-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, SNHmlLSQq0OU2RQU9+IsOnYrCBUmHgU2SOoblrO0LiQ3pHxVuObTtrRoSjPzRH1I xZ2hVZzXmcJNNQYk+zHDuA== 0000905729-04-000142.txt : 20040312 0000905729-04-000142.hdr.sgml : 20040312 20040312172012 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000905729-04-000142 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 18 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20031231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040312 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000019612 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 382022454 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-08185 FILM NUMBER: 04666998 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 333 E MAIN ST CITY: MIDLAND STATE: MI ZIP: 48640 BUSINESS PHONE: 5176313310 10-K 1 chemical10k_031204.htm CHEMICAL FINANCIAL FORM 10-K Chemical Financial Form 10-K - 03/12/04

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

[X]

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange

 

 

Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

 

                                              or

 

[  ]

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange

 

 

Act of 1934 for the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number 0-8185

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

38-2022454
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

333 E. Main Street
Midland, Michigan

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)


48640
(Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (989) 839-5350

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $1 Par Value
(Title of Class)

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ( ) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes    X     No ____

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2003, was $615,715,000.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, at March 5, 2004, was 23,916,640.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, are incorporated by reference in Parts I and II (Items 1 and 5-8).
Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its April 19, 2004 annual shareholders' meeting are incorporated by reference in Part III (Items 10-14).







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 Chemical Financial Corporation itself. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "judgment," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "plans," "predicts," "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, certain statements under the subheadings "Liquidity Risk" and "Interest Rate Risk" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis" are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("risk 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-look ing statements. Chemical Financial Corporation undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, 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 laws and regulations; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies and assessments; the impact of technological advances and issues; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of pending and future litigation and contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in the local and national economy; opportunities for acquisitions and the effective completion of acquisitions and integration of acquired entities; and the local and global effects of the ongoing war on terrorism and other military actions, including actions in Iraq. These are representative of the risk factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

PART I

Item 1.  Business.

Chemical Financial Corporation ("Chemical" or the "Corporation") is a multibank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and incorporated in the State of Michigan. Chemical was organized under Michigan law in August 1973, and is headquartered in Midland, Michigan. Chemical was substantially inactive until June 30, 1974, when it acquired its lead subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank and Trust Company ("CB&T"), pursuant to a reorganization in which the former shareholders of CB&T became shareholders of Chemical.

In addition to the acquisition of CB&T, the Corporation acquired nineteen community banks and thirteen branch bank offices through December 31, 2003. The Corporation has consolidated these acquisitions into four commercial bank subsidiaries. At December 31, 2003, the Corporation's four subsidiary banks were as follows: CB&T, headquartered in Midland, Michigan; Chemical Bank Shoreline, headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan; Chemical Bank West, headquartered in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area; and State Bank of Caledonia, headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan.

The Corporation directly owns two non-bank subsidiaries: CFC Financial Services, Inc. and CFC Title Services, Inc.

CFC Financial Services, Inc. is an insurance agency that operates under the assumed names Chemical Financial Insurance Agency (a property and casualty insurance agency) and CFC Investment Centers (a provider of mutual funds and annuity products to customers). CFC Title Services, Inc. is an issuer of title insurance to buyers and sellers of residential and commercial mortgage properties, including properties subject to loan refinancing.

At December 31, 2003, Chemical was the fourth largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan, measured by total assets, and together with its subsidiaries employed a total of 1,447 full-time equivalent employees.

Chemical's business is concentrated in a single industry segment - commercial banking. Chemical's subsidiaries offer a full range of commercial banking and fiduciary services. These include accepting deposits, business and personal checking accounts, savings and individual retirement accounts, time deposit instruments, electronically accessed banking products, residential and commercial real estate financing, commercial lending, consumer financing, debit cards, safe


2


deposit box services, automated teller machines, access to insurance and investment products, money transfer services, corporate and personal trust services and other banking services.

The principal markets for these financial services are the communities within Michigan in which Chemical's subsidiaries are located and the areas surrounding these communities. As of December 31, 2003, Chemical and its subsidiaries served these markets through 133 banking offices and 2 loan production offices across 33 counties, all in the lower peninsula of Michigan. In addition to the full service banking offices, the subsidiary banks operated 139 automated teller machines, both on and off bank premises, as of December 31, 2003.

Chemical's largest and lead subsidiary bank is CB&T. CB&T represented 44% of total deposits and 38% of total loans of Chemical and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2003. Chemical's bank subsidiaries' largest loan category is residential real estate mortgages. At December 31, 2003, residential real estate loans totaled $767 million, or 30.9% of consolidated total loans. Residential real estate loans increased $119 million, or 18.4%, during 2003 due to a shift in strategy to add to the portfolio the majority of loan originations with maturities of fifteen years versus selling all of these loans in the secondary market. The Corporation's general practice is to sell residential real estate loan originations with maturities of fifteen years and longer in the secondary market. The Corporation sold $409 million of long-term fixed rate residential real estate loans during 2003. This compares with $501 million and $342 million of residential real estate loans sold during 2002 and 2001, respectively. The decrease in loans sold in 2003 was attributable to the change in strategy to add the majority of loans with fifteen year maturities to the portfolio, and to an increase in the overall interest rate environment during the latter part of 2003.

The principal sources of revenues for Chemical are interest and fees on loans, which accounted for 65% of total revenues in 2003, 63% of total revenues in 2002, and 64% of total revenues in 2001. Interest on investment securities is also a significant source of revenue, accounting for 17% of total revenues in 2003 and 21% of total revenues in 2002 and 2001. Chemical has no foreign loans, assets or activities. No material part of the business of Chemical or its subsidiaries is dependent upon a single customer or very few customers.

The business of banking is highly competitive. In addition to competition from other commercial banks, banks face significant competition from nonbank financial institutions. Savings associations and credit unions compete aggressively with commercial banks for deposits and loans, and credit unions and finance companies are particularly significant factors in the consumer loan market. Banks compete for deposits with a broad range of other types of investments, the most significant of which over the past few years have been mutual funds and annuities. Insurance companies and investment firms are also significant competitors for customer deposits. In response to this increased competition for customers' bank deposits, the Corporation's subsidiary banks, through CFC Investment Centers, offer a broad array of mutual funds, annuity products and market securities through an alliance with PrimeVest Financial Services. In addition, the trust department of CB&T offers customers a variety of investment products and services. The principal methods of competition for financial services are price (interest rates paid on deposits, interest rates charged on borrowings and fees charged for services) and service (convenience and quality of services rendered to customers).

Banks and bank holding companies are extensively regulated. Chemical's subsidiary banks are all chartered by the State of Michigan and supervised and regulated by the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services. CB&T and State Bank of Caledonia are the only bank subsidiaries of Chemical that are members of the Federal Reserve System and supervised, examined and regulated by the Federal Reserve System. The other two state non-member banks are supervised, examined and regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Deposits of Chemical's bank subsidiaries are insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law. Chemical has elected to be regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board") as a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.

State banks and bank holding companies are governed by both federal and state laws that significantly limit their business activities in a number of respects. Examples of such limitations include: (1) prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, and in some cases various other governing agencies, is required for bank holding companies to acquire control of any additional bank holding companies, banks or branches, (2) the business activities of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries are limited to banking and to other activities which are determined by the Federal Reserve Board to be closely related to banking, and (3) transactions between bank holding company subsidiary banks are significantly restricted by banking laws and regulations. Somewhat broader activities are permitted for qualifying financial holding


3


companies, such as Chemical, and "financial subsidiaries." Chemical currently does not have any subsidiaries that have elected to qualify as "financial subsidiaries."

Chemical is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiary banks and non-bank subsidiaries. Chemical's primary source of revenues results from dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries. Federal and state banking laws and regulations limit both the extent to which Chemical's subsidiary banks can lend or otherwise supply funds to Chemical or certain of its affiliates and also place certain restrictions on the amount of dividends the subsidiary banks of Chemical may pay to Chemical.

Banks are subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations that have a material impact on their business. These include, among others, minimum capital requirements, state usury laws, state laws relating to fiduciaries, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the USA Patriot Act, electronic funds transfer laws, redlining laws, predatory lending laws, antitrust laws, environmental laws, anti-money laundering laws and privacy laws. These laws and regulations can have a significant effect on the operating results of banks.

To recharacterize itself as a financial holding company and to avail itself of the broader powers permitted for financial holding companies, a bank holding company must meet certain regulatory standards for being "well capitalized," "well-managed" and "satisfactory" in its Community Reinvestment Act compliance. The Corporation became a financial holding company in 2000.

Under Federal law, the FDIC has the authority to impose special assessments on insured depository institutions to repay FDIC borrowings from the United States Treasury or other sources, and to establish semi-annual assessment rates on Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") member banks, so as to maintain the BIF at the designated reserve ratio defined by law. The semi-annual assessment rate of the FDIC is based upon a system of risk-based premiums for deposit insurance, pursuant to which the premiums paid by a depository institution are based on the probability that the BIF will incur a loss in respect of such institution.

The recapitalization of the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") was accomplished through the enactment of The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the "Funds Act"). This legislation authorized the Financing Corporation ("FICO") to impose periodic assessments on depository institutions that are members of the BIF, in addition to institutions that are members of the SAIF. The purpose of these periodic assessments is to spread the cost of the interest payments on the outstanding FICO bonds over a larger number of institutions. Until the change in the law, only SAIF-member institutions bore the cost of funding these interest payments. FDIC premiums, which consisted exclusively of the FICO assessment, were $.5 million in each of the three years ended December 31, 2003.

Federal law also contains a "cross-guarantee" provision that could result in insured depository institutions owned by Chemical being assessed for losses incurred by the FDIC in connection with assistance provided to, or the failure of, any other insured depository institution owned by Chemical. Under Federal Reserve Board policy, Chemical is expected to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each subsidiary bank.

Banks are subject to the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 ("CRA"). Under the terms of the CRA, the appropriate federal bank regulatory agency is required, in connection with its examination of a bank, to assess such bank's record in meeting the credit needs of the community served by that bank, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the institution. The regulatory agency's assessment of the bank's record is made available to the public. Further, such assessment is required of any bank that has applied to: (1) obtain deposit insurance coverage for a newly chartered institution, (2) establish a new branch office that will accept deposits, (3) relocate an office, or (4) merge or consolidate with, or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of, a federally regulated financial institution. In the case of a bank holding company applying for approval to acquire a bank or another bank holding company, the Federal Reserve Board will assess the CRA compliance record of each sub sidiary bank of the applicant bank holding company, and such compliance records may be the basis for denying the application.

Bank holding companies may acquire banks located in any state in the United States without regard to geographic restrictions or reciprocity requirements imposed by state law. Banks may establish interstate branch networks through acquisitions of other banks. The establishment of de novo interstate branches or the acquisition of individual branches


4


of a bank in another state (rather than the acquisition of an out-of-state bank in its entirety) is allowed only if specifically authorized by state law.

Michigan permits both U.S. and non-U.S. banks to establish branch offices in Michigan. The Michigan Banking Code permits, in appropriate circumstances and with the approval of the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (1) acquisition of Michigan banks by FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states, (2) sale by a Michigan bank of branches to an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in a state in which a Michigan bank could purchase branches of the purchasing entity, (3) consolidation of Michigan banks and FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states having laws permitting such consolidation, (4) establishment of branches in Michigan by FDIC-insured banks located in other states, the District of Columbia or U.S. territories or protectorates having laws permitting a Michigan bank to establish a branch in such jurisdiction, and (5) establishment by foreign banks of branc hes located in Michigan.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Consolidations

The following is a summary of the business combinations closed during the three-year period ended December 31, 2003.

The Corporation acquired Caledonia Financial Corporation ("Caledonia"), a one-bank holding company headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan, on December 1, 2003. As of that date, Caledonia had total assets of $211 million, total loans of $184 million, total deposits of $171 million and shareholders' equity of $22.3 million. Shareholders of Caledonia received $39.00 cash for each share of Caledonia common stock in a taxable transaction. The total value of the transaction was approximately $56.8 million, of which $52.3 million was paid in cash and $4.5 million represented the value of stock options yet to be paid. The purchase price represents a premium over book value of $34.5 million.

The Corporation intends to continue to operate Caledonia's bank subsidiary, State Bank of Caledonia, with branch offices in Caledonia, Dutton, Middleville and Kalamazoo, Michigan, as a separate subsidiary until mid-2004. At that time, the Corporation expects to restructure the State Bank of Caledonia into two of the Corporation's three existing bank subsidiaries. The branches in Caledonia, Middleville and Dutton are expected to become part of Chemical Bank West, headquartered in the Grand Rapids area, and the Kalamazoo branch is expected to become a part of Chemical Bank Shoreline, headquartered in Benton Harbor.

On September 30, 2003, the Corporation consolidated CFC Data Corp, its wholly-owned data processing subsidiary, into the parent. The data processing subsidiary primarily performed data processing functions for the Corporation's bank subsidiaries.

On September 14, 2001, the Corporation acquired Bank West Financial Corporation ("BWFC"). BWFC was the parent company of Bank West, a Michigan stock savings bank with five full-service branches and one loan production office in Kent and Ottawa counties in Michigan. The purchase added approximately $300 million in total assets, $232 million in total loans and $194 million in total deposits as of the date of acquisition, for which the Corporation paid a premium of $7.3 million. Bank West was merged into the Corporation's existing subsidiary, Chemical Bank West. The Corporation exchanged $29.2 million in cash for all of the outstanding stock of BWFC.

On July 13, 2001, the Corporation acquired four branch banking offices from Fifth Third Bank and Old Kent Bank in Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven and Fremont, Michigan. The purchase of the four branch banking offices added total deposits of approximately $144 million and total loans of $97 million as of the date of acquisition, for which the Corporation paid a premium of $15.3 million. The offices in Holland, Zeeland and Grand Haven are being operated as branches of Chemical Bank Shoreline, and Chemical Bank West is operating the office in Fremont.

The above acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting; therefore, the financial results of these operations are included from their respective acquisition dates, with no restatement of prior period amounts.

On January 9, 2001, the Corporation merged with Shoreline Financial Corporation ("Shoreline"), a one-bank holding company headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan and parent company of Shoreline Bank. As of the effective date of the transaction, Shoreline had total assets of approximately $1.1 billion, total deposits of approximately $.8 billion


5


and total loans of approximately $.8 billion. The Corporation is operating Shoreline Bank through a separate subsidiary of the Corporation, Chemical Bank Shoreline, with its headquarters in Benton Harbor. The Corporation issued approximately 8.2 million shares of common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Shoreline. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests business combination and, therefore, all prior period amounts included in the consolidated financial statements were restated to include Shoreline as if it had always been part of the Corporation.

On December 31, 2000, the Corporation consolidated nine of its then ten subsidiary banks into two; Chemical Bank and Trust Company and Chemical Bank West. Chemical Bank South, headquartered in Marshall, Michigan remained a separate subsidiary until October 26, 2001 when it was consolidated into Chemical Bank Shoreline.

In conjunction with the merger with Shoreline and the internal bank consolidations, the Corporation recognized $9.2 million ($7.1 million on an after-tax basis) of merger and restructuring expenses during the first quarter of 2001. The term "net operating income" utilized in this report means net income before the impact of the after-tax $7.1 million of merger and restructuring expenses. Net operating income is a measure not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The nature of the business of Chemical's subsidiaries is such that they hold title to numerous parcels of real property. These properties are primarily owned for branch offices; however, Chemical and its subsidiaries may hold properties for other business purposes, as well as on a temporary basis for properties taken in, or in lieu of foreclosure, to satisfy loans in default. Under current state and federal laws, present and past owners of real property may be exposed to liability for the cost of clean up of contamination on or originating from those properties, even if they are wholly innocent of the actions that caused the contamination. These liabilities can be material and can exceed the value of the contaminated property.




















6


The information under the following captions in the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, further describes the business of Chemical and is here incorporated by reference (tables are included under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis"):

                                 Caption

Pages

 

 

Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data

2

Table 2. Average Balances, Tax Equivalent Interest and

 

              Effective Yields and Rates

7

Table 3. Volume and Rate Variance Analysis

8

Table 4. Summary of Loans and Loan Loss Experience

9

Table 5. Comparison of Loan Maturities and Interest Sensitivity

11

Table 6. Nonperforming Assets

13

Table 7. Allocation of the Allowance For Loan Losses

14

Table 8. Maturities and Yields of Investment Securities

 

              at December 31, 2003

18

Table 9. Summary of Investment Securities

18

Table 10. Maturity Analysis of Investment Securities

18

Management's Discussion and Analysis subheadings:

 

              "Net Interest Income," "Loans," "Nonperforming

 

              Assets," "Provision and Allowance For Loan Losses," "Liquidity Risk"

 

              and "Interest Rate Risk"

6-21

Table 11. Maturity Distribution of Time Deposits of $100,000 or More

19

Table 12. Contractual Obligations

19

Table 13. Commitments

19

Note D - Investment Securities

32-33

Note F - Loans

34

Chemical's internet website is located at www.chemicalbankmi.com. Chemical provides free of charge in the "Investor Information" section of its website copies of all periodic reports and amendments to such reports that Chemical files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Chemical posts such reports to its website as soon as reasonably practicable after each report has been filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 2.  Properties.

The executive offices of Chemical, the main office of CB&T and Chemical's non-bank subsidiaries are located in a three story, approximately 74,000 square foot, office building in downtown Midland, which is 100% owned by CB&T. The trust department of CB&T is located in a separate three story, approximately 35,000 square foot, office building in downtown, Midland, which is 100% owned by Chemical. The trust department currently uses approximately one-third of the available space in the building; the remainder is leased to unaffiliated businesses.

Chemical's subsidiary banks conduct business from a total of 133 banking offices as of December 31, 2003. These offices are located in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Of the banking offices, 120 are owned by the subsidiary banks and 13 are leased from independent parties with remaining lease terms of ten months to eleven years and five months. This leased property is considered insignificant.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

Chemical's subsidiaries are parties, as plaintiff or defendant, to a number of legal proceedings, none of which are considered material, and all of which arose in the ordinary course of their operations.




7


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.


Supplemental Item. Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Biographical information concerning Chemical's executive officers who are not directors or nominated for election to the Board of Directors, as of December 31, 2003, is presented below. Executive officer appointments are made or reaffirmed annually at the organizational meeting of the board of directors. At its regular meetings, the board of directors may also make other executive officer appointments.

Bruce M. Groom, age 62, is Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer of Chemical Bank and Trust Company. He joined Chemical Bank and Trust Company on April 29, 1985 as Senior Vice President and was promoted to Senior Trust Officer in May 1986, First Senior Vice President in January 2001 and Executive Vice President in February 2002. Mr. Groom is an attorney. Mr. Groom is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

Lori A. Gwizdala, age 45, is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Chemical. She joined Chemical as Controller on January 1, 1985 and was named Chief Financial Officer in May 1987, Senior Vice President in February 1991, Treasurer in April 1994 and Executive Vice President in January 2002. Ms. Gwizdala has served as a director of CFC Financial Services, Inc. and CFC Title Services, Inc. since 1997, a director of Chemical Bank West since January 2002 and a director of State Bank of Caledonia since December 2003. Ms. Gwizdala is a certified public accountant. Ms. Gwizdala is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

Thomas W. Kohn, age 49, is President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Chemical Bank West. Mr. Kohn became President of Chemical Bank Montcalm (merged into Chemical Bank West) in 1991 and President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Chemical Bank West in January 2002. Mr. Kohn is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

William C. Lauderbach, age 61, is Executive Vice President and Senior Investment Officer of Chemical Bank and Trust Company. He joined Chemical Bank and Trust Company as a Trust Officer on July 2, 1973, was promoted to Vice President and Trust Officer in March 1980, Investment Officer in January 1985, Senior Vice President in February 1991, First Senior Vice President in January 2001 and Executive Vice President in February 2002. Mr. Lauderbach is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

James R. Milroy, age 43, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Chemical Financial Corporation. Mr. Milroy joined Shoreline Financial Corporation and Shoreline Bank in 1990 as Vice President and Comptroller. He was promoted to Senior Vice President and Comptroller in May 1993 and Executive Vice President and Comptroller in July 1997. Mr. Milroy was named President of Shoreline Financial Corporation in June 1999 and President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Bank Shoreline in January 2001. Mr. Milroy was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Chemical Financial Corporation in January 2002. Mr. Milroy became a director of Shoreline Bank in June 1999, a director of CFC Financial Services, Inc. and CFC Title Services, Inc. in February 2002 and Secretary to the board and a director of State Bank of Caledonia in December 2003. Mr. Milroy is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

John A. Reisner, age 58, is President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Chemical Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Reisner joined the Chemical Financial organization in 1979 and has served in various senior management positions. Mr. Reisner served as President of Chemical Bank West for thirteen years prior to his appointment in January 2002 as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Chemical Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Reisner is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

James E. Tomczyk, age 51, is President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Chemical Bank Shoreline. Mr. Tomczyk joined Shoreline Bank in February 1999 as Executive Vice President of its Private Banking, Trust, and Investment divisions and became Senior Executive Vice President of these divisions in October 2000. Mr. Tomczyk


8


became President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Chemical Bank Shoreline in January 2002. Mr. Tomczyk is a member of the Executive Management Committee of Chemical.

PART II


Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The information under the heading "Market for Chemical Financial Corporation Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters" on page 45 of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, is here incorporated by reference.


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The information under the caption "Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data" on page 2 and the subheading "Financial Highlights" of "Management's Discussion and Analysis" on pages 3 through 6 (inclusive) of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, is here incorporated by reference.


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

The information under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis" on pages 3 through 22 (inclusive) of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, is here incorporated by reference.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information under the subheading "Liquidity Risk" and "Interest Rate Risk" of "Management's Discussion and Analysis" on pages 17 through 21 (inclusive) of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, is here incorporated by reference.


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The financial statements, notes, and independent auditors' report on pages 23 through 44 (inclusive) of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, is here incorporated by reference.

The information under the caption "Supplemental Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)" on page 45 of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003, is here incorporated by reference.


Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.


Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on and as of the time of that evaluation, the Corporation's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Corporation's


9


disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There was no change in the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.


PART III


Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The information set forth under the heading "Chemical Financial's Board of Directors and Nominees for Election as Directors" on pages 2 through 5 (inclusive) and the subheading "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" on page 16 in the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its April 19, 2004 annual meeting of shareholders is here incorporated by reference.

Chemical has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Members of the Executive Management Committee, which applies to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as well as all other senior financial and accounting officers. The Code of Ethics is posted on Chemical's website at "www.chemicalbankmi.com." Chemical intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics by posting such information on its website at "www.chemicalbankmi.com."


Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The information set forth under the heading "Executive Compensation" on pages 9 through 12 (inclusive) and the sub-heading "Compensation of Directors" on pages 4 and 5 in the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its April 19, 2004 annual meeting of shareholders is here incorporated by reference.


Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information set forth under the heading "Ownership of Chemical Financial Common Stock" on pages 6 and 7 in the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its April 19, 2004 annual meeting of shareholders is here incorporated by reference.

The following table presents information regarding the equity compensation plans both approved and not approved by shareholders at December 31, 2003:

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category

Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights


(a)

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights


(b)

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders


469,411


$28.10


342,116

Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders


138,703


$16.58


67,280

Total

608,114

$25.47

409,396



10


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders include the Chemical Financial Corporation 1987 Award and Stock Option Plan, the Stock Incentive Plan of 1997 and the Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Holders of Shoreline Financial Corporation (the "Shoreline Plan"). These plans provide for awards of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, and/or stock appreciation rights, or a combination thereof.

The 1997 plan was approved by the shareholders at the April 21, 1997 annual meeting of shareholders. At the April 20, 1992 annual meeting of shareholders, the shareholders voted to increase the authorized shares issuable under the 1987 plan by 100,000 shares and extend the plan to April 20, 1997. Key employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, as the Compensation Committee of the board of directors may select from time to time, are eligible to receive awards under the 1997 plan. No employee of the Corporation may receive any awards under the 1997 plan while the employee is a member of the Compensation Committee. No new awards may be made under the 1987 plan or the Shoreline Plan. New awards for up to 342,116 shares may be made under the 1997 plan.

The plans (other than the Shoreline Plan) provide that the option price of incentive stock options awarded shall not be less than the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock on the date of grant. Historically, options granted under the plans are first exercisable from one to five years from the date of grant, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, and expire not later than ten years and one day after the date of grant. Options granted may be designated nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options. Options granted may include stock appreciation rights that entitle the recipient to receive cash or a number of shares of common stock without payment to the Corporation that have a market value equal to the difference between the option price and the market price of the total number of shares awarded under the option at the time of exercise of the stock appreciation right. The plans provide, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, that payment for exercise of an option ma y be made in the form of shares of the Corporation's common stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the option at the time of exercise, or in cash. The plans also provide for the payment of the required tax withholding generated upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option in the form of shares of the Corporation's common stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of the required tax withholding at the time of exercise, upon prior approval and at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

Options granted under the Shoreline Plan are incentive stock options and were awarded at the fair market value of Shoreline's common stock on the date of grant. Payment for exercise of an option at the time of exercise may be made in the form of shares of the Corporation's common stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the option at the time of exercise, or in cash. There are no further stock options available for grant under the Shoreline Plan. As of December 31, 2003, there were options outstanding under the Shoreline Plan for 14,163 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $19.77 per share.

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders consists of the Stock Option Plan For Option Holders of Caledonia Financial Corporation ("Caledonia Financial Plan") and the Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors (the "Stock Purchase Plan").

Options outstanding under the Caledonia Financial Plan consist of remaining stock options outstanding on December 1, 2003 under the Caledonia Financial Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan, the Caledonia Financial Corporation 2000 Stock Option Plan, the Caledonia Financial Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan, and certain Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreements between Caledonia Financial Corporation and its directors (collectively, the "Caledonia Plans"). Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement between Chemical and Caledonia, Chemical agreed to honor unexercised options under the Caledonia Plans according to their terms, as amended by the merger agreement. Options granted under the Caledonia Financial Plan are either nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options and were awarded at the fair market value of Caledonia's common stock on the date of grant. There are no further options available for grant under the Caledonia Financial Plan. Payment for exercise of an option at the time of exercise may be made in the form of shares of the Corporation's common stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the option at the time of exercise, or in cash. As of December 31, 2003, there were options outstanding under the Caledonia Financial Plan for 138,703 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $16.58 per share.




11


The Stock Purchase Plan became effective on March 25, 2002 and was designed to provide non-employee directors of the Corporation's subsidiaries and community banks, who are neither directors nor employees of the Corporation, the option of receiving their fees in the Corporation's stock. The Stock Purchase Plan provides for a maximum of 75,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock, subject to adjustments for certain changes in the capital structure of the Corporation as defined in the Stock Purchase Plan, to be available under the Stock Purchase Plan. Subsidiary directors and community bank directors, who elect to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan, may elect to contribute to the Stock Purchase Plan fifty percent or one hundred percent of their board of director fees and/or fifty percent or one hundred percent of their director committee fees, earned as directors or community bank directors of the Corporation's subsidiaries. Contributions to the Stock Purchase Plan are made by the Corporation's subs idiaries on behalf of each electing participant. Stock Purchase Plan participants may terminate their participation in the Stock Purchase Plan, at any time, by written notice of withdrawal to the Corporation. Participants will cease to be eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan when they cease to serve as directors or community bank directors of subsidiaries of the Corporation. Shares are distributed to participants annually. As of December 31, 2003, there were 67,280 shares of the Corporation's common stock available for future issuance under the Stock Purchase Plan.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information set forth under the subheading "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" on page 16 in the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its April 19, 2004 annual meeting of shareholders is here incorporated by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information set forth under the subheading "Independent Certified Public Accountants" on page 16 and the subheading "Committees of the Board of Directors" on page 4 of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its April 19, 2004 annual meeting of shareholders is here incorporated by reference.
















12


PART IV


Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

          (a)          (1)          Financial Statements. The following financial statements and independent auditors' report of Chemical Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report:

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position-December 31, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period
   ended December 31, 2003
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors dated January 30, 2004


The financial statements, the notes to financial statements, and the independent auditors' report listed above are incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this report from the corresponding portions of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003.

                    (2)          Financial Statement Schedules. None.

                    (3)          Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

 

Number

 

                               Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on March 2, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Restated Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Commission on March 22, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

Long-Term Debt. The registrant has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of this report does not exceed 10% of the registrant's total consolidated assets. The registrant agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 1997.*

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended Award and Stock Option Plan of 1987.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Commission on March 22, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on March 26, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan.*

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Restated Aloysius J. Oliver Retirement Agreement.*



13


 

Number

 

                               Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

10.6

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Holders of Shoreline Financial Corporation.* Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on March 2, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on March 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.8

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Option Holders of Caledonia Financial Corporation. Previously filed as Exhibits 4.3 through 4.7 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2003. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

Computation of Per Share Earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

2003 Annual Report to Shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Independent Auditors, Ernst & Young LLP.

 

 

 

 

 

24

 

Powers of Attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Audited Financial Statements, Notes and Supplemental Schedule.

 

 

 

 

 

99.2

 

Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors Audited Financial Statements and Notes.

_____________________

*  These agreements are management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements required to be filed as Exhibits to this Form 10-K.

Chemical will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed above to any shareholder of the registrant without charge upon written request to Ms. Lori A. Gwizdala, Chief Financial Officer, Chemical Financial Corporation, 333 East Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-0569.

          (b)          Reports on Form 8-K. During the last quarter of the year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following reports were filed on Form 8-K:

 

Date

 

Item Reported

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 21, 2003

 

7, 12

 

None

 

 

December 1, 2003

 

7, 9

 

None

 




14


Signatures


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


 

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

s/ David B. Ramaker


 

David B. Ramaker
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

s/ Lori A. Gwizdala


 

Lori A. Gwizdala
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)




















15


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

March 12, 2004

s/ David B. Ramaker


 

David B. Ramaker
President and Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ J. Daniel Bernson


 

J. Daniel Bernson
Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ Nancy Bowman


 

Nancy Bowman

Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ James A. Currie


 

James A. Currie
Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ Michael L. Dow


 

Michael L. Dow
Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

s/ Lori A. Gwizdala


 

Lori A. Gwizdala
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

March __, 2004

 


 

Thomas T. Huff
Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ L. Richard Marzke


 

L. Richard Marzke
Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ Terence F. Moore


 

Terence F. Moore
Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ Aloysius J. Oliver


 

Aloysius J. Oliver
Chairman of the Board and Director

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

*s/ Frank P. Popoff


 

Frank P. Popoff
Director



16



March 12, 2004

*s/ Dan L. Smith


 

Dan L. Smith
Director

 

 

 

 

March __, 2004

 


 

William S. Stavropoulos
Director



*By

s/Lori A. Gwizdala


 

 

Lori A. Gwizdala
Attorney-in-Fact

 






















17


EXHIBIT INDEX


 

Number

 

                               Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on March 2, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Restated Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Commission on March 22, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

Long-Term Debt. The registrant has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of this report does not exceed 10% of the registrant's total consolidated assets. The registrant agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 1997.*

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended Award and Stock Option Plan of 1987.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Commission on March 22, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on March 26, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan.*

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Restated Aloysius J. Oliver Retirement Agreement.*

 

 

 

 

 

10.6

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Holders of Shoreline Financial Corporation.* Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on March 2, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on March 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

10.8

 

Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Option Holders of Caledonia Financial Corporation. Previously filed as Exhibits 4.3 through 4.7 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2003. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

Computation of Per Share Earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

2003 Annual Report to Shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Independent Auditors, Ernst & Young LLP.

 

 

 

 

 

24

 

Powers of Attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer.





 

Number

 

                               Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Audited Financial Statements, Notes and Supplemental Schedule.

 

 

 

 

 

99.2

 

Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors Audited Financial Statements and Notes.

_____________________

* These agreements are management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements required to be filed as Exhibits to this Form 10-K.

EX-10 3 chemex101_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 10.1 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT 10.1

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 1997


SECTION 1

ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN; PURPOSE OF PLAN

          1.1          Establishment of Plan.  The Company hereby establishes the STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 1997 (the "Plan") for its corporate and Subsidiary officers and other key employees. The Plan permits the grant and award of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.

          1.2          Purpose of Plan.  The purpose of the Plan is to provide officers and key management employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries with an increased incentive to make significant and extraordinary contributions to the long-term performance and growth of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to join the interests of officers and key employees with the interests of the Company's shareholders through the opportunity for increased stock ownership and to attract and retain officers and key employees of exceptional abilities. The Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in structuring long-term incentive compensation to best promote the foregoing objectives.


SECTION 2

DEFINITIONS

          The following words have the following meanings unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:

          2.1          "Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          2.2          "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          2.3          "Change in Control," unless otherwise defined in an Incentive Award agreement, means an occurrence of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A issued under the Act. Without limiting the inclusiveness of the definition in the preceding sentence, a Change in Control of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day that any one or more of the following conditions is satisfied: (a) any Person is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; (b) the failure at any time of the Continuing Directors to constitute at least a majority of the Board; or (c) any of the following occur: (i) any merger or consolidation of the Company, other than a merger or consolidation in which the voti ng securities of the Company immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into securities of the




surviving entity) 60% or more of the combined voting power of the Company or surviving entity immediately after the merger or consolidation with another entity; (ii) any sale, exchange, lease, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of assets or earning power aggregating more than 50% of the assets or earning power of the Company on a consolidated basis; (iii) any complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iv) any reorganization, reverse stock split or recapitalization of the Company which would result in a Change in Control as otherwise defined in this Plan; or (v) any transaction or series of related transactions having, directly or indirectly, the same effect as any of the foregoing.

          2.4          "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          2.5          "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee as the Board shall designate to administer the Plan. The Committee shall consist of at least two members of the Board and all of its members shall be "non-employee directors" as defined in Rule 16b-3 issued under the Act.

          2.6          "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company, par value $10 per share.

          2.7          "Company" means Chemical Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation, and its successors and assigns.

          2.8          "Continuing Directors" means the individuals who were either (a) first elected or appointed as a director prior to February 1, 1997, or (b) subsequently appointed as a director, if appointed or nominated by at least a majority of the Continuing Directors in office at the time of the nomination or appointment, but specifically excluding any individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened "election contest" (as the term is used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A issued under the Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

          2.9          "Employee Benefit Plan" means any plan or program established by the Company or a Subsidiary for the compensation or benefit of employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

          2.10          "Incentive Award" means the award or grant of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.

          2.11          "Market Value" shall equal the mean of the highest and lowest sales prices of shares of Common Stock reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market (or any successor exchange or system that is the primary stock exchange or system for trading of Common Stock) on the date of grant, or if The Nasdaq Stock Market (or any such successor) is closed on that date, the last preceding date on which The Nasdaq Stock Market (or any such successor) was open for trading and on which shares of Common Stock were traded.



- -2-


          2.12          "Participant" means a corporate officer or any key employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries who is granted an Incentive Award under the Plan.

          2.13          "Person" has the same meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Act.

          2.14          "Retirement" means the voluntary termination of all employment by the Participant after the Participant has attained 55 years of age and completed 10 years of service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or as otherwise may be set forth in the Incentive Award agreement or other grant document with respect to a Participant and a particular Incentive Award.

          2.15          "Stock Appreciation Right" means any right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.

          2.16          "Stock Option" means the right to purchase Common Stock at a stated price for a specified period of time. For purposes of the Plan, a Stock Option may be either an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code or a nonqualified stock option.

          2.17          "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which 50% or more of the outstanding voting stock or voting ownership interest is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by the Company or by one or more Subsidiaries of the Company.


SECTION 3

ADMINISTRATION

          3.1          Power and Authority. The Committee shall administer the Plan. The Committee may delegate record keeping, calculation, payment and other ministerial administrative functions to individuals designated by the Committee, who may be employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Except as limited in this Plan, the Committee shall have all of the express and implied powers and duties set forth in this Plan, shall have full power and authority to interpret the provisions of the Plan and Incentive Awards granted under the Plan and shall have full power and authority to supervise the administration of the Plan and Incentive Awards granted under the Plan and to make all other determinations considered necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. All determinations, interpretations and selections made by the Committee regarding the Plan shall be final and conclusive. The Committee shall hold its meetings at such times and pla ces as it deems advisable. Action may be taken by a written instrument signed by a majority of the members of the Committee and any action so taken shall be fully as effective as if it had been taken at a meeting duly called and held. The Committee shall make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it deems advisable.

          3.2          Grants or Awards to Participants. In accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to determine all provisions of Incentive Awards as the Committee may deem necessary or desirable and as are consistent with


- -3-


the terms of the Plan, including, without limitation, the following: (a) the persons who shall be selected as Participants; (b) the nature and extent of the Incentive Awards to be made to each Participant (including the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to each Incentive Award, any exercise price, the manner in which an Incentive Award will vest or become exercisable and the form of payment for the Incentive Award); (c) the time or times when Incentive Awards will be granted; (d) the duration of each Incentive Award; and (e) the restrictions and other conditions to which payment or vesting of Incentive Awards may be subject.

          3.3          Amendments or Modifications of Awards. The Committee shall have the authority to amend or modify the terms of any outstanding Incentive Award in any manner, provided that the amended or modified terms are not prohibited by the Plan as then in effect, including, without limitation, the authority to: (a) modify the number of shares or other terms and conditions of an Incentive Award; (b) extend the term of an Incentive Award; (c) accelerate the exercisability or vesting or otherwise terminate any restrictions relating to an Incentive Award; (d) accept the surrender of any outstanding Incentive Award; and (e) to the extent not previously exercised or vested, authorize the grant of new Incentive Awards in substitution for surrendered Incentive Awards.

          3.4          Indemnification of Committee Members.   Neither any member or former member of the Committee nor any individual to whom authority is or has been delegated shall be personally responsible or liable for any act or omission in connection with the performance of powers or duties or the exercise of discretion or judgment in the administration and implementation of the Plan. Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from and against any cost, liability or expense imposed or incurred in connection with such person's or the Committee's taking or failing to take any action under the Plan. Each such person shall be justified in relying on information furnished in connection with the Plan's administration by any appropriate person or persons.


SECTION 4

SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

          4.1          Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2 of the Plan, a maximum of 500,000 shares of Common Stock shall be available for Incentive Awards under the Plan. Such shares shall be authorized and may be either unissued or treasury shares.

          4.2          Adjustments. If the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding changes by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the number and kind of securities subject to and reserved under the Plan, together with applicable exercise prices, shall be appropriately adjusted. No fractional shares shall be issued pursuant to the Plan and any fractional shares resulting from adjustments shall be eliminated from the respective Incentive Awards. If an Incentive Award is canceled, surrendered, modified,


- -4-


exchanged for a substitute Incentive Award or expires or terminates during the term of the Plan but prior to the exercise or vesting of the Incentive Award in full, the shares subject to but not delivered under such Incentive Award shall be available for other Incentive Awards. If shares subject to and otherwise deliverable upon the exercise of an Incentive Award are surrendered to the Company in connection with the exercise of an Incentive Award, the surrendered shares subject to the Incentive Award shall be available for other Incentive Awards.


SECTION 5

STOCK OPTIONS

          5.1          Grant. A Participant may be granted one or more Stock Options under the Plan. Stock Options shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. In addition, the Committee may vary, among Participants and among Stock Options granted to the same Participant, any and all of the terms and conditions of the Stock Options granted under the Plan. The Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Stock Options granted to each Participant. The Committee may designate whether or not a Stock Option is to be considered an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422(b) of the Code.

          5.2          Stock Option Agreements. Stock Options shall be evidenced by stock option agreements containing such terms and conditions, consistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall from time to time determine. To the extent not covered by the stock option agreement, the terms and conditions of this Section 5 shall govern.

          5.3          Stock Option Price.  The per share Stock Option price shall be determined by the Committee, but shall be a price that is equal to or higher than the par value of the Company's Common Stock; provided, that the per share Stock Option price for any shares designated as incentive stock options shall be equal to or greater than 100% of the Market Value on the date of grant.

          5.4          Medium and Time of Payment.  The exercise price for each share purchased pursuant to a Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be payable in cash or, if the Committee consents, in shares of Common Stock.

          5.5          Stock Options Granted to Ten Percent Shareholders.  No Stock Option granted to any Participant who at the time of such grant owns, together with stock attributed to such Participant under Section 424(d) of the Code, more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be designated as an incentive stock option, unless such Stock Option provides an exercise price equal to at least 110% of the Market Value of the Common Stock and the exercise of the Stock Option after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of the Stock Option is prohibited by its terms.

          5.6          Limits on Exercisability.  Stock Options shall be exercisable for such periods, not to exceed 10 years and 1 day from the date of grant, as may be fixed by the Committee. At the


- -5-


time of the exercise of a Stock Option, the holder of the Stock Option, if requested by the Committee, must represent to the Company that the shares are being acquired for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof. The Committee may in its discretion require a Participant to continue the Participant's service with the Company and its Subsidiaries for a certain length of time prior to a Stock Option becoming exercisable and may eliminate such delayed vesting provisions.

          5.7          Restrictions on Transferability.

          (a)          General. Unless the Committee otherwise consents (before or after the option grant) or unless the stock option agreement or grant provides otherwise: (i) no Stock Options granted under the Plan may be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated except by will or the laws of descent and distribution; and (ii) all Stock Options granted to a Participant shall be exercisable during the Participant's lifetime only by such Participant, his or her guardian or legal representative.

          (b)          Other Restrictions. The Committee may impose other restrictions on any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option under the Plan as the Committee deems advisable, including, without limitation, restrictions under applicable federal or state securities laws.

          5.8          Termination of Employment.

          (a)          General. If a Participant is no longer employed by the Company or its Subsidiary for any reason other than the Participant's Retirement, death, disability or termination for cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Options in accordance with their terms for a period of 3 months after such termination of employment unless the terms of the applicable stock option agreement or grant provide otherwise, but only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the Stock Options on the date of termination. For purposes of the Plan: (i) a transfer of an employee from the Company to any Subsidiary; (ii) a leave of absence, duly authorized in writing by the Company, for military service or for any other purpose approved by the Company if the period of such leave does not exceed 90 days; and (iii) a leave of absence in excess of 90 days, duly authorized in writing by the Company, provided the employee's right to reemploy ment is guaranteed either by statute or contract, shall not be deemed a termination of employment. For purposes of the Plan, termination of employment shall be considered to occur on the date on which the employee is no longer obligated to perform services for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the employee's right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or contract, regardless of whether the employee continues to receive compensation from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after such date.

          (b)          Retirement. If a Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries due to Retirement, the Participant may



- -6-


exercise his or her Stock Options in accordance with their terms for a period of 3 years after such termination of employment unless such Stock Options earlier expire by their terms, but only to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise the Stock Options on the date of termination.

          (c)          Disability. If a Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries due to the Participant's disability, he or she may exercise his or her Stock Options in accordance with their terms for 1 year after he or she ceases to be employed unless such Stock Options earlier expire by their terms, but only to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise the Stock Options on the date of such termination.

          (d)          Death. If a Participant dies either while an employee or otherwise during a time when the Participant could have exercised a Stock Option, the Stock Options issued to such Participant shall be exercisable in accordance with their terms by the personal representative of such Participant or other successor to the interest of the Participant for a period of 1 year after such Participant's death to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise the Stock Options on the date of death but not beyond the original term of the Stock Options.

          (e)          Termination for Cause. If a Participant's employment is terminated for cause, the Participant shall have no further right to exercise any Stock Options previously granted him or her.


SECTION 6

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

          6.1          Grant. A Participant may be granted one or more Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan and such Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. A Stock Appreciation Right may relate to a particular Stock Option and may be granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the Stock Option to which it relates. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to the same restrictions and conditions as Stock Options under subsections 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8 of the Plan. To the extent granted in tandem with a Stock Option, the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall, in exchange for the right to exercise a related Stock Option, entitle a Participant to an amount equal to the appreciation in value of the shares covered by the related Stock Option surrendered. Such appreciation in value shall be equal to the e xcess of the Market Value of such shares at the time of the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right over the option price of such shares.

          6.2          Exercise; Payment. To the extent granted in tandem with a Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised only when a related Stock Option could be exercised and only when the Market Value of the stock subject to the Stock Option exceeds the exercise price of the Stock Option. The Committee shall have discretion to determine the form of payment


- -7-


made upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, which may take the form of shares of Common Stock.


SECTION 7

CHANGE IN CONTROL

          Without in any way limiting the Committee's discretion, the Committee may include in any Incentive Award provisions for acceleration of any vesting or other similar requirements or for the elimination of any restrictions upon Incentive Awards upon a Change in Control of the Company. The Committee may also include provisions for Participants to receive cash in lieu of outstanding Stock Options upon a Change in Control of the Company.


SECTION 8

GENERAL PROVISIONS

          8.1          No Rights to Awards. No Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Incentive Award under the Plan and there is no obligation of uniformity of treatment of employees, Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Incentive Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Incentive Awards of the same type and the determination of the Committee to grant a waiver or modification of any Incentive Award and the terms and conditions thereof need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

          8.2          Withholding. The Company or a Subsidiary shall be entitled to (a) withhold and deduct from future wages of a Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to a Participant from the Company or a Subsidiary), or make other arrangements for the collection of, all amounts necessary to satisfy any and all federal, state and local withholding and employment-related tax requirements attributable to an Incentive Award or any action related to an Incentive Award, including, without limitation, the grant, exercise or vesting of, or payment of dividends with respect to, an Incentive Award or a disqualifying disposition of Common Stock received upon exercise of an incentive stock option; or (b) require a Participant promptly to remit the amount of such withholding to the Company before taking any action with respect to an Incentive Award. If the Committee consents, withholding may be satisfied by withholding Common Stock to b e received upon exercise or by delivery to the Company of previously owned Common Stock. The Company may establish such rules and procedures concerning timing of any withholding election as it deems appropriate.

          8.3          Compliance With Laws; Listing and Registration of Shares. All Incentive Awards granted under the Plan (and all issuances of Common Stock or other securities under the Plan) shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and to the requirement that if at any time the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares covered thereby upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or


- -8-


desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of such Incentive Award or the issue or purchase of shares thereunder, such Incentive Award may not be exercised in whole or in part, or the restrictions on such Incentive Award shall not lapse, unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.

          8.4          No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, including the grant of stock options and other stock-based awards and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

          8.5          No Right to Employment. The grant of an Incentive Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary. The Company or any Subsidiary may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any written agreement with a Participant.

          8.6          Suspension of Rights under Incentive Awards. The Company, by written notice to a Participant, may suspend a Participant's and any transferee's rights under any Incentive Award for a period not to exceed 30 days while the termination for cause of that Participant's employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is under consideration.

          8.7          Governing Law. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and applicable federal law.

          8.8          Severability. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of the Plan and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.


SECTION 9

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

          The Board may terminate the Plan at any time, or may from time to time amend the Plan as it deems proper and in the best interests of the Company, provided that no such amendment may impair any outstanding Incentive Award without the consent of the Participant, except according to the terms of the Plan or the Incentive Award. No termination, amendment or modification of the Plan shall become effective with respect to any Incentive Award previously granted under the Plan without the prior written consent of the Participant holding such Incentive Award unless such amendment or modification operates solely to the benefit of the Participant.




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SECTION 10

EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN

          This Plan shall take effect April 21, 1997, subject to approval by the shareholders at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof or at a Special Meeting of Shareholders. No Incentive Award shall be granted under the Plan after April 20, 2007.

















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EX-10 4 chemex104_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 10.4 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Supplemental Retirement Income Plan - Exhibit to 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT 10.4

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN
Adopted May 20, 1985 and as
Amended August 15, 1988 and
December 21, 1992



1.

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

 

 

 

The purpose of the Chemical Financial Corporation Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the "Plan") is threefold: (i) to reimburse a Corporate Officer of Chemical Financial Corporation (the "Company") for any reduction in his benefit payments under the Chemical Financial Corporation Employees' Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") which may be caused by the limitations imposed thereon by Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "415 Limit" or Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "401(a)(17) Limit"); (ii) to provide incentive and reward to such officer through additional retirement income in recognition of this meritorious service and material contribution to the Company' s continued growth and development; and (iii) to assist the Company in retaining and attracting high caliber key executives upon whose efforts the future successful and profitable operation of its business is dependent.

 

 

2.

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

 

 

This Plan was approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Chemical Financial Corporation as of May 20, 1985 and amended as of August 15, 1988 and December 21, 1992.

 

 

3.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN

 

 

 

The Plan is administered by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors consisting of not less than three members of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee). The Plan empowers the Compensation Committee to grant such key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries as shall be selected from time to time by the Committee, participation rights in the Plan.

 

 

4.

PENSION PLAN BENEFITS

 

 

 

For purposes of this section, "Unrestricted Pension Benefit" means the amount which would have been payable from the Pension Plan if the 415 Limit or 401(a)(17) Limit did not apply, calculated as of the participant' s date of retirement based on the applicable optional payment method. "Restricted Benefit Amount" means the amount actually payable from the Pension Plan calculated as of the participant' s date of retirement based on the applicable optional payment method.





 

Pension Plan benefits are only available to a participant who is employed by the Company immediately prior to his normal or early retirement from the Company under the terms of the Pension Plan.

 

 

 

A participant who retires pursuant to the normal or early retirement provisions of the Pension Plan and elects benefits from the Pension Plan shall, subject to approval by the Committee, receive a monthly supplement from the Plan. The supplement shall be equal to the difference between (i) the Unrestricted Pension Benefit and (ii) the Restricted Benefit Amount, both calculated according to the form of payment elected for his Pension Plan Benefits. In the event the participant' s death and payment election from causes a Pension Plan payment to a beneficiary, a portion of the supplement shall be paid to such beneficiary during the period of any related Pension Plan payment. The portion of the supplement to be paid (if any) shall equal the portion of the participant' s Pension Plan benefit which is continued for such beneficiary(ies).

 

 

 

However, upon a Change in Control (as hereafter defined), each participant or his/her recognized survivor shall be paid the present value of the benefit accrued under the Supplemental Plan in the following manner:


 

a.

If an active employee or former employee with a deferred benefit who is eligible to retire, the participant' s benefit shall be calculated as if the participant terminated employment and then retired and elected to receive the 100% Joint Annuitant Option benefit as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the Change in Control.

 

 

 

 

b.

If an employee or former employee who is not eligible to retire, the participant' s benefit shall be calculated as if the participant terminated employment and then elected to receive the lump sum equivalent of a vested deferred benefit as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the Change in Control.


 

All amounts shall be paid in a single lump sum within 90 days of the Change in Control unless the participant consents to another form of payment.

 

 

 

For purposes of the Supplemental Plan, a Change in Control shall mean a change in control of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided that, without limitation, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, or any syndicate or group deemed to be a person under Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in rule 13D-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20 percent or more the of the combined voting power of the Company' s then outstanding securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the Company; or (ii) during any



- -2-


 

period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the adoption of thisamendment), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors and any new directors whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company' s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof.

 

 

 

For purposes of this lump sum payment in the event of a Change in Control, the present value of the accrued benefit shall be calculated using such actuarial assumptions as the Compensation Committee shall adopt from time to time.

 

 

5.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

 

 

 

The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee. The Committee shall have all such powers that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Plan in the absence of any action by the Board, including without limitation, the power to delegate administrative matters to other persons, to construe and interpret the Plan, to adopt and revise the rules, regulations and forms relating to and consistent with the Plan' s terms and to make any other determinations which it deems necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the Plan provided, however, that the right and power to amend and/or terminate the Plan are reserved exclusively to the Board. Subject to the foregoing, all decisions and determinations by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive as to all parties including, without limitation, the Company, any participant hereunder and all other employees and persons.

 

 

6.

SOURCE OF BENEFIT PAYMENTS

 

 

 

No fund or other assets of the Company shall be segregated and attributable to any benefit payments to be made at a later time, as herein above provided, but rather benefit payments under the Plan shall be made from the general assets of the company at the time any such payment becomes due and payable. Benefit payments under the Plan are to be taken as deductions for income tax purposes in the Company' s fiscal year that they are actually made. At such time as any benefit payments are made, it shall be determined by the Company whether any portion thereof is allocable to any affiliates(s) of the Company because of their recipient having also served as a Corporate Officer of such affiliate(s); and, if such is the case, the Company may elect to obtain reimbursement from such affiliate(s) as appropriate, for such allocable portion. No participant or surviving spouse or beneficiary thereof shall have any proprietary rights of any nature whatsoever with respect to any benefit payments, unless and until such ti me a benefit payment is made to such participant or the surviving spouse or beneficiaries thereof, and then only as to the amount of such payment.



- -3-


 

 

 

7.

NON-ALIENATION OF PAYMENTS

 

 

 

Any benefits payable under the Plan shall not be subject in any manner to alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, attachment, garnishment or encumbrance of any kind, by will, or by inter vivos instrument. Any attempt to alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber any such payment, whether currently or thereafter payable, shall not be recognized by the Committee or the Company. Any benefit payment due hereunder shall not in any manner be liable for, or subject to, the debts or liabilities of any participant or the surviving spouse or beneficiary thereof, as the case may be.

 

 

 

If any such participant, surviving spouse or beneficiary shall attempt to alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber any benefit payments to be made to that person under the Plan or any part thereof, or if by reason of such person' s bankruptcy or other event happening at any time, such payments would devolve upon anyone else or would not be enjoyed by such person, then the Committee, in its discretion, may terminate such person' s interest in any such benefit payment, and hold or apply it to or for the benefit of that person, the spouse, children, or other dependents hereof, or any of them, in such manner as the Committee may deem proper.

 

 

8.

INCOMPETENCY

 

 

 

Every person receiving or claiming benefit payments under the Plan shall be conclusively presumed to be mentally competent until the date on which the Committee receives a written notice, in a form and manner acceptable to the Committee, that such person is incompetent and that a guardian, conservator, or other person legally vested with the care of his estate has bee appointed. In the event a guardian or conservator of the estate of any person receiving or claiming benefit payment under the Plan shall be appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, payments may be made to such guardian or conservator; provided that proper proof of appointment and continuing qualification is furnished in a form and manner acceptable to the Committee. Any such payment so made shall be a complete discharge of any liability therefor.

 

 

9.

LIMITATION OF RIGHTS AGAINST THE COMPANY

 

 

 

Participation in this Plan, or any modifications thereof, or the payments of any benefits hereunder, shall not be construed as giving to any participant any right to be retained in the service of the Company, limiting in any way the right of the Company to terminate such participant' s employment at any time, evidencing any agreement or understanding express or implied, that the Company will employ such participant in any particular position or at any particular rate of compensation and/or guaranteeing such participant any right to receive any other form or amount of renumeration from the Company.



- -4-


 

10.

CONSTRUCTION

 

 

 

The Plan shall be construed, administered and governed in all respects under and by the laws of the State of Michigan. Wherever any words are used herein in the masculine, they shall be construed as though they were used in the feminine for all cases where they would so apply; and wherever any words are used herein in the singular or the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply. The words "hereof", "hereunder" andother similar compounds of the word "here" shall mean and refer to this entire document and not to any particular paragraph.

 

 

11.

LIABILITY

 

 

 

Neither the Company nor any shareholder, director, officer or other employee of the Company or any member of the committee or any other person shall be jointly or severally liable for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for gross negligence or fraud.

 

 

12.

AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

 

 

 

The Company, by action of the Board, reserves the right to amend, modify, terminate or discontinue the Plan at any time; and such action shall be final, binding and conclusive as to all parties, including any participant hereunder, any surviving spouse or beneficiary thereof and all other Company employees and persons.

 

 

13.

SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

 

 

 

The terms and conditions of the Plan, as amended and in effect from time to time, shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company, including without limitation any entity into which the Company may be merged or with which the Company may be consolidated.

















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EX-10 5 chemex105_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 10.5 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Financial Corporation Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 10.5

RETIREMENT AGREEMENT


                    THIS AGREEMENT is made this 19th day of November, 2001, between ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER ("Mr. Oliver") and CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION ("Chemical"), and joined in by its subsidiary, CHEMICAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY ("Chemical Bank");

                    WHEREAS, Chemical is a financial holding company and a Michigan corporation; and

                    WHEREAS, Chemical believes that its ability to conduct its business successfully is dependent upon retaining key management employees until such time as they retire; and

                    WHEREAS, Mr. Oliver has been employed in an important management and chief executive position with in Chemical for over 44 years, and the parties desire to continue to maintain a relationship upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

                    WHEREAS, Mr. Oliver has determined to retire from the active management of Chemical, but has agreed to provide assistance and advice to Chemical.

                    IT IS, THEREFORE, AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

                    1.          Retirement. Effective the close of business December 31, 2001, Mr. Oliver resigned and retired from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Financial Corporation. Mr. Oliver shall continue to serve on the Boards of Chemical and Chemical Bank and will become Chemical's non-executive Chairman effective January 1, 2002, from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, without compensation for Directors' meetings. Mr. Oliver may thereafter continue his service to Chemical for such time and in such role as Chemical and he deem appropriate.

                    2.          Compensation and Benefits. Chemical agrees to pay to Mr. Oliver an annual compensation of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), commencing on the first day of January, 2002, for a period of one year or until his death, if earlier. Payments to Mr. Oliver will be made on the first business day of each month during the term of this Agreement.

          Mr. Oliver shall be provided group health benefits in accordance with the terms of Chemical's Retiree Medical and Dental Plan. If at any time Chemical terminates any such insurance plan for its retirees, Chemical may also terminate such plan for Mr. Oliver; if Chemical substitutes medical and hospitalization insurance plans for its retirees or provides additional medical or hospitalization insurance coverage for its retirees, then




such substituted and/or additional insurance coverage shall be made available to Mr. Oliver.

                    3.          Covenant Not To Compete. Mr. Oliver agrees that during the period that payments are being made to him hereunder, he shall not enter into employment or any form of equity ownership of any business which is competitive with the businesses related to, affiliated with, or managed by Chemical; provided, however, that the parties agree that this provision will be limited to a geographic area consisting of a fifty (50) mile radius from each existing business location of Chemical or any business related to, affiliated with, or managed by Chemical. In the event the Board of Directors of Chemical determines that Mr. Oliver is in violation of this covenant not to compete, it shall give written notice to him. Mr. Oliver shall have a period of ninety (90) days from the date of such notice to cease his competitive activity, and the payments hereunder shall continue during such period. If the competitive act ivity is not terminated within the ninety (90) day period, further payments hereunder shall cease. In the event of a dispute hereunder, the parties agree to submit their disagreement to arbitration. Nothing in this Section 3 shall be construed to prevent Mr. Oliver from acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, securities of any corporation or other entity the securities of which are listed for trading on any national or regional securities exchange or quoted on any automated quotation system sponsored by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. as long as Mr. Oliver's total beneficial ownership in any such corporation or entity does not exceed five percent (5%) of the total securities outstanding of such corporation or entity.

                    4.          No Assignment. This Agreement is personal to each party to this Agreement and no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the others.

                    5.          Modification. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements with respect to the matters covered hereby, and no modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by Chemical and by Mr. Oliver.

                    6.          Construction. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

                    7.          Headings. The paragraph headings in this Agreement are for convenient reference only, and shall not modify or amend the express terms hereof.

                    8.          Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall insure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.







DATED: December 3, 2001

 

/s/ Aloysius J. Oliver


Aloysius J. Oliver
     
     




DATED: December 3, 2001

 

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION


By /s/ Alan W. Ott


     Alan W. Ott
     Its Chairman
     
     




DATED: December 3, 2001

 

CHEMICAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


By /s/ David B. Ramaker


     David B. Ramaker
     Its President & Chief Executive Officer



FIRST AMENDMENT TO
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT

          This First Amendment made effective the 31st day of December, 2002, between Aloysius J. Oliver (Oliver) and Chemical Financial Corporation (Chemical), and joined in by Chemical Bank and Trust Company (Chemical Bank).

          WHEREAS Oliver, Chemical and Chemical Bank are parties to an agreement dated November 19, 2002, governing the terms of Oliver's continued service to Chemical following his retirement from full-time employment (the Agreement); and

          WHEREAS the parties desire to extend the term of the Agreement;

IT IS, THEREFORE, AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

          1. Term. Paragraph 1 of the Agreement is amended to provide that rather than expiring on December 31, 2002, the Agreement will remain in effect until December 31, 2003.

          2. Continuing Validity. In all other respects the Agreement continues effective in accordance with its original terms.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed effective as of the date first stated above.


Oliver

 

Chemical Financial Corporation

 
       
       

/s/ Aloysius J. Oliver


 

By: /s/ David B. Ramaker


 

Aloysius J. Oliver

 

     David B. Ramaker
     President and C.E.O.

 
       
       
   

Chemical Bank and Trust Company

 
       
       
   

By: /s/ David B. Ramaker


 
   

     David B. Ramaker,
     Chairman

 



SECOND AMENDMENT TO
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT

                    This Second Amendment made effective the 31st day of December, 2003, between Aloysius J. Oliver (Oliver) ad Chemical Financial Corporation (Chemical), and joined in by Chemical Bank and Trust Company (Chemical Bank).

                    WHEREAS Oliver, Chemical and Chemical Bank are parties to an agreement dated November 19, 2001, governing the terms of Oliver's continued service to Chemical following his retirement from full-time employment (the Agreement); and

                    WHEREAS the parties desire to extend the term of the Agreement;

IT IS, THEREFORE, AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

 

1.

Term. Paragraph 1 of the Agreement is amended to provide that rather than expiring on December 31, 2003, the Agreement will remain in effect until the annual meeting of shareholders of Chemical in April of 2004.

     
 

2.

Continuing Validity. In all other respects the Agreement continues effective in accordance with its original terms.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed effective as of the date first stated above.

Oliver

 

Chemical Financial Corporation

 
       
       

/s/ Aloysius J. Oliver


 

By: /s/ David B. Ramaker


 

Aloysius J. Oliver

 

     David B. Ramaker
     President and C.E.O.

 
       
       
   

Chemical Bank and Trust Company

 
       
       
   

By: /s/ David B. Ramaker


 
   

     David B. Ramaker,
     Chairman

 
EX-11 6 chemex11_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 11 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 11 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT NO. 11

Computation of Per Share Earnings


 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

 

2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

BASIC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Average shares outstanding

 

23,693

 

 

23,677

 

 

23,626

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income

 

$55,716


 

 

$54,945


 

 

$42,723


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income per common share

 

$2.35


 

 

$2.32


 

 

$1.81


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DILUTED:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Average shares outstanding

 

23,693

 

 

23,677

 

 

23,626

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net effect of the assumed exercise of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     stock options-based on the treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     stock method using average market price

 

63


 

 

65


 

 

66


 

 

23,756


 

 

23,742


 

 

23,692


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income

 

$55,716


 

 

$54,945


 

 

$42,723


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income per common share

 

$2.35


 

 

$2.31


 

 

$1.80


EX-13 7 k81538xx.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 13 TO FORM 10-K e8vk
Table of Contents

CHEMICAL
FINANCIAL CORPORATIONSM

2003

Annual Report
to Shareholders

LOGO          


CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
SUPPLEMENTAL QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
MARKET FOR CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


Table of Contents


CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION


2003 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

         
Contents Page

 
Chemical Financial Corporation
    1  
 
Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data
    2  
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
    3  
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
    23  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    27  
 
Report of Independent Auditors
    44  
 
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
    45  
 
Market for Chemical Financial Corporation
Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters
    45  
 
Chemical Financial Corporation Directors and Executive Officers
    46  


Table of Contents


CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

This is Chemical Financial Corporation’s 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders. Chemical Financial Corporation (“Chemical” or the “Corporation”) is a diversified financial services company providing a full range of commercial, consumer, mortgage, trust, insurance and financial planning services through four subsidiary state-chartered commercial banks. Chemical served a broad customer base through 133 banking offices and 2 loan production offices across 33 counties in the lower peninsula of Michigan as of December 31, 2003.

The Corporation is headquartered in Midland, Michigan, and had total assets of $3.7 billion at December 31, 2003. In addition to its banking offices, the Corporation had 139 ATM locations, with 39 located off-bank premises. The Corporation offers trust and investment services, including financial and estate planning, retirement programs, investment management and custodial services and employee benefit programs through the trust department of its largest subsidiary bank. At December 31, 2003, the trust department had assets under custodial and management arrangements of $2.1 billion.

At year-end, the Corporation had 1,447 employees on a full-time equivalent basis and its shareholders totaled approximately 9,800, of which approximately 5,500 were shareholders of record.

Chemical Financial Corporation’s 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders contains audited financial statements and a detailed financial review. Although attached to our proxy statement, this report is not part of our proxy statement, is not deemed to be soliciting material, and is not deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) except to the extent that it is expressly incorporated by reference in a document filed with the SEC.

The 2003 Summary Annual Report accompanies the proxy statement. This report presents information concerning the business and financial results of Chemical Financial Corporation in a format and level of detail that we believe our shareholders will find useful and informative. Shareholders who would like to receive even more detailed information than that contained in this 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders are invited to request our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC, including financial statements and financial statement schedules will be provided to any shareholder, without charge, upon written request to Chemical Financial Corporation, Attn: Lori A. Gwizdala, Chief Financial Officer, 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640. The Annual Report on Form 10-K will also be available via our internet website www.chemicalbankmi.com in the “Investor Information” section.

1


Table of Contents


FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                                           
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Operating Results (In thousands)
                                       
Net interest income
    $139,772     $ 145,692     $ 130,068     $ 114,908     $ 111,504  
Provision for loan losses
    2,834       3,765       2,004       1,587       963  
Noninterest income
    39,094       34,534       31,873       25,495       24,220  
Operating expenses
    91,923       93,526       94,597       78,294       74,546  
Net operating income(1)
    55,716       54,945       49,800       40,801       40,459  
Net income
    55,716       54,945       42,723       40,801       40,459  

Per Share Data(2)
                                       
Net income
                                       
 
Basic
    $2.35     $ 2.32     $ 1.81     $ 1.73     $ 1.70  
 
Diluted
    2.35       2.31       1.80       1.72       1.69  
Net operating income(1)
                                       
 
Basic
    2.35       2.32       2.11       1.73       1.70  
 
Diluted
    2.35       2.31       2.10       1.72       1.69  
Cash dividends declared and paid
    1.00       .91       .87       .80       .72  
Book value at end of period
    19.25       18.17       16.48       15.17       13.91  
Market value at end of period
    36.39       30.59       28.67       21.09       26.70  
Shares outstanding at end of period (In thousands)(2)
    23,801       23,684       23,640       23,592       23,680  

At Year End (In thousands)
                                       
Assets
  $ 3,708,888     $ 3,568,649     $ 3,488,306     $ 3,047,388     $ 2,903,612  
Loans
    2,481,275       2,074,942       2,182,541       1,848,630       1,711,570  
Deposits
    2,967,236       2,847,272       2,789,524       2,443,155       2,354,656  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    155,373       157,393       167,893       116,806       111,025  
Shareholders’ equity
    458,049       430,339       389,456       357,910       329,398  

Average Balances (In thousands)
                                       
Assets
  $ 3,578,678     $ 3,538,599     $ 3,213,561     $ 3,000,505     $ 2,868,323  
Interest-earning assets
    3,381,083       3,325,572       3,026,296       2,813,073       2,675,669  
Loans
    2,222,704       2,088,395       1,996,803       1,771,306       1,618,566  
Deposits
    2,868,180       2,825,975       2,582,480       2,431,954       2,355,876  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    151,183       162,332       132,103       107,215       84,993  
Shareholders’ equity
    439,178       406,762       369,829       340,181       329,244  

Financial Ratios
                                       
Return on average assets – net income
    1.56 %     1.55 %     1.33 %     1.36 %     1.41 %
Return on average assets – net operating income(1)
    1.56       1.55       1.55       1.36       1.41  
Return on average equity – net income
    12.7       13.5       11.6       12.0       12.3  
Return on average equity – net operating income(1)
    12.7       13.5       13.5       12.0       12.3  
Net interest margin
    4.18       4.44       4.38       4.18       4.27  
Efficiency ratio(3)
    50.9       51.3       52.0       54.7       53.9  
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets
    12.3       11.5       11.5       11.3       11.5  
Cash dividends paid per share to diluted net income per share
    42.6       39.4       48.3       46.5       42.6  
Tangible equity to assets
    10.5       11.0       10.1       11.1       10.7  
Total risk-based capital
    16.6       18.6       17.4       21.1       22.0  

Credit Quality Statistics
                                       
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
    1.34 %     1.48 %     1.42 %     1.45 %     1.53 %
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
    .46       .35       .60       .47       .30  
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
    .47       .32       .40       .31       .19  
Net loans charged off as a percent of average loans
    .15       .20       .08       .05       .05  

(1)  Net operating income differs from net income by excluding merger and restructuring expenses of $7.1 million, or $.30 diluted earnings per share, on an after-tax basis incurred in 2001.
(2)  Adjusted for stock dividends.
(3)  Total operating expenses, excluding merger and restructuring expenses of $9.2 million in 2001, divided by the sum of net interest income (fully taxable equivalent) and noninterest income.

2


Table of Contents


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION

The Corporation is a financial holding company with its business concentrated in a single industry segment – commercial banking. The Corporation, through its bank subsidiaries, offers a full range of commercial banking services. These banking services include accepting deposits, business and personal checking accounts, savings and individual retirement accounts, time deposit instruments, electronically accessed banking products, residential and commercial real estate financing, commercial lending, consumer financing, debit cards, safe deposit box services, money transfer services, automated teller machines, access to insurance products and corporate and personal trust services.

The principal markets for the Corporation’s commercial banking services are communities within Michigan in which the Corporation’s subsidiaries are located and the areas immediately surrounding these communities. As of December 31, 2003, the Corporation operated four subsidiary banks: Chemical Bank and Trust Company, headquartered in Midland, Michigan; Chemical Bank Shoreline, headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan; Chemical Bank West, headquartered in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area; and State Bank of Caledonia, headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan. Together, they serve 90 communities through 133 banking offices and 2 loan production offices located in 33 counties across Michigan’s lower peninsula. In addition to its banking offices, the Corporation operated 139 automated teller machines, both on and off bank premises.

The principal sources of revenues for the Corporation are interest and fees on loans, which accounted for 65% of total revenues in 2003, 63% of total revenues in 2002 and 64% of total revenues in 2001. Interest on investment securities is also a significant source of revenue, accounting for 17% of total revenues in 2003 and 21% of total revenues in 2002 and 2001. Chemical Bank and Trust Company, the Corporation’s largest subsidiary and lead bank, represented 38% of total loans and 44% of total deposits of the Corporation at December 31, 2003.


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following discussion and analysis is intended to cover the significant factors affecting the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial position and income included in this report. It is designed to provide shareholders with a more comprehensive review of the consolidated operating results and financial position of the Corporation than could be obtained from an examination of the financial statements alone.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

The Corporation’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements. As this information changes, the consolidated financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions, and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value or when a decline in the value of an asset not carried at fair value on the financial statements warrants an impairment write-down or a valuation reserve to be established. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by third-party sources, when available. When third-party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated by management primarily through the use of internal discounted cash flow analysis.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Corporation are presented in Note A to the consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other notes to the consolidated financial statements and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis,” provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the consolidated financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, estimates and assumptions underlying those amounts, management has identified the determination of the allowance for loan losses to be the accounting area that requires the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such, could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the

continued on next page
3


Table of Contents


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

amount and timing of expected cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated statements of financial position. Note A to the consolidated financial statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses. In addition, a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included under the subheading “Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis.”

Mergers and Acquisitions

The Corporation’s primary method of expansion into new banking markets has been through acquisitions of other financial institutions and bank branches. During the three years ended December 31, 2003, the Corporation closed the following mergers and acquisitions:

The Corporation acquired Caledonia Financial Corporation (“Caledonia”), a one-bank holding company headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan, on December 1, 2003. As of that date, Caledonia had total assets of $211 million, net loans of $184 million, total deposits of $171 million and shareholders’ equity of $22.3 million. Shareholders of Caledonia received $39.00 cash for each share of Caledonia common stock in a taxable transaction. The total value of the transaction was approximately $56.8 million, of which $52.3 million was paid in cash and $4.5 million represents the value of stock options. The purchase price represents a premium over book value of $34.5 million.

The Corporation will continue to operate Caledonia’s bank subsidiary, State Bank of Caledonia, with branch offices in Caledonia, Dutton, Middleville and Kalamazoo, Michigan, as a separate subsidiary until mid-2004. At that time, the Corporation expects to restructure the State Bank of Caledonia into two of the Corporation’s three existing bank subsidiaries. The branches in Caledonia, Middleville and Dutton will become part of Chemical Bank West, headquartered in the Grand Rapids area, and the Kalamazoo branch will become a part of Chemical Bank Shoreline, headquartered in Benton Harbor.

On September 30, 2003, the Corporation consolidated CFC Data Corp, its wholly-owned data processing subsidiary, into the parent. The data processing operations are primarily performed for the Corporation’s bank subsidiaries.

On September 14, 2001, the Corporation acquired Bank West Financial Corporation (“BWFC”). BWFC was the parent company of Bank West, a Michigan stock savings bank with five branch offices and one loan production office in Kent and Ottawa counties in Michigan. The purchase added approximately $300 million in total assets, $232 million in total loans and $194 million in total deposits as of the date of acquisition, for which the Corporation paid a premium of $7.3 million. Bank West was merged into the Corporation’s existing subsidiary, Chemical Bank West. The Corporation exchanged $29.2 million in cash for all of the outstanding stock of BWFC.

On July 13, 2001, the Corporation acquired four branch banking offices from Fifth Third Bank and Old Kent Bank in Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven and Fremont, Michigan. The purchase added total deposits of approximately $144 million and total loans of $97 million as of the date of acquisition, for which the Corporation paid a premium of $15.3 million. The offices in Holland, Zeeland and Grand Haven are being operated as branches of Chemical Bank Shoreline, and Chemical Bank West is operating the branch in Fremont.

The above acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting; therefore, the financial results of these operations are included from their respective acquisition dates, with no restatement of prior period amounts.

On January 9, 2001, the Corporation merged with Shoreline Financial Corporation (“Shoreline”), a one-bank holding company headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan and parent company of Shoreline Bank. As of the effective date of the transaction, Shoreline had total assets of approximately $1.1 billion, total deposits of approximately $.8 billion and total loans of approximately $.8 billion. The Corporation is operating Shoreline Bank through a separate subsidiary of the Corporation, Chemical Bank Shoreline, with its headquarters in Benton Harbor. The Corporation issued approximately 8.2 million shares of common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Shoreline. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests business combination and, therefore, all prior period amounts included in the consolidated financial statements were restated to include Shoreline as if it had always been part of the Corporation.

4


Table of Contents


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

TABLE 1. FIVE-YEAR INCOME STATEMENT – TAX EQUIVALENT BASIS* – AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE TOTAL ASSETS

                                             
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

INTEREST INCOME
                                           
Interest and fees on loans
    4.06 %     4.41 %     5.05 %     4.93 %     4.62 %    
Interest on investment securities
    1.13       1.53       1.69       1.93       2.01      
Interest on short-term investments
    .03       .08       .16       .26       .17      

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
    5.22       6.02       6.90       7.12       6.80      
INTEREST EXPENSE
                                           
Interest on deposits
    1.02       1.57       2.47       2.84       2.57      
Interest on FHLB borrowings
    .23       .25       .23       .22       .16      
Interest on other borrowings – short-term
    .02       .03       .08       .14       .09      

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
    1.27       1.85       2.78       3.20       2.82      

NET INTEREST INCOME
    3.95       4.17       4.12       3.92       3.98      
Provision for loan losses
    .08       .11       .06       .05       .03      
NONINTEREST INCOME
                                           
Service charges and fees
    .66       .60       .55       .54       .50      
Trust services revenue
    .19       .18       .20       .23       .22      
Mortgage banking revenue
    .19       .21       .20       .06       .08      
Other
    .06       (.01 )     .04       .02       .04      

TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME
    1.10       .98       .99       .85       .84      
OPERATING EXPENSES
                                           
Salaries, wages and benefits
    1.52       1.53       1.50       1.52       1.50      
Occupancy
    .22       .21       .21       .21       .22      
Equipment
    .22       .24       .24       .21       .20      
Merger and restructuring expenses
                .29                  
Other
    .61       .66       .70       .67       .68      

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
    2.57       2.64       2.94       2.61       2.60      

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    2.40       2.40       2.11       2.11       2.19      
Federal income taxes
    .79       .79       .70       .66       .69      
Tax equivalent adjustment
    .05       .06       .08       .09       .09      

NET INCOME
    1.56 %     1.55 %     1.33 %     1.36 %     1.41 %    

AVERAGE TOTAL ASSETS – In thousands
  $ 3,578,678     $ 3,538,599     $ 3,213,561     $ 3,000,505     $ 2,868,323      

Taxable equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.

Net Income

Net income in 2003 was $55.7 million, or $2.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $54.9 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, in 2002. Net income in 2003 represented a 1.4% increase over 2002 net income, while 2003 net income per share represented a 1.7% increase over 2002 net income per share.

The Corporation’s return on average assets, based on net operating income, was 1.56% in 2003 and 1.55% in both 2002 and 2001. The Corporation’s return on average shareholders’ equity, based on net operating income, was 12.7% in 2003 and 13.5% in both 2002 and 2001.

The Corporation defined net operating income in 2001 as net income before the impact of the merger and restructuring expenses of $7.1 million on an after-tax basis. Net operating income in 2001 was $49.8 million, or $2.10 per diluted share. There was no difference between net income and net operating income in 2003, 2002, 2000 and 1999. Net operating income per share has increased at an average annual compound rate of 8.3% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2003.

Deposits

The Corporation’s average deposit balances and average rates paid on deposits for the past three years are included in Table 2. Average total deposits were $42 million, or 1.5%, higher in 2003 as compared to 2002. Average total deposits were $243 million, or 9.4%, higher in 2002 as compared to 2001. The growth in average deposits was primarily attributable to the bank acquisitions during the past three years.
continued on next page
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

It is the Corporation’s strategy to develop customer relationships that will drive steady core deposit growth and stability. The Corporation gathers deposits from the local markets of its bank subsidiaries. The Corporation had $49.0 million of brokered deposits as of December 31, 2003, that were obtained as part of previous acquisitions. The Corporation does not intend to seek additional brokered deposits as part of its deposit gathering strategy, although the Corporation may renew all or a portion of these deposits.

The growth of the Corporation’s deposits is impacted by competition from other investment products, such as brokerage accounts, mutual funds and various annuity products. These investment products are sold by a wide spectrum of organizations, such as brokerage and insurance companies, as well as by financial institutions. The Corporation also competes with credit unions in most of its markets. These institutions are challenging competitors, as credit unions are exempt from federal income taxes.

In response to the competition for other investment products, the Corporation’s subsidiary banks, through “CFC Investment Centers,” offer a wide array of mutual funds, annuity products and market securities through an alliance with PrimeVest Financial Services. During 2003, customers purchased $47.7 million of annuity and mutual fund investments through CFC Investment Centers. In addition, the trust department of Chemical Bank and Trust Company offers customers a variety of investment products and services. Two of these products are “ChemVest Advantage,” which provides customers with professional assistance in allocating their funds among a variety of institutional mutual funds, and “ChemSelect-IRA,” which allows customers to choose their own asset allocation and risk tolerance among a variety of mutual funds, without any sales charges or transaction fees. At December 31, 2003, these two trust department investment products had balances totaling $38.4 million.

Assets

Average assets were $3.58 billion during 2003, an increase of $40 million, or 1.1%, over average assets during 2002 of $3.54 billion. Average assets increased $325 million, or 10.1%, during 2002 over average assets of $3.21 billion in 2001.

Cash Dividends

During 2003, cash dividends per share were $1.00, a 9.4% increase over cash dividends per share in 2002 of $.91.

The Corporation has paid regular cash dividends every quarter since it was organized as a bank holding company in 1973. The compound annual growth rate of the Corporation’s cash dividends per share over the past five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2003 was 8.3% and 12.1%, respectively. The earnings of the Corporation’s subsidiaries are the principal source of funds to pay cash dividends to shareholders. Cash dividends are dependent upon the earnings of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, as well as capital requirements, regulatory restraints and other factors affecting each of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks.

The Corporation’s annual cash dividends per share over the past five years, adjusted for all stock dividends, were as follows:

                                         
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Annual Dividend
  $ 1.00     $ .91     $ .87     $ .80     $ .72  


NET INTEREST INCOME

Interest income is the total amount earned on funds invested in loans, investment securities, other interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold. Interest expense is the amount of interest paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts, time deposits, and other borrowings – short-term and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. Net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis, is the difference between interest income and interest expense adjusted for the tax benefit received on tax-exempt commercial loans and investment securities. Net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income (FTE) by average interest-earning assets. Net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

Net interest income is influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in the volume of interest-earning assets, changes in the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the proportion of interest-earning assets that are funded by noninterest-bearing liabilities (demand deposits) and equity capital, market rates of interest which are impacted by the national economy, monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board, and variations in interest sensitivity between interest-earning assets and

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

interest-bearing liabilities. Some of these factors are controlled to a certain extent by management policies and actions. However, conditions beyond management’s control also have an impact on changes in net interest income. These conditions include changes in market interest rates, the strength of credit demand by customers, competition from other financial institutions, the growth of deposit accounts at non-bank financial competitors and the continued growth in equity, mutual fund and annuity investments. Management monitors the Corporation’s consolidated statement of financial position to reduce the potential adverse impact on net interest income caused by significant changes in interest rates. The Corporation’s policies in this regard are further discussed under the subheading “Interest Rate Risk.”

Table 2 presents, for 2003, 2002 and 2001, average daily balances of the Corporation’s major categories of assets and liabilities, interest income and expense on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis, average interest rates earned and paid on the assets and liabilities, net interest income (FTE), net interest spread and net interest margin.

Table 3 allocates the dollar change in net interest income (FTE) between the portion attributable to changes in the average volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, including changes in the mix of assets and liabilities, and changes in average interest rates earned and paid.

During 2003, short-term interest rates remained constant until June when the Federal Reserve Board’s Open Market Committee lowered the Discount and Federal Funds rates by 25 basis points, resulting in an equal reduction in the prime rate. Accordingly, the prime rate was 4.25% on January 1, 2003 and 4.00% on December 31, 2003. The net effect of the continued low interest rate environment decreased net interest margin and net interest spread in

TABLE 2. AVERAGE BALANCES, TAX EQUIVALENT INTEREST AND EFFECTIVE YIELDS AND RATES* (Dollars in thousands)

                                                                           
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001



Tax Effective Tax Effective Tax Effective
Average Equivalent Yield/ Average Equivalent Yield/ Average Equivalent Yield/
Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate

ASSETS
                                                                       
Interest-earning Assets:
                                                                       
 
Loans**
  $ 2,222,704     $ 145,212       6.53 %   $ 2,088,395     $ 156,270       7.48 %   $ 1,996,803     $ 162,201       8.12 %
 
Taxable investment securities
    1,026,318       36,700       3.58       1,011,783       49,554       4.90       828,726       49,184       5.93  
 
Non-taxable investment securities
    47,547       3,806       8.00       55,144       4,566       8.28       61,825       4,993       8.08  
 
Federal funds sold
    68,796       749       1.09       121,200       2,000       1.65       116,176       4,604       3.96  
 
Interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks
    15,718       235       1.50       49,050       776       1.58       22,766       681       2.99  

Total interest-earning assets
    3,381,083       186,702       5.52       3,325,572       213,166       6.41       3,026,296       221,663       7.32  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    30,893                       31,098                       28,644                  
Other Assets:
                                                                       
 
Cash and due from banks
    106,288                       121,499                       118,312                  
 
Premises and equipment
    43,815                       43,104                       39,003                  
 
Accrued income and other assets
    78,385                       79,522                       58,594                  

Total Assets
  $ 3,578,678                     $ 3,538,599                     $ 3,213,561                  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                                        
Interest-bearing Liabilities:
                                                                       
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 505,278     $ 1,902       .38 %   $ 492,824     $ 4,594       .93 %   $ 466,320     $ 9,685       2.08 %
 
Savings deposits
    953,741       8,098       .85       848,908       13,538       1.59       686,511       16,729       2.44  
 
Time deposits
    919,221       26,345       2.87       1,035,506       37,404       3.61       1,023,808       52,813       5.16  
 
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    151,183       8,381       5.54       162,332       8,848       5.45       132,103       7,285       5.51  
 
Other borrowings – short term
    86,604       539       .62       108,469       968       .89       101,834       2,670       2.62  

Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,616,027       45,265       1.73       2,648,039       65,352       2.47       2,410,576       89,182       3.70  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    489,940                       448,737                       405,841                  

 
Total deposits and borrowed funds
    3,105,967                       3,096,776                       2,816,417                  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    33,533                       35,061                       27,315                  
Shareholders’ equity
    439,178                       406,762                       369,829                  

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 3,578,678                     $ 3,538,599                     $ 3,213,561                  

Net Interest Spread (Average yield earned minus average rate paid)
                    3.79 %                     3.94 %                     3.62 %

Net Interest Income (FTE)
          $ 141,437                     $ 147,814                     $ 132,481          

Net Interest Margin
(Net interest income (FTE)/total average interest-earning assets)
                    4.18 %                     4.44 %                     4.38 %

 *  Taxable equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.
**  Nonaccrual loans are included in average balances reported and are included in the calculation of yields.
continued on next page
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

NET INTEREST INCOME (CONTINUED)

2003 compared to 2002. Net interest margin for 2003 was 4.18%, compared to 4.44% in 2002. Net interest spread for 2003 was 3.79%, compared to 3.94% for 2002. The decrease in these year-over-year ratios was due to the reduction in the average yield of the Corporation’s loans and investments exceeding the reduction in the average cost of its deposits and borrowings.

Net interest income (FTE) in 2003 was $141.4 million, down $6.4 million, or 4.3%, from 2002 net interest income (FTE) of $147.8 million. During 2003, the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined 74 basis points, while the yield on interest-earning assets declined 89 basis points, which resulted in an $18.0 million decrease to net interest income (FTE). The overall decrease in net interest income (FTE) attributable to changes in interest rates was partially offset by an $11.6 million increase in net interest income (FTE) attributable to the growth in average interest-earning assets and a change in the composition of both assets and liabilities.

The most significant factor causing a decrease in the Corporation’s interest income in 2003 was an overall decrease in the yields of the loan and investment portfolios. Loan yields declined 95 basis points and investment securities yields declined 132 basis points in 2003, compared to 2002. In addition to the repricing downward of variable interest rate loans and new loans being priced lower than existing portfolio loans, the lower interest rate environment also motivated customers to refinance fixed interest rate loans, particularly in the residential real estate market where there are no prepayment penalties. Likewise, the lower interest rate environment motivated commercial real estate customers to renegotiate lower interest rates on fixed interest rate loans, whether or not prepayment penalties were assessable. Investment securities yields declined due to both prepayments of mortgage-backed securities and scheduled maturities. Consequently, interest income during 2003 declined $20.9 million due to the reduction in the average yield of the loan portfolio and $13.4 million due to the reduction in the average yield of the investment portfolio.

Overall market interest rates declined in each of the three years ended December 31, 2003, albeit much less in 2002 and 2003 than in 2001 when the discount and federal funds rates, as well as the prime rate, declined 475 basis points. The Corporation’s interest-bearing liabilities react more quickly to reductions in market interest rates than its interest-earning assets, as a significant portion of these liabilities are deposits with no defined maturity, and therefore reprice at the discretion of management. Accordingly, the Corporation experienced a 123 basis point decline in the average cost of its interest-bearing liabilities in 2002, compared to a 74 basis point decline in 2003, compared to the previous year. These decreases resulted in a

TABLE 3. VOLUME AND RATE VARIANCE ANALYSIS* (In thousands)

                                                     
2003 Compared to 2002 2002 Compared to 2001


Increase (decrease) Increase (decrease)
due to changes in due to changes in


Combined
Average Average Combined Average Average Increase
Volume Yield/Rate Decrease Volume Yield/Rate (Decrease)

CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME ON
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS:
                                               
   
Loans
  $ 9,820     $ (20,878 )   $ (11,058 )   $ 7,013     $ (12,944 )   $ (5,931 )
   
Taxable investment securities
    545       (13,399 )     (12,854 )     9,941       (9,571 )     370  
   
Non-taxable investment securities
    (611 )     (149 )     (760 )     (549 )     122       (427 )
   
Federal funds sold
    (701 )     (550 )     (1,251 )     191       (2,795 )     (2,604 )
   
Interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks
    (504 )     (37 )     (541 )     523       (428 )     95  

 
Total change in interest income on interest-earning assets
    8,549       (35,013 )     (26,464 )     17,119       (25,616 )     (8,497 )
CHANGES IN INTEREST EXPENSE ON
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
   
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    112       (2,804 )     (2,692 )     526       (5,617 )     (5,091 )
   
Savings deposits
    1,494       (6,934 )     (5,440 )     3,429       (6,620 )     (3,191 )
   
Time deposits
    (3,914 )     (7,145 )     (11,059 )     598       (16,007 )     (15,409 )
   
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    (612 )     145       (467 )     1,656       (93 )     1,563  
   
Other borrowings - short term
    (171 )     (258 )     (429 )     160       (1,862 )     (1,702 )

 
Total change in interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities
    (3,091 )     (16,996 )     (20,087 )     6,369       (30,199 )     (23,830 )

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET
INTEREST INCOME (FTE)
  $ 11,640     $ (18,017 )   $ (6,377 )   $ 10,750     $ 4,583     $ 15,333  

Taxable equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.
The changes in net interest income (FTE) due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

reduction in the Corporation’s interest expense of $17 million in 2003, compared to $30.2 million in 2002.

During 2003, average interest-earning assets increased $56 million, or 1.7%, to $3.38 billion, while average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $32 million, or 1.2%, to $2.62 billion. The Corporation’s growth in average interest-earning assets was primarily achieved through an increase in shareholders’ equity, while the decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities was attributable to both declines in interest-bearing deposits and a reduction in borrowings.

The positive impact on net interest income due to changes in the composition of interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to an increase in loans and a decrease in higher yielding deposits. Average loans increased $134 million, or 6.4%, due primarily to growth in residential and commercial real estate loans. The Corporation shifted its residential real estate lending strategy to add to the portfolio the majority of its loan originations with maturities of fifteen years versus selling all of these loans in the secondary market. Real estate commercial loans increased due to increased emphasis on this type of lending, and due to the acquisition of Caledonia. In addition, taxable investment securities increased $14.5 million, or 1.4%, primarily due to investing available liquidity. Average federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits decreased $52.4 million and $33.3 million, respectively, due to utilizing excess liquidity for loan growth.

The Corporation experienced a change in the composition of its interest-bearing liabilities as well. The declining interest rate environment prompted many customers to transfer funds from their maturing certificates of deposit to lower cost savings and money market deposit accounts, which have no defined maturity. As a result, time deposits decreased $74 million, or 7.5%, while savings and money market accounts increased by $137 million, or 9.9%, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003.

TABLE 4. SUMMARY OF LOANS AND LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE (Dollars in thousands)

                                               
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Distribution of Loans:
                                           
Commercial
  $ 405,929     $ 327,438     $ 332,055     $ 287,971     $ 289,108      
Real estate construction
    138,280       108,589       137,500       87,419       74,372      
Real estate commercial
    628,815       481,084       432,747       313,245       283,966      
Real estate residential
    767,199       648,042       769,272       776,545       691,830      
Consumer
    541,052       509,789       510,967       383,450       372,294      

Total loans
  $ 2,481,275     $ 2,074,942     $ 2,182,541     $ 1,848,630     $ 1,711,570      

Summary of Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses:
                                           
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year
  $ 30,672     $ 30,994     $ 26,883     $ 26,174     $ 25,954      
Loans charged off:
                                           
 
Commercial
    (2,002 )     (2,345 )     (544 )     (326 )     (260 )    
 
Real estate construction
          (107 )                      
 
Real estate commercial
    (40 )           (55 )     (5 )          
 
Real estate residential
    (102 )     (164 )     (108 )     (155 )     (120 )    
 
Consumer
    (1,927 )     (2,214 )     (1,427 )     (1,024 )     (903 )    

 
Total loan charge-offs
    (4,071 )     (4,830 )     (2,134 )     (1,510 )     (1,283 )    
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
                                           
 
Commercial
    174       329       195       234       145      
 
Real estate construction
                                 
 
Real estate commercial
    7       17       10       10       10      
 
Real estate residential
    38       18       23       21       27      
 
Consumer
    500       379       251       367       358      

 
Total loan recoveries
    719       743       479       632       540      

 
Net loan charge-offs
    (3,352 )     (4,087 )     (1,655 )     (878 )     (743 )    
Provision for loan losses
    2,834       3,765       2,004       1,587       963      
Allowance of banks/branches acquired
    3,025             3,762                  

Allowance for loan losses at year-end
  $ 33,179     $ 30,672     $ 30,994     $ 26,883     $ 26,174      

Ratio of net charge-offs during the year to average loans outstanding
    .15 %     .20 %     .08 %     .05 %     .05 %    

Ratio of allowance for loan losses at year-end to total loans outstanding at year-end
    1.34 %     1.48 %     1.42 %     1.45 %     1.53 %    

continued on next page
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NET INTEREST INCOME (CONTINUED)

Excluding the deposits acquired from Caledonia, time deposits decreased $146 million, or 14.8%, while savings and money market accounts increased $52 million, or 5.8%, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003.

Net interest income (FTE) in 2002 was $147.8 million, up $15.3 million, or 11.6%, over 2001 net interest income (FTE) of $132.5 million. During 2002, the increase in volume and the change within the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities resulted in a $10.7 million increase in net interest income (FTE) compared to 2001. This increase in net interest income (FTE) was primarily attributable to the acquisitions completed during the second half of 2001. In addition, the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined 123 basis points, while the yield on interest-earning assets declined only 91 basis points, which resulted in a $4.6 million increase in net interest income. Net interest margin in 2002 improved to 4.44% from 4.38% in 2001. Net interest spread also improved to 3.94% in 2002 from 3.62% in 2001.


LOANS

The Corporation’s bank subsidiaries are full-service community banks and, therefore, the acceptance and management of credit risk is an integral part of the Corporation’s business. The Corporation maintains a conservative loan policy and strict credit underwriting standards. These standards include the granting of loans generally within the Corporation’s market areas. The Corporation’s lending markets generally consist of small communities across the middle to southern and western sections of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The Corporation has no foreign loans or any loans to finance highly leveraged transactions. The Corporation’s lending philosophy is implemented through strong administrative and reporting controls at the subsidiary bank level, with additional oversight at the parent company level. The Corporation maintains a centralized independent loan review function at the parent company level, which monitors asset quality at each of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks.

The Corporation experiences competition for commercial loans primarily from larger regional banks located both within and outside of the Corporation’s market areas, and from other community banks located within the Corporation’s lending markets. The Corporation’s competition for residential real estate loans primarily includes community banks, larger regional banks, savings associations, credit unions and mortgage companies. The competition for residential real estate loans has increased over the last few years as mortgage lending companies have expanded their sales and marketing efforts. The Corporation experiences competition for consumer loans mostly from captive automobile finance companies, larger regional banks, community banks and local credit unions. The Corporation’s loan portfolio is generally diversified geographically, as well as along industry lines and, therefore, the Corporation believes that its loan portfolio is reasonably sheltered from material adverse local economic impact.

Total loans at December 31, 2003 were $2.48 billion, an increase of $406 million, or 19.6%, compared to December 31, 2002. The Corporation achieved an increase in all loan categories during 2003. Excluding the Caledonia acquisition, total loans increased $222 million, or 10.7%, during 2003. In 2002, the Corporation experienced a decrease in all loan categories except real estate commercial, compared to 2001.

Real estate loans include real estate construction loans, real estate commercial loans and residential real estate loans. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, real estate loans totaled $1.53 billion and $1.24 billion, respectively. Real estate loans increased $297 million, or 24.0%, in 2003. Real estate loans as a percentage of total loans at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 61.8%, 59.7% and 61.4%, respectively.

Real estate construction loans are originated for both business and residential properties. These loans generally convert to a real estate loan at the completion of the construction period. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, real estate construction loans as a percentage of total loans were 5.6%, 5.2% and 6.3%, respectively.

Construction lending is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than one- to four-family residential lending because of the uncertainties of construction, including the possibility of costs exceeding the initial estimates and the need to obtain a tenant or purchaser of the property if it will not be owner-occupied. The Corporation generally attempts to mitigate the risks associated with construction lending by, among other things, lending primarily in its market area, using conservative underwriting guidelines, and closely monitoring the construction process.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Real estate commercial loans increased $147.7 million, or 30.7%, during 2003 to $628.8 million at December 31, 2003. Approximately $64 million of real estate commercial loan growth was attributable to loans acquired in the Caledonia acquisition. The remaining increase was largely due to placing greater emphasis on growing these loans in the Corporation’s community bank market areas. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, commercial real estate loans as a percentage of total loans were 25.3%, 23.2% and 19.9%, respectively.

Commercial loans totaled $405.9 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $78.5 million, or 24.0%, from total commercial loans at December 31, 2002 of $327.4 million. The increase was mostly attributable to the Caledonia acquisition. Excluding the Caledonia acquisition, total commercial loans increased $7.8 million, or 2.4%, during 2003. Commercial loans decreased $4.6 million, or 1.4%, in 2002 compared to 2001. Commercial loans represented 16.4%, 15.8% and 15.2% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Commercial lending and real estate commercial lending are generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than one-to four-family residential lending. Such lending typically involves large loan balances concentrated in a single borrower for rental of business properties or for the operation of a business. In addition, the payment experience on loans secured by income-producing properties is typically dependent on the success of the operation of the related project and is typically affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the economy. The Corporation generally attempts to mitigate the risks associated with commercial lending by, among other things, lending primarily in its market areas and using conservative loan-to-value ratios in the underwriting process.

Residential real estate loans increased $119.2 million, or 18.4%, during 2003 to $767.2 million. Residential real estate loans increased from the prior year due to a shift in strategy to add to the portfolio the majority of the loan originations with maturities of fifteen years versus selling all of these loans in the secondary market. Excluding the Caledonia acquisition, residential real estate loans increased $113.8 million, or 17.6%, during 2003. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, residential real estate loans as a percentage of total loans were 30.9%, 31.2% and 35.2%, respectively.

The Corporation’s residential real estate loans primarily consist of one-to four-family residential loans with original terms of fifteen years and less. The loan-to-value ratio at time of origination is generally 80% or less. Loans with more than an 80% loan-to-value ratio generally require private mortgage insurance.

The Corporation’s general practice is to sell residential real estate loan originations with maturities of fifteen years and longer in the secondary market. The Corporation sold $409 million of long-term fixed rate residential real estate loans during 2003. This compares with $501 million of residential real estate loans sold during 2002. The decrease in loans sold was attributable to the change in strategy to add the majority of loans with fifteen year maturities to the portfolio, and to a decrease in loan refinance activity during the latter part of 2003.

TABLE 5. COMPARISON OF LOAN MATURITIES AND INTEREST SENSITIVITY (Dollars in thousands)

                                                                       
    December 31, 2003   December 31, 2002    
    Due In   Due In    

      1 Year       1 to 5       Over 5               1 Year       1 to 5       Over 5              
    or Less     Years       Years       Total       or Less       Years       Years       Total      

Loan Maturities:
                                                                   
Commercial
  $ 200,575     $ 183,329     $ 22,025     $ 405,929     $ 173,854     $ 136,714     $ 16,870     $ 327,438      
Real estate construction
    82,494       46,785       9,001       138,280       51,121       48,125       9,343       108,589      
Real estate commercial
    92,254       477,727       58,834       628,815       86,909       356,724       37,451       481,084      

Total
  $ 375,323     $ 707,841     $ 89,860     $ 1,173,024     $ 311,884     $ 541,563     $ 63,664     $ 917,111      

Percent of Total
    32 %     60 %     8 %     100 %     34 %     59 %     7 %     100 %    

 
    December 31, 2003               December 31, 2002                                
              Amount       Percent               Amount       Percent                      

Interest Sensitivity:
                                                                   
Above loans maturing after one year which have:                                                            
 
Fixed interest rates
          $ 671,881       84 %           $ 527,216       87 %                    
 
Variable interest rates
            125,820       16               78,011       13                      

Total
          $ 797,701       100 %           $ 605,227       100 %                    

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 
 

LOANS (CONTINUED)

At December 31, 2003, the Corporation was servicing $633 million of residential mortgage loans that had been originated by the Corporation in its market areas and subsequently sold in the secondary mortgage market. At December 31, 2002, the Corporation serviced for others approximately $543 million of residential mortgages. The Corporation assumed $114 million of loans serviced for others in the Caledonia acquisition.

Consumer loans totaled $541.1 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $31.3 million, or 6.1%, from total consumer loans at December 31, 2002 of $509.8 million. The increase during 2003 was primarily attributable to an increase in home equity lines of credit, which the Corporation promoted through discounted interest rates during introductory periods. The Corporation generally utilizes loan promotions to generate growth in consumer loans each year. Consumer loans represented 21.8%, 24.6% and 23.4% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Consumer loans generally have shorter terms than mortgage loans but generally involve more credit risk than one- to four-family residential lending because of the type and nature of the collateral. Collateral values, particularly those of automobiles, are negatively impacted by many factors, such as new car promotions, vehicle condition and a slow economy. Consumer lending collections are dependent on the borrowers’ continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal situations.

Table 5 presents the maturity distribution of commercial, real estate construction and real estate commercial loans. These loans represented 47.3% of total loans at December 31, 2003 and 44.2% of total loans at December 31, 2002. The percentage of these loans maturing within one year remained low at 32% at December 31, 2003, compared with 34% at December 31, 2002. The percentage of these loans maturing beyond five years remained low at 8% at December 31, 2003 and 7% at December 31, 2002. Of those loans with maturities beyond one year, the percentage of loans with variable interest rates was 16% at December 31, 2003, compared to 13% at December 31, 2002. The increase in variable interest rate loans with maturities greater than one year was due primarily to the Caledonia acquisition.

The continued low percentage of loans maturing within one year is due to the growth in real estate commercial loans. Real estate commercial loans are generally written as balloon mortgages at fixed interest rates for balloon time periods ranging from three to ten years.

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TABLE 6. NONPERFORMING ASSETS (Dollars in thousands)

                                             
December 31
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Nonaccrual loans*
  $ 6,691     $ 4,859     $ 6,897     $ 7,268     $ 3,078      
Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to
interest or principal payments
    4,656       2,422       6,181       1,406       1,207      
Restructured loans
                      17       821      

Total nonperforming loans
    11,347       7,281       13,078       8,691       5,106      
Repossessed assets and other real estate
    6,002       4,298       728       831       328      

Total nonperforming assets
  $ 17,349     $ 11,579     $ 13,806     $ 9,522     $ 5,434      

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
    .46 %     .35 %     .60 %     .47 %     .30 %    
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
    .47 %     .32 %     .40 %     .31 %     .19 %    

Interest income totaling $218,000 was recorded on the nonaccrual loans in 2003. Additional interest income of $217,000 would have been recorded during 2003 on these loans had they been current in accordance with their original terms.


NONPERFORMING ASSETS

A five-year history of nonperforming assets is presented in Table 6. Nonperforming assets are comprised of loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis, accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, other loans whose terms have been restructured to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrower and repossessed assets and other real estate.

The Corporation’s practice is to immediately charge to the allowance for loan losses specifically identified credit losses. This determination is made for each loan at the earlier of a loss being specifically identified, or the time of transfer to nonperforming status, after considering collateral value and the borrower’s ability to repay the loan principal. Nonaccrual loans were $6.7 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $4.9 million at December 31, 2002 and $6.9 million at December 31, 2001. The increase in nonaccrual loans of $1.8 million during 2003 was attributable to the Caledonia acquisition. Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans were .27% at December 31, 2003, .23% at December 31, 2002 and .32% at December 31, 2001.

Accruing loans past due ninety days or more were $4.7 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $2.4 million at December 31, 2002 and $6.2 million at December 31, 2001. The $2.3 million increase in these loans during 2003 was primarily due to an increase in real estate residential loans of $1.0 million and real estate commercial loans of $.6 million. The Caledonia acquisition added $.1 million in accruing loans past due ninety days or more. There were no restructured loans at December 31, 2003 or 2002.

Total nonperforming loans were $11.3 million, or .46% of total loans, at December 31, 2003, compared to $7.3 million, or .35% of total loans, at December 31, 2002 and $13.1 million, or .60% of total loans, at December 31, 2001. The level and composition of nonperforming loans are affected by economic conditions in the Corporation’s local markets.

Total repossessed assets and other real estate totaled $6.0 million at December 31, 2003, and consisted of commercial real estate of $3.7 million, residential real estate of $1.9 million and other repossessions, mostly automobiles, of $.4 million. Total repossessed assets and other real estate totaled $4.3 million at December 31, 2002, and consisted of commercial real estate of $3.1 million, residential real estate of $.9 million and other repossessions, mostly automobiles, of $.3 million.

The Corporation’s policy and related disclosures for impaired loans is as follows: A loan is considered impaired when management determines it is probable that all of the principal and interest due under the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. In most instances, the impairment is measured based on the fair market value of the underlying collateral. Impairment may also be measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. A portion of the allowance for loan losses may be allocated to impaired loans.

During the first quarter of 2002, the Corporation changed its methodology of identifying loans as being of an impaired status. Previously, the Corporation analyzed all nonaccrual commercial and real estate commercial loans for impairment before determining which loans were impaired. Based on conservative management philosophies, as of January 1, 2002, the Corporation took the position that all nonaccrual commercial and real estate commercial loans are impaired. This change had no effect on the allowance allocated to impaired loans, as the additional loans classified as impaired

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 
 

NONPERFORMING ASSETS (CONTINUED)

did not require an impairment allowance as of January 1, 2002.

Impaired loans under the revised classification totaled $5.5 million as of December 31, 2003, $2.3 million as of December 31, 2002 and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2001. After analyzing the various components of the customer relationships and evaluating the underlying collateral of impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans was as follows: $2.4 million as of December 31, 2003, $.8 million as of December 31, 2002 and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2001. The process of measuring impaired loans and the allocation of the allowance for loan losses requires judgment and estimation; therefore, the eventual outcome may differ from the estimates used on these loans.


PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE
FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses (“provision”) is the amount added to the allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) to absorb loan losses (“charge-offs”) in the loan portfolio. The allowance is maintained at a level considered by management to be adequate to absorb loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management continuously evaluates the allowance to ensure the level is adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. This evaluation is based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio, both individually and by category, and includes consideration of changes in the mix and volume of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, the financial condition of the borrowers, industry and geographical exposures within the portfolio, economic conditions and employment levels of the Corporation’s local markets, and special factors affecting business sectors. A formal evaluation of the allowance is prepared quarterly to assess the risk in the loan portfolio and to determine the adequacy of the allowance. The Corporation’s loan review personnel, who are independent of the loan origination function, review this evaluation.

The allowance provides for probable losses that have been identified with specific customer relationships and for probable losses believed to be inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio but that have not been specifically identified. The allowance for loan losses is comprised of specific allowances (assessed for loans that have known credit weaknesses), general allowances based on assigned risk ratings and an unallocated allowance for imprecision in the subjective nature of the specific and general allowance methodology.

The Corporation’s loan review personnel perform a detailed credit quality review quarterly on large commercial loans that have deteriorated below certain levels of credit risk. A specific portion of the allowance may be allocated to such loans based upon this review. Factors contributing to the determination of specific allocations include the financial condition of the borrower, changes in the value of pledged collateral and general economic conditions. The Corporation establishes the general allowance by the application of projected risk percentages to graded commercial and real estate commercial loans by grade categories. In addition, a portion of the general allowance is allocated to all other loans by loan category, based on a defined methodology that has been in use without material change for several years. Allocations to loan categories are developed based on historical loss and past due trends, management’s judgment concerning those trends and other relevant factors, including delinquency, default, and loss rates, as well as general economic conditions.


TABLE 7. ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Dollars in thousands)

                                                                                 
December 31
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
of Loans of Loans of Loans of Loans of Loans
in Each in Each in Each in Each in Each
Category Category Category Category Category
Allowance to Total Allowance to Total Allowance to Total Allowance to Total Allowance to Total
Loan Type Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans

Commercial
  $ 8,814       16.4 %   $ 9,065       15.8 %   $ 9,562       15.2 %   $ 9,320       15.6 %   $ 8,423       16.9 %
Real estate construction
    1,874       5.6       1,097       5.2       1,031       6.3       769       4.8       585       4.3  
Real estate commercial
    9,997       25.3       6,167       23.2       5,817       19.9       3,381       16.9       3,047       16.6  
Real estate residential
    4,006       30.9       3,563       31.2       4,026       35.2       4,882       42.0       4,511       40.4  
Consumer
    7,799       21.8       7,930       24.6       6,827       23.4       6,196       20.7       7,056       21.8  
Not allocated
    689               2,850               3,731               2,335               2,552          

Total
  $ 33,179       100 %   $ 30,672       100 %   $ 30,994       100 %   $ 26,883       100 %   $ 26,174       100 %

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The underlying credit quality of the Corporation’s residential real estate and consumer loan portfolios is dependent primarily on each borrower’s ability to continue to make required loan payments and, in the event a borrower is unable to continue to do so, the value of the collateral, if any, securing the loan. A borrower’s ability to pay typically is dependent primarily on employment and other sources of income, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions, although other factors may also impact a borrower’s ability to pay. The evaluation of the appropriate level of the unallocated allowance considers current risk factors that may not be reflected in historical factors used to determine the specific and general allowance allocations. These factors include the volatility of economic conditions. The unallocated reserve is judgmentally determined and generally serves to compensate for the uncertainty in estimating losses, particularly in times of changing economic conditions, and considers the possibility of improper risk ratings and possible under-allocation of specific reserves. The unallocated reserve also considers the lagging impact of historical charge-off ratios in periods where future charge-offs are expected to increase. In addition, the unallocated reserve considers trends in delinquencies and nonaccrual loans, the changing portfolio mix in terms of collateral, average loan balance, loan growth, the degree of seasoning in the various loan portfolios and loans recently acquired through acquisitions.

The provision for loan losses was $2.83 million in 2003, $3.77 million in 2002, and $2.00 million in 2001. The Corporation experienced net loan charge-offs of $3.35 million in 2003, $4.09 million in 2002 and $1.66 million in 2001. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in 2003 compared to 2002 was impacted by the decrease in net loan charge-offs. The Corporation’s allowance was $33.2 million at December 31, 2003 and represented 1.34% of total loans, compared to 1.48% at December 31, 2002 and 1.42% at December 31, 2001. The Corporation acquired an allowance of $3 million in the Caledonia acquisition.

The allocation of the allowance in Table 7 is based upon ranges of estimates and is not intended to imply either limitations on the usage of the allowance or exactness of the specific amounts. The entire allowance is available to absorb any future loan charge-offs without regard to the categories in which the loan losses are classified. During 2003, real estate commercial loans increased $147.7 million, or 30.7%. Accordingly, a greater amount of the allowance, on a percentage basis, was allocated to real estate commercial loans.

During 2003, consumer loan quality improved as evidenced by consumer loan net charge-offs of $1.4 million compared to $1.8 million during 2002. Also, the overall credit quality of commercial loans improved during 2003. These factors more than offset the additional loss allocation corresponding to growth. Accordingly, a smaller amount of the allowance, on a percentage basis, was allocated to consumer and commercial loans than in the prior year to reflect the lower relative credit risk.


NONINTEREST INCOME

Noninterest income totaled $39.1 million in 2003, $34.5 million in 2002 and $31.9 million in 2001. Noninterest income increased $4.6 million, or 13.2%, in 2003 and $2.7 million, or 8.3%, in 2002 over the prior year. Noninterest income as a percentage of net revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income) was 21.9% in 2003, compared to 19.2% in 2002 and 19.7% in 2001.

The following schedule includes the major components of noninterest income during the past three years.

Noninterest Income (In thousands)

                         
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001

Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 16,935     $ 14,002     $ 10,838  
Trust services revenue
    6,794       6,405       6,544  
Other fees for customer services
    2,319       2,561       2,501  
ATM and network user fees
    1,911       2,199       2,458  
Investment fees and insurance commissions
    2,375       2,371       2,198  
Mortgage banking revenue
    6,954       7,513       6,370  
Investment securities gains (losses)
    1,296       (768 )     530  
Other
    510       251       434  

Total Noninterest Income
  $ 39,094     $ 34,534     $ 31,873  

Service charges on deposit accounts and investment security gains accounted for the majority of the overall increase in noninterest income. Service charges on deposit accounts were $16.9 million in 2003, $14.0 million in 2002 and $10.8 million in 2001. The increases of $2.9 million, or 20.9%, in 2003 and $3.2 million, or 29.2%, in 2002 were primarily attributable to a higher level of customer activity in areas where fees and service charges are applicable.

Mortgage banking revenue decreased $.56 million, or 7.4%, in 2003 to $6.95 million, primarily due to both a shift in strategy to hold a portion of the longer term fixed rate mortgages and to a decline in refinancing volume in the second half of 2003. Market interest rates increased during the second half of 2003 resulting in a significant reduction in refinancing volume. During 2003, the Corporation sold $409 million of residential real estate loans in the secondary market, compared to $501 million in 2002. Both 2003 and 2002 volumes represent a significant increase over historical volumes of sold loans due to the low overall interest rate environment. Mortgage banking revenue is expected to be

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

NONINTEREST INCOME (CONTINUED)

significantly lower in 2004 than in 2003, as mortgage interest rates are not expected to be lower in 2004 than in 2003. The Corporation generally sells the majority of its long-term fixed interest rate residential real estate loan originations in the secondary mortgage market as a part of its interest rate risk management strategy. However, during 2003, the Corporation added approximately $150 million in residential loan originations with maturities of fifteen years to its loan portfolio. This decision was part of a strategy undertaken to preserve net interest income.

Trust services revenue was $6.8 million in 2003, $6.4 million in 2002 and $6.5 million in 2001. Trust services revenue increased $.4 million, or 6.1%, in 2003, as the rebound in the stock market improved the valuation of assets under management, on which the calculation of management fees is based.

Net investment securities gains increased by $2.1 million in 2003, primarily due to sales of investment securities in an effort to reposition the investment securities portfolio. Conversely, in 2002, investment securities losses were incurred primarily due to $.83 million in recorded losses on equity securities. As part of this amount, the Corporation recorded a $.47 million write-down to market value of certain equity securities, as the Corporation projected that the decline in the market value of these securities was “other than temporary.”

Noninterest income from all other sources, which includes other fees for customer services, ATM and network user fees, investment fees and insurance commissions and other was $7.1 million in 2003, $7.4 million in 2002 and $7.6 million in 2001. The decreases of $.3 million, or 3.6% in 2003 and $.2 million, or 2.8%, in 2002 were primarily attributable to a decline in ATM and network user fees.


OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses were $91.9 million in 2003, $93.5 million in 2002 and $94.6 million in 2001.

The following schedule includes the major categories of operating expenses during the past three years.

Operating Expenses (Dollars in thousands)

                             
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001

Salaries
  $ 43,944     $ 43,258     $ 38,956      
Employee benefits
    10,536       10,910       9,302      
Occupancy
    7,921       7,590       6,898      
Equipment
    8,045       8,391       7,722      
Postage and courier
    2,948       2,814       2,154      
Stationery and supplies
    1,293       1,932       1,800      
Professional fees
    3,148       3,571       3,886      
Michigan single business tax
    1,841       2,788       2,036      
Advertising, marketing, and public relations
    2,106       2,264       1,865      
Intangible asset amortization
    1,883       1,953       3,325      
Telephone
    1,807       1,927       1,718      
Merger and restructuring expenses
                9,167      
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) premiums
    452       496       485      
Other
    5,999       5,632       5,283      

Total Operating Expenses
  $ 91,923     $ 93,526     $ 94,597      

Full-time equivalent staff (at December 31)
    1,447       1,412       1,427      
Efficiency ratio(1)
    50.9 %     51.3 %     58.4 %    

(1)  Includes merger and restructuring expenses of $9.2 million in 2001.

Total operating expenses as a percentage of total average assets were 2.57% in 2003, compared to 2.64% in 2002. Excluding the $9.2 million of merger and restructuring expenses, total operating expenses as a percentage of total average assets were 2.65% in 2001.

Salaries, wages and employee benefits remain the largest component of operating expenses. These expenses totaled $54.5 million in 2003, $54.2 million in 2002 and $48.3 million in 2001. Salaries and wages increased by $.7 million, or 1.6% as normal wage increases were partially offset by a lower full-time equivalent employee count that prevailed during the year until the Corporation acquired Caledonia in December 2003. Employee benefits expense decreased in 2003 compared to 2002 due primarily to refunds of approximately $.6 million received from health insurance carriers. These refunds more than offset the health insurance premium increase. The decrease in health insurance expense was partially offset by higher pension expense which increased by $.3 million, or 14.7%, in 2003 compared to 2002 due primarily to more participants in the Corporation’s pension plan as a result of acquisitions, and a lower than previously projected actual return on pension plan assets. Personnel expenses as a percentage of total operating expenses were 59.3% in 2003, 57.9% in 2002 and 51.0% in 2001 (56.5%, excluding the $9.2 million of merger and restructuring expenses from total operating expenses).

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Occupancy expense increased $.3 million, or 4.4%, in 2003 primarily due to the purchase on July 31, 2003 of an office building one block from the Corporation’s lead subsidiary bank’s main office in downtown Midland, Michigan, for $4.5 million. This purchase was consummated to accommodate future expansion of the Corporation.

Equipment expense decreased by $.3 million in 2003 due to higher software expenses incurred in 2002. Depreciation expense was $5.5 million, $5.8 million and $5.1 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Other categories of operating expenses include a wide array of expenses, including postage, supplies, professional fees, Michigan single business tax, advertising and marketing expenses, intangible asset amortization, telephone costs, FDIC premiums and miscellaneous other expenses. These other operating expenses totaled $21.5 million in 2003, $23.4 million in 2002 and $22.5 million in 2001 (excluding the $9.2 million of merger and restructuring expenses). The decrease in these expenses in 2003 was primarily attributable to lower Michigan single business tax expense of $.95 million, lower office supplies of $.64 million and lower professional fees of $.42 million. The decrease in office supplies was primarily due to office supply costs associated with a change in proof operations. Professional fees decreased due to lower legal expenses.

The Corporation’s 2003 efficiency ratio, which measures total operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest income (fully taxable equivalent) and noninterest income was 50.9%, compared to 51.3% in 2002. The improvement was primarily due to lower operating expenses.


INCOME TAXES

The Corporation’s effective federal income tax rate was 33.8% in 2003, 33.7% in 2002 and 34.6% in 2001. The changes in the Corporation’s effective federal income tax rate reflect the changes each year in the proportion of interest income exempt from federal taxation, nondeductible interest expense and other nondeductible expenses relative to pretax income and tax credits. The higher effective rate in 2001 was due to the impact of the nondeductible portion of the $9.2 million of merger and restructuring expenses incurred during 2001.

Tax-exempt income (FTE), net of related nondeductible interest expense, totaled $4.8 million for 2003, $5.5 million for 2002 and $7.4 million for 2001. Tax-exempt income (FTE) as a percentage of total interest income (FTE) was 2.6% in both 2003 and 2002 and 3.3% in 2001.

Income before income taxes (FTE) was $85.8 million in 2003, $85.1 million in 2002 and $67.8 million in 2001.


LIQUIDITY RISK

The Corporation manages its liquidity to ensure that it has the ability to meet the cash withdrawal needs of its depositors, provide funds for borrowers and at the same time ensure that the Corporation’s own cash requirements are met. The Corporation accomplishes these goals through the management of liquidity at two levels — the parent company and the bank subsidiaries.

During the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, the parent company’s primary source of funds was subsidiary dividends. The parent company manages its liquidity position to provide the cash necessary to pay dividends to shareholders, invest in subsidiaries, enter new banking markets, pursue investment opportunities and satisfy other operating requirements.

Federal and state banking laws place certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that a bank may pay to its parent company. Such restrictions have not had, and are not expected to have, any material effect on the Corporation’s ability to meet its cash obligations or impede its ability to manage its liquidity needs. As of January 1, 2004, the Corporation’s bank subsidiaries could pay dividends totaling $73.6 million to the parent company and remain “well capitalized” under the regulatory “risk-based” capital guidelines, without obtaining regulatory approval. In addition to the funds available from subsidiaries, the parent company had $17.7 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2003.

The subsidiary banks manage liquidity to ensure adequate funds are available to meet the cash flow needs of depositors and borrowers. The subsidiary banks’ most readily available sources of liquidity are federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks, investment securities classified as available for sale and investment securities classified as held to maturity maturing within one year. These sources of liquidity are supplemented by new deposits and by loan payments received from customers. At December 31, 2003, the Corporation had $25.9 million in federal funds sold, $5.1 million of interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks, $728.5 million in investment securities available for sale and $58.9 million in other investment securities maturing within one year. These short-term assets represented approximately 27.6% of total deposits at December 31, 2003.

The Corporation’s investment securities portfolio has historically been composed primarily of U.S. Treasury and agency securities, comprising 68%, 70% and 72% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Corporation’s investment securities portfolio historically has been very short-term in nature. The average life of the investment securities portfolio, which

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LIQUIDITY RISK (CONTINUED)

expresses the average number of years that each principal dollar will be outstanding, was 2.0 years as of December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, $272 million, or 29.5%, of the Corporation’s investment securities portfolio will mature during 2004, and another $323.6 million, or 35.1%, of the investment securities portfolio will mature during 2005. The combination of the 2004 and 2005 scheduled maturities results in 64.6% of the Corporation’s investment securities portfolio maturing within two years as of December 31, 2003. Information about the Corporation’s investment securities portfolio is summarized in Tables 8, 9 and 10.

TABLE 8. MATURITIES AND YIELDS* OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 (Dollars in thousands)

                                                                                         
Maturity**

After One After Five Total Total
Within but Within but Within After Carrying Market
One Year Five Years Ten Years Ten Years Value Value

Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield

Available for Sale:
                                                                                       
U.S. Treasury and agencies
  $ 128,629       4.10 %   $ 337,379       3.43 %   $ 6,631       5.10 %   $ 1,640       5.65 %   $ 474,279       3.65 %   $ 474,279  
States and political subdivisions
    1,160       5.57       8,946       5.30       6,175       5.33       2,741       5.38       19,022       5.34       19,022  
Mortgage-backed securities
    45,312       4.18       53,533       4.16       15,904       4.33       12,017       4.76       126,766       4.49       126,766  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    643       6.51       1,230       4.76       113       4.47       9       5.03       1,995       4.84       1,995  
Corporate bonds
    37,376       4.96       45,489       3.96                               82,865       4.12       82,865  
Equity securities
                                        23,572       4.18       23,572       4.18       23,572  

Total Investment Securities
Available for Sale
    213,120       4.22       446,577       3.63       28,823       4.73       39,979       4.84       728,499       4.07       728,499  
Held to Maturity:
                                                                                       
U.S. Treasury and agencies
    51,677       3.23       101,908       3.35                               153,585       3.33       156,540  
States and political subdivisions
    6,077       7.54       18,979       6.35       7,488       8.01       1,689       7.87       34,233       7.30       35,658  
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,162       9.48       1,141       9.14       135       8.56       181       8.23       2,619       8.71       2,858  
Other debt securities
    3       2.42       250       1.37                   2,673       5.00       2,926       4.97       2,927  

Total Investment Securities
Held to Maturity
    58,919       3.74       122,278       4.04       7,623       8.02       4,543       6.21       193,363       4.89       197,983  

Total Investment Securities
  $ 272,039       4.18 %   $ 568,855       3.72 %   $ 36,446       5.41 %   $ 44,522       5.04 %   $ 921,862       4.23 %   $ 926,482  

 *  Yields are weighted by amount and time to contractual maturity, are on a taxable equivalent basis using a 35% federal income tax rate and are based on amortized cost.
**  Based on final contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are based on scheduled principal maturity. Equity securities have no stated maturity.

TABLE 9. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES (In thousands)

                         
December 31
2003 2002 2001

Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury and agencies
  $ 474,279     $ 590,183     $ 519,644  
States and political subdivisions
    19,022       19,478       23,311  
Mortgage-backed securities
    126,766       128,884       90,627  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    1,995       13,658       28,789  
Corporate bonds
    82,865       86,328       51,418  
Equity securities
    23,572       20,213       17,594  

Total Available for Sale
    728,499       858,744       731,383  

Held to Maturity:
                       
U.S. Treasury and agencies
    153,585       204,422       125,460  
States and political subdivisions
    34,233       41,009       42,879  
Mortgage-backed securities
    2,619       5,682       11,174  
Other debt securities
    2,926       18,125       21,379  

Total Held to Maturity
    193,363       269,238       200,892  

Total Investment Securities
  $ 921,862     $ 1,127,982     $ 932,275  

TABLE 10. MATURITY ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES (as a % of total portfolio)

                             
    December 31    
      2003       2002       2001      

Maturity:
                           
Under 1 year
    29.5 %     18.4 %     24.7 %    
1-5 years
    61.7       69.3       59.7      
5-10 years
    4.0       5.0       4.0      
Over 10 years
    4.8       7.3       11.6      

Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %    

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Table 11 presents the maturity distribution of time deposits of $100,000 or more at the end of each of the last three years. Time deposits of $100,000 or more and the percentage of these deposits to total deposits have remained relatively stable during the past three years. These deposits decreased during 2003 to $169.7 million at December 31, 2003 from $208.3 million at December 31, 2002 due to the historically overall low interest rate environment. The modest spread between money market accounts and short-term time deposits prompted some large balance customers to maintain their funds in accounts with no defined maturities. Time deposits of $100,000 or more represented 5.7%, 7.3% and 7.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

At December 31, 2003, the aggregate amount of maturities of all time deposits having a remaining term of more than one year are as follows:

         
2005
  $ 193 million  
2006
    57 million  
2007
    85 million  
2008
    38 million  
2009
    15 million  

TABLE 11. MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF TIME DEPOSITS OF $100,000 OR MORE (Dollars in thousands)

                                                 
December 31
2003 2002 2001
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent

Maturity:
                                               
Within 3 months
  $ 59,292       35 %   $ 80,810       39 %   $ 96,319       46 %
After 3 but within 6 months
    22,233       13       28,123       14       32,726       16  
After 6 but within 12 months
    31,070       18       54,953       26       32,971       16  
After 12 months
    57,112       34       44,435       21       46,546       22  

Total
  $ 169,707       100 %   $ 208,321       100 %   $ 208,562       100 %

TABLE 12. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS (In thousands)

                                         
Minimum Payments Due by Period

Less than More than
1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years 5 years Total

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
  $ 20,377     $ 51,924     $ 35,047     $ 48,025     $ 155,373  
Capital lease obligations
    161       335       353       114       963  
Operating leases and non-cancelable contracts
    1,563       2,942       2,612       451       7,568  

Total contractual obligations
  $ 22,101     $ 55,201     $ 38,012     $ 48,590     $ 163,904  

The Corporation has contractual obligations that require future cash payments. Table 12 summarizes the Corporation’s non-cancelable contractual obligations and future required minimum payments at December 31, 2003. Refer to Notes I and O to the consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of these contractual obligations.

The Corporation also has other commitments that may impact liquidity. Table 13 summarizes the Corporation’s commitments and expected expiration dates by period at December 31, 2003. Since many of these commitments historically have expired without being drawn upon, the total amount of these commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Corporation.

TABLE 13. COMMITMENTS (In thousands)

                                         
Expected Expiration Dates by Period

Less than More than
1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years 5 years Total

Unused commitments to extend credit
  $ 276,926     $ 21,357     $ 59,821     $ 15,332     $ 373,436  
Undisbursed loans
    115,912                         115,912  
Standby letters of credit
    5,200       4,746       2,659             12,605  

Total commitments
  $ 398,038     $ 26,103     $ 62,480     $ 15,332     $ 501,953  

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate risk is the exposure to adverse changes in net interest income due to changes in interest rates. Consistency of the Corporation’s net interest income is largely dependent upon the effective management of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk arises in the normal course of the Corporation’s business due to differences in the repricing and maturity characteristics of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities. Sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes arises when yields on assets change differently from the interest costs on liabilities. Interest rate sensitivity is determined by the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities repricing within a specific time period and the magnitude by which interest rates change on the various types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The management of interest rate sensitivity includes monitoring the maturities and repricing opportunities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate sensitivity management aims at achieving reasonable stability in both net interest income and the net interest margin through periods of changing interest rates. The Corporation’s goal is to avoid a significant decrease in net interest income and thus an adverse impact on the profitability of the Corporation in periods of changing interest rates. It is necessary to analyze projections of net interest income based upon the repricing characteristics of the Corporation’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the varying magnitude by which interest rates may change on loans, investment securities, interest-bearing deposit accounts and borrowings. The Corporation’s interest rate sensitivity is managed through policies and risk limits approved by the boards of directors of the Corporation and its subsidiary banks, and an Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”). The ALCO, which is comprised of executive management from various areas of the Corporation including finance, lending, investments and deposit gathering, meets regularly to execute asset and liability management strategies. The ALCO establishes and monitors guidelines on the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest rates. The goal of the ALCO process is to maintain the Corporation’s interest rate risk at prudent levels to provide the maximum level of net interest income and minimal impact on earnings from major interest rate changes.

The Corporation has not used interest rate swaps or other derivative financial instruments in the management of interest rate risk, other than mandatory forward commitments utilized to partially offset the interest rate risk of interest rate lock commitments provided to customers on unfunded residential mortgage loans intended to be sold with servicing retained. In the normal course of the mortgage loan selling process, the Corporation enters into either a best effort or mandatory forward loan delivery commitment with an investor. The Corporation’s exposure to market risk on these forward loan delivery commitments is not significant.

The primary technique utilized by the Corporation to measure its interest rate risk is simulation analysis. Simulation analysis forecasts the effects on the balance sheet structure and net interest income under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in interest rates, changes in the shape of the Treasury yield curve, changes in interest rate relationships, changes in asset and liability mix and loan prepayments.

These forecasts are compared against net interest income projected in a stable interest rate environment. While many assets and liabilities reprice either at maturity or in accordance with their contractual terms, several balance sheet components demonstrate characteristics that require an evaluation to more accurately reflect their repricing behavior. Key assumptions in the simulation analysis include prepayments on loans, probable calls of investment securities, changes in market conditions, loan volumes and loan pricing, deposit sensitivity, and customer preferences. These assumptions are inherently uncertain, subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment. As a result, the simulation analysis cannot precisely forecast the impact of rising and falling interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to many factors such as changes in balance sheet components, interest rate changes, changes in market conditions and management strategies.

Management performed various simulation analyses throughout 2003. The Corporation’s interest rate sensitivity is estimated by first forecasting the next twelve months of net interest income under an assumed environment of constant market interest rates. The Corporation then compares various simulation analysis results to the constant interest rate forecast. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Corporation projected the change in net interest income during the next twelve months assuming short-term market interest rates were to uniformly and gradually increase or decrease by up to 200 basis points over the same time period. These projections were based on the Corporation’s assets and liabilities remaining static over the next twelve months, while factoring in probable calls of U.S. Agency securities, and prepayments of mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage loans and certain consumer loans. Mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loan prepayment assumptions were developed from industry averages of prepayment speeds, adjusted for the historical prepayment performance of the Corporation’s own loans. The Corporation’s forecasted net interest income sensitivity is monitored by the ALCO within established limits as defined

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

in the interest rate risk limit policy. The Corporation’s policy limits the adverse change of a 200 basis point increase or decrease in short-term interest rates over the succeeding twelve months to no more than seven and one-half percent of management’s most likely net interest income forecast. Throughout 2003, the forecasted interest rate risk exposure was within the Corporation’s established policy limits.

Summary information about the interest rate risk measures, as described above, at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 is presented below:

Year-End 2003 Twelve Month Projection

                                         
Interest Rate Change
Projection (in basis points)
    -200       -100       0       +100       +200  

Percent change in net
interest income vs
constant rates
    (.8)%       .4%             .1%       .1%  

Year-End 2002 Twelve Month Projection

                                         
Interest Rate Change
Projection (in basis points)
    -200       -100       0       +100       +200  

Percent change in net
interest income vs
constant rates
    1.9%       1.1%             (.2)%       (.8)%  


CAPITAL

Capital provides the foundation for future growth and expansion. Shareholders’ equity was $458 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $27.7 million, or 6.4%, from total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2002. The increase in 2003 was derived primarily from earnings retention of $32 million. This amount was partially offset by a decrease in the unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of taxes, of $8.1 million.

The ratio of shareholders’ equity to total assets was 12.4% at December 31, 2003, compared to 12.1% at December 31, 2002 and 11.2% at December 31, 2001. The Corporation’s tangible equity ratio was 10.5%, 11.0% and 10.1% at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The slight decrease in the tangible equity ratio during 2003 was due to $37.5 million of goodwill and other intangible assets recorded related to the acquisition of Caledonia.

Under the regulatory “risk-based” capital guidelines in effect for both banks and bank holding companies, minimum capital levels are based upon perceived risk in the Corporation’s various asset categories. These guidelines assign risk weights to on- and off-balance sheet items in arriving at total risk-adjusted assets. Regulatory capital is divided by the computed total of risk-adjusted assets to arrive at the risk-based capital ratios.

The Corporation’s capital ratios exceeded the minimum levels prescribed by the Federal Reserve Board at December 31, 2003, as shown in the following table.

                             
Risk-Based
Capital Ratios
Leverage
Ratio Tier 1 Total

Chemical Financial Corporation’s capital ratios
    10.6 %     15.4 %     16.6 %    
Regulatory capital ratios-“well capitalized” definition
    5       6       10      
Regulatory capital ratios-minimum requirements
    3       4       8      

The Corporation’s Tier 1 and Total regulatory capital ratios are significantly above the regulatory minimum and “well capitalized” levels due to the Corporation holding $275 million of investment securities and other assets that are assigned a 0% risk rating, $706 million of investment securities and other assets that are assigned a 20% risk rating, and $913 million of loans secured by first liens on residential real estate properties and other assets that are assigned a 50% risk rating. These three categories of assets represented 51% of the Corporation’s total assets at December 31, 2003.

At December 31, 2003, all of the Corporation’s bank subsidiaries exceeded the minimum capital ratios required of a “well-capitalized” institution, as defined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991.


OUTLOOK

The Corporation’s philosophy is that it intends to be a “family” of community banks, which operate under the direction of a corporate and regional bank boards of directors, a holding company management team, and community bank advisory boards of directors. The Corporation is committed to the community banking philosophy. The Corporation remains committed to the communities it serves. Community bank advisory boards of directors have been established in the communities where the legal bank charter was merged into a regional subsidiary bank. The purpose of these internal consolidations was to provide the Corporation with operating efficiencies.

The Corporation strives to remain a quality sales and service organization and is dedicated to sustained profitability through the preservation of the community banking concept in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive environment.

The Corporation believes it has designed its policies regarding asset/ liability management, liquidity, lending, investment strategy and expense control to provide for the safety and soundness of the organization, continued earnings

continued on next page
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OUTLOOK (CONTINUED)

growth and the avoidance of wide fluctuations in earnings from one year to the next. This strategy resulted in an increase in net income per share of 1.7% over the prior year and a return on assets of 1.56% during 2003.


OTHER MATTERS

Forward Looking Statements

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and other sections of this Annual Report, contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and the Corporation itself. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “judgment,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, certain statements under the subheadings “Liquidity Risk” and “Interest Rate Risk” are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk 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. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, 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 laws and regulations; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies and assessments; the impact of technological advances and issues; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of pending and future litigation and contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in the local and national economy; opportunities for acquisition and the effective completion of acquisitions and integration of acquired entities; and the local and global effects of the ongoing war on terrorism and other military actions, including actions in Iraq. These are representative of the risk factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

Important Notice Regarding Delivery of Shareholder Documents

As permitted by SEC rules, only one copy of Chemical’s Proxy Statement and the 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders is being delivered to multiple shareholders sharing the same address unless Chemical has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders who share the same address. Chemical will deliver on a one-time basis, promptly upon written or verbal request from a shareholder at a shared address, a separate copy of Chemical’s Proxy Statement and the 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders. Requests should be made to Chemical Financial Corporation, Attn: Lori A. Gwizdala, Chief Financial Officer, 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640, telephone (989) 839-5350. Shareholders sharing an address who are currently receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders may instruct Chemical to deliver a single copy of such documents on an ongoing basis. Such instructions must be in writing, must be signed by each shareholder who is currently receiving a separate copy of the documents, must be addressed to Chemical Financial Corporation, Attn: Lori A. Gwizdala, Chief Financial Officer, 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640, telephone (989) 839-5350, and will continue in effect unless and until Chemical receives contrary instructions as provided below. Any shareholder sharing an address may request to receive and instruct Chemical to send separate copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders on an ongoing basis by written or verbal request to Chemical Financial Corporation, Attn: Lori A. Gwizdala, Chief Financial Officer, 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640, telephone (989) 839-5350. Chemical will begin sending separate copies of such documents within thirty days of receipt of such instructions.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                           
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 144,835     $ 155,803     $ 161,422  
Interest on investment securities:
                       
 
Taxable
    36,700       49,554       49,184  
 
Tax-exempt
    2,518       2,911       3,359  

 
Total interest on securities
    39,218       52,465       52,543  
Interest on federal funds sold
    749       2,000       4,604  
Interest on deposits with unaffiliated banks
    235       776       681  

 
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
    185,037       211,044       219,250  
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest on deposits
    36,345       55,536       79,227  
Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    8,381       8,848       7,285  
Interest on other borrowings — short term
    539       968       2,670  

 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
    45,265       65,352       89,182  

 
NET INTEREST INCOME
    139,772       145,692       130,068  
Provision for loan losses
    2,834       3,765       2,004  

 
NET INTEREST INCOME after provision for loan losses
    136,938       141,927       128,064  
NONINTEREST INCOME
                       
Service charges on deposit accounts
    16,935       14,002       10,838  
Trust services revenue
    6,794       6,405       6,544  
Other charges and fees for customer services
    6,605       7,131       7,157  
Mortgage banking revenue
    6,954       7,513       6,370  
Other
    1,806       (517 )     964  

 
TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME
    39,094       34,534       31,873  
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
    54,480       54,168       48,258  
Occupancy
    7,921       7,590       6,898  
Equipment
    8,045       8,391       7,722  
Merger and restructuring expenses
                9,167  
Other
    21,477       23,377       22,552  

 
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
    91,923       93,526       94,597  

 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    84,109       82,935       65,340  
Federal income taxes
    28,393       27,990       22,617  

 
NET INCOME
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 42,723  

NET INCOME PER SHARE
                       
 
Basic
  $ 2.35     $ 2.32     $ 1.81  
 
Diluted
    2.35       2.31       1.80  
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
    1.00       .91       .87  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (In thousands)

                     
December 31
2003 2002

ASSETS
               
Cash and demand deposits due from banks
  $ 131,184     $ 148,112  
Federal funds sold
    25,900       69,900  
Interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks
    5,107       53,135  
Investment securities:
               
 
Available for sale (at estimated market value)
    728,499       858,744  
 
Held to maturity (estimated market value – $197,983 in 2003 and $277,231 in 2002)
    193,363       269,238  

   
Total investment securities
    921,862       1,127,982  
Loans
    2,481,275       2,074,942  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    33,179       30,672  

   
Net loans
    2,448,096       2,044,270  
Premises and equipment
    49,616       42,767  
Intangible assets
    76,846       40,489  
Accrued income and other assets
    50,277       41,994  

   
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,708,888     $ 3,568,649  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
 
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 532,752     $ 475,933  
 
Interest-bearing
    2,434,484       2,371,339  

   
Total deposits
    2,967,236       2,847,272  
Interest payable and other liabilities
    36,706       29,433  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    155,373       157,393  
Other borrowings – short term
    91,524       104,212  

   
Total liabilities
    3,250,839       3,138,310  
Shareholders’ equity:
               
 
Common stock, $1 par value
               
   
Authorized – 30,000 shares
               
   
Issued and outstanding – 23,801 shares at December 31, 2003 and 23,684 shares at December 31, 2002
    23,801       23,684  
 
Surplus
    328,774       325,149  
 
Retained earnings
    94,746       62,721  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    10,728       18,785  

   
Total shareholders’ equity
    458,049       430,339  

   
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 3,708,888     $ 3,568,649  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                 
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                           
Net income
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 42,723      
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                           
   
Provision for loan losses
    2,834       3,765       2,004      
   
Stock incentive expense
                515      
   
Gains on sales of loans
    (6,426 )     (7,442 )     (4,973 )    
   
Proceeds from loan sales
    413,212       506,850       347,083      
   
Loans originated for sale
    (380,325 )     (483,384 )     (386,936 )    
   
Investment securities (gains) losses
    (1,296 )     768       (530 )    
   
Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets
    9,240       10,479       8,460      
   
Net amortization of investment securities
    12,225       6,350       1,583      
   
Net increase in accrued income and other assets
    (3,127 )     (3,094 )     (680 )    
   
Net increase (decrease) in interest payable and other liabilities
    2,561       6,584       (6,623 )    

 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    104,614       95,821       2,626      
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                           
Bank or branch acquisitions, net of cash assumed
    (46,583 )           25,592      
Securities available for sale:
                           
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal reductions
    284,859       271,826       234,199      
 
Proceeds from sales
    122,673       3,274       68,254      
 
Purchases
    (282,518 )     (396,666 )     (351,286 )    
Securities held to maturity:
                           
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal reductions
    181,113       123,656       84,099      
 
Purchases
    (108,834 )     (191,025 )     (46,474 )    
Net (increase) decrease in loans
    (250,934 )     80,311       35,434      
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (9,881 )     (5,510 )     (4,779 )    

 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (110,105 )     (114,134 )     45,039      
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                           
Net increase in demand deposits,
NOW accounts and savings accounts
    98,241       139,249       109,652      
Net decrease in certificates of deposit and other time deposits
    (149,449 )     (81,501 )     (101,036 )    
Increase in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings
                20,725      
Repayment of FHLB borrowings
    (9,020 )     (10,500 )     (45,638 )    
Net increase (decrease) in other borrowings – short term
    (23,288 )     (14,372 )     14,133      
Cash dividends paid
    (23,691 )     (21,648 )     (20,577 )    
Proceeds from directors’ stock purchase plan
    182       191       187      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    5,071       512       484      
Repurchases of common stock
    (1,511 )     (408 )     (271 )    

 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (103,465 )     11,523       (22,341 )    

 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (108,956 )     (6,790 )     25,324      
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    271,147       277,937       252,613      

 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
  $ 162,191     $ 271,147     $ 277,937      

 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                           
Interest paid on deposits, FHLB borrowings and other borrowings – short term
  $ 46,128     $ 66,394     $ 93,471      
Federal income taxes paid
    23,870       27,925       25,232      

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                                       
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
Unearned Accumulated
Stock Other
Common Incentive Retained Comprehensive
(In thousands, except per share data) Stock Surplus Plan Earnings Income (Loss) Total

BALANCES AT JANUARY 1, 2001
  $ 21,399     $ 258,371     $ (515 )   $ 75,524     $ 3,131     $ 357,910      
Stock dividend – 5%
    1,072       31,806               (32,878 )                  
Comprehensive income:
                                                   
 
Net income for 2001
                            42,723                      
 
Net change in unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of tax of $4,503
                                    8,363              
Comprehensive income
                                            51,086      
Cash dividends paid of $.87 per share
                            (20,577 )             (20,577 )    
Shares issued – stock options
    41       443                               484      
Shares issued – directors’ stock purchase plan
    13       296                               309      
Shares earned under stock incentive plan
                    515                       515      
Repurchase of shares
    (11 )     (260 )                             (271 )    

BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2001
    22,514       290,656             64,792       11,494       389,456      
Stock dividend – 5%
    1,128       34,240               (35,368 )                  
Comprehensive income:
                                                   
 
Net income for 2002
                            54,945                      
 
Net change in unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of tax of $3,926
                                    7,291              
Comprehensive income
                                            62,236      
Cash dividends paid of $.91 per share
                            (21,648 )             (21,648 )    
Shares issued – stock options
    50       462                               512      
Shares issued – directors’ stock purchase plan
    7       184                               191      
Repurchase of shares
    (15 )     (393 )                             (408 )    

BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2002
    23,684       325,149             62,721       18,785       430,339      
Comprehensive income:
                                                   
 
Net income for 2003
                            55,716                      
 
Net change in unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of tax benefit of $4,338
                                    (8,057 )            
Comprehensive income
                                            47,659      
Cash dividends paid of $1.00 per share
                            (23,691 )             (23,691 )    
Shares issued – stock options
    162       4,909                               5,071      
Shares issued – directors’ stock purchase plan
    7       175                               182      
Repurchase of shares
    (52 )     (1,459 )                             (1,511 )    

BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2003
  $ 23,801     $ 328,774     $     $ 94,746     $ 10,728     $ 458,049      

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting and reporting policies of Chemical Financial Corporation (“Corporation”) and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and prevailing practices within the banking industry. Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant accounting policies of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are described below:

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All significant income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the consolidated statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from unaffiliated banks and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.

Investment Securities Available for Sale:

Investment securities available for sale include those securities that might be sold as part of the Corporation’s management of interest rate and prepayment risk, in response to changes in interest rates or in response to a desire to increase liquidity.

Investment securities available for sale are stated at estimated market value, with the aggregate unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, classified as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from the sale of investment securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method and are classified as noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale are recognized in earnings if the Corporation does not have the ability or intent to hold the security until market recovery or if full collection of the amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security is not expected.

Premiums and discounts on investment securities available for sale, as well as on investment securities held to maturity, are amortized over the estimated lives of the related investment securities.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity:

Designation as an investment security held to maturity is made at the time of acquisition and is based on the Corporation’s intent and ability to hold the security to maturity. Investment securities held to maturity are stated at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity.

Loans:

Loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding. Loan origination and commitment points are deferred. The amount deferred is reported as part of loans and is recognized as interest income over the term of the loan as a yield adjustment.

Loan performance is reviewed regularly by loan review personnel, loan officers and senior management. Loan interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. The past-due status of a loan is based on the loan’s contractual terms. A loan is placed in the nonaccrual category when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection, or earlier when, in the opinion of management, there is sufficient reason to doubt the collectibility of future principal or interest. Interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed and charged against interest income at the time the loan is placed in nonaccrual status. The subsequent recognition of interest income on a nonaccrual loan is then recognized only to the extent cash is received and where future collection of principal is probable. Loans are returned to accrual status when principal and interest payments are brought current and collectibility is no longer in doubt. Interest income on restructured loans is recognized according to the terms of the restructure, subject to the above described nonaccrual policy.

Nonperforming loans are comprised of those loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis, accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, and other loans for which the terms have been restructured to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of a deterioration in the financial position of the borrower.

Consistent with this definition, all nonaccrual commercial and real estate commercial loans are considered impaired loans by the Corporation. A loan is defined to be impaired when it is probable that payment of principal and interest will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance

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NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

for loan losses may be allocated to impaired loans. All nonaccrual commercial loans and real estate commercial loans are evaluated individually to determine whether or not an impairment allowance is required.

Allowance for Loan Losses:

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is considered to be adequate to provide for loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Corporation maintains formal policies and procedures to monitor and control credit risk. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on a continuing review of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, the level and composition of nonperforming loans, the financial condition of the borrowers, balance of the loan portfolio, loan growth, economic conditions, employment levels of the Corporation’s local markets, and special factors affecting specific business sectors.

This evaluation involves a high degree of uncertainty. Loans that are considered uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. The provision for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are added to the allowance. While the Corporation allocates portions of the allowance for specific problem loans and to specific loan categories, the entire allowance is available for any loan losses that occur.

Mortgage Banking Operations:

The origination of mortgage loans is an integral component of the business of the Corporation. The Corporation generally sells its originations of long-term fixed interest rate residential mortgage loans in the secondary market. Gains and losses on the sales of loans are determined using the specific identification method. Long-term fixed interest rate residential mortgage loans originated for sale are generally held for thirty days or less. The Corporation sells mortgage loans in the secondary market on either a servicing retained or released basis. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market on an individual basis.

The Corporation accounts for mortgage servicing rights in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (SFAS 140). SFAS 140 requires that an asset be recognized for the rights to service mortgage loans, including those rights that are created by the origination of mortgage loans that are sold with the servicing rights retained by the originator. The recognition of the asset results in an increase in the gains recognized upon the sale of the mortgage loans sold. The Corporation amortizes mortgage servicing rights in proportion to, and over the life of, the estimated net future servicing income and performs a periodic evaluation of the fair market value of the mortgage servicing rights. Prepayments of mortgage loans result in increased amortization of mortgage servicing rights as the remaining book value of the mortgage servicing right is expensed at the time of prepayment. Any impairment of mortgage servicing rights is recognized as a valuation allowance. For purposes of measuring impairment, the Corporation utilizes a third-party modeling software program, which stratifies capitalized mortgage servicing rights by interest rate, term and loan type. Servicing income is recognized in noninterest income when received and expenses are recognized when incurred.

Premises and Equipment:

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Premises and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are generally 25 to 35 years for buildings and three to ten years for equipment.

A summary of premises and equipment at December 31 follows:

                 
2003 2002

(In thousands)
Bank premises
  $ 67,221     $ 57,335  
Equipment
    35,420       32,668  

      102,641       90,003  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    53,025       47,236  

Total
  $ 49,616     $ 42,767  

Other Real Estate:

Other real estate represents properties acquired through foreclosure or by acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The carrying values of these properties are periodically evaluated and are adjusted to the lower of cost or fair value minus estimated costs to sell. Other real estate totaling $5.6 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are included in other assets.

Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets consist of goodwill, core deposit and other intangibles, and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill, representing the excess of acquisition cost over the fair market value of identifiable assets acquired, had been amortized on a straight- line basis over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years through December 31, 2001. Beginning January 1, 2002, for both previous and future purchase
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transactions, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142), goodwill is no longer amortized, but is subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with SFAS 142. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Core deposit and other intangible assets are amortized over periods ranging from five to fifteen years on a straight-line or accelerated basis, as applicable.

Stock Options:

The Corporation periodically grants stock options for a fixed number of shares with an exercise price equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123), the Corporation accounts for stock option grants under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25). Under APB 25, because the exercise prices of the Corporation’s employee stock options equal the market prices of the underlying stock at the dates of grant, no compensation expense is recognized at the date of grant.

Other Borrowings – Short Term:

Other borrowings – short term consist primarily of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which represent amounts advanced by customers that are secured by investment securities owned by the Corporation’s subsidiary banks, as they are not covered by FDIC insurance.

Income Taxes:

The Corporation files a consolidated federal income tax return and is responsible for the payment of any tax liability of the consolidated organization. Income tax expense is based on income and expenses, as reported in the financial statements. When income and expenses are recognized in different periods for tax purposes than for book purposes, applicable deferred taxes are provided for in the financial statements.

Earnings Per Share:

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (SFAS 128). All earnings per share amounts for all periods presented conform to the requirements of SFAS 128. Basic earnings per share for the Corporation is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share for the Corporation is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.

The Corporation’s common stock equivalents consist of common stock issuable under the assumed exercise of stock options granted under the Corporation’s stock option plans, using the treasury stock method. The following table summarizes the number of shares used in the denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31:

                         
2003 2002 2001

Denominator for basic earnings per share
    23,693,128       23,676,623       23,626,163  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
    23,756,037       23,741,981       23,691,697  

Comprehensive Income:

Comprehensive income of the Corporation includes net income and an adjustment to equity for unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, net of income taxes, as required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” (SFAS 130). The Corporation displays comprehensive income as a component in the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity.

Operating Segment:

It is management’s opinion that the Corporation operates in a single operating segment – commercial banking. The Corporation is a financial holding company that operates four commercial banks, a property and casualty insurance company and a title insurance company, each as a separate direct subsidiary of the Corporation. The Corporation’s four commercial bank subsidiaries operate as community banks and offer a full range of commercial banking and fiduciary products and services to the residents and business customers in their geographical market areas. The products and services offered by the commercial bank subsidiaries are generally consistent throughout the Corporation, as generally is the pricing of these products and services. These services include personal and business checking accounts, savings and individual retirement accounts, time deposit instruments, electronically accessed banking products, residential and commercial real estate financing, commercial lending, consumer financing, debit cards, safe deposit services, automated teller machines, access to insurance and investment products, money transfer services, corporate and personal trust services and other banking services. Each of the Corporation’s commercial bank subsidiaries operates within the State of Michigan. The marketing of products and services by the Corporation’s subsidiary banks is generally uniform, as some of the markets served by the subsidiaries overlap. The distribution of products and services is uniform throughout the Corporation’s commercial
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NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

bank subsidiaries and is achieved primarily through retail branch banking offices, automated teller machines and electronically accessed banking products. The commercial bank subsidiaries are state chartered commercial banks and operate under the same banking regulations.

The Corporation’s primary sources of revenues are from its loan products and investment securities. The following table summarizes the Corporation’s revenue from its specific loan products for the years ended December 31:

                           
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Interest income and fee revenue:
                       
 
Commercial
  $ 21,088     $ 22,706     $ 24,922  
 
Real estate construction
    6,649       8,070       8,095  
 
Real estate commercial
    35,173       34,753       30,946  
 
Real estate residential
    47,289       50,557       60,224  
 
Consumer
    34,636       39,717       37,235  

Total
  $ 144,835     $ 155,803     $ 161,422  

Common Stock:

All per share data and share amounts included in the consolidated financial statements and in the related notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted to reflect stock dividends paid on January 24, 2003 and December 21, 2001.

Business Combinations:

For acquisitions accounted for as pooling of interests combinations, the historical consolidated financial statements were restated to include the accounts and results of operations as though the entity had always been a subsidiary of the Corporation. In compliance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141), the pooling of interests method can no longer be used for acquisitions initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141 also includes guidance on the initial recognition and measurement of goodwill and other intangible assets arising from business combinations completed after June 30, 2001. SFAS 142 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. SFAS 142 requires that these assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with finite lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46), which provides guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and when the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and results of operations of a VIE need to be included in a company’s consolidated financial statements.

In general, a VIE is an entity that lacks sufficient equity or its equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. If either of these characteristics is present, the entity is subject to FIN 46’s variable interests consolidation model, and consolidation is based on variable interests, not on ownership of the entity’s outstanding voting stock. Variable interests are defined as contractual, ownership, or other money interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entity’s net asset value. The primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE; the primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that absorbs a majority of expected losses or receives a majority of residual returns (if losses or returns occur), or both. Entities not determined to be VIE’s would continue to be subject to the guidance provided in Accounting Revenue Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” which generally requires consolidation based on ownership of the entity’s outstanding voting stock.

In October 2003, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FIN 46-6, “Effective Date of FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” This FSP deferred the date the Corporation was required to adopt FIN 46 until December 31, 2003 for all interests in VIE’s created before February 1, 2003. The Corporation’s adoption of FIN 46 had no material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, as the Corporation had no affiliation with any entity as of December 31, 2003 that met the criteria of a VIE within the guidance of FIN 46-6.

In December 2003, the FASB revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” (SFAS 132). The revision retains the disclosures required by the original SFAS 132 and requires additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. See Note H for the additional pension and other postretirement benefit disclosures; the Corporation adopted the provisions of the revisions as of December 31, 2003.

Reclassification:

Certain amounts in the 2002 and 2001 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the 2003 presentation.
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NOTE B – MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

During the three years ended December 31, 2003, the Corporation closed the following mergers and acquisitions:

The Corporation acquired Caledonia Financial Corporation (“Caledonia”), a one-bank holding company headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan, on December 1, 2003. As of that date, Caledonia had total assets of $211 million, net loans of $184 million, total deposits of $171 million and shareholders’ equity of $22.3 million. Shareholders of Caledonia received $39.00 cash for each share of Caledonia common stock in a taxable transaction. The total value of the transaction was approximately $56.8 million, of which $52.3 million was paid in cash and $4.5 million represents the value of stock options. The purchase price represents a premium over book value of $34.5 million.

The Corporation will continue to operate Caledonia’s bank subsidiary, State Bank of Caledonia, with branch offices in Caledonia, Dutton, Middleville and Kalamazoo, as a separate subsidiary until mid-2004. At that time, the Corporation expects to restructure the State Bank of Caledonia into two of the Corporation’s three existing bank subsidiaries. The branches in Caledonia, Middleville and Dutton will become part of Chemical Bank West, headquartered in the Grand Rapids area, and the Kalamazoo branch will become a part of Chemical Bank Shoreline, headquartered in Benton Harbor.

On September 30, 2003, the Corporation consolidated CFC Data Corp, its wholly-owned data processing subsidiary, into the parent. The data processing operations are primarily performed for the Corporation’s bank subsidiaries.

On September 14, 2001, the Corporation acquired Bank West Financial Corporation (“BWFC”). BWFC was the parent company of Bank West, a Michigan stock savings bank with five branch offices and one loan production office in Kent and Ottawa counties in Michigan. The purchase added approximately $300 million in total assets, $232 million in total loans and $194 million in total deposits as of the date of acquisition, for which the Corporation paid a premium of $7.3 million. Bank West was merged into the Corporation’s existing subsidiary, Chemical Bank West. The Corporation exchanged $29.2 million in cash for all of the outstanding stock of BWFC.

On July 13, 2001, the Corporation acquired four branch banking offices from Fifth Third Bank and Old Kent Bank in Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven and Fremont, Michigan. The purchase added total deposits of approximately $144 million and total loans of $97 million as of the date of acquisition, for which the Corporation paid a premium of $15.3 million. The offices in Holland, Zeeland and Grand Haven are being operated as branches of Chemical Bank Shoreline, and Chemical Bank West is operating the office in Fremont.

The above acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method; therefore, the financial results of these operations are included from their respective acquisition dates, with no restatement of prior period amounts.

On January 9, 2001, the Corporation merged with Shoreline Financial Corporation (“Shoreline”), a one-bank holding company headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan and parent company of Shoreline Bank. As of the effective date of the transaction, Shoreline had total assets of approximately $1.1 billion, total deposits of approximately $.8 billion and total loans of approximately $.8 billion. The Corporation is operating Shoreline Bank through a separate subsidiary of the Corporation, Chemical Bank Shoreline, with its headquarters in Benton Harbor. The Corporation issued approximately 8.2 million shares of common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Shoreline. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests business combination and, therefore, all prior period amounts included in the consolidated financial statements were restated to include Shoreline as if it had always been part of the Corporation.


NOTE C – MERGER AND
RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES

The Corporation incurred pre-tax merger and consolidation related restructuring expenses of $9.2 million ($7.1 million after-tax) in the first quarter of 2001. The expenses were incurred in connection with the completion of the merger between the Corporation and Shoreline on January 9, 2001 and the consolidation of nine of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks into two, effective December 31, 2000. A summary of these costs follows: professional fees of $5.3 million; settlement of employment agreements of $2.5 million; severance awards of $.3 million; and other costs of $1.1 million. The entire merger and restructuring reserve was utilized during 2001.

Severance awards were granted to 51 employees whose positions were eliminated during 2001 in the internal bank consolidation project and who elected not to accept another position within the Corporation. The severance awards comprised approximately three percent of the total merger and consolidation related restructuring expenses.

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NOTE D – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated market value of investment securities available for sale and investment securities held to maturity at December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

Investment Securities Available for Sale:

                                   
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
December 31, 2003 Cost Gains Losses Value

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
  $ 463,448     $ 11,041     $ 210     $ 474,279  
States and political subdivisions
    18,214       808             19,022  
Mortgage-backed securities
    124,910       1,958       102       126,766  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    1,938       58       1       1,995  
Corporate bonds
    81,080       1,787       2       82,865  

 
Total debt securities
    689,590       15,652       315       704,927  
Equity securities
    22,404       1,212       44       23,572  

Total
  $ 711,994     $ 16,864     $ 359     $ 728,499  

 
December 31, 2002
                               

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
  $ 568,870     $ 21,313     $     $ 590,183  
States and political subdivisions
    18,477       1,001             19,478  
Mortgage-backed securities
    125,639       3,251       6       128,884  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    13,653       121       116       13,658  
Corporate bonds
    83,600       2,828       100       86,328  

 
Total debt securities
    810,239       28,514       222       838,531  
Equity securities
    19,606       694       87       20,213  

Total
  $ 829,845     $ 29,208     $ 309     $ 858,744  

Investment Securities Held to Maturity:

                                 
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
December 31, 2003 Cost Gains Losses Value

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
  $ 153,585     $ 2,960     $ 5     $ 156,540  
States and political subdivisions
    34,233       1,425             35,658  
Mortgage-backed securities
    2,619       239             2,858  
Other debt securities
    2,926       1             2,927  

Total
  $ 193,363     $ 4,625     $ 5     $ 197,983  

 
December 31, 2002
                               

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
  $ 204,422     $ 5,289     $     $ 209,711  
States and political subdivisions
    41,009       1,925       66       42,868  
Mortgage-backed securities
    5,682       590             6,272  
Other debt securities
    18,125       255             18,380  

Total
  $ 269,238     $ 8,059     $ 66     $ 277,231  

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt and equity securities at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity for both available for sale and held to maturity investment securities follows:

Investment Securities Available for Sale:

                 
Estimated
Amortized Market
Cost Value

(In thousands)
Due in one year or less
  $ 164,277     $ 167,165  
Due after one year through five years
    381,964       391,814  
Due after five years through ten years
    12,553       12,806  
Due after ten years
    3,948       4,381  
Mortgage-backed securities
    124,910       126,766  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    1,938       1,995  
Equity securities
    22,404       23,572  

Total
  $ 711,994     $ 728,499  

Investment Securities Held to Maturity:

                 
Estimated
Amortized Market
Cost Value

(In thousands)
Due in one year or less
  $ 57,757     $ 58,367  
Due after one year through five years
    121,137       124,232  
Due after five years through ten years
    7,488       8,033  
Due after ten years
    4,362       4,493  
Mortgage-backed securities
    2,619       2,858  

Total
  $ 193,363     $ 197,983  

Investment securities with a book value of $343.4 million at December 31, 2003 were pledged to collateralize public fund deposits and for other purposes as required by law; at December 31, 2002, the corresponding amount was $358.7 million.

The Corporation recognized net gains on investment securities of $1.3 million during 2003, net losses of $.77 million in 2002 and net gains of $.53 million in 2001. During 2002, the Corporation recorded a $.47 million write-down to market value relating to certain equity securities, as part of its total net investment securities losses of $.77 million, as the Corporation projected that the decline in the market value of these securities was “other than temporary.” The equity securities portfolio at December 31, 2003 consisted of $4.7 million of common and preferred stocks of various publicly traded entities, $17.2 million of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and $1.7 million of Federal Reserve Bank stock.

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The following table presents the age of gross unrealized losses and market value by investment category.

                                                 
December 31, 2003

Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total

Market Unrealized Market Unrealized Market Unrealized
Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses

(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
  $ 43,306     $ 215     $     $     $ 43,306     $ 215  
Mortgage-backed securities
    13,844       99       403       3       14,247       102  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
                438       1       438       1  
Corporate bonds
    1,069       2       1,001             2,070       2  
Equity securities
    57       15       288       29       345       44  

Total
  $ 58,276     $ 331     $ 2,130     $ 33     $ 60,406     $ 364  

An analysis is performed quarterly by the Corporation to determine whether unrealized losses in its investment securities portfolio are temporary or other-than-temporary. The Corporation reviews factors such as financial statements, credit ratings, news releases and other pertinent information of the underlying company to make its determination. Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of December 31, 2003 represents an other-than-temporary impairment. The Corporation has both the intent and ability to hold the securities described in the previous table for a time necessary to recover the unrealized loss.

The Corporation did not have a trading portfolio during the three years ended December 31, 2003.


NOTE E – SECONDARY MARKET
MORTGAGE ACTIVITY

For the three years ended December 31, 2003, activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights was as follows (in thousands):

                         
2003 2002 2001

Mortgage Servicing Rights:
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 2,495     $ 2,844     $ 1,591  
Additions
    1,960       2,340       1,583  
Acquisition
    705             274  
Amortization
    (1,896 )     (2,076 )     (424 )
Provision for impairment
          (613 )     (180 )

End of year
  $ 3,264     $ 2,495     $ 2,844  

Additions of mortgage servicing rights were up in both 2003 and 2002 due to significantly higher residential mortgage loan volume, which was mostly attributable to low market interest rates. The lower interest rate environment created an incentive for customers to refinance their mortgages and purchase new homes. The historically high level of mortgage refinancing volumes accounted for not only increased mortgage servicing rights, but also increased amortization resulting from the corresponding mortgage prepayments. The lower interest rate environment prompted customers to choose long-term fixed rate mortgages over other mortgage products. The Corporation generally sells its long-term fixed rate mortgages in the secondary market either on a servicing retained or servicing released basis. However, during 2003, the Corporation shifted its residential real estate lending strategy to add to the portfolio the majority of its loan originations with maturities of fifteen years versus selling all of these loans in the secondary market. At December 31, 2003, the Corporation was servicing $633 million of residential mortgage loans, up $90 million, or 16.6% compared to 2002. The Corporation assumed $114 million of loans serviced for others in the Caledonia acquisition.

During 2003, the Corporation did not record an impairment provision as there was no further decline in the estimated fair value of mortgage servicing rights compared to the recorded book value. This compares to impairment provisions recorded of $.61 million in 2002 and $.18 million in 2001. These amounts reduced mortgage banking revenue shown on the consolidated statement of income for the respective periods. The decline in the estimated fair value of mortgage servicing rights was due to the declining overall market interest rates for residential mortgages and the corresponding increase in prepayments of loans serviced for others. The valuation reserve for impairment of mortgage servicing rights was $.79 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

Loans held for sale were $4.9 million at December 31, 2003 and $31.4 million at December 31, 2002. The decrease in loans held for sale was attributable to a shift in emphasis during 2003 to hold in the portfolio residential mortgage loan originations with maturities of fifteen years. In addition, overall market interest rates rose in late 2003 resulting in significantly lower refinance volume.

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NOTE F – LOANS

The following summarizes loans as of December 31:

                 
2003 2002

(In thousands)
Commercial
  $ 405,929     $ 327,438  
Real estate construction
    138,280       108,589  
Real estate commercial
    628,815       481,084  
Real estate residential
    767,199       648,042  
Consumer
    541,052       509,789  

Total loans
  $ 2,481,275     $ 2,074,942  

The Corporation’s subsidiary banks have extended loans to its directors, executive officers and their affiliates. The loans were made in the ordinary course of business upon normal terms, including collateralization and interest rates prevailing at the time and did not involve more than the normal risk of repayment by the borrower or present other unfavorable features. The aggregate loans outstanding to the directors, executive officers and their affiliates totaled approximately $45.5 million at December 31, 2003 and $38.7 million at December 31, 2002. During 2003, there were approximately $47.3 million of new loans and other additions, while repayments and other reductions totaled approximately $40.5 million.

Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows for the years ended December 31:

                               
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 30,672     $ 30,994     $ 26,883      
Provision for loan losses
    2,834       3,765       2,004      
 
Loan charge-offs
    (4,071 )     (4,830 )     (2,134 )    
 
Loan recoveries
    719       743       479      

Net loan charge-offs
    (3,352 )     (4,087 )     (1,655 )    
Allowance of banks/branches acquired
    3,025             3,762      

Balance at end of year
  $ 33,179     $ 30,672     $ 30,994      

Nonaccrual loans totaled $6.7 million, $4.9 million and $6.9 million at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

During the first quarter of 2002, the Corporation changed its methodology of identifying loans as being of an impaired status. Previously, the Corporation analyzed all nonaccrual commercial and real estate commercial loans for impairment before determining which loans were impaired. Based on conservative management philosophies, as of January 1, 2002, the Corporation took the position that all nonaccrual commercial and real estate commercial loans are impaired. This change had no effect on the allowance allocated to impaired loans, as the additional loans classified as impaired did not require an impairment allowance as of January 1, 2002.

Impaired loans under the revised classification totaled $5.5 million as of December 31, 2003, $2.3 million as of December 31, 2002 and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2001. After analyzing the various components of the customer relationships and evaluating the underlying collateral of impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans was as follows: $2.4 million as of December 31, 2003, $.8 million as of December 31, 2002 and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2001.


NOTE G – FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The provision for federal income taxes is less than that computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 35%, primarily due to tax-exempt interest on investment securities and loans, partially offset by non-deductible merger and restructuring expenses, as shown in the following analysis for the years ended December 31:

                               
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Tax at statutory rate
  $ 29,438     $ 29,027     $ 22,869      
Changes resulting from:
                           
 
Tax-exempt income
    (954 )     (1,228 )     (1,741 )    
 
Non-deductible merger and restructuring expenses
                1,118      
 
Other, net
    (91 )     191       371      

Total federal income tax expense
  $ 28,393     $ 27,990     $ 22,617      

The provision for federal income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:

                             
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Current
  $ 25,101     $ 26,627     $ 25,632      
Deferred taxes (benefit)
    3,292       1,363       (3,015 )    

Total
  $ 28,393     $ 27,990     $ 22,617      

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax assets

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and liabilities of the Corporation were as follows as of December 31:

                     
2003 2002



(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
               
 
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 11,163     $ 10,355  
 
Employee benefit plans
          1,129  
 
Investment securities marked to market
    769       1,302  
 
Other
    4,498       3,927  

   
Total deferred tax assets
    16,430       16,713  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
 
Investment securities available for sale
    5,776       10,114  
 
Fixed assets
    1,180       661  
 
Employee benefit plans
    644        
 
Other
    3,247       3,273  

   
Total deferred tax liabilities
    10,847       14,048  

Net deferred tax assets
  $ 5,583     $ 2,665  

Federal income tax expense (benefit) applicable to gains (losses) on investment securities transactions was $.47 million in 2003, $(.1) million in 2002 and $.19 million in 2001, and is included in federal income taxes on the consolidated statements of income.


NOTE H – PENSION AND
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Corporation had two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (“Plans”) covering the majority of its employees through December 31, 2001, as a result of the merger with Shoreline on January 9, 2001. Normal retirement benefits of the Plans were based on years of service and the employee’s average annual pay for the five highest consecutive years during the ten years preceding retirement under the Plans. Effective January 1, 2002, the Plans were merged into a single noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“New Plan”). The New Plan continues to cover the majority of the Corporation’s employees. Like the predecessor Plans, retirement benefits in the New Plan are based on years of service, age at retirement and the employee’s compensation during the five highest consecutive years of earnings within the last ten years of employment. The retirement benefits under the New Plan are substantially the same as the Corporation’s plan prior to the merger with Shoreline. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service-to-date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future.

The Corporation’s New Plan is invested in a diversified portfolio of U.S. Government Treasury Notes, U.S. Government Agency notes and high quality corporate bonds and equity securities, primarily blue chip stocks. The notes and the bonds purchased are rated A or better by the major bond rating companies and mature within five years from the date of purchase. The stocks are diversified among the major economic sectors of the market and are selected based on balance sheet strength, expected earnings growth, the management team, and position within their industry, among many other characteristics.

The Corporation’s New Plan weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2003 and 2002, by asset category, were as follows:

                 
Plan Assets at
December 31
Asset Category 2003 2002

Equity securities
    68.4 %     66.5 %
Debt securities
    30.2       29.5  
Other
    1.4       4.0  

Total
    100 %     100 %

As of December 31, 2003, based upon current market conditions, the Corporation’s strategy was to maintain equity securities between 60% and 70% of total pension plan assets. As of December 31, 2003, equity securities included 201,329 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The market value of these shares was $7.3 million at December 31, 2003.

The following table sets forth the changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets of the New Plan:

                       
2003 2002



(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
                   
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 60,019     $ 47,858      
 
Service cost
    3,643       3,065      
 
Interest cost
    3,841       3,503      
 
Net actuarial loss
    4,924       7,441      
 
Benefits paid
    (2,521 )     (1,848 )    

Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 69,906     $ 60,019      

Change in the plan assets:
                   
 
Fair value of the plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 49,969     $ 50,781      
 
Actual return on plan assets
    8,902       (4,810 )    
 
Contributions by the Corporation
    8,084       5,846      
 
Benefits paid
    (2,521 )     (1,848 )    

Fair value of the plan assets at end of year
  $ 64,434     $ 49,969      

Underfunded status of the plan
  $ (5,472 )   $ (10,050 )    
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    16,419       15,419      
Unrecognized net transition asset
          (11 )    
Unrecognized prior service benefit
    (220 )     (261 )    

Prepaid benefit cost
  $ 10,727     $ 5,097      

As the above table shows, the projected benefit obligation increased by $9.9 million to $69.9 million at December 31, 2003 from $60.0 million at December 31, 2002. The increase includes a $4.9 million net actuarial loss recognized during 2003 resulting primarily from a 50 basis point decrease in the weighted average discount rate used in

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NOTE H – PENSION AND
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED)

determining the benefit obligation in 2003 compared to 2002. The Corporation’s accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $54.1 million and $46.5 million, respectively.

The Corporation has historically contributed the maximum amount deductible under Internal Revenue Service regulations to its pension plan. The 2004 maximum deductible contribution will depend on the current liability interest rate used to present value the New Plan’s benefit obligation. Based on discussions and analysis with the Corporation’s actuary, it is estimated that the Corporation’s maximum deductible contribution in 2004 will be zero. As of December 31, 2003, the Corporation had not made a determination as to whether the maximum deductible contribution would be made in 2004, if the actual amount was greater than zero.

Weighted-average rate assumptions as of December 31:

                         
2003 2002 2001

Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation
    6 %     6.5 %     7 %
Expected return on plan assets
    8 %     8 %     8 %
Rate of compensation increase
    5 %     5 %     5 %

The expected return on plan assets has been based upon actual historical long-term returns of the overall stock and bond markets and actual portfolio returns.

Net periodic pension cost of the plans consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:

                             
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Service cost
  $ 3,643     $ 3,065     $ 2,172      
Interest cost
    3,841       3,503       3,121      
Curtailment
                (1,083 )    
Settlement
                131      
Special separation program benefits
                1,336      
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,973 )     (4,409 )     (4,291 )    
Amortization of transition amount
    (11 )     (15 )     (95 )    
Amortization of prior service benefit
    (41 )     (41 )     (23 )    
Amortization of unrecognized net gain
    (5 )     (14 )     (410 )    

Pension expense
  $ 2,454     $ 2,089     $ 858      

Other Employee Benefit Plans:

One of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks maintained a profit-sharing plan for qualified employees with at least one year of service through December 31, 2001. Contributions to the profit-sharing plan were discretionary and were determined by the board of directors of the subsidiary bank. Under this plan, $.22 million was expensed in 2001. The plan was terminated as of December 31, 2001; therefore no contribution or expense was recognized after 2001.

One of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks maintained a 401(k) savings plan with an employer match through December 31, 2001. Participants in this 401(k) savings plan were eligible to make deferrals up to 15% of compensation. The subsidiary matched 50% of participants’ elective deferrals on the first 4% of the participants’ compensation. Expense under this plan was $.16 million in 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, this plan was merged into the Corporation’s 401(k) savings plan (“New 401(k) Plan”). Prior to January 1, 2002, the Corporation also had a 401(k) plan that did not include an employer match. Effective January 1, 2002, the New 401(k) Plan provides participants a 50% match of their elective deferrals on the first 4% of the participants’ compensation, subject to qualified plan limits. Expense under the New 401(k) Plan was $.52 million in 2003 and $.48 million in 2002.

In addition to the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plan, the Corporation has a postretirement benefits plan that provides medical benefits and dental benefits through age 65 to a portion of its employees. Through December 31, 2001, eligibility for such benefits was age 55 with at least ten years of service with the Corporation. Retirees are required to make contributions toward the cost of their benefits based on their years of credited service and age at retirement. Retiree contributions are adjusted annually. Effective January 1, 2002, the Corporation adopted a revised retiree medical program (“Retiree Plan”), which substantially reduced the future obligation of the Corporation for retiree medical costs. The Retiree Plan will generally provide employees access to retiree medical benefits for themselves and their dependents for those employees who retire at age 55 or thereafter with at least fifteen years of service. There will generally be no employer subsidy for these benefits. Retirees and certain employees within two years of retirement as of December 31, 2001 were grandfathered under the predecessor plan. There continues to be no employer subsidy for dependent benefits included in the grandfathered plan. The accounting for these postretirement benefits anticipates changes in future cost-sharing features such as retiree contributions (applicable to grandfathered participants), deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. The Corporation reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate these benefits at any time.

The Corporation elected to defer recognizing the effects of the Medicare, Prescription Drug, Improvement and

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Modernization Act of 2003 (“Medicare Act”), which was enacted on December 8, 2003, on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit costs of its Retiree Plan in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. The Corporation expects to continue to defer the effects of the Medicare Act under SFAS 132 until authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy is issued, or until certain other events (e.g. a plan amendment, settlement or curtailment) occur. The Corporation’s Retiree Plan may need to be amended in order to benefit from the new legislation.

The following table sets forth changes in the Corporation’s postretirement benefit obligation:

                       
2003 2002

(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
                   
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 4,140     $ 4,265      
 
Service cost
    22       22      
 
Interest cost
    261       275      
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss
    1,212       (168 )    
 
Benefits paid, net of retiree contributions
    (239 )     (254 )    

Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 5,396     $ 4,140      

Unfunded status of the plan
  $ 5,396     $ 4,140      
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    (2,440 )     (1,395 )    
Unrecognized prior service credit
    2,895       3,219      

Accrued postretirement benefit cost
  $ 5,851     $ 5,964      

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:

                             
2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Service cost
  $ 22     $ 22     $ 210      
Interest cost
    261       275       502      
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)
    (157 )     (324 )     26      
Curtailment
                (7 )    
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
          231            
Special separation program benefits
                220      

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ 126     $ 204     $ 951      

The weighted-average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 6% at December 31, 2003, 6.5% at December 31, 2002 and 7% at December 31, 2001.

For measurement purposes, the annual rates of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits and dental benefits for 2004 were each assumed at 8.3%. These rates were assumed to decrease gradually to 5% in 2008 and remain at that level thereafter.

The assumed health care and dental cost trend rates could have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A one-percentage-point change in these rates would have had the following effects:

                 
1-Percentage- 1-Percentage-
Point Increase Point Decrease

(In thousands)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components in 2004
  $ 15     $ (13 )
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2004
  $ 664     $ (568 )


NOTE I – FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK
BORROWINGS

Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Indianapolis consisted of the following:

                 
December 31
2003 2002

(In thousands)
Fixed-rate advances; with maturities from March 2004 through May 2009, rates ranging from 4.07% – 6.40% and a weighted average rate of 5.33% at December 31, 2003   $ 39,373     $ 38,393  
Convertible fixed-rate advances; with maturities from January 2004 through February 2011, rates ranging from 4.49% – 6.75% and a weighted average rate of 5.54% at December 31, 2003     116,000       119,000  

Total
  $ 155,373     $ 157,393  

For the convertible fixed-rate advances, the FHLB has the option to convert the advance to a variable-rate beginning one, two or five years after the origination date depending on the advance, and quarterly thereafter. The Corporation has the option to prepay, without penalty, an FHLB convertible fixed-rate advance when the FHLB exercises its option to convert it to a variable-rate advance. During 2003, the FHLB did not exercise this option on any advance. Prepayments of both fixed-rate and convertible fixed-rate advances are subject to prepayment penalties under the provisions and conditions of the credit policy of the FHLB. The Corporation did not incur any prepayment penalties for 2003, 2002 or 2001.

The FHLB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket lien on qualified one-to four-family residential mortgage loans. The carrying value of these loans was $726 million, which represents a total borrowing capacity based on collateral of $501 million. Therefore, the Corporation’s additional borrowing availability through the FHLB at December 31, 2003 under the blanket lien agreement was $346 million.

continued on next page
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NOTE I – FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK
BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

At year-end 2003, scheduled principal reductions on these advances are as follows (in thousands):

         
2004
  $ 20,377  
2005
    23,232  
2006
    28,692  
2007
    10,023  
2008
    25,024  
Thereafter
    48,025  

Total
  $ 155,373  


NOTE J – RESTRICTED ASSETS AND DIVIDEND
LIMITATIONS OF SUBSIDIARY BANKS

Banking regulations require that banks maintain cash reserve balances in vault cash with the Federal Reserve Bank or with certain other qualifying banks. The aggregate average amount of such legal balances required to be maintained by the Corporation’s subsidiary banks was $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. During 2003, the Corporation’s subsidiary banks satisfied their legal reserve requirements by maintaining aggregate average cash reserve balances of $52.8 million.

Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on the transfer of assets in the form of dividends, loans or advances from the bank subsidiaries to the Corporation. At December 31, 2003, substantially all of the assets of the bank subsidiaries were restricted from transfer to the Corporation in the form of loans or advances. Dividends from its bank subsidiaries are the principal source of funds for the Corporation. Under the most restrictive of these regulations, the aggregate amount of dividends that can be paid by the Corporation’s bank subsidiaries to the parent company, without obtaining prior approval from bank regulatory agencies, was $73.6 million as of January 1, 2004. Dividends paid to the Corporation by its banking subsidiaries totaled $56.1 million in 2003, $25.6 million in 2002 and $51.1 million in 2001. In addition to the statutory limits, the Corporation also considers the overall financial and capital position of each subsidiary prior to making any cash dividend decisions.


NOTE K – CAPITAL

The Corporation and its subsidiary banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under these capital requirements, the subsidiary banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. In addition, capital amounts and classifications are subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require minimum ratios of Tier 1 capital to average assets (Leverage Ratio), and of Tier 1 and Total capital to risk-weighted assets. These capital guidelines assign risk weights to on- and off-balance sheet items in arriving at total risk-weighted assets. Minimum capital levels are based upon perceived risk of various asset categories and certain off-balance sheet instruments.

At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Corporation’s and each of its bank subsidiaries’ capital ratios exceeded the quantitative capital ratios required for an institution to be considered “well-capitalized.” Significant factors that may affect capital adequacy include, but are not limited to, a disproportionate growth in assets versus capital and a change in mix or credit quality of assets.

The table below compares the Corporation’s and each of its significant subsidiaries’ actual capital amounts and ratios with the quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy at December 31, 2003.

Capital Analysis

                                                     
Risk-Based Capital

Leverage Tier 1 Total



Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio


(Dollars in millions)
Corporation’s capital
  $ 373       11 %   $ 373       15 %   $ 404       17 %    
Required capital – minimum
    105       3       97       4       194       8      
Required capital – “well capitalized” definition
    176       5       146       6       243       10      
Chemical Bank and Trust Company’s capital
    171       11       171       19       182       20      
Required capital – minimum
    48       3       37       4       73       8      
Required capital – “well capitalized” definition
    79       5       55       6       91       10      
Chemical Bank Shoreline’s capital
    97       8       97       12       107       14      
Required capital – minimum
    36       3       31       4       63       8      
Required capital – “well capitalized” definition
    58       5       47       6       78       10      
Chemical Bank West’s capital
    65       9       65       12       72       14      
Required capital – minimum
    22       3       21       4       42       8      
Required capital – “well capitalized” definition
    36       5       32       6       53       10      
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE L – GOODWILL

The Corporation’s adoption of SFAS 142 created an inconsistency in the accounting for goodwill amortization when comparing the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 to December 31, 2001. Application of the nonamortization provisions of SFAS 142 resulted in an increase in net income of $.96 million, or $.04 per share, in 2003 and 2002 compared to 2001. The following analysis is provided for comparability purposes had SFAS 142 been in effect during 2001 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                           
Years Ended
December 31
2003 2002 2001

Reported net income
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 42,723  
 
Goodwill amortization
                960  

 
Adjusted net income
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 43,683  

Basic earnings per share
                       
 
Reported net income
  $ 2.35     $ 2.32     $ 1.81  
 
Goodwill amortization
                .04  

 
Adjusted net income
  $ 2.35     $ 2.32     $ 1.85  

Diluted earnings per share
                       
 
Reported net income
  $ 2.35     $ 2.31     $ 1.80  
 
Goodwill amortization
                .04  

 
Adjusted net income
  $ 2.35     $ 2.31     $ 1.84  

The Corporation’s goodwill impairment review is performed annually by an independent third party appraisal firm. The income approach methodology was utilized by the appraisal firm to estimate the value of the Corporation’s goodwill. The income approach quantifies the present value of future economic benefits by capitalizing or discounting the cash flows of a business. This approach considers projected dividends, earnings, dividend paying capacity and future residual value. Based on the results of these valuations, the Corporation’s goodwill was not impaired at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

Goodwill was $63.3 million at December 31, 2003, and $27.9 million at December 31, 2002. Goodwill increased $35.4 million due to the Caledonia acquisition.


NOTE M – ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table sets forth the carrying amount, accumulated amortization and amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (in thousands):

                                                 
December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002


Original Accumulated Carrying Original Accumulated Carrying
Amount Amortization Amount Amount Amortization Amount

Core deposit intangibles
  $ 19,269     $ 9,773     $ 9,496     $ 17,840     $ 7,942     $ 9,898  
Other
    865       72       793       175       20       155  

Amortization expense for the:

         
Year ended December 31, 2003
  $ 1,883  
Year ended December 31, 2002
    1,953  

Estimated amortization expense for the years ending December 31:

         
2004
  $ 2,272  
2005
    2,136  
2006
    1,938  
2007
    1,651  
2008
    1,292  

During 2003, core deposit and other intangibles increased $1.4 million and $.7 million, respectively, due to the acquisition of Caledonia.


NOTE N – STOCK OPTIONS

The Corporation’s stock option plans provide for grants of stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, or a combination thereof. At December 31, 2003, there were a total of 342,116 shares available for future awards under the Corporation’s 1997 plan. The plan provides that the option price shall not be less than the fair market value of common stock at the date of grant, options become exercisable as specified in the option agreement governing the option as determined by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors and all awards expire no later than ten years and one day after the date of grant. The Corporation does not record expense as a result of the grant or exercise of stock options.

Options granted may include a stock appreciation right that entitles the grantee to receive cash or a number of shares of common stock without payment to the Corporation, calculated by dividing the difference between the option price and the market price of the total number of shares in the option at the time of exercise of the stock appreciation right, by the market price of a single share. As of December 31, 2003, there were no outstanding options with stock appreciation rights.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE N – STOCK OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

The activity in the Corporation’s stock option plans during the three years ended December 31, 2003, was as follows:

                 
Weighted
Average
Number of Exercise
Shares Price

Outstanding – January 1, 2001
    522,996     $ 21.95  
Activity during 2001:
               
Granted
    52,920       24.81  
Exercised
    (48,408 )     13.15  
Cancelled
    (5,856 )     26.22  

Outstanding – December 31, 2001
    521,652       23.01  
Activity during 2002:
               
Granted
    69,930       29.17  
Exercised
    (78,083 )     15.64  
Cancelled
    (12,722 )     24.65  

Outstanding – December 31, 2002
    500,777       24.97  
Activity during 2003:
               
Granted
    83,300       37.45  
Issued in bank acquisition
    232,506       16.67  
Exercised
    (201,177 )     18.88  
Cancelled
    (7,292 )     26.50  

Outstanding – December 31, 2003
    608,114     $ 25.47  

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

                                             
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable

Weighted Weighted
Average Range of Average
Number Exercise Average Exercise Number Exercise
Outstanding Price Life(a) Prices Exercisable Price

  19,738     $ 12.68       4.64     $ 12.68       19,738     $ 12.68  
  78,160       16.27       6.03       14.21 – 16.60       78,160       16.27  
  53,057       17.78       7.63       16.82 – 20.06       53,057       17.78  
  154,060       23.39       4.45       22.72 – 24.81       143,211       23.30  
  219,799       28.65       6.21       26.90 – 29.17       204,411       28.63  
  83,300       37.45       10.00       37.45              

  608,114     $ 25.47       6.33     $ 12.68 – 37.45       498,577     $ 23.38  

(a)  Weighted average remaining contractual life in years

The Corporation does not recognize compensation cost in accounting for awards of options under its stock option plans. If the Corporation had elected to recognize compensation cost for options granted in 2003, 2002 and 2001, based on the fair value of the options granted at the grant date, net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                         
2003 2002 2001

Net income – as reported
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 42,723  
Net income – pro forma
    55,435       54,759       42,595  
Basic earnings per share – as reported
    2.35       2.32       1.81  
Basic earnings per share – pro forma
    2.34       2.31       1.80  
Diluted earnings per share – as reported
    2.35       2.31       1.80  
Diluted earnings per share – pro forma
    2.33       2.31       1.80  

The weighted average fair values of options granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $11.33, $7.49 and $6.55 per share, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

                             
2003 2002 2001

Expected dividend yield
    3.0 %     3.2 %     3.2 %    
Expected stock volatility
    33.7 %     32.7 %     31.3 %    
Risk-free interest rate
    4.00 %     3.03 %     4.69 %    
Expected life of options – in years
    7.8       6.5       5.7      

Because of the unpredictability of the assumptions required, the Black-Scholes model, or any other valuation model, is incapable of accurately predicting the Corporation’s stock price or of placing an accurate present value on options to purchase its stock. In addition, the Black-Scholes model was designed to approximate value for types of options that are very different from those issued by the Corporation. In spite of any theoretical value which may be placed on a stock option grant, no value is possible under options issued by the Corporation without an increase in the market value of the Corporation’s stock.


NOTE O – COMMITMENTS AND
OTHER MATTERS

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the loan contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Historically, the majority of the commitments of the Corporation’s subsidiaries have not been drawn upon and, therefore, may not represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued generally by the Corporation’s subsidiaries to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Both arrangements have credit risk essentially the same as that involved in making loans to customers and are subject to the Corporation’s normal credit policies. Collateral obtained

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

upon exercise of commitments is determined using management’s credit evaluation of the borrowers and may include real estate, business assets, deposits and other items. The Corporation’s subsidiaries at any point in time also have approved but undisbursed loans. The majority of these undisbursed loans will convert to booked loans within a three-month period.

Total unused loan commitments, standby letters of credit and undisbursed loans were $373 million, $13 million and $116 million, respectively, at December 31, 2003 and $328 million, $13 million and $160 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002. The majority of the unused loan commitments and standby letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2003 expire one year from their contract date, except for $14 million of unused loan commitments which extend for more than five years.

The Corporation’s unused loan commitments and standby letters of credit have been estimated to have no realizable fair value, as historically the majority of the unused loan commitments have not been drawn upon and generally the Corporation’s subsidiaries do not receive fees in connection with these agreements.

The Corporation has operating leases and other non-cancelable contractual obligations on buildings, equipment and certain computer software that will require annual payments through 2015. Minimum payments due in each of the next five years are as follows:

         
2004
  $ 1.5 million  
2005
  $ 1.5 million  
2006
  $ 1.5 million  
2007
  $ 1.3 million  
2008
  $ 1.3 million  

Total expense recorded under operating lease and other non-cancelable contractual obligations was $1.4 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001.

The Corporation and its subsidiary banks are subject to certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated net income or financial position of the Corporation.


NOTE P – DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE
OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (SFAS 107), requires disclosures about the estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments. The Corporation utilized quoted market prices, where available, to compute the fair values of its financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices were not available, the Corporation used present value methods to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments. These estimates of fair value are significantly affected by the assumptions made and, accordingly, do not necessarily indicate amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. It is also the Corporation’s general practice and intent to hold the majority of its financial instruments until maturity and, therefore, the Corporation does not expect to realize the estimated amounts disclosed.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Corporation in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and demand deposits due from banks:

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial position for cash and demand deposits due from banks approximate their fair values.

Interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks and federal funds sold:

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial position for interest-bearing deposits with unaffiliated banks and federal funds sold approximate their fair values.

Investment securities:

Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices.

Loans:

For variable interest rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for fixed interest rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The resulting amounts are adjusted to estimate the effect of declines in the credit quality of borrowers since the loans were originated.

Deposit liabilities:

The fair values of deposit accounts without defined maturities, such as interest- and noninterest-bearing checking, savings and money market accounts, are equal to the amounts payable on demand. Fair values for interest-bearing deposits with defined maturities are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar maturities. The fair values for variable interest rate certificates of deposit approximate their carrying amounts.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE P – DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE
OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings:

Fair value is estimated based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using current rates offered to the Corporation for debt with similar terms.

Other borrowings – short term:

The carrying amounts of other borrowings – short term, which consist primarily of repurchase agreements, approximate their fair values.

Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and undisbursed loans:

The Corporation’s unused loan commitments, standby letters of credit and undisbursed loans have no carrying amount and have been estimated to have no realizable fair value. Historically, a majority of the unused loan commitments have not been drawn upon and, generally, the Corporation does not receive fees in connection with these commitments.

Estimates of fair values have not been made for items that are not defined by SFAS 107 as financial instruments, including such items as the Corporation’s core deposit intangibles and the value of its trust department. The Corporation believes it is impractical to estimate a representative fair value for these types of assets, even though management believes they add significant value to the Corporation.

The following is a summary of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the components of the consolidated statements of financial position at December 31:

                                   
2003 2002


Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value



(In thousands)
Assets:
                               
 
Interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold
  $ 31,007     $ 31,007     $ 123,035     $ 123,035  
 
Investment securities
    921,862       926,483       1,127,982       1,135,975  
 
Net loans
    2,448,096       2,453,012       2,044,270       2,065,700  
 
Noninterest-earning assets
    307,923       307,923       273,362       273,362  

 
Total assets
  $ 3,708,888     $ 3,718,425     $ 3,568,649     $ 3,598,072  

Liabilities:
                               
 
Deposits without defined maturities
  $ 2,053,179     $ 2,053,179     $ 1,859,288     $ 1,859,288  
 
Time deposits
    914,057       924,824       987,984       1,000,791  
 
FHLB borrowings
    155,373       167,276       157,393       173,172  
 
Other borrowings – short term
    91,524       91,524       104,212       104,212  
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
    36,706       36,706       29,433       29,433  

 
Total liabilities
    3,250,839       3,273,509       3,138,310       3,166,896  
Shareholders’ Equity
    458,049       444,916       430,339       431,176  

 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,708,888     $ 3,718,425     $ 3,568,649     $ 3,598,072  

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE Q – PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial statements of Chemical Financial Corporation (parent company) follow:

                     
December 31
Condensed Statements of Financial Position 2003 2002

(In thousands)
Assets:
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at subsidiary bank
  $ 17,662     $ 42,154      
Investment securities available for sale
    5,625       4,296      
Investment in bank subsidiaries
    435,733       387,204      
Investment in non-bank subsidiaries
    539       4,148      
Premises and equipment
    6,893       930      
Goodwill
    1,093       1,093      
Other assets
    5,464       3,021      

Total assets
  $ 473,009     $ 442,846      

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
                   
Other liabilities
  $ 14,960     $ 12,507      

Total liabilities
    14,960       12,507      
Shareholders’ equity
    458,049       430,339      

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 473,009     $ 442,846      

                               
Years Ended December 31
Condensed Statements of Income 2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Income:
                           
Cash dividends from bank subsidiaries
  $ 56,076     $ 25,615     $ 51,075      
Cash dividends from non-bank subsidiaries
    550       750       335      
Interest income from bank subsidiaries
    366       564       2,631      
Other interest income and dividends
    132       134       149      
Rental revenue
    245                  
Investment securities gains (losses)
    71       (829 )     (45 )    
Other
    26                  

Total income
    57,466       26,234       54,145      
Expenses:
                           
Operating expenses
    2,590       2,796       2,878      
Amortization of goodwill
                305      
Merger and restructuring expenses
                7,069      

Total expenses
    2,590       2,796       10,252      

Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
    54,876       23,438       43,893      
Federal income tax benefit
    601       828       1,663      
Equity in undistributed (excess distributed) net income of:
                           
 
Bank subsidiaries
    158       30,625       (3,154 )    
 
Non-bank subsidiaries
    81       54       321      

Net income
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 42,723      

                             
Years Ended December 31
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 2003 2002 2001

(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
                           
Net income
  $ 55,716     $ 54,945     $ 42,723      
Stock incentive expense
                515      
Investment securities (gains) losses
    (71 )     829       45      
Depreciation and amortization expense
    467       250       431      
Equity in (undistributed) excess distributed net income of subsidiaries
    (239 )     (30,679 )     2,833      
Net (increase) decrease in accrued income and other assets
    (2,171 )     (1,826 )     1,798      
Net increase (decrease) in interest payable and other liabilities
    (2,694 )     2,909       (250 )    

Net cash provided by operating activities
    51,008       26,428       48,095      
Investing Activities:
                           
Capital infusion into subsidiary bank
                (12,000 )    
Cash assumed in merger of data processing subsidiary into parent
    3,185                  
Net cash used in acquisitions
    (52,295 )           (29,221 )    
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (5,725 )     (468 )     (779 )    
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    (1,552 )     (1,258 )     (1,447 )    
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities available for sale
    836       1,017       1,535      

Net cash used in investing activities
    (55,551 )     (709 )     (41,912 )    
Financing Activities:
                           
Repurchases of common stock
    (1,511 )     (408 )     (271 )    
Proceeds from directors’ stock purchase plan
    182       191       187      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    5,071       512       484      
Cash dividends paid
    (23,691 )     (21,648 )     (20,577 )    

Net cash used in financing activities
    (19,949 )     (21,353 )     (20,177 )    

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (24,492 )     4,366       (13,994 )    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    42,154       37,788       51,782      

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 17,662     $ 42,154     $ 37,788      

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors

Chemical Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Chemical Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Chemical Financial Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

As discussed in Note L to the financial statements, in 2002 Chemical Financial Corporation and subsidiaries changed their method of accounting for goodwill.

LOGO

Detroit, Michigan

January 30, 2004

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SUPPLEMENTAL QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   
(In thousands, except per share data)
2003 2002
First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

Interest income
  $ 48,246     $ 46,697     $ 45,237     $ 44,857     $ 54,241     $ 53,292     $ 52,475     $ 51,036  
Interest expense
    13,122       11,668       10,473       10,002       18,018       16,585       16,076       14,673  
Net interest income
    35,124       35,029       34,764       34,855       36,223       36,707       36,399       36,363  
Provision for loan losses
    295       1,272       540       727       653       1,352       747       1,013  
Investment securities gains (losses)
    184       308       417       387       (45 )     (40 )     (99 )     (584 )
Income before income taxes
    21,117       20,661       21,797       20,534       20,562       20,334       21,106       20,933  
Net income
    14,014       13,670       14,469       13,563       13,710       13,535       14,018       13,682  
Net income per share
                                                               
 
Basic
    .59       .58       .61       .57       .58       .57       .59       .58  
 
Diluted
    .59       .58       .61       .57       .58       .57       .59       .57  


MARKET FOR CHEMICAL FINANCIAL
CORPORATION COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Chemical Financial Corporation common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol CHFC. As of December 31, 2003, there were approximately 23.8 million shares of Chemical Financial Corporation common stock issued and outstanding, held by approximately 5,500 shareholders of record. The table below sets forth the range of high and low trade prices for Chemical Financial Corporation common stock for the periods indicated. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown, or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

                                 
2003 2002
High Low High Low

First quarter
  $ 32.99     $ 26.43     $ 27.66     $ 24.14  
Second quarter
    32.50       26.10       34.27       26.62  
Third quarter
    34.71       29.05       34.52       24.13  
Fourth quarter
    38.10       31.20       30.84       24.04  

The earnings of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks are the principal source of funds to pay cash dividends. Consequently, cash dividends are dependent upon the earnings, capital needs, regulatory constraints, and other factors affecting each individual subsidiary bank. See Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of such limitations. The Corporation has paid regular cash dividends every quarter since it was organized as a bank holding company in 1973. The following table summarizes the quarterly cash dividends paid to shareholders over the past five years, adjusted for stock dividends paid during this time period. Management expects the Corporation to declare and pay comparable regular quarterly cash dividends on its common shares in 2004.

                                         
Years Ended December 31
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

First quarter
  $ .250     $ .228     $ .217     $ .199     $ .181  
Second quarter
    .250       .228       .217       .199       .181  
Third quarter
    .250       .228       .217       .199       .181  
Fourth quarter
    .250       .228       .217       .199       .181  

Total
  $ 1.000     $ .912     $ .868     $ .796     $ .724  

45


Table of Contents


CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

      At December 31, 2003

         
Board of Directors
  J. Daniel Bernson – President, The Hanson Group (a holding company with interests in diversified businesses in Southwest Michigan)
     
    Nancy Bowman – Certified Public Accountant, Co-owner, Bowman & Rogers, PC (an accounting and tax services company)
     
    James A. Currie – Investor
     
    Michael L. Dow – Investor
     
    L. Richard Marzke – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pri-Mar Petroleum, Inc. (a wholesale and retail distributor of gasoline and petroleum products and convenience store operator)
     
    Terence F. Moore – President and Chief Executive Officer, MidMichigan Health (a health care organization)
     
    Aloysius J. Oliver – Chairman, Chemical Financial Corporation
     
    Frank P. Popoff – Retired, Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Dow Chemical Company (a diversified science and technology company that manufactures chemical, plastic and agricultural products)
     
    David B. Ramaker – President and Chief Executive Officer, Chemical Financial Corporation
     
    Dan L. Smith – Retired, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Shoreline Financial Corporation (a bank holding company)
     
    William S. Stavropoulos – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Dow Chemical Company (a diversified science and technology company that manufactures chemical, plastic and agricultural products)
 
     
Executive Officers
  Aloysius J. Oliver – Chairman
     
    David B. Ramaker – President and Chief Executive Officer
     
    Bruce M. Groom – Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer, Chemical Bank and Trust Company
     
    Lori A. Gwizdala – Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
     
    Thomas W. Kohn – President and Chief Executive Officer, Chemical Bank West
     
    William C. Lauderbach – Executive Vice President and Senior Investment Officer, Chemical Bank and Trust Company
     
    James R. Milroy – Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary
     
    John A. Reisner – President and Chief Executive Officer, Chemical Bank and Trust Company
     
    James E. Tomczyk – President and Chief Executive Officer, Chemical Bank Shoreline
46


Table of Contents

(This page intentionally left blank)

 
EX-21 8 chemex21_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 21 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 21 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT NO. 21

Subsidiaries


Name of Subsidiary


 

State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation


 

 

Bank subsidiaries:

 

 

 

   Chemical Bank and Trust Company

Michigan

   Chemical Bank Shoreline

Michigan

   Chemical Bank West

Michigan

   State Bank of Caledonia

Michigan

 

 

Non-bank subsidiaries:

 

 

 

   CFC Financial Services, Inc.

 

        -  also operates under d/b/a Chemical Financial Insurance Agency and

 

           d/b/a CFC Investment Centers

Michigan

   CFC Title Services, Inc.

Michigan

   B.W. Investments, LLC

Michigan

   Sunrise Mortgage Corporation

Michigan

   Shoreline Insurance Services, Inc.

Michigan

   Chemical Loan Management Corporation

Michigan

   Chemical West Loan Management Corporation

Michigan

   Chemical Shoreline Loan Management Corporation

Michigan

   Chemical Loan Services, LLC

Michigan

   Chemical West Loan Services, LLC

Michigan

   Chemical Shoreline Loan Services, LLC

Michigan

   Caledonia Financial Services Corporation

Michigan

   Caledonia Loan Management Corporation

Michigan

   SBC Mortgage, LLC

Michigan

EX-23 9 chemex231_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 23.1 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 23. 1 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in (1) the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 33-15064, dated June 17, 1987) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation 1987 Award and Stock Option Plan, (2) the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 33-40792, dated May 21, 1991) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and in the related Prospectus, (3) the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 333-38511, dated October 22, 1997) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, (4) the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 333-70225, dated January 7, 1999) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation 1998 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary Directors, (5) the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 333-56482, dated March 2, 2001) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Holders of Shoreline Financial Corporation, (6) th e Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 333-84862, dated March 25, 2002) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary Directors, (7) the Registration Statement (Form S-3, Number 333-109184, dated September 26, 2003) pertaining to the registration of 300,000 Chemical Financial Corporation common shares for the Chemical Financial Corporation Dividend Reinvestment Plan and (8) the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 333-110922, dated December 4, 2003) pertaining to the Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan for Option Holders of Caledonia Financial Corporation of our report dated January 31, 2004 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Chemical Financial Corporation incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 33-40792, dated May 21, 1991) of our report dated February 5, 2004 with respect to the financial statements and schedules of the Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Number 333-84862, dated March 25, 2002) of our report dated January 30, 2004 with respect to the financial statements of the Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary Directors included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003.


March 10, 2004
Detroit, Michigan

EX-24 10 chemex24_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 24 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 24 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT NO. 24

LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 4, 2003

/s/ L. Richard Marzke


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L. Richard Marzke


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 8, 2003

/s/ J. Daniel Bernson


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Daniel Bernson


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 17, 2003

/s/ Nancy Bowman


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Bowman


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 8, 2003

/s/ James A. Currie


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James A. Currie


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 5, 2003

/s/ Michael L. Dow


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael L. Dow


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 10, 2003

/s/ Terence F. Moore


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terence F. Moore


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 8, 2003

/s/ Frank P. Popoff


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank P. Popoff


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: December 6, 2003

/s/ Dan L. Smith


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan L. Smith


 












LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, of Chemical Financial Corporation, does hereby appoint ALOYSIUS J. OLIVER, DAVID B. RAMAKER and LORI A. GWIZDALA, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Chemical Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


Dated: March 12, 2004

/s/ Aloysius J. Oliver


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aloysius J. Oliver


 






EX-31 11 chemex311_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 31.1 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 31.1 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, David B. Ramaker, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 of Chemical Financial Corporation;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:


 

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and





 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. 



Date: March 12, 2004

 
 

/s/ David B. Ramaker


 

David B. Ramaker
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chemical Financial Corporation

EX-31 12 chemex312_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 31.2 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 31.2 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Lori A. Gwizdala, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 of Chemical Financial Corporation;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:


 

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely





 

 

affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



Date: March 12, 2004

 
 

/s/ Lori A. Gwizdala


 

Lori A. Gwizdala
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
Chemical Financial Corporation

EX-32 13 chemex321_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 32.1 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 32.1 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, each of the undersigned hereby certifies in his capacity as an officer of Chemical Financial Corporation (the "Company") that the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the accounting period ended December 31, 2003 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company at the end of such period and the results of operations of the Company for such period.



Dated:  March 12, 2004

/s/ David B. Ramaker


 

David B. Ramaker
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:  March 12, 2004

/s/ Lori A. Gwizdala


 

Lori A. Gwizdala
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer




A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Chemical Financial Corporation and will be retained by Chemical Financial Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-99 14 chemex991_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 99.1 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 99.1 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT NO. 99.1









Audited Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule
Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan
December 31, 2003 and 2002 and Year ended December 31, 2003
with Report of Independent Auditors




















Chemical Financial Corporation
401(k) Savings Plan

Audited Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule


December 31, 2003 and 2002 and Year ended December 31, 2003




Table of Contents


Report of Independent Auditors

1

 

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

Statements of Assets Available for Benefits

2

Statement of Changes in Assets Available for Benefits

3

Notes to Financial Statements

4

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Schedule

 

 

 

Schedule H, Line 4(i)-Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)

8











Report of Independent Auditors

Administrative Committee
Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets available for benefits of the Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statement of changes in assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the assets available for benefits of the Plan at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the changes in its assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2003 is presented for purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan's management. The supplemental schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.


February 5, 2004





1



Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

Statements of Assets Available for Benefits


 

December 31

 

2003


 


2002


Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investments, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

   Chemical Financial Corporation common stock

$

8,766,533

 

$

7,717,936

   Mutual funds

 

18,787,782

 

 

13,037,790

   Loans to participants

 


238,008


 


 


261,257


Total investments

 

27,792,323

 

 

21,016,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

   Accrued income

 

-

 

 

7,192

   Participant contributions

 

65,639

 

 

-

   Employer contributions

 


15,989


 


 


-


Assets available for benefits

$


27,873,951


 


$


21,024,175




See accompanying notes.













2



Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

Statement of Changes in Assets Available for Benefits

Year ended December 31, 2003

Additions

 

 

 

Interest and dividend income

$

469,552

 

Participant contributions

 

2,670,201

 

Employer contributions

 


517,106


 

Total additions

 

3,656,859

 

 

 

 

 

Deductions

 

 

 

Benefit payments

 

1,313,852

 

Transaction fees

 


356


 

Total deductions

 

1,314,208

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized depreciation in

 

 

 

   fair value of investments (Note 3)

 


4,507,125


 

Net increase

 

6,849,776

 

 

 

 

 

Assets available for benefits:

 

 

 

   Beginning of year

 


21,024,175


 

   End of year

$


27,873,951


 



See accompanying notes.


















3



Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

Notes to Financial Statements

Year ended December 31, 2003


1.  Description of the Plan

The following description of the Chemical Financial Corporation (the Company) 401(k) Savings Plan (the Plan) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan agreement for a complete description of the Plan's provisions.

General

The Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all employees. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Contributions

Each year, participants may contribute up to 85% of pretax annual compensation not to exceed IRC limitation, as defined in the Plan. Participants may also contribute amounts representing distributions from other qualified defined benefit or defined contribution plans. The Company contributes matching contributions equal to 50% of the participant's salary reductions. In determining matching contributions, only salary reductions up to 4% of a participant's compensation will be matched.

Participant Accounts

Each participant's account is credited with the participant's contributions and allocations of (a) the Company's contributions and (b) plan earnings. Participants direct the investment of their accounts among the investment funds offered by the Plan. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant's account.

Vesting

Participants are immediately vested in their contributions. Matching contributions vest in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Years of Service


Percentage


 

 

Less than 3

   0%

 

 

3 or more

100%

 





4



Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Description of the Plan (continued)

Participant Loans

Participants may borrow from their fund accounts a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum equal to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of their vested account balance. Loan terms range from 1-5 years. The loans are secured by the balance in the participant's account and bear interest at a rate commensurate with local prevailing rates as determined monthly by the plan administrator. Principal and interest are paid ratably through payroll deductions.

Payment of Benefits

On termination of service or upon death, disability or retirement, a participant may request benefit payment. Benefit payments are distributed in lump-sum amount equal to the vested value of the participant's account. Payment of benefits may not be deferred by participants beyond their attainment of age 70-1/2.

2.  Summary of Accounting Policies

Investment Valuation

The Plan's investments are stated at fair value. Securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the Plan year. Mutual funds are stated at the quoted market prices which represent the net asset values of shares held by the Plan at year-end. The participant loans are valued at their outstanding balances, which approximate fair value.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.








5



Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


2.  Summary of Accounting Policies (continued)

Plan Termination

Although it has not expressed the intention to do so, the Company has reserved the right to terminate the Plan at any time by resolution of its Board of Directors subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event of Plan termination, participants will continue to be 100% vested in their accounts. The value of the participant accounts will be determined as of the effective date of the termination and distributed as provided by the Plan.

Administration

The Company has elected to pay all significant administrative expenses of the Plan.

3.  Investments

During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Plan's investments (including investments purchased, sold, as well as held during the year) appreciated in fair value as determined by quoted market prices as follows:

 

Net Realized
and Unrealized
(Depreciation)
Appreciation in
Fair Value of
Investments


 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual funds

$

3,706,632

 

 

Chemical Financial Corporation common stock

 


800,493


 

 

$


4,507,125


 










6



Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


3.  Investments (continued)

Investments that represent 5% or more of the Plan's net assets are as follows:

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

2003


 


2002


 

 

 

 

*

Chemical Financial Corporation Common Stock

$  8,766,533

$  7,717,936

 

Federated Investors Index Fund

**

2,306,132

 

Federated Investors Intermediate Bond Fund

1,531,273

**

 

Federated Investors Money Market Fund

1,885,283

1,580,098

 

Federated Investors Fixed Income Fund

**

1,120,859

 

Federated Investors Middle Capitalization
   Stock Fund

2,312,417

1,657,615

 

Fidelity Investments Magellan Fund

**

1,590,296

 

Fidelity Investments Growth Stock Fund

1,745,741

1,355,080

 

Fidelity Investments Stock and Bond Fund

2,058,985

1,383,954

 

Fidelity Investments Low-Priced Stock Fund

1,686,324

**

 

Fidelity Investments Large Cap Blend

1,958,731

**

 

Vanguard Institutional Index Fund

3,411,279

**

 

 

 

 

*

Party-in-interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

**

Less than 5% of Plan net assets

 

 

4.  Income Tax Status

The Plan has received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service dated February 12, 2003, stating that the Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and, therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. Once qualified, the Plan is required to operate in conformity with the Code to maintain its qualification. The Plan Administrator believes the Plan is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code and, therefore, believes that the Plan is qualified and the related trust is tax exempt.










7

















Supplemental Schedule



















Chemical Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan

 

EIN:  38-2022454

Plan Number:  002

 

Schedule H, Line 4i-Schedule of Assets
(Held at End of Year)

December 31, 2003




 



Identity of Issue, Borrower,
Lessor or Similar Party




 


Description of Investment Including
Maturity Date, Rate of Interest
Collateral, Par or Maturity Value




Cost




 



Current
Value


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Chemical Financial Corporation

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

$

8,766,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federated Investors Mutual Funds

 

Intermediate Bond Fund

 

 

 

 

1,531,273

 

 

 

Short-term Bond Fund

 

 

 

 

77,356

 

 

 

Long-term Bond Fund

 

 

 

 

56,174

 

 

 

Middle Capitalization Stock Fund

 

 

 

 

2,312,417

 

 

 

Money Market Fund

 

 

 

 

1,885,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fidelity Investments

 

Stock and Bond Fund

 

 

 

 

2,058,985

 

 

 

International Stock Fund

 

 

 

 

838,188

 

 

 

Low-Priced Stock Fund

 

 

 

 

1,686,324

 

 

 

Large Cap Blend

 

 

 

 

1,958,731

 

 

 

Growth Stock Fund

 

 

 

 

1,745,741

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Mutual Funds

 

Dodge & Cox Stock Fund-Value Fund

 

 

 

 

1,226,031

 

 

 

Vanguard Institutional Index Fund

 

 

 

 

3,411,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Participant Loans

 

Interest rate range:  5.41% to 10.5 %;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   with various maturity dates

$


-  


 

 


238,008


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$


27,792,323


 

 

 

 

*

Party-in-interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Note:

Historical cost information is not disclosed since all investments are participant directed.








8



EX-99 15 chemex992_031204.htm CHEMICAL EXHIBIT 99.2 TO FORM 10-K Chemical Exhibit 99.2 to Form 10-K - 03/12/04

EXHIBIT No. 99.2











Audited Financial Statements
With Report of Independent Auditors


Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


December 31, 2003














Report of Independent Auditors



Plan Administrator
Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors

          We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of the Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the related statements of income and changes in plan equity for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from March 25, 2002 to December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's Administrator. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

          We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Plan Administrator, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

          In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations and changes in its plan equity for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from March 25, 2002 to December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.


s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Detroit, Michigan

Date: January 30, 2004









Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


Statements of Financial Condition


 

December 31
2003


 

December 31
2002


Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

704

 

$

799

Common stock receivable of Chemical

 

 

 

 

 

   Financial Corporation, at market value - (7,017 shares at a cost
   of $219,555 at December 31, 2003 and 6,623 shares at a cost of
   $194,524 at December 31, 2002)

 



255,349


 

 



202,601


Total Assets

$

256,053


 

$

203,400


 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Plan equity (45 participants at December 31, 2003 and 43
participants at December 31, 2002)


$


256,053


 


$


203,400




See accompanying notes.









Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


Statements of Income and Changes in Plan Equity




Additions


Year Ended
December 31 2003


 

Period from
March 25, 2002 to
December 31, 2002


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participant contributions

$

214,900

 

$

189,650

 

Dividend equivalents and

 

 

 

 

 

 

   fractional share interests

 

4,560

 

 

4,944

 

Transfer from prior plan (Note 1)

 

-


 

 

139,671


 

 

 

219,460

 

 

334,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deductions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan distributions

 

202,601


 

 

138,942


 

 

 

16,859

 

 

195,323

 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

   in fair value of common stock receivable

 

35,794


 

 

8,077


 

Net increase

 

52,653

 

 

203,400

 

Plan equity at beginning of period

 

203,400


 

 

-


 

Plan equity at end of period

$

256,053


 

$

203,400


 


See accompanying notes.












Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2003


Note 1 - Description of the Plan

The Chemical Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors (Plan) was made effective by Chemical Financial Corporation (Corporation) on March 25, 2002. The Plan is designed to provide non-employee directors of the Corporation's subsidiaries and community banks, who are neither directors nor employees of the Corporation, with a convenient method of acquiring Corporation stock. The Plan provides for a maximum of 75,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock, $1.00 par value (Common Stock), subject to adjustments for certain changes in the capital structure of the Corporation as defined in the Plan, to be available under the Plan.

Subsidiary directors and community bank directors, who elect to participate in the Plan, may elect to contribute to the Plan fifty percent or one hundred percent of their board of director fees and/or fifty percent or one hundred percent of their director committee fees, earned as directors or community bank directors of the Corporation's subsidiaries. Participant contributions to the Plan are made by the Corporation's subsidiaries on behalf of each electing participant. As of the last day of each month, each participant's cash account is debited for the purchase of whole shares of the Corporation's stock that is credited to a separate participant stock account. The stock purchased under the Plan during the calendar year is issued by the Corporation directly to the participants in the following calendar year. The Plan provides for dividend equivalents to be credited to each participant's cash account as of the dividend record date of the Corporation's common stock. Dividend equivalents are calculated by m ultiplying the Corporation's dividend rate by the number of shares of common stock in each participant's stock account as of the Corporation's dividend record date. The Plan also provides for an appropriate credit to each participant's stock account for stock dividends, stock splits or other distributions of the Corporation's common stock by the Corporation. Fractional shares calculated as a result of the above adjustments are converted to cash based on the market price of the Corporation's common stock and are credited to each participant's cash account. Plan participants may terminate their participation in the Plan, at any time, by written notice of withdrawal to the Corporation. Participants will cease to be eligible to participate in the Plan when they cease to serve as directors or community bank directors of subsidiaries of the Corporation. Upon withdrawal from the Plan, each participant will receive the shares of common stock of the Corporation in their participant stock account and the cash in their participant cash account.






Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2003


Note 1 - Description of the Plan (continued)

On March 25, 2002, a common stock receivable for 4,847 shares of the Corporation, with a market value of $138,942 and a cost basis of $119,237, and cash of $729 of the 1998 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary Directors were transferred to the Plan. The 1998 Stock Purchase Plan for Subsidiary Directors had the same terms and provisions as the Plan. The Plan had 60,266 shares and 73,903 shares as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, of the Corporation's common stock available for future issuance, adjusted for the 5% stock dividend declared by the Corporation on December 9, 2002 and paid on January 24, 2003.

The Corporation reserves the right to terminate or amend the Plan at any time, provided, however, that no termination or amendment shall affect or diminish any participant's right to the benefit of contributions made by him/her prior to the date of such amendment or termination.

The Plan provides that all expenses of the Plan and its administration shall be paid by the Corporation.

The Plan is not qualified under Sections 401(a) or 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Plan does not provide for income taxes because any income is taxable to the participants. Participants in the Plan must treat as taxable income the contributions made to the Plan by the Corporation's subsidiaries on their behalf. Dividend equivalents and any other cash credited to the participants' cash accounts are taxable to the participants for Federal and state income tax purposes in the year such dividend equivalent or cash is credited to the participant cash account. Upon disposition of the common stock of the Corporation purchased under the Plan, participants must treat any gain or loss as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon when such disposition occurs.










Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2003


Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies

Valuation of Common Stock Receivable

Common stock receivable of the Corporation is recorded at the market value per share of the Corporation's common stock multiplied by the number of shares receivable at the valuation date. Market value is based on the closing bid price of the Corporation's common stock at year end ($36.39 per share at December 31, 2003 and $30.59 per share at December 31, 2002). The number of shares receivable and the closing bid price as of December 31, 2002 were adjusted for the 5% stock dividend on the Corporation's common stock declared on December 9, 2002 and paid on January 24, 2003.

Income

Dividend equivalents and fractional share interests are accrued on the Corporation's dividend or other record date.

Contributions

Contributions are accounted for on the accrual basis.










Chemical Financial Corporation
2001 Stock Purchase Plan
for Subsidiary and Community Bank Directors


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2003


Note 3 - Contributions

Contributions for participants by the participating companies were as follows:




Participating Company


Year Ended
December 31,
2003


 

Period from
March 25, 2002
to December 31,
2002


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemical Bank and Trust Co.

$

95,850

 

$

89,550

 

Chemical Bank Shoreline

 

52,000

 

 

27,700

 

Chemical Bank West

 

61,450

 

 

68,800

 

CFC Data Corp

 

800

 

 

2,800

 

CFC Financial Services, Inc.

 

2,400

 

 

400

 

CFC Title Services, Inc.

 

2,400


 

 

400


 

          Total Participant Contributions

$

214,900


 

$

189,650


 

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