. This trend is likely to persist. ChoiceOne is taking active measures to control these costs and expects to continue to pay lower rates on deposits than the federal funds rate. Interest expense on borrowings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, increased $7.2 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to increases in borrowing amounts and interest rates. Borrowings include $170 million from the BTFP and $30 million of FHLB borrowings at a weighted average fixed rate of 4.7%. Total cost of funds increased to 1.44% in 2023 compared to 0.35% in 2022.

ChoiceOne adopted CECL effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts are reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standard. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an increase in the ACL of $7.2 million, which included a $5.5 million decrease to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $1.5 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an additional ACL on unfunded commitments of $3.3 million, which included a $2.6 million decrease to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $688,000 tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The provision for credit losses expense on loans was $1.3 million in the full year 2023, due to the significant growth of core loans. Core loan growth was offset by improvements in the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") forecast and certain payoffs of watch loans during the full year 2023. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to total loans (excluding loans held for sale) was 1.11% on December 31, 2023 compared to 1.24% on January 1, 2023. Asset quality continues to remain strong, with annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans of 0.03% and nonperforming loans to total loans (excluding loans held for sale) of 0.14% as of December 31, 2023.

Purchased loans carry approximately $2.5 million of accretable yield, which will be recognized into income over the remaining life of the loans, approximately two to four years.

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Noninterest Income

Noninterest income rose by $834,000 in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was largely due to reduced losses on the sale of securities and a decline in the change in market value of equity securities. This was partially offset by the decline in gains on sales of loans in 2023 compared to 2022. With the rapid rise in interest rates, mortgage refinancing activity slowed in 2023 and the rate environment for purchased mortgage loans became increasingly competitive. In addition, ChoiceOne recorded a BOLI claim of $274,000 in December of 2022, which was not repeated in 2023.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense increased $1.6 million or 3.0% in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The increase in total noninterest expense was largely related to inflationary pressures on employee wages and benefits and increases to FDIC insurance, partially offset by lower occupancy and data processing costs. As part of its ongoing optimization strategy, ChoiceOne intends to consolidate two of its branches by March 2024. Customers who currently use these branches will be able to access nearby ChoiceOne locations that offer the same level of service and convenience. ChoiceOne anticipates a low impact on customer retention and expects to save around $700,000 annually from this decision. Management continues to seek out ways to manage costs, but also recognizes the value of investing in innovation and attracting the best talent in our industry to compete effectively in our markets.

Dividends

Cash dividends of $7.9 million or $1.05 per common share were declared in 2023 compared to $7.6 million or $1.01 per common share in 2022. The dividend yield for ChoiceOne’s common stock was 3.58% as of the end of 2023, compared to 3.48% as of the end of 2022. The cash dividend payout as a percentage of net income was 37% as of December 31, 2023, compared to 32% as of December 31, 2022.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $288,000 higher in 2023 than in 2022. The effective tax rate was 16.8% for the year ended 2023 compared to 14.5% for the same period in 2022. During 2023, nontaxable municipal interest decreased and disallowed interest expense increased compared to the year ended 2022. For further details, refer to Note 12 - Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.

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Table 1 – Average Balances and Tax-Equivalent Interest Rates

Tables 1 and 2 on the following pages provide information regarding interest income and expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. Table 1 documents ChoiceOne’s average balances and interest income and expense, as well as the average rates earned or paid on assets and liabilities. Table 2 documents the effect on interest income and expense of changes in volume (average balance) and interest rates.

(1)
Adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis to facilitate comparison to the taxable interest-earning assets. The adjustment uses an incremental tax rate of 21%. The presentation of these measures on a tax-equivalent basis is not in accordance with GAAP, but is customary in the banking industry. These non-GAAP measures ensure comparability with respect to both taxable and tax-exempt loans and securities.

(2)
Interest on taxable securities includes dividends on Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock.

(3)
Loans include both loans to other financial institutions and loans held for sale.

(4)
Non-accruing loan and PPP loan balances are included in the balances of average loans. Non-accruing loan average balances were $1.6 million, $1.3 million, and $3.3 million for the year ended 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. PPP loan average balances were $0, $8.7 million, $95.9 million for the year ended 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

(5)
Interest on loans included net origination fees, accretion income, and PPP fees. Accretion income was $1.7 million, $2.0 million, and $1.1 million for the full year 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. PPP fees were approximately $0, $1.2 million, and $5.2 million for the full year 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

(6)
Interest income for 2023 was reduced by $2.8 million due to amortization expense related to the March 2023 sale of the pay floating swap derivative.

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Table 2 – Changes in Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income

(1)
The volume variance is computed as the change in volume (average balance) multiplied by the previous year’s interest rate. The rate variance is computed as the change in interest rate multiplied by the previous year’s volume (average balance). The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to the volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

(2)
Interest on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 21% for 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Net Interest Income

Tax-equivalent net interest income declined $1.6 million for the full year 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate by 5.25% from March 31, 2022 to September 30, 2023 in response to published inflation rates. This increased rates on newly originated loans and rates paid on deposits and led to a net decline in tax equivalent net interest margin of 26 basis points in 2023 compared to 2022. GAAP based net interest margin declined 24 basis points in 2023 compared to 2022.

The following table presents the cost of deposits and the cost of funds for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021.

ChoiceOne has experienced substantial core loan growth from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023, leading to an increase in interest income from loans of $15.6 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. Average core loans grew $161.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. In addition, the average rate earned on loans increased 62 basis points for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in interest income from loans and the average rate increase on loans was muted by a decline in PPP fees and an increase in expense related to derivatives in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. PPP fee income in 2023 was $0 compared to $1.2 million in 2022. Interest income on loans for 2023 was reduced by $2.1 million due to amortization expense related to the March 2023 sale of the pay floating swap derivative.

The average balance of total securities decreased $52.0 million in 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease was due to the paydowns, maturities, and redemptions during 2023. The average rate earned on securities increased 58 basis points for the full year

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2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. Interest income on securities for 2023 was reduced by $709,000 due to amortization expense related to the March 2023 sale of the pay floating swap derivative.

Interest expense increased $25.3 million for the full year 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average rate paid on interest bearing-demand deposits and savings deposits increased 64 basis points in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year. This was offset by the decline in the average balance of interest bearing-demand deposits and savings deposits, of $131.6 million during 2023. The increase in the average balance of certificates of deposit of $110.9 million during 2023, combined with a 263 basis point increase in the rate paid on certificates of deposits during 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year, led to an increase in interest expense of $9.0 million during 2023.

In order to bolster liquidity, ChoiceOne borrowed $170.0 million from the Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP") during the second and fourth quarter of 2023 and currently holds $23.4 million in brokered deposits and $30.0 million in FHLB advances on December 31, 2023. The net effect of these additional borrowed funds and brokered deposits was an increase in interest expense of $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.

In September 2021, ChoiceOne completed a private placement of $32.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2031. In addition, ChoiceOne holds certain subordinated debentures issued in connection with a trust preferred securities offering that were obtained as part of the merger with Community Shores. The average balance of subordinated debentures was relatively flat in 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Provision and Allowance For Credit Losses

Table 3 – Provision and Allowance For Credit Losses

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On January 1, 2023, ChoiceOne adopted ASU 2016-13 CECL which caused an increase in the allowance for credit losses ("ACL") of $7.2 million. The large increase was partially due to the economic environment and the nature of the CECL calculation. Approximately 20% of this increase was related to the migration of purchased loans into the portfolio assessed by the CECL calculation. ChoiceOne also booked a liability for expected credit losses on unfunded loans and other commitments of $3.3 million related to the adoption of CECL. These unfunded loans are open credit lines with current customers and loans approved by ChoiceOne but not funded. The increase in the ACL and the cost of the liability resulted in a decrease in the retained earnings account on our Consolidated Balance Sheet equal to the after-tax impact, with the tax impact portion being recorded in deferred taxes in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with FASB guidance.

The ACL consists of general and specific components. The general component covers loans collectively evaluated for credit loss and is based on peer historical loss experience adjusted for current and forecasted factors. Management's adjustment for current and forecasted factors is based on trends in delinquencies, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in the volume of loans, changes in underwriting standards, trends in loan review findings, the experience and ability of lending staff, and a reasonable and supportable economic forecast described further below.

The determination of our loss factors is based, in part, upon benchmark peer loss history adjusted for qualitative factors that, in management's judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the analysis date. ChoiceOne's lookback period of benchmark peer net charge-off history was from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2019 for this analysis.

Loans individually evaluated for credit losses decreased by $767,000 to $2.1 million during the full year ended December 31, 2023, and the ACL related to these individually evaluated loans decreased by $93,000 during the same period largely due to the balance change and relationships that paid off in full during the fourth quarter of 2023.

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Nonperforming loans, which includes Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") but excludes performing troubled loan modifications ("TLM") and troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") loans, remained historically low during 2023 and were $1.9 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $1.3 million as of December 31, 2022. The ACL was 1.11% of total loans, excluding loans held for sale, at December 31, 2023, compared to 1.24% as of January 1, 2023 (the CECL adoption date) and 0.64% at December 31, 2022. The liability for expected credit losses on unfunded loans and other commitments was $2.2 million on December 31, 2023, compared to $3.3 million as of January 1, 2023 (the CECL adoption date).

Net charge-offs were $364,000 during the full year 2023, compared to net charge-offs of $319,000 during the same period in 2022. Net charge-offs for checking accounts during the full year 2023 were $226,000 compared to $246,000 for the same period in the prior year. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 0.03% during the full year 2023 and 2022.

The provision for credit losses was $1.3 million during the full year 2023, compared to $250,000 in the same period in the prior year. The provision expense was deemed necessary due to the impact of substantial core loan growth partially offset by improvements in the FOMC forecast for unemployment and GDP growth. The FOMC forecast for change in real GDP (2023) improved from 0.5% in December of 2022 to 2.6% in December of 2023 while the unemployment rate forecast (2023) improved from 4.6% in December 2022 to 3.8% in December 2023.

The loan provision expense was offset by the decrease in unfunded commitments provision expense of $1.1 million in the full year 2023 due to changes in mix and expected funding rates during the year. Total unfunded commitments decreased $17.6 million in the full year 2023 compared to January 1, 2023.

Net provision for credit losses was $150,000 for the full year 2023.

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Financial Condition

Summary

Total assets grew $190.8 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Core loans grew $201.5 million or 16.9% and were offset by a decline in investment securities of $33.2 million. Deposits, excluding brokered deposits, declined by $17.7 million during 2023, while borrowings increased by $150.0 million to fund loan demand and ensure ample liquidity. Deposit costs rose steadily during the year with larger increases coming in the second and third quarters as competition and rate increases amplified.

Securities

The Company’s securities balances as of December 31 were as follows:

Total investment securities declined $34.2 million from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. ChoiceOne purchased $7.1 million of securities in 2023. This was offset by the liquidation of $4.8 million in securities during 2023, resulting in a $71,000 realized loss. Securities totaling $11.5 million were called or matured in 2023. ChoiceOne received principal payments for municipal and mortgage-backed securities totaling $37.4 million during 2023.

At December 31, 2023, the Company had $128.9 million in unrealized losses on its investment securities, including $69.7 million in unrealized losses on available for sale securities and $59.2 million in unrealized losses on held to maturity securities. Unrealized losses on corporate and municipal bonds have not been recognized into income because management believes the issuers are of high credit quality, and management does not intend to sell prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and other market conditions. The issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments on the bonds. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach maturity.

ChoiceOne utilizes interest rate derivatives as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. In order to hedge the risk of rising rates and unrealized losses on securities resulting from the rising rates, ChoiceOne currently holds pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $401.0 million. These derivative instruments increase in value as long-term interest rates rise, which partially offsets the reduction in shareholders' equity due to unrealized losses on securities available for sale. Refer to Note 8 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities of the consolidated financial statements for more discussion on ChoiceOne’s derivative position.

Equity securities included a money market preferred security ("MMP") of $1.0 million and common stock of $6.5 million as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, equity securities included a MMP of $1.0 million and common stock of $7.6 million. The decline compared to December 31, 2022 was due to the sale of an equity position during the third quarter.

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Per U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale are reflected on the balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), while unrealized gains or losses on securities held to maturity are not reflected on the balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Loans

The Company’s loan portfolio by call report code was as follows:

Core loans, which exclude held for sale loans, and loans to other financial institutions, grew organically by $201.5 million in 2023. We have expanded our commercial lending team and improved our commercial loan process with automation. This has increased our commercial loan pipeline and growth. Our loan portfolio grew in various segments during 2023: non-owner occupied CRE loans ($77.5 million), 1-4 Family loans ($59.8 million), and construction & development loans ($57.5 million). The growth in non-owner occupied CRE loans came from our loan production offices in Holland, MI, Oakland, MI, Wyoming, MI and Macomb, MI, as experienced lenders were hired there in the past 18 months. CRE growth consisted of increases in seasoned hospitality groups, apartment buildings in the Grand Rapids, Michigan market, and professional office space in suburban areas with long-term leases and low loan to value ratios. 1-4 family loans grew as the 5/1 ARM product became popular as a mortgage option and it is less salable into the secondary market than more traditional mortgage options. The growth in construction and development loans included some apartment projects in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a healthy market with a low vacancy rate of 3.1% in 2023, according to Moody's Analytics REIS. These gains were partly offset by declines in farm & agricultural loans ($13.4 million) and consumer loans ($2.6 million) in the year ended December 31, 2023.

Loans to other financial institutions increased $19.4 million from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. Loans to other financial institutions is comprised of a warehouse line of credit to facilitate mortgage loan originations, and interest rates fluctuate with the national mortgage market. This balance is short term in nature with an average life of under 30 days. Management believes the short-term structure and low credit risk of this asset is advantageous in the current rate environment. ChoiceOne had elected to suspend this program in 2022 and restarted the program in June of 2023. Since restarting the program, ChoiceOne has earned an interest rate of approximately 7.9% on loans to other financial institutions.

ChoiceOne recorded accretion income related to acquired loans in the amount of $1.7 million in 2023 and $2.0 million during 2022. Remaining credit and yield mark on acquired loans from the mergers with County Bank Corp. and Community Shores will accrete into income as the acquired loans mature. ChoiceOne estimates that roughly $2.5 million will accrete into income over the next two to four years.

As part of its review of the loan portfolio, management also monitors the various nonperforming loans. Nonperforming loans are comprised of loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis, loans not included in nonaccrual loans, which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, and troubled loan modifications which are accruing and initiated in the past year. It is noted that prior to January 1, 2023, loans classified as troubled debt restructurings that were not performing as of December 31, 2022 are included in the table below.

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The balances of these nonperforming loans as of December 31 were as follows:

Nonaccrual loans included $1.7 million in residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2023, compared to $1.3 million in residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2022. Loans considered troubled loan modifications which were not on a nonaccrual basis and were not 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest payments consisted of $60,000 in commercial and industrial loans and $129,000 in residential real estate loans at December 31, 2023, compared to troubled debt restructured loans which were not performing were $3,000 in agricultural loans, $58,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $131,000 in commercial real estate loans and $1.2 million in residential real estate loans at December 31, 2022.

Management also maintains a list of loans that are not classified as nonperforming loans but where some concern exists as to the borrowers’ abilities to comply with the original loan terms. There were 22 loans totaling $357,000 fitting this description as of December 31, 2023, and 10 loans totaling $180,000 fitting this description as of December 31, 2022.

Deposits and Other Funding Sources

The Company’s deposit balances as of December 31 were as follows:

Deposits, excluding brokered deposits, increased by $14.7 million or an annualized 2.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and decreased $17.7 million or 0.8% as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. The decrease in deposits since December 31, 2022 was largely concentrated in the first quarter of 2023 as a result of a combination of customers using cash on hand for debt payoffs, seasonal tax and municipal bond payments, and customers seeking higher rates in money market securities or other investments. Deposits grew in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 due to new business, recapture of deposit losses, and some seasonality in municipal balances. ChoiceOne continues to be proactive in managing its liquidity position by using brokered deposits, the Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP"), and FHLB advances to ensure ample liquidity.

At December 31, 2023, total available borrowing capacity from all sources was $933.3 million. Total deposits exceeding the FDIC insured limit of $250,000 for individual and $500,000 for joint accounts were $769.7 million or 36.3% of deposits at December 31, 2023, compared to $823.2 million, or 38.9% of total deposits at December 31, 2022. Core deposits, which we define as insured branch deposits less certificates of deposit, totaled $823.2 million or 38.8% of total deposits at December 31, 2023.

The increase in short term interest rates has led to higher deposit costs, which rose to 1.57% in the last quarter of 2023, compared to 1.36% in the previous quarter and 0.47% in the fourth quarter of 2022. Deposit costs were 1.14% for the full year 2023, compared to 0.27% for the full year 2022, as deposits reprice and customers shift to CD and other interest bearing products. This trend is likely to persist. ChoiceOne is taking active measures to control these costs and expects to continue to pay lower rates on deposits than the federal funds rate. Interest expense on borrowings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, increased $7.2 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to increases in borrowing amounts and interest rates. Borrowings include $170 million from the BTFP and $30 million of FHLB borrowings at a weighted average fixed rate of 4.7% at December 31, 2023. Total cost of funds increased to

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1.91% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 1.70% in the third quarter of 2023 and 0.59% in the fourth quarter of 2022. Total cost of funds was 1.44% for the full year 2023, compared to 0.35% for the full year 2022.

In September 2021, ChoiceOne completed a private placement of $32.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2031. ChoiceOne used a portion of net proceeds from the private placement to redeem senior debt, fund common stock repurchases, and support bank-level capital ratios. ChoiceOne also holds $3.2 million in subordinated debentures issued in connection with a $4.5 million trust preferred securities offering, which were obtained in the merger with Community Shores, offset by the mark-to-market adjustment.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity totaled $195.6 million as of December 31, 2023, up from $168.9 million as of December 31, 2022. This increase is due to retained earnings increasing $5.3 million due to earnings and a reduction in accumulated other compressive loss (AOCI) of $20.2 million. The improvement in AOCI, despite the rise in interest rates, is due to both the shortening duration and maturing (paydowns) of the securities portfolio, as well as an offsetting increase in unrealized gain of the pay-fixed swap derivatives. ChoiceOne Bank remains “well-capitalized” with a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.4% as of December 31, 2023, compared to 13.0% on December 31, 2022.

ChoiceOne uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate exposure to certain fixed assets and variable rate liabilities. On December 31, 2023, ChoiceOne had pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $401.0 million, a weighted average coupon of 3.07%, a fair value of $8.9 million and an average contract length of 8 to 9 years. These derivative instruments increase in value as long-term interest rates rise, which partially offsets the reduction in equity due to unrealized losses on securities available for sale. Included in the total is $200.0 million of forward starting pay-fixed, receive floating interest rate swaps used to hedge interest bearing liabilities. These forward starting swaps will pay a fixed coupon of 2.75% while receiving SOFR starting in late April 2024. At the current SOFR rate of 5.38%, these forward starting swaps would contribute approximately $438,000 monthly starting in May 2024 which will partially offset interest expense. In addition, in March 2023, ChoiceOne eliminated all receive-fixed, pay floating swap agreements for a cash payment of $4.2 million. The loss is being amortized in interest income with an expense of approximately $273,000 monthly through April 2024, which was the remaining period of the agreements.

On January 1, 2023, ChoiceOne adopted ASU 2016-13 CECL which caused an increase in the ACL of $7.2 million and booked a liability for expected credit losses on unfunded loans and other commitments of $3.3 million. The increase in the ACL and the cost of the liability resulted in a decrease in retained earnings on our consolidated balance sheet equal to the after-tax impact, with the tax impact portion being recorded in deferred taxes in our consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB guidance.

Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements presents regulatory capital information for ChoiceOne and the Bank at the end of 2023 and 2022. Management will monitor these capital ratios during 2024 as they relate to asset growth and earnings retention. ChoiceOne’s Board of Directors and management do not plan to allow capital to decrease below those levels necessary to be considered "well capitalized" by regulatory guidelines.

Table 4 – Contractual Obligations

The following table discloses information regarding the maturity of ChoiceOne’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2023:

(1)
Cumulative preferred securities on the balance sheet include $1.1 million of discount due to a mark to market adjustment which is not reflected in the table above.

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(2)
ChoiceOne subordinated debenture on the balance sheet includes $385,000 of capitalized issuance cost which is not reflected in the table above.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk

Net cash provided by operating activities was $46.5 million in 2023 compared to $45.0 million in 2022. The change was due to lower net proceeds from loan sales and an increase in other assets in 2023 compared to 2022. Net cash used in investing activities was $181.4 million in 2023 compared to $90.5 million in 2022. ChoiceOne had loan originations and payments of $221.2 million in the full year 2023, compared to $130.6 million in the same period in the prior year. Net cash provided by financing activities was $146.4 million in 2023, compared to $57.5 million in 2022. ChoiceOne had net cash from borrowings of $150.0 million in the full year 2023, compared to $0 in the full year 2022.

ChoiceOne's market risk exposure occurs in the form of interest rate risk and liquidity risk. ChoiceOne's business is transacted in U.S. dollars with no foreign exchange risk exposure. Agricultural loans comprise a relatively small portion of ChoiceOne's total assets. Management believes that ChoiceOne's exposure to changes in commodity prices is insignificant.

Liquidity risk deals with ChoiceOne's ability to meet its cash flow requirements. These requirements include depositors desiring to withdraw funds and borrowers seeking credit. Longer-term liquidity needs may be met through core deposit growth, maturities of and cash flows from investment securities, normal loan repayments, advances from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank, brokered certificates of deposit, and income retention. ChoiceOne had $170.0 million in outstanding borrowings from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) as of December 31, 2023 and $30.0 million in outstanding borrowings at the FHLB as of December 31, 2023. ChoiceOne elected to restructure the BTFP balance of $170 million in January 2024 in order to take advantage of lower rates and extend the maturity. The acceptance of brokered certificates of deposit is not limited as long as the Bank is categorized as “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. At December 31, 2023, total available borrowing capacity from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank was $933.3 million.

ChoiceOne continues to review its liquidity management and has taken steps in an effort to ensure adequacy. These steps include limiting bond purchases in 2023, pledging securities to FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank in order to increase borrowing capacity and using alternative funding sources such as brokered deposits.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This report contains financial measures that are not defined in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides additional information that is useful to investors in helping to understand the underlying financial performance of ChoiceOne.

Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations. Readers should be aware of these limitations and should be cautious with respect to the use of such measures. To compensate for these limitations, we use non-GAAP measures as comparative tools, together with GAAP measures, to assist in the evaluation of our operating performance or financial condition. Also, we ensure that these measures are calculated using the appropriate GAAP or regulatory components in their entirety and that they are computed in a manner intended to facilitate consistent period-to-period comparisons. ChoiceOne’s method of calculating these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from methods used by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for those financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP or in-effect regulatory requirements.

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Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations as well as disclosures found elsewhere in this report are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the market value of securities, the amount of the allowance for credit losses, loan servicing rights, carrying value of goodwill, and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Credit Losses ("ACL")

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU (as subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19) significantly changed how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the former “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the CECL model, applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the ACL. In addition, entities need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. A reasonable and supportable economic forecast is a key component of the CECL methodology.

ChoiceOne adopted CECL effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standards. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an increase in the ACL of $7.2 million, which included a $5.5 million decrease to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $1.5 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an additional ACL on unfunded commitments of $3.3 million, which included a $2.6 million decrease to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $688,000 tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The ACL is a valuation allowance for expected credit losses. The ACL is increased by the provision for credit losses and decreased by loans charged off less any recoveries of charged off loans. As ChoiceOne has had very limited loss experience since 2011, management elected to utilize benchmark peer loss history data to estimate historical loss rates. ChoiceOne identified an appropriate peer group for each loan cohort which shared similar characteristics. Management estimates the ACL required based on the selected peer group loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, a reasonable and supportable economic forecast, and other factors. Allocations of the ACL may be made for specific loans, but the entire ACL is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Loan losses are charged against the ACL when management believes that collection of a loan balance is not possible.

The ACL consists of general and specific components. The general component covers loans collectively evaluated for credit losses and is based on peer historical loss experience adjusted for current and forecasted factors. Management's adjustment for current and forecasted factors is based on trends in delinquencies, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in the volume of loans, changes in underwriting standards, trends in loan review findings, the experience and ability of lending staff, and a reasonable and supportable economic forecast described further below.

The discounted cash flow methodology is utilized for all loan pools. This methodology is supported by our CECL software provider and allows management to automatically calculate contractual life by factoring in all cash flows and adjusting them for behavioral and credit-related aspects.

Reasonable and supportable economic forecasts have to be incorporated in determining expected credit losses. The forecast period represents the time frame from the current period end through the point in time that we can reasonably forecast and support entity and environmental factors that are expected to impact the performance of our loan portfolio. Ideally, the economic forecast period would encompass the contractual terms of all loans; however, the ability to produce a forecast that is considered reasonable and supportable becomes more difficult or may not be possible in later periods. Subsequent to the end of the forecast period, we revert to historical loan data based on an ongoing evaluation of each economic forecast in relation to then current economic conditions as well as any developing loan loss activity and resulting historical data. As of December 31, 2023, we used a one-year reasonable and supportable economic forecast period, with a two year straight-line reversion period.

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We are not required to develop and use our own economic forecast model, and we elected to utilize economic forecasts from third-party providers that analyze and develop forecasts of the economy for the entire United States at least quarterly.

Other inputs to the calculation are also updated or reviewed quarterly. Prepayment speeds are updated on a one quarter lag based on the asset liability model from the previous quarter. This model is performed at the loan level. Curtailment is updated quarterly within the ACL model based on our peer group average. The reversion period is reviewed by management quarterly with consideration of the current economic climate. Prepayment speeds and curtailment were updated during the fourth quarter of 2023; however, the effect was insignificant.

We are also required to consider expected credit losses associated with loan commitments over the contractual period in which we are exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by us. Any allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposures is reported as an other liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and is increased or decreased via the provision for credit losses account on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The calculation includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and forecasted credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated lives. The allowance is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to be funded.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are excluded from the collective evaluation. ChoiceOne has determined that any loans which have been placed on non-performing status, loans with a risk rating of 6 or higher, and loans past due more than 60 days will be assessed individually for evaluation. Management's judgment will be used to determine if the loan should be migrated back to pool on an individual basis. Individual analysis will establish a specific reserve for loans in scope. Specific reserves on non-performing loans are typically based on management’s best estimate of the fair value of collateral securing these loans, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate or based on the present value of the expected cash flows from that loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023, management calculated the allowance for loan losses for the valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by loans charged off less any recoveries of charged off loans. Management estimates the allowance for loan losses balance required based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance for loan losses may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance for loan losses is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collection of a loan balance is not possible.

The allowance for loan losses consists of general and specific components. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component of management's estimate of the allowance for loan losses covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. Management's adjustment for current factors is based on trends in delinquencies, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in the volume of loans, changes in underwriting standards, trends in loan review findings, experience and ability of lending staff, national and economic trends and conditions, industry conditions, trends in real estate values, and other conditions.

A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Troubled debt restructuring of loans is undertaken to improve the likelihood that the loan will be repaid in full under the modified terms in accordance with a reasonable repayment schedule. All modified loans are evaluated to determine whether the loans should be reported as Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDR"). A loan is a TDR when the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower by modifying a loan. To make this determination, the Bank must determine whether (a) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (b) the Bank granted the borrower a concession. This determination requires consideration of all facts and circumstances surrounding the modification. An overall general decline in the economy or some deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition does not automatically mean the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. Commercial loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual loan basis. If a loan is considered impaired or if a loan has been classified as a TDR, a portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to the loan so that it 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. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as consumer and residential real estate mortgage loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Securities

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Securities Available for Sale – For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, management determines whether they intend to sell or if it is more likely than not that ChoiceOne will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with an allowance being established under CECL. For securities AFS with unrealized losses not meeting these criteria, management evaluates whether any decline in fair value is due to credit loss factors. In making this assessment, management considers any changes to the rating of the security by rating agencies and adverse conditions specifically related to the issuer of the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Changes in the ACL under ASC 326-30 are recorded as provisions for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when the collectability of a debt security AFS is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. At December 31, 2023 and at adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023, there was no ACL related to debt securities AFS. Accrued interest receivable on debt securities was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Securities Held to Maturity – Since the adoption of CECL, ChoiceOne measures credit losses on HTM securities on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics, and considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ACL on securities HTM is a contra asset valuation account that is deducted from the carrying amount of HTM securities to present the net amount expected to be collected. HTM securities are charged off against the ACL when deemed uncollectible. Adjustments to the ACL are reported in ChoiceOne’s Consolidated Statements of Income in the provision for credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on HTM securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. With regard to US Treasury securities, these have an explicit government guarantee; therefore, no ACL is recorded for these securities. With regard to obligations of states and political subdivisions and other HTM securities, management considers (1) issuer bond ratings, (2) historical loss rates for given bond ratings, (3) the financial condition of the issuer, and (4) whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. At December 31, 2023, the ACL related to securities HTM is insignificant.

Troubled Loan Modifications

FASB also issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This standard eliminated the previous accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and added additional disclosure requirements for gross chargeoffs by year of origination. It also prescribes guidance for reporting modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

Loan Servicing Rights

Loan servicing rights represent the estimated value of servicing loans that are sold with servicing retained by ChoiceOne and are initially recorded at estimated fair value. Servicing rights are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Management’s accounting treatment of loan servicing rights is estimated based on current prepayment speeds that are typically market driven.

Management believes the accounting estimate related to loan servicing rights is a “critical accounting estimate” because (1) the estimate is highly susceptible to change from period to period because of significant changes within long-term interest rates affecting the prepayment speeds for current loans being serviced and (2) the impact of recognizing an impairment loss could have a material effect on ChoiceOne’s net income. Management has obtained a third-party valuation of its loan servicing rights to corroborate its current carrying value at the end of each reporting period.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated annually for impairment and on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge would be recognized for any amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Accounting pronouncements allow a company to first perform a qualitative assessment for goodwill prior to a quantitative assessment (Step 1 assessment). If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then a quantitative assessment must be performed. If not, there is no further assessment required. The Company acquired Valley Ridge Financial Corp. in 2006, County Bank Corp in 2019, and Community Shores in 2020, which resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $13.7 million, $38.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively.

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During the prior year, ChoiceOne engaged a third party valuation firm to assist in performing a quantitative analysis of goodwill as of November 30, 2022 ("the valuation date"). In deriving the fair value of the reporting unit (the Bank), the third-party firm assessed general economic conditions and outlook; industry and market considerations and outlook; the impact of recent events to financial performance; the market price of ChoiceOne’s common stock and other relevant events. In addition, the valuation relied on financial projections through 2027 and growth rates prepared by management. Based on the valuation prepared, it was determined that ChoiceOne's estimated fair value of the reporting unit at the valuation date was greater than its book value and impairment of goodwill was not required.

Management concurred with the conclusion derived from the quantitative goodwill analysis as of the valuation date and determined that there were no material changes and that no triggering events had occurred that indicated impairment from the valuation date through December 31, 2023, and as a result that it is more likely than not that there was no goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2023.

The below table shows the inputs and assumptions addressed and the weight and nature of the impact to the analysis.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Income taxes include both a current and deferred portion. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to account for differences in the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses for financial reporting and tax purposes. Generally accepted accounting principles require that deferred tax assets be reviewed to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established using a “more likely than not” standard. Based on its review of ChoiceOne’s deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023, management determined that no valuation allowance was necessary. The valuation of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities is considered critical, as it requires management to make estimates based on provisions of the enacted tax laws. The assessment of tax assets and liabilities involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretations, and judgments concerning certain accounting pronouncements and the federal tax code.

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