Mercantile Bank Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 20, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mercantile Bank Corporation (Nasdaq:MBWM) ("Mercantile") reported a third quarter 2009 net loss attributable to common shares of $5.6 million compared with net income of $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2008. The net loss attributable to common shares for the 2009 third quarter was ($0.66) per diluted share, compared with $0.13 per diluted share for the year-ago third quarter. For the nine months year-to-date, Mercantile recorded a net loss attributable to common shares of $16.5 million, or ($1.94) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5.3 million, or ($0.62) per diluted share, for the prior-year nine month period.

Included in third quarter results was a $158,000 pretax charge relating to the final segment of Mercantile's consolidation of its mid- and eastern-Michigan banking regions. Total consolidation expense was $1.3 million ($0.86 million after-tax, or $0.10 per diluted share), recorded in the second and third quarters of 2009. In addition, Mercantile recorded a $0.9 million pretax charge ($0.62 million after-tax, or $0.07 per diluted share) in the second quarter for the industry-wide FDIC special assessment. Excluding the impact of these one-time charges, the third quarter net loss attributable to common shares was $5.5 million, or ($0.65) per diluted share, and the nine-month net loss attributable to common shares was $15.0 million, or ($1.77) per diluted share.

Third quarter performance continues to reflect the impact of increased levels of problem assets; a large quarterly loan and lease loss provision was taken to boost reserves, reflecting Mercantile's aggressive administration and disposition of its problem assets. Performance also reflects the positive steps taken to partially mitigate the impact of deteriorating asset quality, as evidenced by an improved net interest margin, higher regulatory capital ratios, increased local deposits, reduced reliance on wholesale funding, and lower overhead expenses.

Michael Price, Chairman and CEO of Mercantile Bank Corporation, commented, "In response to the sustained duration of this recession and its particularly deep impact on the State of Michigan, we continue to refine and implement a two-pronged approach to managing our bank to optimize performance under current adverse conditions. First: We have been addressing our problem assets aggressively from the start of this cycle, to contain and reduce their impact on our financial performance. This includes building an enhanced credit administration infrastructure, proactive recognition and attention to weakening loan relationships, actively managing loan workouts to improve efficiency and outcomes, and finally, working expeditiously to gain control of underlying collateral. We have been largely successful in these areas, but unfortunately, our results have been masked by the relentless deterioration in our economy and the distressed condition of our real estate markets.

"The second prong of our strategy is also critical to our present and future performance. We are pursuing continuous improvement in all activities within our control to mitigate the impact of asset quality on our financial performance. We have always paid close attention to all facets of our profitability, but we have been forced by present circumstances to reach deeper; we have a renewed commitment to cost-saving disciplines as well as a greater focus on pricing and liquidity. Our margin has been expanding over the course of the past year as we replace maturing high-rate deposits with lower-cost funds. Equally important, we have used this opportunity to reprice our loans upward to reflect current market conditions and believe we will be able to continue to do so. We also grew our local deposit base, reduced our reliance on wholesale funds, completed our branch consolidation, and reinforced our capital ratios with the sale of preferred stock in the second quarter and a reduction in total loans outstanding. As we exit this downturn, these efficiencies should position us as a stronger competitor than ever, with an enhanced reputation in our markets."

Operating Results

Total revenue for the third quarter of 2009, consisting of net interest income and noninterest income, was $15.3 million, up 12.8 percent from the $13.5 million reported for the third quarter of 2008. Net interest income was $13.6 million compared to $11.7 million for the year-ago quarter, up 15.7 percent. Year-over-year, the net interest margin improved by 55 basis points to 2.85 percent for the current quarter, more than offsetting the impact of a 6.7 percent decline in average earning assets.

Mr. Price added, "We are making good progress in lowering our cost of funds, and anticipate further improvements in coming quarters. On the asset side, the improvement in loan pricing we have achieved in this more rational banking environment has substantially offset the combined impact of higher levels of nonaccruing loans and a balance sheet shift to a higher level of short-term, lower-yielding investments, a decision we made to enhance liquidity in light of current market conditions."

Compared to the second quarter, third quarter 2009 net interest income increased $1.1 million, or 9.0 percent; the net interest margin improved 35 basis points, partially offset by a 5.6 percent decline in average earning assets. Third quarter margin improvement primarily reflects the substantial and sustained decline in the cost of funds; the asset yield remained virtually unchanged as loan portfolio pricing initiatives offset the higher level of nonaccruing loans.

Net interest income increased $4.1 million, or 12.2 percent, during the first nine months of 2009 compared to the year-ago nine-month period, primarily reflecting the impact of a 27 basis point improvement in the net interest margin. While average earning assets increased 3.2 percent during this time period, the growth reflects a shift in the balance sheet mix toward a higher level of short-term, lower-yielding investments to enhance liquidity, thereby reducing the average earning asset yield. Noninterest income remains a steady source of revenue, down slightly during the third quarter of 2009 compared to the prior-year third quarter, but up slightly during the first nine months of 2009 in comparison to the same time period in 2008.

The provision for loan and lease losses was $11.8 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared with $1.9 million for the year-ago third quarter. "We continue to aggressively manage the inherent and specific risks contained in our loan portfolio -- increasing reserves to account for changes in risk assessments on individual borrowing relationships and industries, as well as to provide for identified collateral shortfalls on impaired loans," Price noted. Since year-end 2008, Mercantile added $33.7 million to the allowance for loan and lease losses through provisions, compared to net loan and lease charge-offs totaling $27.4 million. The $6.3 million net addition year-to-date has boosted the allowance for loan and lease losses to $33.4 million. At September 30, 2009, the allowance for loan and lease losses equaled 2.07 percent of total loans and leases, compared with 1.91 percent and 1.46 percent at June 30, 2009 and year-end 2008, respectively.

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2009 was $12.5 million. Excluding one-time branch consolidation charges of $158,000, noninterest expense was $12.4 million, up $1.8 million, or 17.6 percent, from the third quarter of 2008. Higher costs associated with the administration and resolution of problem assets (namely, legal expenses, property tax payments and write-downs on foreclosed properties) and higher FDIC insurance premiums accounted for an increase of $2.9 million compared to the year-ago quarter. Mercantile partially offset the increased problem credit administration and FDIC costs through disciplined control of overhead expenses. Salaries and benefits, occupancy, and furniture and equipment expenses declined $0.9 million, or 12.7 percent, from the year-ago quarter.

Balance Sheet

Total assets were $2.02 billion as of September 30, 2009, down $190.7 million, or 8.6 percent, from the $2.21 billion reported at 2008 year-end. Loans and leases declined $242.7 million, or 13.1 percent, to $1.61 billion during the same nine-month period.

Approximately 75 percent of Mercantile's loan and lease portfolio is secured by real estate, including commercial real estate ("CRE") loans of $880 million and construction and land development ("C&D") loans of $201 million; these categories accounted for approximately 55 percent and 12 percent, respectively, of total loans and leases at September 30, 2009. This compares with $929 million for CRE loans and $263 million for C&D loans at year-end 2008. "We are managing both loan categories aggressively," Price commented. "In particular, residential C&D loans have declined $29 million, or 31 percent, and commercial C&D loans declined $33 million, or 20 percent, during the past nine months." CRE loans, of which 40 percent are owner-occupied and 60 percent investor-owned, have declined $49 million, or 5.2 percent, since year-end 2008.

Commercial and industrial ("C&I") loans were $395 million at September 30, 2009, down $122 million, or 23.6 percent, from year-end 2008. This portfolio segment accounted for about 24 percent of total loans and leases at September 30, 2009, down from approximately 28 percent nine months ago. "The decline in C&I loans is primarily a reflection of the slowdown in the economy," Mr. Price added. "Our clients have a reduced need to borrow due to declining sales and reduced levels of inventory.

"Local deposits have increased significantly since year-end 2008, up nearly 40 percent," added Price. "We are pleased our customers recognize the value we provide as we all work through this difficult environment. While we remain relatively aggressive with our deposit rates, our ability to attract additional local deposits also reflects several new initiatives within our deposit and lending functions, including the introduction of new deposit products that incorporate technological advances that provide improved information, convenience and timeliness."

Total deposits at September 30, 2009 were $1.45 billion, down a net $149 million, or 9.3 percent, from December 31, 2008. Local deposits increased $185 million during the first nine months of 2009, primarily in certificates of deposit and interest-bearing checking accounts. The increase in local deposits, combined with a $191 million decline in total assets, has allowed Mercantile to reduce brokered deposits by $334 million, or 29.6 percent, since year-end 2008. Local deposits now comprise approximately 45 percent of total deposits compared to about 29 percent at year-end 2008.

Asset Quality

Robert B. Kaminski, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mercantile Bank Corporation, addressed the persistence of asset quality issues. "As the recession drags on, the growing level of problem assets reflects strains on borrower cash flows and collateral valuation degradation. The primary pressure this quarter relates to non-owner occupied commercial real estate and C&I credit relationships. Our preferred recourse has been, and continues to be, to establish a workout plan for each of our stressed credit relationships, determine the current market value of underlying collateral, write-down impaired loans to market values while building additional reserves for others, and proceed to a speedy resolution." Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2009, were $110.8 million, or 5.5 percent of total assets, compared to $86.6 million (4.2 percent of total assets) and $47.8 million (2.2 percent of total assets) at June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively. Approximately $43.0 million was added to nonperforming assets this past quarter, offset by $6.1 million of principal paydowns and foreclosed real estate ("OREO") and repossessed asset sales proceeds, $11.1 million of charge-offs, and $1.6 million of OREO valuation write-downs.

Of the $17.6 million of net additions to nonperforming loans and leases during the third quarter of 2009, increases were recorded in all major portfolio segments: C&D up $5.8 million; CRE up $4.6 million; C&I up $4.6 million; and residential mortgage up $2.6 million. Approximately 40 percent of nonperforming loans and leases were contractually current as of September 30, 2009. OREO totaled $19.5 million at third quarter-end, up from $13.0 million at June 30, 2009 and $5.7 million for the year-ago quarter. The net increase in OREO is not unexpected, as Mercantile continues to gain ownership of properties through the foreclosure process which includes a six-to-twelve month redemption period.

Total nonperforming CRE assets were $57.9 million as of September 30, 2009, compared with $45.5 million as of June 30, 2009. Non-owner occupied CRE assets accounted for $36.5 million (up $8.4 million, primarily as OREO), while owner-occupied CRE accounted for $21.4 million (up $4.0 million, primarily as nonaccruing loans). Year-to-date, $8.3 million of CRE loans were charged-off, of which $4.5 million occurred during the third quarter.

Nonperforming C&D assets totaled $31.5 million as of September 30, 2009, compared with $25.6 million at June 30, 2009; these consist primarily of loans on residential-related projects, divided between $21.0 million of nonperforming loans and $5.7 million of OREO. Net C&D charge-offs were $3.7 million during the third quarter and $6.5 million year-to-date.

Nonperforming C&I loans and repossessed assets totaled $14.5 million at September 30, 2009, up from $10.6 million at June 30, 2009. Net charge-offs of C&I loans were $2.2 million during the third quarter and $9.6 million year-to-date.

Nonperforming owner-occupied and rental residential loans and OREO totaled $6.8 million at September 30, 2009, up from $4.9 million at June 30, 2009. Year-to-date, $2.7 million has been charged-off.

Net loan and lease charge-offs during the third quarter of 2009 totaled $11.0 million, or an annualized 2.61 percent of average loans and leases, compared with $10.8 million, or an annualized 2.47 percent, for the second quarter of 2009. For the nine-month periods, net loan and lease charge-offs were $27.4 million for 2009, or an annualized 2.10 percent of average loans and leases, compared to $13.5 million for 2008, or an annualized 0.99 percent.

In the current quarter, approximately 33 percent, or $3.8 million, of loans and leases charged-off were eliminations of specific reserves established in prior periods; this compares with 53 percent, or $5.7 million, for the second quarter of 2009. Excluding charges associated with the elimination of specific reserves, net loan and lease charge-offs for the third quarter of 2009 were an annualized 1.71 percent of average loans and leases.

Capital Position

Shareholders' equity totaled $177.3 million at September 30, 2009, an increase of $5.9 million, or 3.5 percent, from September 30, 2008. The Bank remains "well-capitalized", with a total risk-based capital ratio of 11.7 percent as of September 30, 2009. The Bank's total regulatory capital as of September 30, 2009 was $215.3 million, approximately $32.0 million in excess of the minimum 10 percent required to be categorized as "well-capitalized". Mercantile's total shares outstanding at third quarter-end were 8,590,946.

Mr. Price concluded, "A primary objective throughout this difficult period has been to improve and maintain sound capital and liquidity positions while continuing to serve the needs of our valued customers. Our capital ratios are improving despite our aggressive administration of problem assets. Liquidity, as reflected in higher levels of short-term investments and local deposits relative to our contracting asset size, has also been expanding."

About Mercantile Bank Corporation

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mercantile Bank Corporation is the bank holding company for Mercantile Bank of Michigan. Founded in 1997 to provide banking services to businesses, individuals, and governmental units, the Bank differentiates itself on the basis of service quality and its banking staff expertise. Mercantile has seven full-service banking offices in Grand Rapids, Holland and Lansing, Michigan. Mercantile Bank Corporation's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM".

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains comments or information that constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and nontraditional competitors; changes in banking regulation; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and other factors, including risk factors, disclosed from time to time in filings made by Mercantile with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mercantile undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



                        MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION
                    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                                (Unaudited)

                                      Quarterly
             ----------------------------------------------------------
                2009        2009        2009        2008        2008
 (dollars in  3rd Qtr     2nd Qtr     1st Qtr     4th Qtr     3rd Qtr
  thousands  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  except per
  share data)

 EARNINGS
  Net
   interest
   income    $   13,567      12,450      11,805      12,505      11,728
  Provision
   for loan
   and lease
   losses    $   11,800      11,500      10,400       4,000       1,900
  Noninterest
   income    $    1,710       1,863       2,032       1,818       1,817
  Noninterest
   expense   $   12,517      12,364      10,772      10,506      10,513
  Net income
   (loss)    $   (5,286)     (6,225)     (4,489)        313       1,079
  Net income
   (loss)
   common
   share-
   holders   $   (5,606)     (6,388)     (4,489)        313       1,079
  Basic
   earnings
   (loss)
   per share $    (0.66)      (0.75)      (0.53)       0.04        0.13
  Diluted
   earnings
   (loss)
   per share $    (0.66)      (0.75)      (0.53)       0.04        0.13
  Average
   basic
   shares
   out-
   standing   8,492,946   8,487,747   8,481,265   8,476,119   8,529,514
  Average
   diluted
   shares
   out-
   standing   8,492,946   8,487,747   8,481,265   8,532,153   8,529,514

 PERFORMANCE
  RATIOS
  Return on
   average
   assets         (1.09%)     (1.19%)     (0.81%)      0.06%       0.20%
  Return on
   average
   common
   equity        (12.26%)    (14.54%)    (10.50%)      0.72%       2.53%
  Net
   interest
   margin
   (fully
   tax-equi-
   valent)         2.85%       2.50%       2.28%       2.40%       2.30%
  Efficiency
   ratio          81.93%      86.38%      77.85%      73.35%      77.62%
  Full-time
   equivalent
   employees        265         278         298         303         307

 CAPITAL
  Period-
   ending
   equity to
   assets          8.79%       8.77%       7.56%       7.90%       7.76%
  Tier 1
   leverage
   capital
   ratio           9.70%       9.46%       8.49%       9.17%       9.34%
  Tier 1
   risk-
   based
   capital
   ratio          10.72%      10.48%       9.38%       9.68%       9.61%
  Total
   risk-
   based
   capital
   ratio          11.98%      11.74%      10.63%      10.93%      10.86%
  Book value
   per
   common
   share     $    18.19       18.71       19.70       20.29       20.08
  Cash
   dividend
   per
   common
   share     $     0.01        0.01        0.04        0.04        0.04

 ASSET
  QUALITY
  Gross loan
   charge-
   offs      $   11,545      11,111       5,740       6,564       4,462
  Net loan
   charge-
   offs      $   10,963      10,779       5,624       6,403       4,271
  Net loan
   charge-
   offs to
   average
   loans           2.61%       2.47%       1.25%       1.37%       0.91%
  Allowance
   for loan
   and lease
   losses    $   33,443      32,605      31,884      27,108      29,511
  Allowance
   for
   losses
   to total
   loans           2.07%       1.91%       1.79%       1.46%       1.58%
  Non-
   performing
   loans     $   91,242      73,671      74,369      49,303      42,047
  Other real
   estate
   and re-
   possessed
   assets    $   19,523      12,960       9,378       8,118       5,743
  Non-
   performing
   assets to
   total
   assets          5.49%       4.18%       3.74%       2.60%       2.17%

 END OF
  PERIOD
  BALANCES
  Loans and
   leases    $1,614,226   1,708,524   1,778,057   1,856,915   1,870,799
  Total
   earning
   assets
   (before
   allowance)$1,904,944   1,968,436   2,140,804   2,108,752   2,099,408
  Total
   assets    $2,017,350   2,071,372   2,239,764   2,208,010   2,207,359
  Deposits   $1,450,968   1,478,633   1,651,283   1,599,575   1,575,713
  Share-
   holders'
   equity    $  177,291     181,692     169,345     174,372     171,348

 AVERAGE
  BALANCES
  Loans and
   leases    $1,663,510   1,749,919   1,821,428   1,858,701   1,852,848
  Total
   earning
   assets
   (before
   allowance)$1,935,637   2,050,071   2,155,278   2,116,540   2,073,787
  Total
   assets    $2,042,355   2,146,593   2,254,307   2,214,412   2,172,859
  Deposits   $1,469,264   1,558,206   1,658,323   1,588,615   1,550,544
  Share-
   holders'
   equity    $  181,400     176,189     173,414     172,374     169,241


                                                      Year-To-Date
                                                ----------------------
 (dollars in thousands except per share data)       2009        2008
                                                -----------  ---------

 EARNINGS
  Net interest income                           $   37,822      33,703
  Provision for loan and lease losses           $   33,700      17,200
  Noninterest income                            $    5,605       5,465
  Noninterest expense                           $   35,653      31,619
  Net income (loss)                             $  (16,000)     (5,271)
  Net income (loss) common shareholders         $  (16,483)     (5,271)
  Basic earnings (loss) per share               $    (1.94)      (0.62)
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share             $    (1.94)      (0.62)
  Average basic shares outstanding              $8,487,362   8,468,951
  Average diluted shares outstanding            $8,487,362   8,468,951

 PERFORMANCE RATIOS
  Return on average assets                           (1.03%)     (0.33%)
  Return on average common equity                   (12.45%)     (4.06%)
  Net interest margin (fully tax-equivalent)          2.53%       2.26%
  Efficiency ratio                                   82.10%      80.73%
  Full-time equivalent employees                       265         307

 CAPITAL
  Period-ending equity to assets                      8.79%       7.76%
  Tier 1 leverage capital ratio                       9.70%       9.34%
  Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio                    10.72%       9.61%
  Total risk-based capital ratio                     11.98%      10.86%
  Book value per common share                   $    18.19       20.08
  Cash dividend per common share                $     0.06        0.27

 ASSET QUALITY
  Gross loan charge-offs                        $   28,396      14,030
  Net loan charge-offs                          $   27,366      13,503
  Net loan charge-offs to average loans               2.10%       0.99%
  Allowance for loan and lease losses           $   33,443      29,511
  Allowance for losses to total loans                 2.07%       1.58%
  Nonperforming loans                           $   91,242      42,047
  Other real estate and repossessed assets      $   19,523       5,743
  Nonperforming assets to total assets                5.49%       2.17%

 END OF PERIOD BALANCES
  Loans and leases                              $1,614,226   1,870,799
  Total earning assets (before allowance)       $1,904,944   2,099,408
  Total assets                                  $2,017,350   2,207,359
  Deposits                                      $1,450,968   1,575,713
  Shareholders' equity                          $  177,291     171,348

 AVERAGE BALANCES
  Loans and leases                              $1,744,374   1,819,944
  Total earning assets (before allowance)       $2,046,191   2,039,622
  Total assets                                  $2,146,975   2,138,152
  Deposits                                      $1,561,239   1,553,636
  Shareholders' equity                          $  177,030     172,912


                         MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION
                       CONSOLIDATED REPORTS OF INCOME


                   THREE MONTHS  THREE MONTHS  NINE MONTHS  NINE MONTHS
                       ENDED        ENDED         ENDED        ENDED
                     Sept. 30,    Sept. 30,     Sept. 30,     Sept. 30,
                       2009         2008          2009          2008
                    -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
                    (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
 Interest income
  Loans and leases,
   including fees   $23,185,000  $27,161,000  $ 72,450,000  $82,707,000
  Investment
   securities         2,685,000    2,641,000     8,205,000    8,067,000
  Federal funds
   sold                  22,000       40,000       108,000      157,000
  Short term
   investments            1,000        1,000        17,000        6,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
   Total interest
    income           25,893,000   29,843,000    80,780,000   90,937,000

 Interest expense
  Deposits            9,357,000   14,180,000    33,419,000   46,144,000
  Short term
   borrowings           471,000      483,000     1,385,000    1,506,000
  Federal Home
   Loan Bank
   advances           2,113,000    2,839,000     6,860,000    7,834,000
  Long term
   borrowings           385,000      613,000     1,294,000    1,750,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
   Total interest
    expense          12,326,000   18,115,000    42,958,000   57,234,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------

     Net interest
      income         13,567,000   11,728,000    37,822,000   33,703,000

 Provision for
  loan and lease
  losses             11,800,000    1,900,000    33,700,000   17,200,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------

   Net interest
    income after
    provision for
    loan and lease
    losses            1,767,000    9,828,000     4,122,000   16,503,000

 Noninterest income
  Service charges
   on accounts          488,000      488,000     1,500,000    1,472,000
  Other income        1,222,000    1,329,000     4,105,000    3,993,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
   Total
    noninterest
    income            1,710,000    1,817,000     5,605,000    5,465,000

 Noninterest
  expense
  Salaries and
   benefits           4,798,000    5,584,000    15,597,000   17,031,000
  Occupancy             855,000      967,000     2,659,000    2,899,000
  Furniture and
   equipment            486,000      482,000     1,419,000    1,502,000
  Nonperforming
   asset costs        2,903,000      804,000     5,005,000    2,346,000
  FDIC insurance
   costs              1,220,000      447,000     3,650,000    1,040,000
  Branch
   consolidation
   costs                158,000            0     1,308,000            0
  Other expense       2,097,000    2,229,000     6,015,000    6,801,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
   Total
    noninterest
    expense          12,517,000   10,513,000    35,653,000   31,619,000
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------

   Income (loss)
    before federal
    income tax
    expense
    (benefit)        (9,040,000)   1,132,000   (25,926,000)  (9,651,000)

 Federal income tax
  expense (benefit)  (3,754,000)      53,000    (9,926,000)  (4,380,000)
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------

  Net income (loss)  (5,286,000)   1,079,000   (16,000,000)  (5,271,000)

 Preferred stock
  dividends and
  accretion             320,000            0       483,000            0
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------

   Net income
    (loss)
    available
    to common
    shareholders    $(5,606,000) $ 1,079,000  $(16,483,000) $(5,271,000)
                    -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------

 Basic earnings
  (loss) per share       ($0.66)       $0.13        ($1.94)      ($0.62)
 Diluted earnings
  (loss) per share       ($0.66)       $0.13        ($1.94)      ($0.62)

 Average
  basic shares
  outstanding         8,492,946    8,529,514     8,487,362    8,468,951
 Average
  diluted shares
  outstanding         8,492,946    8,529,514     8,487,362    8,468,951




                          MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                         SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                             2009            2008            2008
                             ----            ----            ----
                          (Unaudited)     (Audited)       (Unaudited)

 ASSETS
  Cash and due
   from banks           $   14,445,000  $   16,754,000  $   25,694,000
  Short term
   investments               1,804,000         100,000          87,000
  Federal funds sold        50,426,000       8,950,000       4,820,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------
   Total cash and cash
    equivalents             66,675,000      25,804,000      30,601,000

  Securities available
   for sale                160,880,000     162,669,000     144,019,000
  Securities held to
   maturity                 61,927,000      64,437,000      64,002,000
  Federal Home Loan
   Bank stock               15,681,000      15,681,000      15,681,000

  Loans and leases       1,614,226,000   1,856,915,000   1,870,799,000
  Allowance for loan
   and lease losses        (33,443,000)    (27,108,000)    (29,511,000)
                        --------------  --------------  --------------
   Loans and leases,
    net                  1,580,783,000   1,829,807,000   1,841,288,000

  Premises and
   equipment, net           30,247,000      32,334,000      32,958,000
  Bank owned life
   insurance policies       44,490,000      42,462,000      41,459,000
  Accrued interest
   receivable                8,069,000       8,513,000       9,044,000
  Other assets              48,598,000      26,303,000      28,307,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------

   Total assets         $2,017,350,000  $2,208,010,000  $2,207,359,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------


 LIABILITIES AND
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Deposits:
   Noninterest-bearing  $  108,509,000  $  110,712,000  $  109,154,000
   Interest-bearing      1,342,459,000   1,488,863,000   1,466,559,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------
    Total deposits       1,450,968,000   1,599,575,000   1,575,713,000

  Securities sold under
   agreements to
   repurchase              102,847,000      94,413,000     105,986,000
  Federal Home Loan
   Bank advances           225,000,000     270,000,000     285,000,000
  Subordinated
   debentures               32,990,000      32,990,000      32,990,000
  Other borrowed money      16,867,000      19,528,000      19,393,000
  Accrued interest and
   other liabilities        11,387,000      17,132,000      16,929,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------
    Total liabilities    1,840,059,000   2,033,638,000   2,036,011,000

 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock, net
   of discount              19,782,000               0               0
  Common stock             173,500,000     172,353,000     172,480,000
  Retained earnings
   (deficit)               (17,764,000)     (1,281,000)     (1,593,000)
  Accumulated other
   comprehensive income      1,773,000       3,300,000         461,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------
   Total shareholders'
    equity                 177,291,000     174,372,000     171,348,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------

   Total liabilities
    and shareholders'
    equity              $2,017,350,000  $2,208,010,000  $2,207,359,000
                        --------------  --------------  --------------

            

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