Document






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

 
FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
 
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 


For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
 


OR
 

o
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 001-36599
 

MB FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 


Maryland
 
36-4460265
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
800 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
 
60607
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (888) 422-6562
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
 
 
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of 6.00% Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None
(Title of Class) 






Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No o
 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o No ý
 

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 ý No o
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý No o

 
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 statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
 

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

Large accelerated filer ý
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
Emerging growth company o
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

The aggregate market value of the voting shares held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $3,569,929,567 as of June 30, 2017, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.  Solely for the purpose of this computation, it has been assumed that executive officers and directors of the Registrant are "affiliates."
 

There were issued and outstanding 83,988,326 shares of the Registrant’s common stock as of February 23, 2018.
 


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
 

Document
 
Part of Form 10-K
 
 
 
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be used in conjunction with the Registrant’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Part III
















MB FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-K
 
December 31, 2017
 
INDEX
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Item 1
 
Item 1A
 
Item 1B
 
Item 2
 
Item 3
 
Item 4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5
 
Item 6
 
Item 7
 
Item 7A
 
Item 8
 
Item 9
 
Item 9A
 
Item 9B
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10
 
Item 11
 
Item 12
 
Item 13
 
Item 14
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15
 
 
 


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PART I


Item 1.
Business
 
General
 
MB Financial, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a financial holding company with banking offices located primarily in the Chicago area.  The words “MB Financial,”  “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MB Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.  Our primary market is the Chicago metropolitan area, in which we operate 86 banking offices through our bank subsidiary, MB Financial Bank, N.A. (MB Financial Bank). Through MB Financial Bank, we offer a broad range of financial services predominately to small and middle market businesses and individuals in the markets that we serve. We also offer financial services on a national basis. Our main business segments include Banking, Leasing and Mortgage Banking.  As of December 31, 2017, on a consolidated basis, we had total assets of $20.1 billion, deposits of $15.0 billion, stockholders’ equity of $3.0 billion, and client assets under management or advisement of $8.2 billion in our wealth management group (including $3.1 billion in our trust department and $5.1 billion in our bank-owned investment management firm, MSA Holdings, LLC ("MSA"), the parent company of our registered investment advisors, MainStreet Investment Advisors, LLC ("MainStreet") and Cedar Hill Associates LLC ("Cedar Hill").
 
MB Financial, Inc. was incorporated as a Maryland corporation in 2001 in connection with a merger of predecessor companies. We have completed a number of acquisitions in recent years.
 
On August 18, 2014, the Company acquired Taylor Capital Group, Inc. ("Taylor Capital"), a bank holding company and the parent company of Cole Taylor Bank, a commercial bank headquartered in Chicago, through the merger of Taylor Capital with and into the Company, followed immediately by the merger of Cole Taylor Bank with and into MB Financial Bank. Consideration paid by the Company was $648.8 million, including $519.3 million in common stock and $129.5 million in cash. The Company issued 19.6 million shares of common stock as a result of the merger. In addition, each share of Taylor Capital’s Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A was converted into one share of the Company's Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A with substantially identical terms. On February 15, 2018, the Company redeemed all of the outstanding shares of Company's Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A.
    
On December 31, 2015, MB Financial Bank acquired a 100% equity interest in MSA, then the parent company of MainStreet and Cambium Asset Management, LLC ("Cambium"), a registered investment advisor. See Note 2 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding this acquisition. In 2017, Cambium was merged into Cedar Hill, a registered investment advisor subsidiary of MB Financial Bank which became a subsidiary of MSA following that transaction.

On August 24, 2016, the Company acquired American Chartered Bancorp, Inc. ("American Chartered"), a bank holding company and the parent company of American Chartered Bank, a commercial bank headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, through the merger of American Chartered with and into the Company, followed immediately by the merger of American Chartered Bank with and into MB Financial Bank. Consideration paid was $487.4 million, including $382.8 million in common stock (9.7 million shares), $102.3 million in cash and $2.3 million in preferred stock and stock-based awards assumed. See Note 2 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report for additional information.
    
MB Financial Bank Subsidiaries

MB Financial Bank, our largest subsidiary, has three wholly owned subsidiaries with significant operating activities: Celtic Leasing Corp. (“Celtic”), MB Equipment Finance, LLC, ("MB Equipment Finance"), and MSA.
 
Celtic focuses on leasing equipment to middle market health care, legal, technology, and manufacturing companies located throughout the United States. MB Equipment Finance offers a full range of equipment finance options and specializes in originating and syndicating commercial equipment leases of U.S. middle-market companies. In addition, MB Equipment Finance focuses on leasing technology-related equipment to middle market and larger businesses located throughout the United States through its LaSalle Systems Leasing Division.  This division also specializes in brokering third party equipment maintenance contracts as well as technology-related equipment.
 
In October 2016, MB Financial Bank formed a new subsidiary, MB Financial International, Inc., to serve as the holding company for LaSalle Solutions Canada Inc., a Canadian leasing company, and MB Business Capital Canada Inc., a Canadian asset-based lending company.

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Operating Segments
 
Our operations are managed based on the operating results of three reportable segments: Banking, Leasing and Mortgage Banking. Our chief operating decision-makers use financial information from our three reportable segments to make operating and strategic decisions. For financial information about our reportable segments, see Note 21 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

Banking. We concentrate on serving small and middle market businesses and their owners. We also focus on serving consumers who live or work near our branches. We operate the following lines of business within our Banking Segment: commercial banking, loans to leasing companies, retail banking, cards and bank sponsorships, and wealth management. Each is described below.

Commercial Banking.  Commercial banking focuses on serving middle market businesses, primarily located in the Chicago metropolitan, southern Wisconsin and northern Indiana areas, except for our long-term health care and asset-based lending which have a more national scope. We provide a full set of credit, deposit, treasury management, capital markets, and international banking products to these companies. In general, our credit products are designed for companies with annual revenues between $3 million and $500 million. We have a broad range of credit products for our target market, including working capital loans and lines of credit; accounts receivable financing; inventory and equipment financing; industrial revenue bond financing; ESOP financing; business acquisition loans; owner occupied real estate loans; asset-based loans; and financial, performance and commercial letters of credit. Our deposit and treasury management products are designed for companies with annual revenues up to $500 million and include internet banking products, investment sweep accounts, zero balance accounts, automated tax payments, ATM access, telephone banking, lockbox, automated clearing house transactions, account reconciliation, controlled disbursement, detail and general information reporting, wire transfers, vault services for currency and coin, remote deposit capture and checking accounts. Our capital markets products include derivatives and interest rate risk solutions, capital solutions, merger and acquisition advisory, and real estate debt and equity placement. Our international banking services include trade services, export trade finance, and foreign exchange. We also provide a full set of credit, deposit and treasury management services for real estate operators and investors. Some treasury management services are provided nationwide.

Loans to Leasing Companies. Through this line of business, we offer loans similar to those offered in the commercial banking business line but serve equipment lessors located throughout the United States. We have provided banking services to this industry for more than four decades. Competition in serving equipment lessors generally comes from large banks, finance companies, large industrial companies and some community banks. We compete based upon rapid decision-making and elite service and by providing flexible financial solutions to meet our customers' needs. We provide full banking services to leasing companies by financing the debt portion of leveraged equipment leases (referred to as lease loans), providing short and long-term equity financing and making working capital and bridge loans. For lease loans, a lessee's credit is often rated as investment grade for its public debt by Moody's Investor Services. Whether or not a lessee has a public debt rating, they are subject to the same internal credit analysis as any other customer of MB Financial Bank. Lessees mostly include investment grade “Fortune 1000” companies located throughout the U.S. and large middle-market companies.

Retail Banking. Retail banking has 86 banking offices and 129 ATMs located throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Our target customers are small businesses (with annual revenues up to $10 million) located in our market and consumers who live and work near our banking centers. We offer our retail banking customers, both business and consumer, a variety of deposit products and services, such as checking, savings, money market, NOW and certificates of deposit. Our products are designed to meet the needs of customers of all ages and lifestyles. Our services are conveniently delivered through our branch network, as well as through our electronic channels, internet and mobile banking, providing added access for all clients.

Our business banking division continues to grow. This division offers the expertise of a business banker, coupled with the personal attention of a local branch, to small businesses in our market. These businesses are afforded the same services available to our larger commercial customers, customized to meet the unique needs of our entrepreneurial clients.

Cards and Bank Sponsorships. Our cards and bank sponsorship division offers general reloadable prepaid cards, payroll cards, incentive cards, and gift cards. These products are extended to existing customers and offered nationally (through sponsorship programs where MB Financial Bank is the issuing bank) to companies needing card payment solutions. In addition, we offer a small business corporate credit card, as well as a commercial multi-card which serves as both a travel and entertainment card and a purchasing card for our larger business customers.
 
Wealth Management.  Our wealth management group provides comprehensive wealth management solutions. We provide investment management, private banking services, financial planning and wealth advisory services to business owners, high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments and municipal agencies, through our private bankers, asset management and trust

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advisors, as well as through Cedar Hill, our registered investment advisor focused on the high net worth sector. In addition, personal trust, custody, estate settlement, guardianship and retirement plan services are provided through our asset management and trust advisors. MainStreet, our registered investment advisor focused on the institutional sector, provides investment advisory solutions to the bank trust and independent trust company markets.

Leasing. Leasing includes lease originations and related services offered through our leasing subsidiaries, Celtic and MB Equipment Finance. We invest directly in equipment that we lease (referred to as direct finance, leveraged or operating leases) to "Fortune 1000," large middle-market companies and health care providers located throughout the United States. Our lease portfolio consists of various kinds of equipment, generally technology related, such as computer systems, satellite equipment, medical equipment and general manufacturing, industrial, construction and transportation equipment. We seek leasing transactions where we believe the equipment leased is integral to the lessee's business, thereby increasing the likelihood of renewal at the end of the lease term. Our leasing subsidiaries also specialize in brokering third party equipment maintenance contracts to large companies.

Mortgage Banking. The Mortgage Banking Segment conducts business on a national level and originates residential mortgage loans for sale to investors and for the Company's portfolio through its 49 mortgage retail offices, third-party channels, and our 86 Chicago area retail banking branches. This segment also services residential mortgage loans for various investors and for loans owned by the Company and makes bulk purchases of servicing rights.

Lending Activities
 
General.  Our loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to businesses or for business purposes.
 
Commercial.  We make commercial loans mainly to middle market businesses, generally located in the Chicago, southern Wisconsin and northern Indiana areas.  Borrowers tend to be privately-owned and are generally manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, long-term health care operators and service providers. Certain long-term health care borrowers are located outside the Chicago, southern Wisconsin and northern Indiana areas.  Loan products offered are primarily working capital, term loans and lines of credit that help our customers finance accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.  We also offer financial, performance and commercial letters of credit.  Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real estate are classified as commercial real estate loans.  Most commercial loans are short-term in nature, being one year or less, with the maximum term generally being five to seven years. 

Lines of credit for customers are typically secured and are subject to renewal upon a satisfactory review of the borrower’s financial condition and credit history.  Secured short-term commercial business loans are usually collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or real estate, and advances are usually predicated on predetermined advance rates depending upon asset class.  Such loans are typically, but not always, guaranteed by the owners of the business.  Collateral securing commercial loans may depreciate over time, be difficult to appraise and fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.  In addition, in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for repayment and economic conditions may impact the ability of the borrower to collect the amounts due from its customers.  Accordingly, we make our commercial loans primarily based on the historical and expected cash flow of the borrower, secondarily on underlying collateral provided by the borrower, and lastly on guarantor support.

We also offer asset-based loans to businesses with collateral as the primary source of repayment. Most asset-based borrowers are located outside the Chicago, southern Wisconsin, and northern Indiana areas.  Collateral for these loans may include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and owner occupied real estate.  Collateral is monitored regularly to insure ongoing sufficiency of coverage and quality.  The primary risk for these loans is a significant decline in collateral values due to general market conditions.  Loan terms that mitigate these risks include asset appraisals with typical industry advance rates and amortization periods on fixed assets, percentage of collateral advance rates on current assets, ongoing field exams, dominion over cash collections using cash collateral accounts and regular asset monitoring.  Because of the national scope of our asset-based lending, the risk of these loans is also diversified by industry and geography.
 
Commercial Real Estate.  We originate commercial real estate loans that are generally secured by multi-unit residential property and owner and non-owner occupied commercial and industrial property.  Longer term commercial real estate loans are generally made at fixed rates, although some have interest rates that change based on the Prime Rate or LIBOR.  Generally, most loans are structured with a balloon payment at the end of five years or less. Periodically, terms of up to twenty-five years are offered on fully amortizing loans.  For our fixed rate loans with maturities greater than five years, we may enter into interest rate swap agreements with a third party to mitigate interest rate risk.  In deciding whether to make a commercial real estate loan, we consider, among other things, the experience and qualifications of the borrower as well as the value and cash flow of the underlying property.  Some other factors considered are net operating income of the property before debt service and depreciation, the debt service

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coverage ratio (the ratio of the property’s net cash flow to debt service requirements), the global cash flows of the borrower, the ratio of the loan amount to the property value and the overall creditworthiness of the prospective borrower.  Our commercial real estate loans typically range in size from $250 thousand to $30 million.
 
The repayment of commercial real estate loans is often dependent on the successful operations of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan.  In addition, most commercial real estate loans are not fully amortized over the loan period, but have balloon payments due at maturity.  A borrower’s ability to make a balloon payment typically will depend on their ability to either refinance the loan or complete a timely sale of the underlying property.
 
Construction Real Estate.  Construction lending can involve a higher level of risk than other types of lending because funds are advanced partially based upon the value of the project, which is uncertain prior to the project’s completion.  Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs as well as the market value of a completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, our estimates with regard to the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio may vary from actual results.  As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or refinance the indebtedness. 

Lease Loans.  We lend money to leasing companies to finance the debt portion of leases (which we refer to as lease loans).  A lease loan arises when a lessor discounts the equipment rental revenue stream owed to the lessor by a lessee.  Lease loans generally are non-recourse to the leasing company, and, consequently, our recourse is limited to the lessee and the leased equipment.  For this reason, we underwrite lease loans by examining the creditworthiness of the lessee rather than the lessor.  Generally, lease loans are secured by an assignment of lease payments and a security interest in the equipment being leased.  As with commercial loans secured by equipment, equipment securing our lease loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to value and may fluctuate in value.  We rely on the lessee’s continuing financial stability, rather than the value of the leased equipment, for repayment of all required amounts under lease loans.  In the event of default, it is unlikely that the proceeds from the sale of leased equipment will be sufficient to satisfy the outstanding unpaid amounts under terms of the lease loan.
 
The lessees usually acknowledge our security interest in the leased equipment and often agree to send lease payments directly to us.  Lessees are often companies that have an investment grade public debt rating by Moody’s or the equivalent although we also provide credit to below investment grade and non-rated companies.  Whether or not a lessee has a public debt rating, they are subject to the same internal credit analysis as any other customer.  Lease loans typically have a fixed interest rate and are fully amortizing, with maturities typically ranging from three to five years. 
 
Primarily through our Leasing Segment, we also invest directly in equipment leased to other companies (which we refer to as direct finance, leveraged or operating leases).  The profitability of these investments depends, to a great degree, upon our ability to realize the expected residual values of this equipment.  See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies-Residual Value of Our Direct Finance, Leveraged, and Operating Leases.”
 
Residential Real Estate.  We originate fixed and adjustable rate residential real estate loans secured by one to four unit dwellings.  Terms of first mortgages generally range from five to thirty years.  In deciding whether to make a residential real estate loan, we consider the qualifications of the borrower as well as the value of the underlying property. 
 
Consumer.  Our consumer loan portfolio is primarily focused on indirect vehicle loans through a network of motorcycle, powersports, recreational vehicles, and marine dealers in 47 states. Terms of these fixed rate loans typically range from two to fifteen years depending on the product. In deciding whether to make an indirect loan, we consider the qualifications of the borrower as well as the value of the collateral.

Our consumer loan portfolio also includes home equity lines of credit, fixed-rate home equity loans, personal and business credit cards, and to a lesser extent, secured and unsecured consumer loans.  Home equity lines of credit and home equity loans are generally extended up to 80% of the value of the property, less outstanding first mortgage loans. Typical terms for home equity lines of credit are 10 years of interest only payments and a 10-year fully amortizing repayment thereafter.   Terms for home equity loans typically range from five to ten years.  In deciding whether to make a home equity line of credit or loan, we consider the qualifications of the borrower(s) as well as the value of the underlying property.  In deciding whether to make other consumer loans, we evaluate the qualifications of the borrower(s) and any collateral, if applicable.
 
Unsecured consumer loans typically have shorter terms and lower balances with higher yields as compared to residential real estate loans, but carry a higher risk of default.  Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus, are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various

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federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on these loans in the event of default.

Competition
 
We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations, including deposit gathering and loan origination, from a variety of competitors.  Commercial banks, savings institutions, brokerage firms, credit unions, mutual fund companies, asset management firms, insurance companies and specialty finance companies all compete with us for new and existing customers.  We compete by providing quality services and expertise to our customers, ease of access to our facilities, convenient hours and competitive pricing (including competitive interest rates paid on deposits, interest rates charged on loans and fees charged for other non-interest related services).
 
Personnel
 
As of December 31, 2017, we and our subsidiaries employed a total of 3,574 full-time equivalent employees.  We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Supervision and Regulation
 
We, our bank subsidiary (MB Financial Bank), and its subsidiaries, are subject to an extensive system of laws and regulations that are intended primarily for the protection of customers and depositors and not for the protection of security holders.  These laws and regulations govern such areas as capital, permissible activities, allowance for loan and lease losses, loans and investments, and rates of interest that can be charged on loans.  Described below are elements of selected laws and regulations.  The descriptions are not intended to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes and regulations described.
 
Holding Company Regulation.  As a bank holding company and financial holding company, we are subject to comprehensive regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, frequently referred to as the Federal Reserve Board, under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the "Bank Holding Company Act"), as amended by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act”), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted on July 21, 2010, and other legislation.  We must file reports with the Federal Reserve Board and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require, and our holding company and non-banking affiliates are subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board.  Under Federal Reserve Board policy, the Dodd-Frank Act and Federal Reserve Board regulations, a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength for its bank subsidiaries.  The Federal Reserve Board may require, and has required in the past, a holding company to contribute additional capital to an undercapitalized bank subsidiary.  The Bank Holding Company Act provides that a bank holding company must obtain Federal Reserve Board approval before:
 
Acquiring directly or indirectly, ownership or control of any voting shares of another bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would own or control more than 5% of such shares (unless it already owns or controls the majority of such shares);
Acquiring control of, or all or substantially all of the assets of, another bank or bank holding company, or
Merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.
 
The Bank Holding Company Act generally prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, or from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or providing services for its subsidiaries.  The principal exceptions to these prohibitions involve certain non-bank activities which, by statute or by Federal Reserve Board regulation or order, have been identified as activities closely related to the business of banking or managing or controlling banks.  The list of activities permitted by the Federal Reserve Board includes, among other things: lending; operating a savings institution, mortgage company, finance company, credit card company or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; underwriting and acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, non-operating basis; selling money orders, travelers’ checks and United States Savings Bonds; real estate and personal property appraising; providing tax planning and preparation services; and, subject to certain limitations, providing securities brokerage services for customers. 
 
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act amended portions of the Bank Holding Company Act to authorize bank holding companies, such as us, directly or through non-bank subsidiaries to engage in securities, insurance and other activities that are financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity.  In order to undertake these activities, a bank holding company must become a “financial holding company” by submitting to the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank a declaration that the company elects to be a financial

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holding company and a certification that all of the depository institutions controlled by the company are well capitalized and well managed.  Our election to become a financial holding company became effective in July 2002.
 
Depository Institution Regulation.  Our bank subsidiary is subject to regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  This regulatory structure includes, among other items:

Real estate lending standards, which provide guidelines concerning loan-to-value ratios for various types of real estate loans;
Risk-based capital rules, including accounting for interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk and the risks posed by non-traditional activities;
Rules requiring depository institutions to develop and implement internal procedures to evaluate and control credit and settlement exposure to their correspondent banks;
Rules restricting types and amounts of equity investments; and
Rules addressing various safety and soundness issues, including operations and managerial standards, standards for asset quality, earnings and compensation standards.

Our bank subsidiary and its affiliates are subject to the examination and enforcement powers of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) with respect to federal consumer financial laws.
 
Capital Adequacy.  The Federal Reserve Board, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively, the federal banking agencies) have issued risk-based and leverage capital regulations applicable to bank holding companies and banks.  In addition, these agencies may from time to time require that a bank holding company or bank maintain capital above the minimum levels, based on its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth.

Effective January 1, 2015 (with some provisions phased in over several years), we and our bank subsidiary became subject to new capital regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve and the OCC, which establish required minimum risk-based capital ratios for common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”), Tier 1, and total capital and a minimum required leverage ratio and capital conservation buffer; prescribe the risk-weightings of certain assets for purposes of the risk-based capital ratios; and define what qualifies as capital for purposes of meeting the capital requirements. These regulations implement the regulatory capital reforms required by the Dodd Frank Act and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The federal banking agencies have also adopted a rule on liquidity coverage requirements, which applies only to banking organizations with total consolidated assets of $250 billion or more or on-balance sheet foreign exposure of $10 billion or more, and sets less stringent requirements for institutions that do not meet these requirements but have $50 billion in or more in total assets.

Under the capital regulations, the minimum capital ratios are: (1) a CET1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% of risk-weighted assets; (3) a total capital ratio of 8.0% of risk-weighted assets; and (4) a leverage ratio (the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total adjusted assets) of 4.0%.  CET1 generally consists of common stock; retained earnings; accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) unless an institution elects to exclude AOCI from regulatory capital; and certain minority interests; all subject to applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions. Tier 1 capital generally consists of CET1 and noncumulative perpetual preferred stock. Tier 2 capital generally consists of other preferred stock and subordinated debt meeting certain conditions plus an amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses up to 1.25% of assets. Total capital is the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.

There are a number of changes in what constitutes regulatory capital compared to the rules in effect prior to January 1, 2015, some of which are subject to transition periods.  These changes include the phasing-out of certain instruments as qualifying capital and eliminate or significantly reduce the use of hybrid capital instruments, especially trust preferred securities, as regulatory capital. Mortgage servicing and deferred tax assets over designated percentages of the CET1 threshold are deducted from capital.  In addition, Tier 1 capital includes AOCI, which includes all unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securitiesHowever, because of our asset size at the time of election, we were eligible for the one-time option of permanently opting out of the inclusion of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities in our capital calculations.  We elected this option in the first quarter of 2015.

For purposes of determining risk-based capital, assets and certain off-balance sheet items are risk-weighted from 0% to 1,250%, depending on the risk characteristics of the asset or item. The current regulations changed the risk-weighting of certain assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposure compared to the earlier capital rules. These include a 150% risk weight for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans and for non-residential mortgage loans that are 90 days past due or otherwise in non-accrual status; a 20% credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable; and, starting in 2018, a 250% risk weight for mortgage servicing and deferred tax assets that are not deducted from capital.

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In addition to the minimum CET1, Tier 1, leverage ratio and total capital ratios, the Company and the Bank must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum risk-based capital levels to avoid limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing shares, and paying discretionary bonuses.  The capital conservation buffer requirement began to be phased in on January 1, 2016 when a buffer greater than 0.625% of risk-weighted assets was required, which amount increases each year until the buffer requirement is fully implemented on January 1, 2019.
 
To be considered "well capitalized," a bank holding company must have, on a consolidated basis, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater and a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and must not be subject to an individual order, directive or agreement under which the FRB requires it to maintain a specific capital level. 

As of December 31, 2017, we and our bank subsidiary met the requirements to be "well capitalized" and the full capital conservation buffer requirement. The well capitalized standard for the Bank is discussed below.
 
Prompt Corrective Action.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("the Act"), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal bank regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within these categories.  The Act imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified.  Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements.  An “undercapitalized” bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee that bank’s compliance with the plan.  The liability of the parent holding company under any such guarantee is limited to the lesser of 5% of the bank’s assets at the time it became “undercapitalized” or the amount needed to comply with the plan.  Furthermore, in the event of the bankruptcy of the parent holding company, such guarantee would take priority over the parent’s general unsecured creditors.  In addition, the Act requires the various regulatory agencies to prescribe certain non-capital standards for safety and soundness relating generally to operations and management, asset quality and executive compensation and permits regulatory action against a financial institution that does not meet these standards.
 
The various federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted substantially similar regulations that define the five capital categories identified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act, using the total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, CET1 and leverage capital ratios as the relevant capital measures.  A “well capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a CET1 capital ratio of at least 6.5% and a leverage ratio of at least 5% and not be subject to a capital directive or order.  An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a CET1 capital ratio of at least 4.5% and a leverage ratio of at least 4%.  An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a CET1 capital ratio of less than 4.5% or a leverage ratio of less than 4%.  An institution is “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a CET1 capital ratio of less than 3%, or a leverage ratio of less than 3%.  An institution is “critically undercapitalized” if its tangible equity is equal to or less than 2% of total assets.  Generally, an institution may be reclassified in a lower capitalization category if it is determined that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or engaged in an unsafe or unsound practice.
 
As of December 31, 2017, our bank subsidiary met the requirements to be classified as “well capitalized.”

Dividends.  The Federal Reserve Board’s policy is that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that its net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the holding company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition, and that it is inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends.  Furthermore, a bank that is classified under the prompt corrective action regulations as “undercapitalized” will be prohibited from paying any dividends.

Our primary source for cash dividends is the dividends we receive from our bank subsidiary.  Our bank is subject to various regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums.  A national bank must obtain the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency prior to paying a dividend if the total of all dividends declared by the national bank in any calendar year will exceed the sum of the bank’s net profits for that year and its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years, less any required transfers to surplus. Furthermore, if the dividend amount is in excess of the sum of the bank’s net profits for the current year and the preceding two calendar years, the excess amount can be offset by the retained net profits of the preceding third and fourth calendar years.

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As described above under “--Capital Adequacy,” beginning January 1, 2016 the capital conservation buffer requirement can also restrict our ability and the ability of our bank subsidiary to pay dividends.

Stress Testing. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC, institutions such as the Company and our subsidiary bank, with average total consolidated assets greater than $10 billion, must conduct annual, company-run stress tests under the baseline, adverse and severely adverse scenarios provided by the federal banking regulators. The regulators may also require the use of additional scenarios. The stress test is a process to assess the potential impact of scenarios on the consolidated earnings, losses and capital of an institution over the planning horizon, taking into account the institution’s condition, risks, exposures, strategies and activities. The purpose of the stress tests is to ensure that institutions have robust, forward-looking capital planning that accounts for their risks and to help ensure that institutions have sufficient capital throughout times of economic and financial stress. Beginning with the 2016 stress test, which is the first stress test we and our bank subsidiary conducted under the regulations, the company-run stress tests are to be conducted using data as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year and the scenarios released by the agencies from time to time. Aligned with the prior year, stress test results must be reported to the agencies by July 31st of each year, with public disclosure of a summary of the stress test results between October 15th and October 31st. The stress test results are an important factor considered by the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC in evaluating, among other matters, the capital adequacy of the Company and our subsidiary bank and whether any proposed payments of dividends or stock repurchases may be an unsafe or unsound practice. We and our subsidiary bank must consider the results of stress tests in the normal course of business, including consideration of capital planning, assessment of capital adequacy and risk management practices.
 
Federal Deposit Insurance Reform.  The FDIC maintains the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”).  The deposit accounts of our bank subsidiary are insured by the DIF to the maximum amount provided by law.  The general insurance limit is $250 thousand.  This insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
 
As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by DIF-insured institutions.  It also may prohibit any DIF-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the DIF.  The FDIC also has the authority to take enforcement actions against insured institutions.
 
As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has adopted rules under which insurance premiums are assessed on an institution’s total assets minus its tangible equity (defined as Tier 1 capital).  For a bank with total assets of $10 billion or more, FDIC regulations require the bank to be assessed under a scorecard method. The scorecard method uses a performance score and a loss severity score, which are combined and converted into an initial base assessment rate.  The performance score is based on measures of the bank’s ability to withstand asset-related stress and funding-related stress and weighted CAMELS ratings. The loss severity score is a measure of potential losses to the FDIC in the event of the bank’s failure. Under a formula, the performance score and loss severity score are combined and converted to a total score that determines the bank’s initial base assessment rate. The FDIC has the discretion to alter the total score based on factors not captured by the scorecard.  The resulting initial base assessment rate is subject to adjustments downward based on long term unsecured debt issued by the bank, to adjustment upward based on long term unsecured debt held by the bank that is issued by other FDIC-insured institutions, and to further adjustment upward if the bank’s brokered deposits exceed 10% of its domestic deposits.  Modifications to the scorecard method may apply to certain “highly complex institutions.” Currently, initial base assessment rates range from 3 to 30 basis points and are subject to certain adjustments. In addition, the FDIC may increase or decrease its rate schedules by 2.0 basis points without rulemaking, and in an emergency, may impose a special assessment.

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has established 2.0% as the designated reserve ratio (DRR), that is, the ratio of the DIF to insured deposits. The FDIC has adopted a plan under which it will meet the statutory minimum DRR of 1.35% (formerly 1.15%) by September 30, 2020, the deadline imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act.  The Dodd-Frank requires the FDIC to offset the effect of the increase in the statutory minimum DRR to 1.35% on institutions with assets less than $10 billion. To implement this offset, the FDIC’s rules require institutions with total assets of $10 billion or more to pay a surcharge during a temporary period.

In addition, all institutions with deposits insured by the FDIC are required to pay assessments to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, a mixed-ownership government corporation established to recapitalize a predecessor to the Deposit Insurance Fund.  These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2019.
 
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law,

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regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or written agreement entered into with the FDIC. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.
 
Transactions with Affiliates.  We and our bank subsidiary are affiliates within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act.  The Federal Reserve Act imposes limitations on a bank with respect to extensions of credit to, investments in, and certain other transactions with, its parent bank holding company and the holding company’s other subsidiaries.  Furthermore, bank loans and extensions of credit to affiliates also are subject to various collateral requirements.
 
Community Reinvestment Act.  Under the Community Reinvestment Act, every FDIC-insured institution is obligated, consistent with safe and sound banking practices, to help meet the credit needs of its assessment area, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.  The Community Reinvestment Act requires the appropriate federal banking regulator, in connection with the examination of an insured institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to consider this record in its evaluation of certain applications, such as a merger or the establishment of a branch.  An unsatisfactory rating may be used as the basis for the denial of an application and will prevent a bank holding company of the institution from making an election to become a financial holding company.
 
As of its last examination, MB Financial Bank received a Community Reinvestment Act rating of “outstanding.”
 
Interstate Banking and Branching.  The Federal Reserve Board may approve an application of a bank holding company to acquire control of, or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, a bank located in a state other than the bank holding company’s home state, without regard to whether the transaction is prohibited by the laws of any state.  The Federal Reserve Board may not approve the acquisition of a bank that has not been in existence for the minimum time period (not exceeding five years) specified by the law of the target bank’s home state.  The Federal Reserve Board also may not approve an application if the bank holding company (and its bank affiliates) controls or would control more than ten percent of the insured deposits in the United States or, generally, 30% or more of the deposits in the target bank’s home state or in any state in which the target bank maintains a branch.  Individual states may waive the 30% statewide concentration limit.  Each state may limit the percentage of total insured deposits in the state that may be held or controlled by a bank or bank holding company to the extent the limitation does not discriminate against out-of-state banks or bank holding companies.  Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC may generally approve de novo branching by a national bank outside its home state.
 
The federal banking agencies are authorized to approve interstate bank merger transactions without regard to whether these transactions are prohibited by the law of any state, unless the home state of one of the banks opted out of interstate mergers prior to June 1, 1997.  Interstate acquisitions of branches are permitted only if the law of the state in which the branch is located permits these acquisitions.  Interstate mergers and branch acquisitions are subject to the nationwide and statewide-insured deposit concentration limits described above.
 
Privacy Rules.  Federal banking regulators, as required under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, have adopted rules limiting the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose nonpublic information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties.  The rules require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to non-affiliated third parties.  The privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial services companies and conveyed to outside vendors.
 
International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001.  The President signed the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "USA PATRIOT Act") into law in October 2001.  This act contains the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "IMLAFA").  The IMLAFA substantially broadens earlier anti-money laundering legislation and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the United States, imposes certain compliance and due diligence obligations, defines certain crimes and penalties, compels the production of documents located both inside and outside the United States, including those of foreign institutions that have a correspondent relationship in the United States, and clarifies the safe harbor from civil liability to customers.  The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a number of regulations implementing the USA PATRIOT Act that apply certain of its requirements to financial institutions such as our bank.  The regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, commonly known as "OFAC," which is responsible for administering economic sanctions programs that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals, and others.  The obligations of financial institutions, including us, to identify their customers, watch for and report suspicious transactions, respond to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, and share information with other financial institutions, requires the implementation and maintenance of internal procedures, practices and controls which have increased, and may continue to increase, our costs and may subject us to liability.


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In May 2016, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN"), which is a unit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that adopts regulations implementing the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, and other anti-money laundering legislation, issued final rules governing enhanced customer due diligence. The rules impose several new requirements on covered financial institutions, which includes MB Financial Bank. For each such customer (entity) that opens an account (including an existing customer opening a new account), the covered financial institution must identify and verify the customer's "beneficial owners," of the underlying entity as defined in the rules.
 
As noted above, enforcement and compliance-related activity by government agencies has increased. Money laundering and anti-terrorism compliance is among the areas receiving a high level of focus in the present environment.

Volcker Rule. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies to implement the provisions of the Act known as the Volcker Rule, FDIC-insured depository institutions, their holding companies, subsidiaries and affiliates, (collectively, “banking entities”), are generally prohibited, subject to certain exemptions, from proprietary trading and from acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in a "covered fund."

Activities eligible for exemptions include, among others, certain underwriting, marketing and risk-mitigating hedging activities, fiduciary transactions, and, if certain conditions are met, ownership of interests in certain hedge funds or private equity funds offered to customers of a banking entity’s trust or investment advisory or certain other services, if the banking entity does not guarantee or insure the performance of such a fund. These conditions include, among others, limits on such ownership interests (3% of total ownership interests for any single fund and 3% of Tier 1 capital for the aggregate value of all ownership interests in such funds); a requirement that the amount of such ownership interests be deducted from regulatory capital; a requirement that, for purposes of these limits, ownership interests held by a director or employee of the banking entity are attributed to the banking entity if the banking entity finances the acquisition of the director’s or employee’s ownership interest; and a prohibition against certain transactions between a banking entity and such a fund, including loans, purchases of assets and others. No director or employee of the banking entity (or its affiliates) may hold an ownership interest in such a fund unless directly engaged in providing investment advisory or other services to the fund when the ownership interest is acquired.
 
Regulatory Reform.  On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act (as amended) implements far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape, including provisions that, among other things:
 
Centralize responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating the CFPB, with broad rulemaking, supervision and enforcement authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and certain others, including examination and enforcement powers with respect to any bank with more than $10 billion in assets and its affiliates, and the power to prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices.
Restrict the preemption of state consumer financial protection law by federal law and disallow subsidiaries and affiliates of national banks, such as MB Financial Bank, from availing themselves of such preemption.
Require new capital rules (discussed under “--Capital Adequacy” above).
Require publicly-traded bank holding companies with assets of $10 billion or more to establish a risk committee responsible for enterprise-wide risk management practices, comprised of an independent chairman and at least one risk management expert.
Change the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits to consolidated average assets less tangible capital.
Increase the minimum ratio of net worth to insured deposits of the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% to 1.35% and require the FDIC, in setting assessments, to offset the effect of the increase on institutions with assets of less than $10 billion.  This increase is generally expected to impose more deposit insurance cost on institutions with assets of $10 billion or more.
Provide for new disclosure and other requirements relating to executive compensation and corporate governance, including guidelines or regulations on incentive-based compensation and a prohibition on compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks or that could provide excessive compensation.
Make permanent the $250 thousand general limit for federal deposit insurance.
Repeal the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.
Allow de novo interstate branching by banks.
Give the Federal Reserve Board the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by a payment card issuer that, together with its affiliates, has assets of $10 billion or more and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer.  The Federal Reserve Board has adopted rules under this provision that limit the swipe fees that a debit card issuer can charge a merchant for a transaction to the sum of 21 cents and five basis points times the value of the transaction, plus up to one cent for fraud prevention costs.

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Increase the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to examine the Company and its non-bank subsidiaries.
Require all bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial strength to their depository institution subsidiaries in the event such subsidiaries suffer from financial distress.
Restrict proprietary trading by banks, bank holding companies and others, and their acquisition and retention of ownership interests in and sponsorship of hedge funds and private equity funds, as described above under “--Volcker Rule.” 
Require annual stress testing by banks and their holding companies with more than $10 billion in assets and impose certain reporting and disclosure requirements.
 
Certain aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act remain subject to rulemaking and take effect over several years.

Consumer Protection Laws. We are subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws, including laws designed to protect customers and promote lending to various sectors of the economy and population. These laws include, among others, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and their respective state law counterparts.

As indicated above, the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, an independent federal agency with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws, including the laws referenced above, fair lending laws and certain other statutes. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository institutions with $10 billion or more in assets, their service providers and certain non-depository entities such as debt collectors and consumer reporting agencies. Our subsidiary bank is subject to the CFPB’s examination and primary enforcement authority.

The CFPB has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive practices in connection with the offering of consumer financial products. The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the CFPB to establish certain minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages including a determination of the borrower’s ability to repay. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a “qualified mortgage” as defined by the CFPB. The Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and standards that are more stringent than those adopted at the federal level and, in certain circumstances, permits state attorneys general to enforce compliance with both the state and federal laws and regulations.

The CFPB has finalized a number of significant rules which impact nearly every aspect of the lifecycle of a residential mortgage loan. Among other things, the rules adopted by the CFPB require banks to: (i) develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with the “ability to repay” test and identify whether a loan meets a new definition for a “qualified mortgage,” in which case a rebuttable presumption exists that the creditor extending the loan has satisfied the ability to repay test; (ii) implement new or revised disclosures, policies and procedures for originating and servicing mortgages including, but not limited to, pre-loan counseling, early intervention with delinquent borrowers and specific loss mitigation procedures for loans secured by a borrower's principal residence; (iii) comply with additional restrictions on mortgage loan originator hiring and compensation; (iv) comply with new disclosure requirements and standards for appraisals and certain financial products; and (v) maintain escrow accounts for higher-priced mortgage loans for a longer period of time. The rules include the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rules. The TRID rules contain requirements and disclosure forms that are required to be provided to borrowers. In addition to the exercise of its rulemaking authority, the CFPB’s supervisory powers entitle the CFPB to examine institutions for violations of consumer lending laws, even in the absence of consumer complaints or damages.

Incentive Compensation.  The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal banking regulators and other agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, to issue regulations or guidelines requiring disclosure to the regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements and to prohibit incentive-based compensation arrangements for directors, officers or employees that encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation, fees or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to a financial institution.  Proposed regulations for this purpose have been published, which are based upon the key principles that incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors and appropriate policies, procedures and monitoring.  It is proposed that institutions with assets between $1 and $50 billion must maintain records documenting their incentive-based compensation arrangements. In addition, those institutions are to ensure that those arrangements appropriately balance risk and financial rewards, are compatible with effective risk management and are supported by effective governance. The CFPB has issued a bulletin on sales and other incentive programs indicating that it expects institutions to institute effective risk controls for these programs that include risks to customers from unfair and abusive sales practices and other practices and factors, and a robust compliance management system.
 

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As part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations will be reviewed, and the regulator’s findings will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct any deficiencies.
 
The scope and content of the U.S. banking regulations and regulators’ policies on executive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the future. It cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate its key employees.

Registered Investment Advisors

Cedar Hill and MainStreet are registered investment advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”), and as such are supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Investment Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisors, including record-keeping, operational and marketing requirements, disclosure obligations and prohibitions on fraudulent activities. Investment advisors also are subject to certain state securities laws and regulations.
 
Other Future Legislation and Changes in Regulations.  From time to time, various other legislative and regulatory initiatives are introduced in Congress and state legislatures, as well as by regulatory agencies. Such initiatives may include proposals to expand or contract the powers of bank holding companies and depository institutions or proposals to substantially change the financial institution regulatory system. Such legislation could change banking statutes and the operating environment of the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. The Company cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted, and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the MB Financial or any of its subsidiaries could have a material effect on the business of the Company.
 
Internet Website
 
We maintain a website with the address www.mbfinancial.com.  The information contained on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Other than an investor’s own Internet access charges, we make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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Item 1A.
  Risk Factors
 
An investment in our securities is subject to risks inherent in our business.  Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included in this report.  In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  The value or market price of our securities could decline due to any of these identified or other risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
 
A substantial portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. Deterioration in the real estate markets or other segments of our loan portfolio could lead to losses, which could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, approximately 44% of our total loan portfolio was secured by real estate, a majority of which is commercial real estate. 
 
Our commercial real estate portfolio consists of health care, industrial, multifamily, office, retail, church and school loans.  Our concentration in commercial real estate loans involves additional risk as the values of the properties securing the loans can decline.  In addition, vacancy rates can increase, resulting in lower cash flows on the underlying properties and stress on our customer's ability to repay their loans.
 
At December 31, 2017, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, our commercial real estate loans totaled $4.1 billion, or 30% of our total loan portfolio. This loan type represented approximately 28% of our total non-performing loans as of December 31, 2017.

We originate fixed and adjustable rate loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate.  Our general practice is to sell a majority of our newly originated fixed-rate residential real estate loans and to hold in portfolio a majority of our newly originated adjustable-rate residential real estate loans with 15 and 30 year maturities. Our portfolio also includes home equity lines of credit and fixed-rate second mortgage loans.  Home equity lines of credit are generally extended up to 80% of the value of the property, less existing liens.  Terms for second mortgages typically range from five to ten years.

This type of real estate lending is generally sensitive to regional and local economic conditions that significantly impact the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations, making loss levels difficult to predict. Our non-performing consumer related loans were $32.4 million, or 55% of our total non-performing loans, as of December 31, 2016 compared to $37.1 million, or 48% of our total non-performing loans, as of December 31, 2017. Non-performing home equity and residential real estate loans together accounted for 91% of the consumer related non-performing loans as of December 31, 2017.
 
A weak real estate market could result in additional charge-offs and provisions for loan losses, which could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Repayment of our commercial loans and lease loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower or lessee, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.
 
We make our commercial loans primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Collateral securing commercial loans may depreciate over time, be difficult to appraise and fluctuate in value. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect the amounts due from its customers. Accordingly, we make our commercial loans primarily based on the historical and expected cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on underlying collateral provided by the borrower. At December 31, 2017, our commercial loans totaled $4.8 billion, or 34% of our total loan portfolio. This loan type represented approximately 23% of our total non-performing loans as of December 31, 2017.
 
We lend money to small and mid-sized independent lessors to finance the debt portion of leases. A lease loan arises when a lessor discounts the equipment rental revenue stream owed to the lessor by a lessee. Our lease loans entail many of the same types of risks as our commercial loans. Lease loans generally are non-recourse to the leasing company, and, consequently, our recourse is limited to the lessee and the leased equipment. As with commercial loans secured by equipment, the equipment securing our lease loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. We rely on the lessee’s continuing financial stability, rather than the value of the leased equipment, for the repayment of all required amounts under lease loans. In the event of a default on a lease loan, it is unlikely that the proceeds from the sale of the leased equipment will be sufficient to satisfy the

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outstanding unpaid amounts under the terms of the loan. At December 31, 2017, our lease loans totaled $2.1 billion, or 15% of our total loan portfolio. This loan type represented approximately 1% of our total non-performing loans as of December 31, 2017.
 
Changes in economic conditions, particularly an economic slowdown in the Chicago area and state of Illinois, could hurt our business.

Our business is directly affected by market conditions, trends in industry and finance, legislative and regulatory changes, and changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies and inflation, all of which are beyond our control. Deterioration in economic conditions, particularly within the Chicago area, could result in the following consequences, among others, any of which could hurt our business materially:
 
loan delinquencies may increase;
problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
demand for our products and services may decline;
collateral for our loans may decline in value, in turn reducing a customer’s borrowing power; and
the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us.
 
Our lending and deposit gathering activities are mostly concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our success depends on the general economic conditions of this metropolitan area and throughout Illinois. Our nationwide activities include: leasing and lease loans, asset-based lending, indirect lending, mortgage banking, and certain treasury management services.

Both the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago currently face significant fiscal challenges, including large budget deficits, substantial unfunded pension obligations and low credit ratings, which could negatively impact us to the extent this leads to declines in business activity and overall economic conditions in Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. In addition, until July 2017, the State of Illinois operated without a budget for more than two years, which in some cases led to the State not meeting its financial obligations in a timely manner. Some of our commercial loan borrowers are health care operators and service providers who may be dependent on the receipt of contractual payments and reimbursements from the State of Illinois for services rendered. To the extent the State delays or suspends these payments and reimbursements, this could adversely affect the ability of borrowers to meet their loan repayment obligations to us. Any resulting delinquencies and defaults on these loans would in turn adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Many of the loans in our portfolio are secured by real estate. Many of these loans are secured by properties located in the Chicago metropolitan area. Deterioration in the real estate markets where collateral for a mortgage loan is located could negatively affect the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the value of the collateral securing the loan. Real estate values are affected by various other factors, including changes in general or regional economic conditions, governmental rules or policies and natural disasters such as tornadoes.
 
Negative changes in the regional and general economy could reduce our growth rate, impair our ability to collect loans and generally have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our allowance for loan and lease losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in our loan portfolio.
 
Lending money is a substantial part of our business. Every loan carries a certain risk that it will not be repaid in accordance with its terms or that any underlying collateral will not be sufficient to assure repayment. This risk is affected by, among other things:
 
cash flow of the borrower and/or the project being financed;
changes and uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral, in the case of a collateralized loan;
credit experience of a particular borrower;
changes in economic and industry conditions; and
duration of the loan.
 
We maintain an allowance for loan and lease losses, a reserve established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense, which we believe is appropriate to provide for probable losses in our loan portfolio. The amount of this allowance is determined by our management through a periodic review and consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to:

our general reserve, based on our historical default and loss experience as well as current macroeconomic factors; and
our specific reserve, based on our evaluation of non-performing loans and their underlying collateral.
 

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The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan and lease losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan and lease losses and may require an increase in the provision for possible loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan and lease losses, we may need additional provisions to replenish the allowance for loan and lease losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan and lease losses will result in a decrease in net income and, most likely, capital, and may have a material negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to information security, recovery, and other risks in connection with our use of technology.

Our security measures may not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of a cyber attack or cyber theft.

Communications and information systems are essential to the conduct of our business, as we use such systems to manage our customer relationships, our general ledger, and virtually all other aspects of our business. Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks as well as by our third party providers to whom we have outsourced certain data processing and other operational functions. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, the security of our computer systems, software, and networks may be vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, or other malicious code and cyber attacks that could have a security impact. If one or more of these events occur, this could jeopardize our or our customers' confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or the operations of our customers or counterparties. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us. We could also suffer significant reputational damage.

Security breaches in our internet banking activities could further expose us to possible liability and damage our reputation. Any compromise of our security also could deter customers from using our internet banking services that involve the transmission of confidential information. We rely on standard (or typical industry) internet security measures/protocols or frameworks to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect secure transmission of data. These precautions may not protect our systems from compromises or breaches of our security measures, which could result in significant legal liability and significant damage to our reputation and our business.

Our security measures may not protect us from systems failures or interruptions.

While we have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of systems failures and interruptions, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur or that they will be adequately addressed if they do. In addition, we outsource certain aspects of our data processing and other operational functions to certain third-party providers. If our third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty in communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely impacted. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

The occurrence of any systems failure or interruption could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, could subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to legal liability. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to certain risks in connection with our data management or aggregation.

We are reliant on our ability to manage data and our ability to aggregate data in an accurate and timely manner to ensure effective risk reporting and management. Our ability to manage data and aggregate data may be limited by the effectiveness of our policies, programs, processes and practices that govern how data is acquired, validated, stored, protected and processed. While we continuously update our policies, programs, processes and practices, many of our data management and aggregation processes are manual and subject to human error or system failure. Failure to manage data effectively and to aggregate data in an accurate and timely manner may limit our ability to manage current and emerging risks, as well as to manage changing business needs.


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Conditions in the financial markets may limit our access to additional funding to meet our liquidity needs.
 
Liquidity is essential to our business, as we must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale or pledging as collateral of loans and other assets could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could negatively affect our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or negative regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as severe disruption of the financial markets or negative news and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole, as evidenced by recent turmoil in the domestic and worldwide credit markets.
 
Our wholesale funding sources may prove insufficient to replace deposits or support our future growth.
 
As a part of our liquidity management, we use a number of funding sources in addition to core deposit growth and repayments and maturities of loans and investments. These sources include brokered certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Negative operating results or changes in industry conditions could lead to an inability to replace these additional funding sources at maturity. Our financial flexibility could be constrained if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable interest rates. Finally, if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our results of operations and financial condition would be negatively affected.
 
Our mortgage business may increase volatility in our consolidated revenues and earnings and our residential mortgage lending profitability could be significantly reduced if we are not able to originate and sell mortgage loans at profitable margins.

We significantly increased our mortgage business as a result of our acquisition of Taylor Capital’s mortgage business in the Taylor Capital merger, which we completed in 2014, and transferred approximately 165 residential mortgage team members from Busey Bank to our company in December 2017. As a result of the factors set forth below with respect to our mortgage business, we could experience significant volatility in our consolidated revenue and consolidated net income.

Mortgage production, especially refinancing, generally declines in rising interest rate environments. We have experienced historically low interest rates in recent years but have started to increase in 2017. When interest rates rise, or even if they do not, there can be no assurance that our mortgage production will continue at current levels. Because we sell a substantial portion of the mortgage loans we originate, the profitability of our mortgage banking operations depends in large part upon our ability to aggregate a high volume of loans and sell them in the secondary market at a gain. Thus, in addition to the interest rate environment, our mortgage business is dependent upon (i) the existence of an active secondary market and (ii) our ability to profitably sell loans into that market. The loans in our held for sale portfolio are carried at fair market value with changes recognized in our statement of operations. Carrying the loans at fair value may also increase the volatility in our earnings.

Our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon the availability of an active secondary market for single-family mortgage loans, which in turn depends in part upon the continuation of programs currently offered by the government sponsored enterprises ("GSEs") and other institutional and non-institutional investors. These entities account for a substantial portion of the secondary market in residential mortgage loans. Because the largest participants in the secondary market are GSEs whose activities are governed by federal law, any future changes in laws that significantly affect them could, in turn, materially and adversely affect us. The impact on us of existing proposals to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which were placed into conservatorship in 2008, is difficult to predict. In addition, our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon our ability to remain eligible for the programs offered by GSEs and other market participants. Our ability to remain eligible to originate and securitize government insured loans may also depend on our having an acceptable delinquency ratio for Federal Housing Administration loans relative to our peers.

Any significant impairment of our eligibility to participate in the programs offered by the GSEs could materially and adversely affect us. Further, the criteria for loans to be accepted under such programs may be changed from time-to-time by the sponsoring entity which could result in a lower volume of corresponding loan originations or other administrative costs.


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Changes in interest rates may change the value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio which may increase the volatility of our earnings and negatively impact regulatory capital.

As a result of our mortgage servicing business, we have a sizable portfolio of mortgage servicing rights. A mortgage servicing right is the right to service a mortgage loan - collect principal, interest and escrow amounts - for a fee. We invest in mortgage servicing rights to support mortgage banking strategies and diversify revenue streams from our Mortgage Banking Segment.
 
We measure and carry all of our residential mortgage servicing rights using the fair value measurement method. Fair value is determined as the present value of estimated future net servicing income, calculated based on a number of variables, including assumptions about the likelihood of prepayment by borrowers as well as delinquencies.

The primary risk associated with mortgage servicing rights is that in a declining interest rate environment, they will likely lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of higher than anticipated prepayments. Moreover, if prepayments are greater than expected, the cash we receive over the life of the mortgage loans would be reduced. Conversely, these assets generally increase in value in a rising interest rate environment to the extent that prepayments are slower than previously estimated. Although we invest in mortgage servicing rights to diversify the revenue streams from our Mortgage Banking Segment, the increasing size of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio may increase our interest rate risk and correspondingly, the volatility of our earnings, especially if we cannot adequately hedge the interest rate risk relating to our mortgage servicing rights.

At December 31, 2017, our mortgage servicing rights had a fair value of $276.3 million compared to $238.0 million at December 31, 2016. Changes in fair value of our mortgage servicing rights are recorded to earnings in each period. Depending on the interest rate environment, it is possible that the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights may be reduced in the future. If such changes in fair value significantly reduce the carrying value of our mortgage servicing rights, our financial condition and results of operations would be negatively affected.

The Basel III Rule requires deductions from Common Equity Tier 1 Capital in the event mortgage servicing rights exceed a certain percentage of a bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 threshold.

Certain hedging strategies that we use to manage investment in mortgage servicing rights, mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments may be ineffective to offset any adverse changes in the fair value of these assets due to changes in interest rates and market liquidity.

We use derivative instruments to economically hedge mortgage servicing rights, mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments to offset changes in fair value resulting from changing interest rate environments. Our hedging strategies are susceptible to prepayment risk, basis risk, market volatility and changes in the shape of the yield curve, among other factors. In addition, hedging strategies rely on assumptions and projections regarding assets and general market factors. If these assumptions and projections prove to be incorrect or our hedging strategies do not adequately mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates, we may incur losses that would adversely impact earnings.

Our mortgage loan representation and warranty reserve for losses could be insufficient.

We currently maintain a representation and warranty reserve, which is a liability on our consolidated balance sheets, to reflect our best estimate of expected losses that we will incur on loans that we have sold or securitized into the secondary market and must subsequently repurchase or with respect to which we must indemnify the purchasers and insurers because of violations of customary representations and warranties. Increases to this reserve for current loan sales reduce mortgage banking revenue. The level of the reserve reflects management's continuing evaluation of loss experience on repurchased loans, indemnifications and present economic conditions, as well as the actions of loan purchasers and guarantors. The determination of the appropriate level of the mortgage loan representation and warranty reserve inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make estimates of repurchase risks and expected losses subsequently experienced. Both the assumptions and estimates used could be inaccurate, resulting in a level of reserve that is less than actual losses. If additional reserves are required, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Representation and warranty reserves were $7.0 million as of December 31, 2017.

A significant increase in certain loan balances associated with our mortgage business may result in liquidity risk related to the funding of these loans.

The held for sale loan balance in our mortgage business represents mortgage loans that are in the process of being sold to various investors. Loan balances steadily accumulate and then decrease at the time of sale. We fund these balances through short term funding, primarily through Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances, which require collateral. In the event that we experience

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a significant increase in our held for sale loan balances, our liquidity could be negatively impacted as we increase our short term borrowings and therefore our required collateral. Although we have access to other sources of contingent liquidity, we could be materially and adversely affected if we fail to effectively manage this risk.

Changes in interest rates may reduce our net interest income, and may result in higher defaults in a rising rate environment.
 
Our consolidated operating results are largely dependent on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest expense incurred on deposits and other borrowings. Our net interest income is impacted by changes in market rates of interest, changes in credit spreads, changes in the shape of the yield curve, the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities, prepayments on our loans and investments, and the mix of our funding sources and assets, among other things.
 
Our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Interest rates on some types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in broader market interest rates, while rates on other types may lag behind. The result of these changes to rates may cause differing spreads on interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. While we take measures intended to manage the risks from changes in market interest rates, we cannot control or accurately predict changes in market rates of interest or be sure our protective measures are adequate.

If the interest rates paid on deposits and other interest bearing liabilities increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other interest earning assets, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected.  As a result of the relatively low interest rate environment, an increasing percentage of our deposits have been comprised of deposits bearing no or a relatively low rate of interest. We would incur a higher cost of funds to retain these deposits in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, a substantial portion of our loans (approximately 62% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017) have adjustable interest rates.  While the higher payment amounts we would receive on these loans in a rising interest rate environment may increase our interest income, some borrowers may be unable to afford the higher payment amounts, which may result in a higher rate of default. A portion of our adjustable rate loans have interest rate floors that are in-the-money and may not adjust upward immediately with increases in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may reduce the demand for loans and the value of our fixed-rate investment securities.

Negative developments in the financial industry could adversely affect our industry and our business.
 
Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation and regulations in response to those developments could restrict our business operations, including our ability to originate loans, and negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Fiscal challenges facing the U.S. government and the governments of other countries could have a material adverse impact on financial markets and economic conditions in the United States and worldwide, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

Many of our investment securities are issued by and some of our loans are made to the U.S. government and government agencies and sponsored entities. Uncertain domestic political conditions, including prior federal government shutdowns and potential future federal government shutdowns, any future concerns regarding the possibility of the federal government defaulting on its obligations for a period of time due to potential future debt ceiling limitations or other unresolved political issues, may pose credit default and liquidity risks with respect to investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the federal government and loans to the federal government. Any downgrade in the sovereign credit rating of the United States, as well as sovereign debt issues facing the governments of other countries, could have a material adverse impact on financial markets and economic conditions in the United States and worldwide. Any such adverse impact could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to market conditions outside of our control.
 
As of December 31, 2017, our investment securities portfolio contained 471 securities in an unrealized loss position (with total unrealized losses of $13.2 million as of that date), compared to 615 securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 (with total unrealized losses of $15.7 million as of that date). Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our investment securities portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. These factors include but are not limited to rating agency downgrades of the securities, defaults by the issuer or with respect to the underlying securities, changes in market interest rates and instability in the credit markets. Any of these mentioned factors could cause an-other-than-temporary impairment or permanent impairment of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges

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which could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we have a large longer term municipal security portfolio that would decline substantially in value if interest rates increase materially.

New or changing tax, accounting, and regulatory rules and interpretations could significantly impact strategic initiatives, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.
 
The financial services industry is extensively regulated. Federal and state banking regulations are designed primarily to protect the deposit insurance funds and consumers, not to benefit a company’s stockholders. These regulations may sometimes impose significant limitations on operations. The significant federal and state banking regulations that affect us are described in this report under the heading “Item 1. Business-Supervision and Regulation”. These regulations, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, and monetary laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.

New accounting standards may result in a significant change to the Company’s recognition of credit losses and may materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 326 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" amending the incurred loss impairment methodology in current accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses (referred to as the "CECL model") and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information for credit loss estimates, which goes into effect for the Company on January 1, 2020. Under the incurred loss model, the Company delays recognition of losses until it is probable that a loss has been incurred. The CECL model represents a dramatic departure from the incurred loss model. The CECL model requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis, such as loans held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected (net of the allowance for credit losses). Similarly, the credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than a write-down. In addition, the measurement of expected credit losses will take place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet (with periodic updates thereafter) and will be based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount.

As such, the CECL model will materially impact how the Company determines its allowance for loan and lease losses and may require the Company to significantly increase its allowance for loan and lease losses. Furthermore, the Company may experience more fluctuations in its allowance for loan and lease losses, which may be significant. If the Company were required to materially increase its allowance for loan and lease losses, it may negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance and expects it to have an impact on the Company's statements of operations and financial condition, the significance of which is not yet known. The Company expects the CECL model will require the Company to recognize a one-time cumulative adjustment to the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses in order to fully transition from the incurred loss model to the CECL model, which could negatively impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

The recently enacted tax reform legislation is expected to have a significant impact on the Company, and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by the broader implications of the legislation.

H.R. 1, which was originally known as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" and was signed into law in December 2017, is expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements and customers. It will take some time for us to analyze all of the implications of this legislation. Although we realized a one-time tax benefit of $104.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting from the revaluation of our deferred tax liabilities following the enactment of the legislation and generally benefit from the legislation’s reduction in the Federal corporate income tax rate, a tax rate reduction potentially has broader implications for our operations, as the new rate could cause positive or negative effects on loan demand and on our pricing models, municipal bonds, tax credits, and other investments. The interest deduction limitation implemented by the legislation could make some businesses and industries less inclined to borrow, potentially reducing demand for our commercial loan products. Further, the legislation’s limitation on the mortgage interest deduction and state and local tax deduction for individual taxpayers could increase the after-tax cost of owning a home for some of our potential and existing customers and potentially reduce demand for, or the individual size of, the residential mortgage loans we originate.


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Financial reform legislation has, among other things, tightened capital standards and resulted in new regulations that may increase our costs of operations.
 
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law.  This law significantly changes the bank regulatory structure and affects the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years.
 
Among the many requirements in the Dodd-Frank Act for banking regulations is the requirement for capital regulations.  Generally, trust preferred securities will no longer be eligible as Tier 1 capital.  See “Item 1. Business--Supervision and Regulation--Capital Adequacy.”
 
The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, which has broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over all banks with more than $10 billion in assets.
 
In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act increased the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to examine the Company and its non-bank subsidiaries and gave the Federal Reserve Board the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for an electronic debit transaction by a payment card issuer that, together with its affiliates, has assets of $10 billion or more, and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer.  By regulation, the Federal Reserve Board has limited the fees for such a transaction to the sum of 21 cents plus five basis points times the value of the transaction, plus up to one cent for fraud prevention costs. 
 
Certain aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act remain subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years.  Compliance with this law and its implementing regulations has resulted, and will continue to result, in additional operating costs that could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations.  For additional discussion of the Dodd-Frank Act, see “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation-Regulatory Reform.”
 
We are subject to federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

Federal and state fair lending laws and regulations, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice, CFPB and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the CRA and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisition activity and restrictions on expansion activity, which could negatively impact our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Rulemaking changes implemented by the CFPB in particular are expected to result in higher regulatory and compliance costs that may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

As noted above, the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, an independent federal agency with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB's jurisdiction also extends to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository institutions with $10 billion or more in assets and their affiliates, their service providers and certain non-depository entities such as debt collectors and consumer reporting agencies.

Since its formation, the CFPB has finalized a number of significant rules that could have a significant impact on our business and the financial services industry more generally. In particular, as discussed above under “Item 1. Business--Supervision and Regulation-Consumer Protection Laws,” the CFPB has adopted rules impacting nearly every aspect of the lifecycle of a residential mortgage loan. Among other things, the rules adopted by the CFPB require banks to: (i) develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with an “ability to repay” test and identify whether a loan meets a new definition for a “qualified mortgage,” in which case a safe harbor or a rebuttable presumption exists (dependent on whether the loan is a higher priced covered transaction) that the creditor extending the loan has satisfied the ability to repay test; (ii) implement new or revised disclosures, policies and procedures for originating and servicing mortgages including, but not limited to, providing a written list of homeownership

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counseling organizations, early intervention with delinquent borrowers and specific loss mitigation procedures for loans secured by a borrower's principal residence; (iii) comply with additional restrictions on mortgage loan originator hiring and compensation; (iv) comply with new disclosure requirements and standards for appraisals and certain financial products; and (v) maintain escrow accounts for higher-priced mortgage loans for a longer period of time. The rules include the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rules. The TRID rules contain requirements and disclosure forms that are required to be provided to borrowers. The CFPB has also issued guidance which could significantly affect the automotive financing industry by subjecting indirect motorcycle and motorsport lenders, such as our subsidiary bank, to regulation as creditors under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which would make indirect lenders monitor and control certain credit policies and procedures undertaken by dealers.

Compliance with the rules and policies adopted by the CFPB may limit the products we may permissibly offer to some or all of our customers, or limit the terms on which those products may be issued, or may adversely affect our ability to conduct our business as previously conducted (including our residential mortgage and indirect lending businesses in particular). We may also be required to add compliance personnel or incur other significant compliance-related expenses. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or competitive position may be adversely affected as a result.

Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.

The USA PATRIOT and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are detected, financial institutions are obligated to file Suspicious Activity Reports with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts as well as the customer's "beneficial owners." Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions. During the last several years, several banking institutions have received large fines for non-compliance with these laws and regulations. Although we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that these policies and procedures will be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations.

We provide treasury management services to money services businesses, which include check cashers, issuers/sellers of traveler’s checks, money orders and stored value cards, and money transmitters.  Providing banking services to money service businesses exposes us to enhanced risks from noncompliance with a variety of laws and regulations.
 
We provide treasury management services to the check cashing industry, offering currency, check clearing, monetary instrument, depository and credit services.  We also provide treasury management services to money transmitters.  Financial institutions that open and maintain accounts for money services businesses are expected to apply the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and Bank Secrecy Act, as they do with all account holders, on a risk-assessed basis.  As with any category of account holder, there will be money services businesses that pose lower risk of money laundering or lack of compliance with other laws and regulations and those that pose a significant risk.  Providing treasury management services to money services businesses represent a significant compliance and regulatory risk, and failure to comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements could result in fines or sanctions.

Prepaid card products and services are subject to extensive regulatory supervision that create significant compliance and operating costs, as well as the risk of data breaches.
 
We offer prepaid gift and incentive cards to our customers.   Additionally, we provide sponsorship and issuing services to corporate clients who have developed and manage their own card programs for their customers.  Through these sponsorship and issuing relationships, we maintain the critical oversight and control responsibilities of the program, while our corporate clients take on various key management roles, including the marketing, processing and distribution of the cards. Our prepaid card products and our involvement with the card programs of our corporate clients subject us to certain risks.

Prepaid cards operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to extensive supervision and examination.   This regulatory environment includes an expectation of a comprehensive Bank Secrecy Acts/anti-money laundering oversight and monitoring program, as well as federal and state laws addressing consumer protection, escheatment, privacy and data protection.  Compliance with these laws and regulations are costly, challenging and require significant personnel resources.

The issuance and delivery of prepaid products depend on a variety of processing platforms, networks and third party service providers in order to transmit, store and communicate customer and transactional data.  If our systems, or the systems of one of our third party service providers were breached, critical data and information could be lost, compromised or misused.  These

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breaches may result in significant financial loss to customers and result in reputational damage to us and adversely affect our operating results.

Our operations rely on numerous external vendors.

We rely on numerous external vendors to provide us with products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. Accordingly, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements. The failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements because of changes in the vendor's organizational structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason, could be disruptive to our operations, which in turn could have a material negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We also could be adversely affected to the extent such an agreement is not renewed by the third party vendor or is renewed on terms less favorable to us.

Significant legal actions could subject us to substantial liabilities.
 
We are from time to time subject to claims related to our operations. These claims and legal actions, including supervisory actions by our regulators, could involve large monetary claims and significant defense costs. As a result, we may be exposed to substantial liabilities, which could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We pursue a strategy of supplementing internal growth by acquiring other financial companies or their assets and liabilities that we believe will help us fulfill our strategic objectives and enhance our earnings. There are risks associated with this strategy, including the following:

We may be exposed to potential asset quality issues or unknown or contingent liabilities of the banks, businesses, assets, and liabilities we acquire. If these issues or liabilities exceed our estimates, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially negatively affected;
Prices at which acquisitions can be made fluctuate with market conditions. We have experienced times during which acquisitions could not be made in specific markets at prices we considered acceptable and expect that we will experience this condition in the future;
The acquisition of other entities generally requires integration of systems, procedures and personnel of the acquired entity into our company to make the transaction economically successful. This integration process is complicated and time consuming and can also be disruptive to the customers of the acquired business. If the integration process is not conducted successfully and with minimal effect on the acquired business and its customers, we may not realize the anticipated economic benefits of particular acquisitions within the expected time frame, and we may lose customers or employees of the acquired business. We may also experience greater than anticipated customer losses even if the integration process is successful;
To the extent our costs of an acquisition exceed the fair value of the net assets acquired, the acquisition will generate goodwill.  As discussed below, we are required to assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually, and any goodwill impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition;
To finance an acquisition, we may borrow funds, thereby increasing our leverage and diminishing our liquidity, or raise additional capital, which could dilute the interests of our existing stockholders; and
We have completed various acquisitions in the past few years that enhanced our rate of growth.  We may not be able to continue to sustain our past rate of growth or to grow at all in the future.

New lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risks. 

From time to time, we may seek to implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed.  In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible, which could in turn have a material negative effect on our operating results.


25




Our future success is dependent on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive banking industry.
 
We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of competitors. Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive environment. To date, we have grown our business successfully by focusing on our business lines and emphasizing the high level of service and responsiveness desired by our customers. We compete for loans, deposits and other financial services with other commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, brokerage houses, mutual funds, insurance companies and specialized finance companies. Many of our competitors offer products and services which we do not offer, and many have substantially greater resources and lending limits, name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we do, and smaller newer competitors may also be more aggressive in terms of pricing loan and deposit products than we are to obtain a share of the market. Some of the financial institutions and financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as is imposed on bank holding companies, federally insured state-chartered banks and national banks and federal savings banks. In addition, increased competition among financial services companies due to the recent consolidation of certain competing financial institutions and the conversion of certain investment banks to bank holding companies may negatively affect our ability to successfully market our products and services. As a result, these competitors have certain advantages over us in accessing funding and in providing various services.

Our growth or future losses may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or the cost of that capital may be very high.
 
We are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We anticipate that our capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We may at some point need to raise additional capital to support continued growth or losses, both internally and through acquisitions. Any capital we obtain may result in the dilution of the interests of our existing stockholders.
 
Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time (which are outside our control) and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot make assurances of our ability to raise additional capital if needed, or if the terms will be acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired and our financial condition and liquidity could be materially and negatively affected.

The soundness of other financial institutions could negatively affect us.
 
Our ability to engage in routine funding and other transactions could be negatively affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. Defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and losses of depositor, creditor and counterparty confidence and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. We could experience increases in deposits and assets as a result of the difficulties or failures of other banks, which would increase the capital we need to support our growth.

The loss of certain key personnel could negatively affect our operations.
 
Our success depends in large part on the retention of a limited number of key management and other banking personnel. We could undergo a difficult transition period if we were to lose the services of any of these individuals. Our success also depends on the experience of our banking facilities’ managers and bankers and on their relationships with the customers and communities they serve. The loss of these key persons could negatively impact the affected banking operations.
 
Any inaccurate assumptions in our analytical and forecasting models could cause us to miscalculate our projected revenue or losses, which could adversely affect the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

We use analytical and forecasting models to estimate the effects of economic conditions on our financial assets and liabilities as well as our mortgage servicing rights. Those models include assumptions about interest rates and consumer behavior that may be incorrect. If our model assumptions are incorrect, improperly applied or inadequate, we may record higher than expected losses or lower than expected revenues which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


26




We rely on dividends from the Bank for substantially all of our revenue at the holding company level.

We are an entity separate and distinct from our principal subsidiary, MB Financial Bank, and derive substantially all of our revenue at the holding company level in the form of dividends from that subsidiary. Accordingly, we are, and will be, dependent upon dividends from MB Financial Bank to pay the principal of and interest on our indebtedness, to satisfy our other cash needs and to pay dividends on our common and preferred stock. MB Financial Bank's ability to pay dividends is subject to its ability to earn net income and to meet certain regulatory requirements. In the event MB Financial Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to pay dividends on our common or preferred stock. Also, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors.

If we defer payments of interest on our junior subordinated debt securities, or if certain defaults relating to those debt securities occur, we will be prohibited from declaring or paying dividends or distributions on, and from making liquidation payments with respect to, our capital stock.

As of December 31, 2017, we had outstanding $211.5 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debt securities issued in connection with the sale of trust preferred securities by certain subsidiaries that are statutory business trusts. We have also guaranteed these trust preferred securities.

As of December 31, 2017, we had ten separate series of these junior subordinated debt securities outstanding, each series having been issued under a separate indenture and with a separate guarantee. Each of these indentures, together with the related guarantee, prohibits us, subject to limited exceptions, from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on, or redeeming, repurchasing, acquiring or making any liquidation payments with respect to, any of our capital stock at any time when (i) there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the indenture or any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an event of default under the indenture; (ii) we are in default with respect to payment of any obligations under the related guarantee; or (iii) we have deferred payment of interest on the junior subordinated debt securities outstanding under that indenture. In that regard, we are entitled, at our option but subject to certain conditions, to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debt securities of each series from time to time for up to five consecutive years.

Events of default under each indenture generally consist of failure to pay interest on the junior subordinated debt securities outstanding under that indenture under certain circumstances other than pursuant to a permitted deferral, failure to pay any principal of or premium on such junior subordinated debt securities when due, failure to comply with certain covenants under the indenture, and certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation.

As a result of these provisions, if we were to be in default under the applicable indenture or under the applicable guarantee or elect to defer payments of interest on any series of junior subordinated debt securities, we would be prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends on our capital stock, from redeeming, repurchasing or otherwise acquiring any of our capital stock, and from making any payments to holders of our capital stock in the event of our liquidation, which would likely have a material negative effect on the market value of our common and preferred stock.

Our charter contains a provision which could limit the voting rights of a holder of our common stock.

Our charter provides that any person or group who acquires beneficial ownership of our common stock in excess of 14.9% of the outstanding shares may not vote the excess shares. Accordingly, if you acquire beneficial ownership of more than 14.9% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, your voting rights with respect to our common stock will not be commensurate with your economic interest in our company.

27





Anti-takeover provisions could negatively affect our stockholders.

Provisions in our charter and bylaws, the corporate laws of the state of Maryland and federal laws and regulations could delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our stockholders, or otherwise negatively affect the market value of our stock. These provisions include: a prohibition on voting shares of our common stock beneficially owned in excess of 14.9% of total shares outstanding; advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors and for proposing matters that stockholders may act on at stockholder meetings; and a requirement that only directors may fill a vacancy in our board of directors. Our charter also authorizes our board of directors to issue preferred or other stock, and preferred or other stock could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal. In addition, because we are a bank holding company, the ability of a third party to acquire us is limited by applicable banking laws and regulations. The Bank Holding Company Act requires any bank holding company to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 5% or more of any class of our voting securities. Any entity that is a holder of 25% or more of any class of our voting securities, or a holder of a lesser percentage if such holder otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over us, is subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act. Under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, any person (or persons acting in concert), other than a bank holding company, is required to notify the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 10% or more of any class of our voting securities.

We may experience future goodwill impairment.
 
If our estimates of the fair value of our goodwill change as a result of changes in our business or other factors, we may determine that an impairment charge is necessary. Estimates of fair value are based on a fairly complex model using, among other things, estimated cash flows and industry pricing multiples. Based on the Company's 2017 goodwill impairment testing of the three reporting units, banking, leasing, and mortgage banking, no reductions to goodwill were made.  If the fair values of the three reporting units were less than their book value of total common stockholders' equity, the Company will consider this and other factors, including the anticipated cash flows of each of the reporting units, to determine whether goodwill is impaired. No assurance can be given that the Company will not record an impairment loss on goodwill in the future and any such impairment loss could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our participation in the loss-share agreements with the FDIC requires that we follow certain servicing procedures, and the terms of certain loans may exceed the coverage periods under the loss-share agreements.
 
MB Financial Bank entered into loss-share agreements with the FDIC as part of the Heritage Community Bank ("Heritage"), Benchmark Bank ("Benchmark"), Broadway Bank ("Broadway"), and New Century Bank ("New Century") transactions. These loss-share agreements require that MB Financial Bank follow certain servicing procedures as specified in the agreement.  A failure to follow these procedures or any other breach of the agreement by MB Financial Bank could result in the loss of FDIC reimbursement of losses on covered loans and other real estate owned, which could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the loss-share agreements protect MB Financial Bank against losses for limited periods of time (generally ten years for single family residential real estate (consumer) loans and five years for commercial loans). To the extent MB Financial Bank continues to hold any of the covered loans following the expiration of the applicable loss-share period, it will absorb 100% of any losses. The commercial loan loss-share agreements for the Heritage and Benchmark transactions expired in March 2014 and December 2014, respectively, and the commercial loan loss-share agreements for the Broadway and New Century transactions expired in June 2015. The consumer loan loss-share agreements for the Heritage and Benchmark transactions will expire in March 2019 and December 2019, respectively, and the consumer loan loss-share agreements for the Broadway and New Century transactions will expire in June 2020.

Higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could significantly increase our non-interest expense.
 
FDIC insurance rates increased significantly in 2009, and we may pay higher FDIC premiums in the future.  The Dodd-Frank Act established 1.35% as the minimum Designated Reserve Ratio ("DRR"). The FDIC has determined that the DRR should be 2.0% and has adopted a plan under which it will meet the statutory minimum DRR of 1.35% by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the FDIC to offset the effect of the increase in the statutory minimum DRR to 1.35% from the former statutory minimum of 1.15% on institutions with assets less than $10 billion.  The FDIC has adopted a rule to implement this offset, under which institutions with assets of $10 billion or more pay a temporary surcharge.


28




Item 1B.
  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.
  Properties
 
We conduct our business at 86 banking offices located in the Chicago metropolitan area.  We own a majority of our banking center facilities.  The remaining facilities are leased.  We have 129 ATMs at our branches and at other locations.  We believe that all of our properties and equipment are well maintained, in good operating condition and adequate for all of our present and anticipated needs.  See Note 7 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding our premises and equipment.
 
We also have non-bank office locations, mainly used by our subsidiaries, in Illinois, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.  We operate 49 mortgage retail offices in 16 states. We have two non-bank office locations in Canada for MB Financial International, Inc., a subsidiary of MB Financial Bank.
 
We believe our facilities in the aggregate are suitable and adequate to operate our businesses.

Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings
 
We are involved from time to time as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course of our businesses.  While the ultimate outcome of pending proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel representing us in such proceedings, that the resolution of these proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

Item 4.
  Mine Safety Disclosures
     
Not applicable.

29




PART II
 

Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MBFI.”  There were approximately 1,634 holders of record of our common stock as of December 31, 2017.
 
The following table presents quarterly market price information and quarterly cash dividends paid per share for our common stock for 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
Market Price Range
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
Paid
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2017
 
$
47.64

 
$
42.39

 
$
0.21

Quarter ended September 30, 2017
 
45.54

 
38.29

 
0.21

Quarter ended June 30, 2017
 
45.22

 
39.20

 
0.21

Quarter ended March 31, 2017
 
48.47

 
39.97

 
0.19

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

Quarter ended December 31, 2016
 
$
48.06

 
$
35.00

 
$
0.19

Quarter ended September 30, 2016
 
39.50

 
39.12

 
0.19

Quarter ended June 30, 2016
 
36.71

 
36.19

 
0.19

Quarter ended March 31, 2016
 
33.62

 
32.78

 
0.17

 
The timing and amount of cash dividends paid depends on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other relevant factors.  The primary source for dividends paid to stockholders is dividends paid to us from MB Financial Bank and cash on hand.  We have an internal policy which provides that dividends paid to us by MB Financial Bank cannot exceed an amount that would cause the bank’s Total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, Common equity tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage capital ratios to fall below 11%, 9%, 7.5% and 7%, respectively.  These ratios are in excess of the minimum ratios required for a bank to be considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes, which are 10%, 8%, 6.5% and 5%, respectively. See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Adequacy” above. Our internal policy also requires the Company to maintain these ratios on a consolidated basis.  In addition to adhering to our internal policy, there are regulatory restrictions on the ability of national banks to pay dividends.  See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Dividends” above and Note 17 of notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.
 
The following table sets forth information for the three months ended December 31, 2017 with respect to our repurchases of our outstanding common shares:
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in Thousands)
October 1, 2017 — October 31, 2017
 

 
$

 

 
$

November 1, 2017 — November 30, 2017
 

 

 

 

December 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017
 
703

 
44.52

 

 

Total
 
703

 
$
44.52

 

 
 

 
(1) 
Includes shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards.


30




Stock Performance Presentation
 
The following line graph shows a comparison of the cumulative returns for the period beginning December 31, 2012 and ending December 31, 2017 of the Company's common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the SNL Mid Cap Bank Index. The information assumes that $100 was invested at the closing price on December 31, 2012 in the Company's common stock and each index, and that all dividends were reinvested.
 
COMPARISON OF 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
FOR MB FINANCIAL, INC., NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX
AND SNL MID CAP BANK INDEX

chart-17130af4353d5436a7e.jpg
 
 
 
Period Ending
Index
 
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013
 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2015
 
12/31/2016
 
12/31/2017
MB Financial, Inc.
 
$
100.00

 
$
165.01

 
$
172.08

 
$
172.92

 
$
257.29

 
$
245.94

NASDAQ Composite Index
 
100.00

 
140.12

 
160.78

 
171.97

 
187.22

 
242.71

SNL Mid Cap Bank Index
 
100.00

 
148.57

 
151.34

 
162.90

 
226.19

 
227.11

 


31





Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 
Set forth below and on the following page is our summary consolidated financial information and other financial data.  This information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included herein in response to Item 7 and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein in response to Item 8 (in thousands, except common share data). 

Our summary consolidated financial information and other financial data contain information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP.  These measures include net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis. A reconciliation of net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis to net interest margin is contained in the “Selected Financial Data” tables below. For additional information, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Information."

Selected Financial Data:
 
 
 
As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
 
2015
 
2014 (2)
 
2013
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
 
$
672,446

 
$
557,177

 
$
494,234

 
$
375,148

 
$
297,895

Interest expense
 
70,069

 
39,286

 
28,628

 
24,325

 
25,559

Net interest income
 
602,377


517,891


465,606


350,823


272,336

Provision for credit losses
 
21,593

 
19,563

 
21,386

 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
580,784


498,328


444,220


338,771


278,140

Non-interest income
 
366,873

 
374,903

 
322,093

 
221,305

 
154,394

Non-interest expenses
 
658,842

 
619,851

 
534,154

 
436,782

 
294,588

Income before income taxes
 
288,815


253,380


232,159


123,294


137,946

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(15,225
)
 
79,244

 
73,211

 
37,193

 
39,491

Net income
 
304,040


174,136


158,948


86,101


98,455

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred shares
 
8,007

 
8,009

 
8,000

 
4,000

 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
296,033


$
166,127


$
150,948


$
82,101


$
98,455

Common Share Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
3.53

 
$
2.16

 
$
2.03

 
$
1.32

 
$
1.81

Diluted earnings per common share
 
3.49

 
2.13

 
2.02

 
1.31

 
1.79

Book value per common share
 
32.17

 
29.43

 
26.77

 
25.58

 
24.14

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
83,836,732

 
76,968,823

 
74,177,574

 
62,012,196

 
54,509,612

Diluted
 
84,823,456

 
77,976,121

 
74,849,030

 
62,573,406

 
54,993,865

Dividend payout ratio on common stock
 
23.50
%
 
34.74
%
 
32.18
%
 
39.69
%
 
24.58
%
Cash dividends per common share
 
$
0.82

 
$
0.74

 
$
0.65

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.44

 
(1) 
On August 24, 2016, we completed the American Chartered merger. See Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained under "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
(2) 
On August 18, 2014, we completed the Taylor Capital merger. See "Item 1. Business" section.



32




Selected Financial Data (continued):
 
 
 
As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
579,221

 
$
463,469

 
$
381,441

 
$
312,081

 
$
473,459

Investment securities
 
2,481,519

 
2,909,221

 
2,930,066

 
2,723,701

 
2,352,862

Loans, gross
 
13,966,062

 
12,768,803

 
9,793,998

 
9,083,217

 
5,712,551

Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
157,710

 
139,366

 
128,140

 
110,026

 
111,746

Loans held for sale
 
548,578

 
716,883

 
744,727

 
737,209

 
629

Total assets
 
20,086,940

 
19,302,317

 
15,585,007

 
14,602,099

 
9,641,427

Deposits
 
14,958,378

 
14,110,448

 
11,505,215

 
10,990,942

 
7,381,259

Short-term and long-term borrowings
 
1,366,197

 
1,881,078

 
1,406,011

 
1,014,331

 
555,548

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
211,494

 
210,668

 
186,164

 
185,778

 
152,065

Stockholders’ equity
 
3,009,823

 
2,579,209

 
2,087,284

 
2,028,286

 
1,326,682

Performance Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return on average assets
 
1.55
%
 
1.03
%
 
1.07
%
 
0.75
%
 
1.05
%
Return on average equity
 
11.41

 
7.65

 
7.72

 
5.40

 
7.59

Return on average common equity
 
11.71

 
7.69

 
7.77

 
5.29

 
7.59

Net interest margin (1)
 
3.54

 
3.50

 
3.60

 
3.51

 
3.29

Tax equivalent effect
 
0.16

 
0.20

 
0.21

 
0.24

 
0.28

Net interest margin — fully tax equivalent basis (1) 
 
3.70


3.70


3.81


3.75


3.57

Loans to deposits
 
93.37


90.49


85.13


82.64


77.39

Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Non-performing loans to total loans (2)
 
0.55
%
 
0.46
%
 
1.07
%
 
0.96
%
 
1.87
%
Non-performing assets to total assets (3)
 
0.43

 
0.45

 
0.87

 
0.73

 
1.36

Allowance for loan and lease losses to total loans
 
1.13

 
1.09

 
1.31

 
1.21

 
1.96

Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans (2)
 
205.33

 
234.81

 
122.43

 
126.34

 
104.87

Net loan charge-offs to average loans
 
0.03

 
0.09

 
0.04

 
0.18

 
0.16

Liquidity and Capital Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
 
9.40
%
 
8.72
%
 
9.27
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
 
11.20

 
9.40

 
11.54

 
12.61
%
 
15.28
%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
 
14.23

 
11.63

 
12.54

 
13.62

 
16.53

Tier 1 capital to average assets
 
10.02

 
8.38

 
10.40

 
10.47

 
11.22

Average equity to average assets
 
13.58

 
13.45

 
13.89

 
13.96

 
13.82

Other:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Banking facilities
 
86

 
96

 
81

 
86

 
85

Full time equivalent employees
 
3,574

 
3,486

 
2,980

 
2,839

 
1,775

 
(1) 
Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets. Prior periods have been revised to reflect the revised method of annualizing interest income and interest expense. See "Net Interest Income" under "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(2) 
Non-performing loans include loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis and accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal.  Non-performing loans excludes purchased credit-impaired loans and loans held for sale.  See Note 5 in the notes to consolidated financial statements contained under "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
(3) 
Non-performing assets include non-performing loans, other real estate owned and other repossessed assets.  Non-performing assets excludes purchased credit-impaired loans, loans held for sale, and other real estate owned related to FDIC transactions.  See Note 5 in the notes to consolidated financial statements contained under "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."


33




Selected Financial Data (continued):

The following table sets forth our selected quarterly financial data (in thousands, except common share data):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended 2017
 
Three Months Ended 2016
 
 
December
 
September
 
June
 
March
 
December
 
September
 
June
 
March
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
 
$
174,966

 
$
176,570

 
$
164,999

 
$
155,911

 
$
156,734

 
$
140,911

 
$
131,540

 
$
127,992

Interest expense
 
21,573

 
19,623

 
16,005

 
12,868

 
11,520

 
10,140

 
8,938

 
8,688

Net interest income
 
153,393


156,947


148,994


143,043


145,214


130,771


122,602


119,304

Provision for credit losses
 
3,643

 
4,517

 
9,699

 
3,734

 
2,622

 
6,549

 
2,829

 
7,563

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
149,750


152,430


139,295


139,309


142,592


124,222


119,773


111,741

Non-interest income
 
89,319

 
95,264

 
90,517

 
91,773

 
92,823

 
108,387

 
92,000

 
81,693

Non-interest expenses
 
175,324

 
162,294

 
165,559

 
155,665

 
165,760

 
170,385

 
147,906

 
135,800

Income before income taxes
 
63,745


85,400


64,253


75,417


69,655


62,224


63,867


57,634

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(80,449
)
 
24,557

 
19,787

 
20,880

 
22,464

 
17,805

 
20,455

 
18,520

Net income
 
$
144,194


$
60,843


$
44,466


$
54,537


$
47,191


$
44,419


$
43,412


$
39,114

Dividends on preferred shares
 
2,000

 
2,002

 
2,002

 
2,003

 
2,005

 
2,004

 
2,000

 
2,000

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
142,194


$
58,841


$
42,464


$
52,534


$
45,186


$
42,415


$
41,412


$
37,114

Net interest margin
 
3.49
%
 
3.60
%
 
3.55
%
 
3.52
%
 
3.47
%
 
3.46
%
 
3.56
%
 
3.53
%
Tax equivalent effect
 
0.14

 
0.16

 
0.16

 
0.17

 
0.18

 
0.19

 
0.21

 
0.22

Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis
 
3.63
%

3.76
%

3.71
%

3.69
%

3.65
%

3.65
%

3.77
%

3.75
%
Common Share Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.69

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.63

 
$
0.54

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.56

 
$
0.51

Diluted earnings per common share
 
1.67

 
0.69

 
0.50

 
0.62

 
0.53

 
0.54

 
0.56

 
0.50

Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
83,946,637

 
83,891,175

 
83,842,963

 
83,662,430

 
83,484,899

 
77,506,885

 
73,475,258

 
73,330,731

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
84,964,759

 
84,779,797

 
84,767,414

 
84,778,130

 
84,674,181

 
78,683,170

 
74,180,374

 
73,966,935




34





Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Item 1A Risks Factors, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing under Item 8 of this report.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases or other public shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “should,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  These statements may relate to MB Financial, Inc.’s future financial performance, strategic plans or objectives, revenues or earnings projections, or other financial items.  By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statements.
 
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or projected include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the possibility that the actual reduction in our effective tax rate expected to result from H.R. 1, originally known as the "Tax Cut and Jobs Act" (the "Tax Reform Legislation") might be different from the estimated reduction set forth in this document; (2) the risk that funds obtained from capital raising activities will not be utilized efficiently or effectively; (3) expected revenues, cost savings, synergies, and other benefits from our merger and acquisition activities might not be realized within the expected time frames or at all and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected; (4) the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses, which could necessitate additional provisions for loan losses, resulting both from originated loans and loans acquired from other financial institutions; (5) the quality and composition of our securities portfolio; (6) competitive pressures among depository institutions; (7) interest rate movements and their impact on customer behavior, net interest margin and the value of our mortgage servicing rights; (8) the possibility that our mortgage banking business may experience increased volatility in its revenues and earnings and the possibility that the profitability of our mortgage banking business could be significantly reduced if we are unable to originate and sell mortgage loans at profitable margins or if changes in interest rates negatively impact the value of our mortgage servicing rights; (9) the impact of repricing and competitors’ pricing initiatives on loan and deposit products; (10) fluctuations in real estate values; (11) results of examinations of us and our bank subsidiary by regulatory authorities and the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, limit our business activities, require us to change our business mix, increase our allowance for loan and lease losses, write-down asset values or increase our capital levels, or affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; (12) our ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to meet customers’ needs and developments in the market place; (13) the possibility that security measures implemented might not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of a cyber attack or cyber theft, and that such security measures might not protect against systems failures or interruptions; (14) our ability to realize the residual values of our direct finance, leveraged and operating leases; (15) our ability to access cost-effective funding; (16) changes in financial markets; (17) changes in economic conditions in general and in the Chicago metropolitan area in particular; (18) the costs, effects and outcomes of litigation; (19) new legislation or regulatory changes, including but not limited to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and regulations adopted thereunder, changes in capital requirements pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, changes in the interpretation and/or application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry and changes in federal and/or state tax laws, including but not limited to the Tax Reform Legislation, or interpretations thereof by taxing authorities; (20) changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; (21) our future acquisitions of other depository institutions or lines of business; and (22) future goodwill impairment due to changes in our business, changes in market conditions, or other factors.
 
We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made.
 

35




Overview

The profitability of our operations depends primarily on our net interest income after provision for credit losses, which is the difference between interest earned on interest earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities less provision for credit losses.  The provision for credit losses is dependent on changes in our loan portfolio and management’s assessment of the collectability of our loan portfolio as well as prevailing economic and market conditions.  

Our net income is also affected by non-interest income and non-interest expenses.  During the periods under report, non-interest income included revenue from our key fee initiatives: net lease financing income, mortgage banking revenue, treasury management fees, trust and asset management fees, card fees and capital markets and international banking fees. Non-interest income also included consumer and other deposit service fees, brokerage fees, loan service fees, increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, net gain (loss) on investment securities, net gain (loss) on disposal of other assets, and other operating income. During the periods under report, non-interest expenses included salaries and employee benefits expense, occupancy and equipment expense, computer services and telecommunication expense, advertising and marketing expense, professional and legal expense, other intangibles amortization expense, branch exit and facilities impairment charges (recovery), net loss (gain) recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense, prepayment fees on interest bearing liabilities, and other operating expenses. Additionally, dividends on preferred shares reduced net income available to common stockholders.

Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of interest earning assets, interest earned on those assets, the volume and mix of interest bearing liabilities and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. Non-interest income and non-interest expenses are impacted by growth of banking, leasing and mortgage banking operations and growth in the number of loan and deposit accounts through both acquisitions and core business growth. Growth in operations affects other expenses primarily as a result of additional employee, facility and promotional marketing expense. Growth in the number of loan and deposit accounts affects other income, including service fees as well as other expenses such as computer services, supplies, postage, telecommunications and other miscellaneous expenses. Non-performing asset levels impact salaries and benefits, legal expenses and other real estate owned expenses.
 
On December 31, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of MSA Holdings, LLC ("MSA"), then the parent company of MainStreet Investment Advisors, LLC and Cambium Asset Management, LLC. The Company recorded $13.5 million in goodwill and $8.8 million in other intangibles as a result of this acquisition. See Note 2 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report for additional information. In 2017, Cambium was merged into Cedar Hill, a registered investment advisor subsidiary of MB Financial Bank which became a subsidiary of MSA following that transaction.

On August 24, 2016, the Company completed the American Chartered Bancorp, Inc. ("American Chartered") merger. Consideration paid was $487.4 million, including $382.8 million in common stock (9.7 million shares), $102.3 million in cash and $2.3 million in preferred stock and stock-based awards assumed. The results of operations acquired from American Chartered are included in the Company's 2016 results of operations for the 129 days from the date of the acquisition through December 31, 2016. See Note 2 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report for additional information.    

We had net income and net income available to common stockholders of $304.0 million and $296.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to net income and net income available to common stockholders of $174.1 million and $166.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and net income and net income available to common stockholders of $158.9 million and $150.9 million, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2015. Fully diluted earnings per common share were $3.49 for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $2.13 per common share in 2016 and $2.02 per common share in 2015.

The increase in earnings from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 was due to strong loan growth, improvements in nearly all key fee initiatives, our merger with American Chartered completed in the third quarter of 2016, and the tax benefit recognized due to the tax reform legislation, partly offset by an increase in non-interest expense. Net interest income increased by $84.5 million due to organic loan growth as well as the full year impact of the American Chartered merger. This increase was partly offset by the $39.0 million increase in non-interest expense mostly due to the full year impact of the American Chartered merger. Non-interest expense also increased due to higher salaries and employee benefits expense (new hires, annual pay increases, and $2.7 million in one-time bonuses associated with the tax reform legislation), higher branch exit and facilities impairment charges (closing of nine branches), and a $7.5 million charitable contribution associated with the tax reform legislation. In addition, the Company recognized a $104.2 million tax benefit in 2017 due to the impact of the tax reform legislation on our net deferred tax liabilities.


36




The increase in earnings from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to higher net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income increased by $52.3 million due to organic loan growth as well as the impact of the American Chartered merger. Non-interest income increased by $52.8 million primarily as a result of the $31.0 million increase in mortgage banking revenue and the $9.3 million increase in trust and asset management fees. These increases were partly offset by the $85.7 million increase in non-interest expense as a result of higher salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, computer services and telecommunication, and other operating expenses impacted by the American Chartered merger and acquisition of MSA as well as a $4.0 million charitable contribution. Non-interest expense was also higher due to the $18.2 million increase in merger related and repositioning expenses as a result of the American Chartered merger and the contingent consideration expense related to our December 2012 acquisition of Celtic. See "Non-interest Expenses" section for a detailed schedule of merger related expenses. Given Celtic's stronger than expected lease residual performance subsequent to the acquisition, we increased the fair value of the residual based contingent consideration by $3.7 million during 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which we operate.  This preparation requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, actual results could differ from the estimates, assumptions, and judgments reflected in the financial statements.  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.  Management believes the following policies are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require subjective or complex judgments; therefore, management considers the following to be critical accounting policies.  Management has reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
 
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.  The allowance for loan and lease losses is subject to the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments in management's evaluation process used to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses, which combines several factors: management's ongoing review and grading of the loan portfolio, consideration of past loan loss experience, trends in past due and non-performing loans, risk characteristics of the various classifications of loans, existing economic conditions, the fair value of underlying collateral, and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect probable credit losses. Because current economic conditions can change and future events are inherently difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly. As an integral part of their examination process, various regulatory agencies also review the allowance for loan and lease losses. Such agencies may require that certain loan balances be charged off when their credit evaluations differ from those of management or require that adjustments be made to the allowance for loan and lease losses, based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. We believe the allowance for loan and lease losses is appropriate and properly recorded in the financial statements.  See “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” section below for further analysis.
 
Residual Value of Our Direct Finance, Leveraged, and Operating Leases.  Lease residual value represents the present value of the estimated fair value of the leased equipment at the termination date of the lease.  Realization of these residual values depends on many factors, including management’s use of estimates, assumptions, and judgment to determine such values.  Several other factors outside of management’s control may reduce the residual values realized, including general market conditions at the time of expiration of the lease, whether there has been technological or economic obsolescence or unusual wear and tear on, or use of, the equipment and the cost of comparable equipment.  If, upon the expiration of a lease, we sell the equipment and the amount realized is less than the recorded value of the residual interest in the equipment, we will recognize a loss reflecting the difference.  On a quarterly basis, management reviews the lease residuals for potential impairment.  If we fail to realize our aggregate recorded residual values, our financial condition and profitability could be adversely affected.  At December 31, 2017, the aggregate residual value of the equipment leased under our direct finance, leveraged, and operating leases totaled $214.3 million compared to $178.4 million at December 31, 2016.  See Note 1 and Note 6 of our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Income Tax Accounting.  Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740 provides guidance on accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold that a tax position must meet to be recognized in the financial statements.  ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on measurement, recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $113 thousand of uncertain tax positions.  The Company elects to treat interest and penalties recognized for the underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense.  However, interest and penalties imposed by taxing authorities on issues specifically addressed in ASC Topic 740 will be taken out of the tax reserves up to the amount allocated to interest and penalties.  The amount of interest and penalties exceeding the amount allocated in the tax reserves will be treated as income tax expense.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no accrued interest related to tax reserves.  The application of income tax law is inherently complex.  Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and

37




are often ambiguous.  As such, we are required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures.  Interpretations of, and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time.  As such, changes in our subjective assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities.  ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell a financial asset or paid to transfer a financial liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
 
The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. In addition, changes in market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. Therefore, when market data is not available, the Company would use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement.
 
See Note 18 to our audited consolidated financial statements for a complete discussion on the Company’s use of fair valuation of assets and liabilities and the related measurement techniques.
 
Goodwill.  The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including core deposit and client relationship intangibles, consists of goodwill.  See Note 8 to our audited consolidated financial statements for further information regarding core deposit and client relationship intangibles.  The Company reviews goodwill to determine potential impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired, by comparing the carrying value of the reporting units with the fair value of the reporting units.
 
The Company’s annual assessment date for goodwill impairment testing is as of December 31. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had three reporting units: banking, leasing and mortgage banking. Based on the Company's goodwill impairment testing, no impairment losses were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The carrying amount of goodwill increased $2.5 million to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2017 due to the Busey staff transfer as well as adjustments recognized for the American Chartered merger.

Value of Mortgage Servicing Rights. The Company originates and sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market and may retain the right to service the loans sold. Servicing involves the collection of payments from individual borrowers and the distribution of those payments to the investors. Upon a sale of mortgage loans for which servicing rights are retained, the retained mortgage servicing rights asset is capitalized at the fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities. Purchased mortgage servicing rights are recorded at the purchase price at the date of purchase and at fair value thereafter.

Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. The Company determines the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by estimating the fair value of the future cash flows associated with the mortgage loans being serviced. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights include, but are not limited to, prepayment speeds, discount rates, delinquencies and cost to service. The assumptions used in the valuation model are validated on a periodic basis. The fair value is validated on a quarterly basis with an independent third party. Material discrepancies between the internal valuation and the third party valuation are analyzed and an internal committee determines whether or not an adjustment is required.

The Company has elected to account for mortgage servicing rights using the fair value option. Changes in the fair value are recognized in mortgage banking revenue on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  Refer to Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective dates of adoption and effects or expected effects on our results of operations and financial condition.
 

38




Non-GAAP Financial Information

This report contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. These measures include net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis, net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis excluding the effect of the acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through the Taylor Capital and American Chartered mergers ("bank mergers"). Our management uses these non-GAAP measures, together with the related GAAP measures, in its analysis of our performance and in making business decisions. The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 35% tax rate. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis, and accordingly believes that providing these measures may be useful for peer comparison purposes. Management also believes that presenting net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis excluding the effect of the acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through the bank mergers is useful in assessing the impact of acquisition accounting on net interest margin, as the effect of loan discount accretion is expected to decrease as the acquired loans mature or roll off our balance sheet. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for the results determined to be in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Reconciliations of net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis to net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis excluding the effect of the acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through the bank mergers to net interest margin are contained in the tables under “Net Interest Income.”

Net Interest Income
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest earning assets and the related yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest bearing liabilities, and the related costs, expressed both in dollars and rates (dollars in thousands).  The table below and the discussion that follows contain presentations of net interest income and net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis, which is adjusted for the tax-favored status of income from certain loans and investments.  Net interest margin also is presented on a tax-equivalent basis in “Item 6 Selected Financial Data.”  We believe this measure to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income, as it provides a relevant comparison between taxable and non-taxable amounts. The table below and the discussion that follows also contains presentations of net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis excluding the effect of acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through the bank mergers.
 
Reconciliations of net interest income and net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis and net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis excluding the effect of acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through bank mergers to net interest income and net interest margin in accordance with GAAP are provided in the table. For additional information, see "Non-GAAP Financial Information."

We have revised the method of annualizing interest income and interest expense for the calculation of net interest margin, net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis excluding the effect of acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through the bank mergers to take into account the day count interest payment convention at the interest earning asset or interest bearing liability level. Among the most common conventions are 30/360 or 365, actual/360 or 365, and actual/actual. Prior period net interest margin, net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis excluding the effect of acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through bank mergers have been revised to reflect this change in method and have decreased by approximately three to four basis points compared to what was previously reported for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.



39




 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Yield/
 
Average
 
 
 
Yield/
 
Average
 
 
 
Yield/
 
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans held for sale
 
$
632,927

 
$
22,801

 
3.60
 %
 
$
771,384

 
$
26,450

 
3.43
 %
 
$
740,975

 
$
26,804

 
3.62
 %
Loans (1) (2) (3)
 
12,986,256

 
564,433

 
4.31

 
10,489,352

 
441,427

 
4.16

 
8,815,956

 
377,520

 
4.24

Loans exempt from federal income taxes (4)
 
336,086

 
16,408

 
4.82

 
368,108

 
17,109

 
4.57

 
331,323

 
14,335

 
4.27

Taxable investment securities
 
1,472,596

 
33,975

 
2.31

 
1,576,836

 
35,571

 
2.26

 
1,538,709

 
39,299

 
2.55

Investment securities exempt from federal income taxes (4)
 
1,261,295

 
60,336

 
4.78

 
1,331,323

 
64,649

 
4.86

 
1,282,909

 
63,037

 
4.91

Federal funds sold
 
64

 
1

 
1.45

 
37

 
0

 
1.00

 
70

 
1

 
0.99

Other interest bearing deposits
 
182,651

 
1,353

 
0.74

 
106,075

 
587

 
0.55

 
117,344

 
318

 
0.27

Total interest earning assets
 
16,871,875

 
$
699,307

 
4.11

 
14,643,115

 
$
585,793

 
3.97

 
12,827,286

 
$
521,314

 
4.04

Non-interest earning assets
 
2,758,432

 
 

 
 

 
2,281,357

 
 

 
 

 
2,000,598

 
 

 
 

Total assets
 
$
19,630,307

 
 

 
 

 
$
16,924,472

 
 

 
 

 
$
14,827,884

 
 

 
 

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market, NOW, and interest bearing deposits
 
$
4,689,676

 
$
16,008

 
0.34
 %
 
$
4,185,129

 
$
9,027

 
0.22
 %
 
$
4,053,848

 
$
7,060

 
0.17
 %
Savings deposit
 
1,114,936

 
1,267

 
0.11

 
1,053,429

 
837

 
0.08

 
962,221

 
502

 
0.05

Certificates of deposit
 
2,232,171

 
23,410

 
1.05

 
1,903,503

 
15,715

 
0.83

 
1,769,979

 
12,096

 
0.68

Short-term borrowings
 
1,558,501

 
14,697

 
0.94

 
1,131,560

 
4,195

 
0.37

 
933,530

 
1,412

 
0.15

Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes
 
571,462

 
14,687

 
2.50

 
589,559

 
9,512

 
1.58

 
297,990

 
7,558

 
2.50

Total interest bearing liabilities
 
10,166,746

 
$
70,069

 
0.69

 
8,863,180

 
$
39,286

 
0.44

 
8,017,568

 
$
28,628

 
0.36

Non-interest bearing deposits
 
6,314,086

 
 

 
 

 
5,351,197

 
 

 
 

 
4,381,030

 
 

 
 

Other non-interest bearing liabilities
 
484,564

 
 

 
 

 
433,202

 
 

 
 

 
370,374

 
 

 
 

Stockholders’ equity
 
2,664,911

 
 

 
 

 
2,276,893

 
 

 
 

 
2,058,912

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
19,630,307

 
 

 
 

 
$
16,924,472

 
 

 
 

 
$
14,827,884

 
 

 
 

Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)
 
 

 
$
629,238

 
3.42
 %
 
 

 
$
546,507

 
3.53
 %
 
 

 
$
492,686

 
3.68
 %
Less: taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 

 
26,861

 
 

 
 

 
28,616

 
 

 
 

 
27,080

 
 

Net interest income, as reported
 
 

 
$
602,377

 
 

 
 

 
$
517,891

 
 

 
 

 
$
465,606

 
 

Net interest margin (6)
 
 

 
 

 
3.54
 %
 
 

 
 

 
3.50
 %
 
 

 
 

 
3.60
 %
Tax equivalent effect
 
 

 
 

 
0.16
 %
 
 

 
 

 
0.20
 %
 
 

 
 

 
0.21
 %
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)
 
 

 
 

 
3.70
 %
 
 

 
 

 
3.70
 %
 
 

 
 

 
3.81
 %
Effect of acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through bank mergers
 
 
 
 
 
(0.18
)%
 
 
 
 
 
(0.21
)%
 
 
 
 
 
(0.28
)%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis, excluding the effect of acquisition accounting discount accretion on loans acquired through bank mergers
 
 
 
 
 
3.52
 %
 
 
 
 
 
3.49
 %
 
 
 
 
 
3.53
 %
 
(1)       Non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2)       Interest income includes amortization of net deferred loan origination fees and costs.
(3)       Loans held for sale are included in the average loan balance listed.  Related interest income is included in loan interest income.
(4)       Non-taxable loan and investment income is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a 35% tax rate.
(5)       Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities and is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis.
(6)       Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

Net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis were impacted by the American Chartered merger for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and by the Taylor Capital merger for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. Acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at fair value as required by the acquisition method of accounting. Fair value adjustments (premiums or discounts) are amortized or accreted into net interest income over the remaining terms of the related interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.
    
Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis increased $82.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in net interest income was due to organic loan growth and the full year impact of the interest earning assets acquired through the American Chartered merger. Net interest income in 2017 included interest income of $27.8 million resulting from accretion of the acquisition accounting discount recorded on loans acquired in the bank mergers compared to $28.8 million in 2016, which increased the net interest margin by 18 and 21 basis points, respectively. The net interest margin, expressed on a fully tax equivalent basis, was 3.70% for 2017 and 2016. Excluding the acquisition accounting loan discount accretion, our net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis would have been 3.52% for 2017 and 3.49% for 2016. This three basis point increase was mostly due to an increase in average loan yields partly offset by an increase in cost of deposits and borrowings.

Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis increased $53.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in net interest income was due to organic loan growth and the interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities acquired through the American Chartered merger. In addition, net interest income in 2016 included interest income of $28.8 million resulting from accretion of the acquisition accounting discount recorded on loans acquired in the bank mergers compared to $33.6 million in 2015, which increased the net interest margin by 21 and 28 basis points, respectively. The net interest margin, expressed on a fully tax equivalent basis, was 3.70% for 2016 and 3.81% for

40




2015. Excluding the acquisition accounting loan discount accretion, our net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis would have been 3.49% for 2016 and 3.53% for 2015. This four basis point decrease was mostly due to a decrease in average yields earned on investment securities and an increase in cost of deposits and borrowings.
 
Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
The following table presents the extent to which changes in volume and interest rates of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities have affected our interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rate), (ii) changes attributable to changes in rates (changes in rates multiplied by prior period volume) and (iii) change attributable to a combination of changes in rate and volume (change in rates multiplied by the changes in volume) (in thousands).  Changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate (in thousands).
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017 Compared to 2016
 
2016 Compared to 2015
 
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans held for sale
 
$
(4,935
)
 
$
1,286

 
$
(3,649
)
 
$
1,075

 
$
(1,429
)
 
$
(354
)
Loans
 
108,107

 
14,899

 
123,006

 
70,524

 
(6,617
)
 
63,907

Loans exempt from federal income taxes (1)
 
(1,536
)
 
835

 
(701
)
 
1,664

 
1,110

 
2,774

Taxable investment securities
 
(2,391
)
 
795

 
(1,596
)
 
954

 
(4,682
)
 
(3,728
)
Investment securities exempt from federal income taxes (1)
 
(3,361
)
 
(952
)
 
(4,313
)
 
2,358

 
(746
)
 
1,612

Federal funds sold
 

 
1

 
1

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Other interest bearing deposits
 
521

 
245

 
766

 
(33
)
 
302

 
269

Total increase (decrease) in interest income
 
96,405

 
17,109

 
113,514

 
76,541

 
(12,062
)
 
64,479

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market, NOW, and interest bearing deposits
 
1,197

 
5,784

 
6,981

 
235

 
1,732

 
1,967

Savings deposits
 
52

 
378

 
430

 
51

 
284

 
335

Certificates of deposits
 
3,000

 
4,695

 
7,695

 
963

 
2,656

 
3,619

Short-term borrowings
 
2,063

 
8,439

 
10,502

 
355

 
2,428

 
2,783

Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes
 
(301
)
 
5,476

 
5,175

 
5,433

 
(3,479
)
 
1,954

Total increase in interest expense
 
6,011

 
24,772

 
30,783

 
7,037

 
3,621

 
10,658

Total increase (decrease) in net interest income
 
$
90,394

 
$
(7,663
)
 
$
82,731

 
$
69,504

 
$
(15,683
)
 
$
53,821


(1)      Non-taxable loan and investment income is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a 35% rate. 

41




Non-interest Income

The following table presents non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage banking revenue
 
$
106,723

 
$
148,469

 
$
(41,746
)
 
(28.1
)%
Lease financing revenue, net
 
86,587

 
73,486

 
13,101

 
17.8

Treasury management fees
 
58,930

 
50,620

 
8,310

 
16.4

Trust and asset management fees
 
34,744

 
32,872

 
1,872

 
5.7

Card fees
 
18,596

 
16,071

 
2,525

 
15.7

Capital markets and international banking fees
 
15,708

 
13,332

 
2,376

 
17.8

Consumer and other deposit service fees
 
13,333

 
13,308

 
25

 
0.2

Brokerage fees
 
4,321

 
4,654

 
(333
)
 
(7.2
)
Loan service fees
 
8,317

 
7,457

 
860

 
11.5

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
5,421

 
4,075

 
1,346

 
33.0

Net gain on investment securities
 
562

 
447

 
115

 
25.7

Net loss on disposal of other assets
 
(2,323
)
 
(794
)
 
(1,529
)
 
192.6

Other operating income
 
15,954

 
10,906

 
5,048

 
46.3

Total non-interest income
 
$
366,873

 
$
374,903

 
$
(8,030
)
 
(2.1
)%
NM - not meaningful

Non-interest income decreased by $8.0 million, or 2.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.

Mortgage banking revenue decreased due to lower mortgage origination volume (a result of rising rates) and lower gain on sale margin. Additionally, mortgage servicing revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 was positively impacted by fair value changes of mortgage servicing rights net of the related economic hedge activity.
Leasing financing revenues increased as a result of higher rental income due to increased operating leases, fees from the sale of third-party equipment maintenance contracts driven by contract renewals, consulting revenue, and promotional income.
Treasury management fees increased due to new customer activity as well as the increased customer base as a result of the American Chartered merger.
Card fees increased due to higher debit and credit fees as a result of increased customer activity.
Capital markets and international banking services fees increased due mostly to higher swap and syndication fees as well as foreign currency activity.
Other operating income increased due to the recovery of a low to moderate income real estate investment and the increase in market value of assets held in trust for deferred compensation.

42





The following table presents non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage banking revenue
 
$
148,469

 
$
117,426

 
$
31,043

 
26.4
 %
Lease financing revenue, net
 
73,486

 
76,581

 
(3,095
)
 
(4.0
)
Treasury management fees
 
50,620

 
45,283

 
5,337

 
11.8

Trust and asset management fees
 
32,872

 
23,545

 
9,327

 
39.6

Card fees
 
16,071

 
15,322

 
749

 
4.9

Capital markets and international banking fees
 
13,332

 
8,148

 
5,184

 
63.6

Consumer and other deposit service fees
 
13,308

 
13,282

 
26

 
0.2

Brokerage fees
 
4,654

 
5,754

 
(1,100
)
 
(19.1
)
Loan service fees
 
7,457

 
6,259

 
1,198

 
19.1

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
4,075

 
3,391

 
684

 
20.2

Net gain (loss) on investment securities
 
447

 
(176
)
 
623

 
354.0

Net loss on disposal of other assets
 
(794
)
 
(2
)
 
(792
)
 
            NM
Other operating income
 
10,906

 
7,280

 
3,626

 
49.8

Total non-interest income
 
$
374,903

 
$
322,093

 
$
52,810

 
16.4
 %
NM - not meaningful

Non-interest income increased by $52.8 million, or 16.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

Mortgage banking revenue increased due to higher gain on sale margin and higher mortgage servicing fees.
Leasing revenues decreased due to lower residual gains partly offset by higher fees from the sale of third-party equipment maintenance contracts.
Treasury management fees increased due to new customer activity as well as the increased customer base as a result of the American Chartered merger.
Trust and asset management fees increased due to the addition of new customers as well as the acquisitions of MSA on December 31, 2015 and the Illinois court-appointed guardianship and special needs trust business in the third quarter of 2015.
Capital markets and international banking services fees increased due to higher swap, M&A advisory and syndication fees.
Other operating income increased due to higher earnings from investments in Small Business Investment Companies.


43




Non-interest Expenses

The following table presents non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
419,179

 
$
400,501

 
$
18,678

 
4.7
 %
Occupancy and equipment expense
 
62,556

 
57,130

 
5,426

 
9.5

Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
40,591

 
43,468

 
(2,877
)
 
(6.6
)
Advertising and marketing expense
 
12,235

 
11,971

 
264

 
2.2

Professional and legal expense
 
10,207

 
12,879

 
(2,672
)
 
(20.7
)
Other intangibles amortization expense
 
8,193

 
7,305

 
888

 
12.2

Branch exit and facilities impairment charges
 
8,353

 
(2,709
)
 
11,062

 
408.3

Net loss (gain) recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense
 
1,344

 
(1,599
)
 
2,943

 
184.1

Other operating expenses
 
96,184

 
90,905

 
5,279

 
5.8

Total non-interest expenses
 
$
658,842

 
$
619,851

 
$
38,991

 
6.3
 %
 
Non-interest expense increased by $39.0 million, or 6.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 mostly due to the full year impact of the American Chartered merger. Non-interest expenses include $9.1 million and $23.7 million in merger related and repositioning expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased due to new hires, annual pay increases, and the full year impact of the increased staff from the American Chartered merger. In addition, the Company recognized $2.7 million in one-time bonuses as a result of the enactment of the Tax Reform Legislation. These increases were partly offset by a decrease in mortgage volume related commissions.
Occupancy and equipment expense increased due to higher depreciation and property tax expenses mainly the result of the American Chartered merger.
Computer services and telecommunication expense decreased due to less merger expenses related to the American Chartered merger.
Professional and legal expense decreased due to less merger related expenses and legal fees partly offset by higher consulting fees.
Branch exit and facilities impairment charges increased as a result of the closing of nine branches in 2017. The prior year included a reversal of an exit cost due to a favorable lease termination on a branch acquired through the Taylor Capital merger.
Non-interest expense was also impacted by net losses on other real estate properties compared to net gains recognized in the prior year.
Other operating expenses increased due to a $7.5 million contribution to the MB Financial Charitable Foundation (compared to a $4.0 million contribution in 2016) and higher FDIC premiums as a result of a larger balance sheet.


44




The following table presents non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
400,501

 
$
343,531

 
$
56,970

 
16.6
 %
Occupancy and equipment expense
 
57,130

 
50,510

 
6,620

 
13.1

Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
43,468

 
34,453

 
9,015

 
26.2

Advertising and marketing expense
 
11,971

 
10,072

 
1,899

 
18.9

Professional and legal expense
 
12,879

 
11,053

 
1,826

 
16.5

Other intangibles amortization expense
 
7,305

 
6,115

 
1,190

 
19.5

Branch exit and facilities impairment charges
 
(2,709
)
 
8,515

 
(11,224
)
 
(131.8
)
Net (gain) loss recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense
 
(1,599
)
 
1,468

 
(3,067
)
 
(208.9
)
Prepayment fees on interest bearing liabilities
 

 
85

 
(85
)
 
(100.0
)
Other operating expenses
 
90,905

 
68,352

 
22,553

 
33.0

Total non-interest expenses
 
$
619,851

 
$
534,154

 
$
85,697

 
16.0
 %

Non-interest expense increased by $85.7 million, or 16.0%, from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016. Non-interest expenses include $23.7 million and $5.5 million in merger related and repositioning expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased due to the following:
Salaries expense increased due to new hires, annual pay increases effective in the beginning of the second quarter and increased staff from the American Chartered merger and the acquisition of MSA.
Bonus expense increased based on company performance in 2016 as well as the increase in staff.
Other salaries and benefits expense increased due to increased temporary help in our IT, mortgage and other support areas as well as higher 401(k) match and profit sharing contribution expense and payroll taxes as a result of the increase in staff.
Occupancy and equipment expense increased due to higher depreciation, property tax and rental operating expenses as a result of the acquisition of MSA and the American Chartered merger as well as new offices opened within our Mortgage Banking Segment.
Computer services and telecommunication expense increased due to higher processing costs as a result of the increased customer base, from organic growth and the American Chartered merger, and investments in systems.
Advertising and marketing expense increased due to increased brand awareness advertising.
Professional and legal expense increased due to increased litigation and consulting fees.
Other intangible amortization expense was higher due to the customer and core deposit intangibles recorded as a result of the acquisition of MSA and the American Chartered merger, respectively.
Branch exit and facilities impairment charges decreased as a result of a reversal of an exit cost due to a favorable lease termination in 2016 on a branch acquired through the Taylor Capital merger.
Non-interest expense was also impacted by higher gains recognized on other real estate owned properties.
Other operating expenses increased due to higher FDIC premiums (as a result of MB Financial Bank, N.A. (the "Bank") exceeding $10 billion in assets), filing and other loan expense and card expenses (higher rewards and product development expense) as well as the contingent consideration expense related to our December 2012 acquisition of Celtic and a $4.0 million charitable contribution.


45




The following table presents the detail of the merger related and repositioning expenses (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Merger related and repositioning expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
2,728

 
$
13,327

 
$
(176
)
   Occupancy and equipment expense
 
129

 
207

 
275

   Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
247

 
4,702

 
306

   Advertising and marketing expense
 
5

 
123

 
2

   Professional and legal expense
 
143

 
2,037

 
2,460

   Branch exit and facilities impairment charges
 
6,594

 
(2,864
)
 
8,515

   Contingent consideration expense (1)
 
(454
)
 
3,703

 

   Other operating expenses
 
(253
)
 
2,477

 
(5,876
)
Total merger related and repositioning expenses
 
$
9,139

 
$
23,712

 
$
5,506


(1) 
Resides in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

In 2017, merger related and repositioning expenses included costs incurred in connection with the American Chartered merger, branch exit and facilities impairment charges related to the closing of nine branches, and an increase in contingent consideration expense related to our acquisition of Celtic as well as a decrease related to our acquisition of MSA.
    
In 2016, merger related and repositioning expenses primarily included costs incurred in connection with the American Chartered merger, a reversal of an exit cost due to a favorable lease termination on a branch acquired through the Taylor Capital merger and contingent consideration expense related to our acquisition of Celtic.

In 2015, merger related and repositioning expenses mostly included professional and legal expense related to the acquisition of MSA and the American Chartered merger, branch exit and facilities impairment charges on facilities we closed in connection with the Taylor Capital merger and the reversal of an accrual for a potential contingent loss we assumed in connection with the Taylor Capital merger that we currently believe is no longer required.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a benefit of $15.2 million compared to expense of $79.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.  The decrease was mainly due to the enactment of the Tax Reform Legislation, which, among other changes, reduced the Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the Tax Reform Legislation, we were required to revalue our net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017 which resulted in a tax benefit of $104.2 million. This revaluation is considered provisional as of December 31, 2017. The decrease in income tax expense was also attributable to tax benefits of $9.0 million associated with stock-based compensation, the impact of the July 1, 2017 Illinois income tax rate increase on our Illinois deferred tax assets, a reversal of a tax liability no longer needed related to two of our acquired entities and a reduction in tax accruals attributable to compensation. The tax expense or benefit related to the vesting of restricted shares and exercises of stock options can fluctuate from period to period based on the level of overall activity and changes in the market value of our common shares.

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $79.2 million compared to $73.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in our pre-tax income during the year ended December 31, 2016 partially offset by the $1.8 million income tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation as a result of the adoption of new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" in the third quarter of 2016. 

46





The following table presents information on our income tax rate (dollars in thousands):
 
Year Ended
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Income before income taxes - as reported
$
288,815

 
$
253,380

 
$
232,159

Tax at Federal statutory rate (35%)
101,085

 
88,683

 
81,256

Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 
 
 
 
Tax exempt income, net
(19,053
)
 
(19,646
)
 
(18,096
)
State tax expense (benefit), net of Federal impact
12,695

 
10,030

 
9,256

Other items, net
1,397

 
1,631

 
1,752

Tax expense before discrete items
96,124

 
80,698

 
74,168

Income tax rate before discrete items (effective tax rate)
33.3
 %
 
31.8
%
 
31.9
%
Discrete tax expense (benefit) items (1)
(2,682
)
 
(2,954
)
 
(1,475
)
Discrete tax benefit corporate tax rate changes (2)
(106,563
)
 

 

Discrete tax expense (benefit) merger related items (3)
(2,104
)
 
1,500

 
518

Income tax (benefit) expense - as reported
$
(15,225
)
 
$
79,244

 
$
73,211

Income tax rate
(5.3
)%
 
31.3
%
 
31.5
%

(1) 
Includes tax benefits on the vesting of restricted shares, exercise of options and other compensation, changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as a $2.1 million increase in state income tax accruals as a result of income allocation to high income tax rate jurisdictions in 2017.
(2) 
Includes tax benefit due to the impact of the Illinois state income tax rate increase (effective July 1, 2017) on our deferred tax assets and the impact of the Federal income tax rate decrease due to the Tax Reform Legislation (enacted on December 22, 2017) on our net deferred tax liabilities.
(3) 
Includes reversals of a tax liability in 2017 no longer needed specifically related to two entities we acquired and certain non-deductible merger related items.
 
As previously stated in the “Critical Accounting Policies” section above, income tax expense recorded in the consolidated statement of operations involves interpretation and application of certain accounting pronouncements and federal and state tax codes, and is, therefore, considered a critical accounting policy.  See Note 1 and Note 15 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for our income tax accounting policy and additional income tax information.

Operating Segments

The Company's operations consist of three reportable operating segments: Banking, Leasing and Mortgage Banking. Our Banking Segment generates revenues primarily from its lending, deposit gathering and fee business activities. Our Leasing Segment generates revenues through lease originations and related services. Our Mortgage Banking Segment originates residential mortgage loans for sale to investors through its retail and third party origination channels as well as residential mortgage loans held in our loan portfolio. The Mortgage Banking Segment also services residential mortgage loans owned by investors and the Company.

Net income from our Banking Segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $46.1 million to $180.9 million compared to the prior year. This increase in net income was due to an increase in net interest income, driven by growth in our legacy loan portfolio and the full year impact of the interest earning assets acquired through the American Chartered merger, and an increase in other non-interest income. This increase was partly offset by higher salaries and employee benefits expense due to annual pay increases, new hires, and the full year impact of the increased staff from the American Chartered merger. Net income also increased as a result of a $6.5 million tax benefit as a result of the Tax Reform Legislation.

Net income from our Leasing Segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $65.2 million to $85.9 million compared to the prior year. This increase in net income was mainly due to a $65.3 million tax benefit as a result of the Tax Reform Legislation. In addition, lease financing revenues increased compared to the prior year as a result of higher rental income due to increased operating leases, fees from the sale of third-party equipment maintenance contracts driven by contract renewals, consulting revenue, and promotional income. The increase in lease financing revenues was mostly offset by an increase in provision for credit losses (greater loan charge-offs) and salaries and employee benefits expense (increased salaries related to the investment in sales and other revenue generating staff and increased commissions due to higher lease financing revenues).


47




Net income from our Mortgage Banking Segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $18.6 million to $37.3 million compared to the prior year. This increase in net income was mainly due to an increase in net interest income (higher average loan balances), a decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense (lower origination volume and decrease in number of employees excluding staff transferred from Busey Bank in December 2017), and a $32.4 million tax benefit as a result of the Tax Reform Legislation. These favorable variances were partly offset by the decrease in mortgage banking revenue. Mortgage origination revenue decreased due to lower mortgage origination volume and lower gain on sale margin. Mortgage servicing revenue decreased as mortgage servicing revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 was positively impacted by fair value changes of mortgage servicing rights net of the related economic hedge activity.

Balance Sheet
 
Total assets increased $784.6 million, or 4.1%, from December 31, 2016 to $20.1 billion at December 31, 2017 due to growth in loans partly offset by a decrease in investment securities. 

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $115.8 million, or 25.0%, from December 31, 2016 to $579.2 million at December 31, 2017.

Investment securities decreased $427.7 million, or 14.7%, from December 31, 2016 to $2.5 billion at December 31, 2017 as a result of principal payments on our mortgage-backed securities and a decrease in our corporate bonds due to calls and maturities.

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans and loans held for sale, increased from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 by $1.2 billion, or 9.8%, driven by increases in commercial, commercial real estate, and residential real estate loan balances.

Lease investments, net, increased by $97.7 million, or 31.4%, due to increased originations of operating leases.

Goodwill increased by $2.5 million, or 0.3%, due to the Busey staff transfer and adjustments recognized for the American Chartered merger.
 
Total liabilities increased by $354.0 million, or 2.1%, from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017

Total deposits increased by $847.9 million, or 6.0%, to $15.0 billion at December 31, 2017 from $14.1 billion at December 31, 2016, with about half of the growth driven by low-cost deposits and the remaining by certificates of deposit.

Total borrowings decreased by $514.1 million, or 24.6%, to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2017. The decrease in total borrowings was due to the decrease in short-term FHLB advances partly offset by the issuance by the Bank of $175.0 million in subordinated notes in November 2017.

Total stockholders’ equity increased $430.6 million at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 mainly as a result of the $194.7 million net proceeds of the issuance of depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the Company’s 6.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, in November 2017 and earnings for the year net of dividends declared. Of the net proceeds of the issuance of the Series C depositary shares, $100.0 million were utilized by the Company to redeem all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (which had an annual dividend rate of 8.00%) on February 15, 2018 and $20.0 million will be utilized by the Company for the redemption on March 19, 2018 of the Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures relating to certain of the Company’s trust preferred securities.

Investment Securities
 
The primary purpose of the investment portfolio is to provide a source of earnings, be a source of liquidity, and serve as a tool for managing interest rate risk.  In managing the portfolio, we seek to balance safety of principal and liquidity, and diversification considerations with maximum return.  See “Liquidity” and “Capital Resources” in this Item 7 and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Asset Liability Management” under Item 7A.
 

48




The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our investment securities, by type of security as indicated (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Available for sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
23,013

 
$
23,007

 
$
23,267

 
$
23,415

 
$
63,805

 
$
64,611

States and political subdivisions
 
363,813

 
379,325

 
376,541

 
391,365

 
373,285

 
396,367

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
861,594

 
852,699

 
988,744

 
983,684

 
759,816

 
763,549

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
71,554

 
72,035

 
91,949

 
93,008

 
128,509

 
130,107

Corporate bonds
 
70,155

 
70,197

 
193,164

 
193,895

 
222,784

 
219,628

Equity securities
 
11,236

 
11,063

 
11,000

 
10,828

 
10,757

 
10,761

   Total Available for Sale
 
1,401,365

 
1,408,326

 
1,684,665

 
1,696,195

 
1,558,956

 
1,585,023

Held to maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
878,400

 
910,512

 
910,608

 
929,178

 
1,016,519

 
1,052,755

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
80,682

 
81,943

 
159,142

 
164,562

 
214,291

 
222,012

   Total Held to Maturity
 
959,082

 
992,455

 
1,069,750

 
1,093,740

 
1,230,810

 
1,274,767

   Total
 
$
2,360,447

 
$
2,400,781

 
$
2,754,415

 
$
2,789,935

 
$
2,789,766

 
$
2,859,790

 
Fannie Mae-issued mortgage-backed securities included in the available for sale and held to maturity portfolios had an aggregate book value and market value of $414.5 million and $410.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.  Freddie Mac-issued mortgage-backed securities included in the available for sale and held to maturity portfolios had an aggregate book value and market value of $286.1 million and $283.7 million at December 31, 2017, respectively.  We do not have any meaningful direct or indirect holdings of subprime residential mortgage investment securities, home equity lines of credit investment securities, or any Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac preferred or common equity securities in our investment portfolio. 

     The Company has no direct exposure to the State of Illinois, but approximately 20% of the state and political subdivisions portfolio consisted of securities issued by municipalities in Illinois at December 31, 2017.  Approximately 26% of state and political subdivisions securities were insured and approximately 95% of our state and political subdivisions securities consisted of general obligation issues at December 31, 2017.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding contractual maturities and the weighted average yields of our investment securities at December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Due in One
Year or Less
 
Due after One
Year through
Five Years
 
Due after Five
Years through
Ten Years
 
Due after
Ten Years
 
 
Balance
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Balance
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Balance
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Balance
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
Available for sale (fair value)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
17,896

 
1.54
%
 
$
5,111

 
1.96
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
States and political subdivision (1)
 
25,509

 
3.33

 
146,162

 
3.23

 
43,290

 
2.85

 
164,364

 
3.56

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)
 
213

 
1.75

 
9,427

 
1.90

 
265,386

 
2.03

 
577,673

 
2.22

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (2)
 
1

 
1.83

 
41,699

 
2.95

 

 

 
30,335

 
3.75

Corporate bonds
 
70,197

 
2.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
11,063

 
2.17

   Total Available for Sale
 
113,816

 
2.64

 
202,399

 
3.08

 
308,676

 
2.15
%
 
783,435

 
2.56

Held to maturity (amortized cost)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivision (1)
 
36,424

 
2.10

 
188,783

 
3.12

 
183,390

 
3.33

 
469,803

 
2.95

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
80,682

 
4.72

   Total Held to Maturity
 
36,424

 
2.10

 
188,783

 
3.12

 
183,390

 
3.33

 
550,485

 
3.21

   Total
 
$
150,240

 
2.51
%
 
$
391,182

 
3.10
%
 
$
492,066

 
2.59
%
 
$
1,333,920

 
2.83
%

(1)   Yield is reflected on a fully tax equivalent basis utilizing a 35% tax rate.
(2)   These securities are presented based upon contractual maturities.

49





Loan Portfolio
 
The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Commercial related loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
4,786,180

 
34
%
 
$
4,346,506

 
34
%
 
$
3,616,286

 
37
%
 
$
3,245,206

 
36
%
 
$
1,281,377

 
22
%
Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,113,135

 
15

 
2,002,976

 
16

 
1,779,072

 
18

 
1,692,258

 
18

 
1,494,188

 
26

Commercial real estate
 
4,147,529

 
30

 
3,788,016

 
29

 
2,695,676

 
27

 
2,544,867

 
28

 
1,647,700

 
29

Construction real estate
 
406,849

 
3

 
518,562

 
4

 
252,060

 
3

 
247,068

 
3

 
141,253

 
3

Total commercial related loans
 
11,453,693

 
82

 
10,656,060

 
83

 
8,343,094

 
85

 
7,729,399

 
85

 
4,564,518

 
80

Other loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
1,432,458

 
10

 
1,060,828

 
8

 
628,169

 
6

 
503,287

 
5

 
314,440

 
5

Indirect vehicle
 
667,928

 
4

 
541,680

 
4

 
384,095

 
4

 
268,840

 
3

 
262,632

 
5

Home equity
 
219,098

 
2

 
266,377

 
2

 
216,573

 
2

 
251,909

 
3

 
268,289

 
5

Other consumer
 
73,141

 
1

 
80,781

 
1

 
80,661

 
1

 
78,137

 
1

 
66,952

 
1

Total other loans
 
2,392,625

 
17

 
1,949,666

 
15

 
1,309,498

 
13

 
1,102,173


12

 
912,313

 
16

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans
 
13,846,318


99


12,605,726


98


9,652,592


98


8,831,572


97


5,476,831


96

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 
119,744

 
1

 
163,077

 
2

 
141,406

 
2

 
251,645

 
3

 
235,720

 
4

Total loans
 
$
13,966,062

 
100
%
 
$
12,768,803

 
100
%
 
$
9,793,998

 
100
%
 
$
9,083,217

 
100
%
 
$
5,712,551

 
100
%
 
Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired, increased from 2016 to 2017 by $1.2 billion, or 9.8%, driven by increases in commercial, commercial real estate, and residential real estate loan balances. Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired, increased from 2015 to 2016 by $3.0 billion, or 30.6%, due to loans acquired through the American Chartered merger and organic growth.


50




The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale) as of the dates indicated showing the balances of legacy loans and loans acquired through the Taylor Capital and American Chartered mergers (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Legacy (1)
Acquired (2)
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Legacy (1)
Acquired (2)
Total
 
% of
Total
Commercial related credits:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Commercial loans
 
$
4,532,153

$
254,027

$
4,786,180

 
34
%
 
$
3,548,747

$
797,759

$
4,346,506

 
34
%
Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,077,972

35,163

2,113,135

 
15

 
1,898,857

104,119

2,002,976

 
16

Commercial real estate
 
3,370,590

776,939

4,147,529

 
30

 
2,509,314

1,278,702

3,788,016

 
29

Construction real estate
 
401,189

5,660

406,849

 
3

 
503,226

15,336

518,562

 
4

Total commercial related credits
 
10,381,904

1,071,789

11,453,693

 
82

 
8,460,144

2,195,916

10,656,060

 
83

Other loans:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
1,212,120

220,338

1,432,458

 
10

 
775,576

285,252

1,060,828

 
8

Indirect vehicle
 
666,443

1,485

667,928

 
4

 
539,916

1,764

541,680

 
4

Home equity
 
165,297

53,801

219,098

 
2

 
179,886

86,491

266,377

 
2

Other consumer loans
 
72,742

399

73,141

 
1

 
80,028

753

80,781

 
1

Total other loans
 
2,116,602

276,023

2,392,625

 
17

 
1,575,406

374,260

1,949,666

 
15

Total loans excluding purchased credit-impaired loans
 
12,498,506

1,347,812

13,846,318

 
99

 
10,035,550

2,570,176

12,605,726

 
98

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 
79,066

40,678

119,744

 
1

 
96,169

66,908

163,077

 
2

Total loans
 
$
12,577,572

$
1,388,490

$
13,966,062

 
100
%
 
$
10,131,719

$
2,637,084

$
12,768,803

 
100
%

(1) 
Legacy loans include all loans other than those acquired through the Taylor Capital and American Chartered mergers, including loans acquired in connection with our FDIC-assisted transactions and our other acquisition transactions, as well as new loans originated subsequent to the Taylor Capital and American Chartered mergers and Taylor Capital and American Chartered loans that have been renewed.
(2) 
Represents loans acquired through the Taylor Capital and American Chartered mergers that have not yet been renewed. These balances will decrease to zero over time.
    
Loan Maturities
 
The following table sets forth information regarding our non-performing loans and the scheduled maturity information for the performing loans in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017 (in thousands).  Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments, loans with no stated maturity and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less.
 
 
 
 
 
Due in One Year
Or Less
 
Due after One Year
Through Five Years
 
Due after
Five Years
 
 
 
 
Non-Performing
 
Fixed
 
Floating
 
Fixed
 
Floating
 
Fixed
 
Floating
 
 
 
 
Loans (1)
 
Rate (2)
 
Rate (2)
 
Rate (2)
 
Rate (2)
 
Rate (2)
 
Rate (2)
 
Total
Commercial loans
 
$
17,501

 
$
111,575

 
$
1,700,273

 
$
339,194

 
$
2,253,630

 
$
134,525

 
$
229,482

 
$
4,786,180

Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,021

 
184,478

 

 
1,730,612

 
5,656

 
191,368

 

 
2,113,135

Commercial real estate
 
21,235

 
251,180

 
546,982

 
972,923

 
1,618,073

 
210,461

 
526,675

 
4,147,529

Construction real estate
 

 
1,371

 
131,204

 
4,649

 
255,614

 
5,215

 
8,796

 
406,849

Residential real estate
 
19,584

 
7,329

 
1,056

 
2,590

 
1,095

 
197,723

 
1,203,081

 
1,432,458

Indirect vehicle
 
3,100

 
2,800

 

 
202,247

 

 
459,781

 

 
667,928

Home equity
 
14,305

 
813

 
31,230

 
13,159

 
26,412

 
25,813

 
107,366

 
219,098

Other consumer loans
 
62

 
1,899

 
10,964

 
33,767

 
14,535

 

 
11,914

 
73,141

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 

 
9,536

 
10,370

 
15,030

 
11,515

 
64,819

 
8,474

 
119,744

Gross loans
 
$
76,808

 
$
570,981

 
$
2,432,079

 
$
3,314,171

 
$
4,186,530

 
$
1,289,705

 
$
2,095,788

 
$
13,966,062

 
(1) 
Excludes purchased credit-impaired loans.  See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding purchased credit-impaired loans.
(2) 
Excludes non-performing loans.


51




Asset Quality

Non-performing loans include loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis and accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal.  Management reviews the loan portfolio for problem loans on an ongoing basis.  During the ordinary course of business, management becomes aware of borrowers that may not be able to meet the contractual requirements of loan agreements.  These loans are placed under close supervision with consideration given to placing the loan on non-accrual status, increasing the allowance for loan and lease losses and (if appropriate) partial or full charge-off.  After a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest previously accrued but not yet collected is reversed against current income.  Generally, if interest payments are received on non-accrual loans, these payments will be applied to principal and not taken into income.  Loans will not be placed back on accrual status unless back interest and principal payments are made.  With respect to the loans that were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross interest income that would have been recorded on such loans during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 had such loans been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $2.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively.  The amount of interest income on impaired loans that was included in net income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $904 thousand and $52 thousand, respectively.  Our general policy is to place loans 90 days past due on non-accrual status, as well as those loans that continue to pay, but display a well-defined material weakness.
 
Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date without a carryover of the related allowance for loan and lease losses. These acquired loans are segregated into three types: pass rated loans with no discount attributable to credit quality, non-impaired loans with a discount attributable at least in part to credit quality and impaired loans with evidence of significant credit deterioration.  

Pass rated loans (typically performing loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20 "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" as these loans do not have evidence of credit deterioration since origination.
Non-impaired loans (typically performing substandard loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 if they display at least some level of credit deterioration since origination.
Impaired loans (typically substandard loans on non-accrual status) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 as they display significant credit deterioration since origination.

For pass rated loans (non-purchased credit-impaired loans), the difference between the estimated fair value of the loans and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans.
    
In accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans (performing substandard loans) and purchased credit-impaired loans, the loans are pooled by loan type and the difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan pools when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.

Substantially all of the loans acquired in transactions with the FDIC displayed at least some level of credit deterioration and as such are included as non-impaired and impaired loans as described immediately above.

52




The following table sets forth the amounts of non-performing loans, non-performing assets, and purchased credit-impaired loans (excluding loans held for sale and other real estate owned acquired as part of our FDIC-assisted transactions) at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Non-performing loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Non-accruing loans
 
$
71,238

 
$
48,974

 
$
98,065

 
$
82,733

 
$
106,115

Loans 90 days or more past due, still accruing interest
 
5,570

 
10,378

 
6,596

 
4,354

 
446

Total non-performing loans
 
76,808

 
59,352

 
104,661

 
87,087

 
106,561

Other real estate owned
 
9,736

 
26,279

 
31,553

 
19,198

 
23,289

Repossessed assets
 
589

 
322

 
81

 
93

 
840

Total non-performing assets
 
$
87,133

 
$
85,953

 
$
136,295

 
$
106,378

 
$
130,690

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 
$
119,744

 
$
163,077

 
$
141,406

 
$
251,645

 
$
235,720

Total allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
157,710

 
$
139,366

 
$
128,140

 
$
110,026

 
$
111,746

Accruing restructured loans (1)
 
28,554

 
32,687

 
26,991

 
15,603

 
29,430

Total non-performing loans to total loans
 
0.55
%
 
0.46
%
 
1.07
%
 
0.96
%
 
1.87
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
 
0.43

 
0.45

 
0.87

 
0.73

 
1.36

Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans
 
205.33

 
234.81

 
122.43

 
126.34

 
104.87

 
(1) 
Accruing restructured loans consists primarily of loans that have been modified and are performing in accordance with those modified terms.
 
A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that leads to a restructuring of the loan, and the Company grants concessions to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions intended to minimize potential losses.  A loan that is modified at a market rate of interest may no longer be classified as troubled debt restructuring in the calendar year subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with the modified terms.  Payment performance prior and subsequent to the restructuring is taken into account in assessing whether it is likely that the borrower can meet the new terms.  This may result in the loan being returned to accrual at the time of restructuring.  A period of sustained repayment for at least six months generally is required for return to accrual status.
 
Non-performing assets consists of non-performing loans as well as other repossessed assets and other real estate owned.  Other real estate owned represents properties acquired through foreclosure or other proceedings and is recorded at fair value less the estimated cost of disposal at the date of acquisition.  Other real estate owned is evaluated regularly to ensure that the recorded amount is supported by its current fair value.  Valuation allowances to reduce the carrying amount to fair value less estimated costs of disposal are recorded as necessary.  Gains and losses and changes in valuations on other real estate owned are included in net gain (loss) recognized on other real estate within non-interest expense.  Expenses, net of rental income, from the operations of other real estate owned are reflected as a separate line item on the statement of operations.  Other repossessed assets primarily consist of repossessed vehicles.  Losses on repossessed vehicles are charged-off to the allowance when title is taken and the vehicle is valued.  Once the Bank obtains title, repossessed vehicles are not included in loans, but are classified as “other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets.  The typical holding period for resale of repossessed automobiles is less than 90 days unless significant repairs to the vehicle are needed which occasionally results in a longer holding period.  The typical holding period for motorcycles can be more than 90 days, as the average motorcycle re-sale period is longer than the average automobile re-sale period.  The longer average period for motorcycles is a result of cyclical trends in the motorcycle market.
 
Other real estate owned that is related to our FDIC-assisted transactions is excluded from non-performing assets. 


53




The following table presents a summary of other real estate owned, excluding assets related to FDIC-assisted transactions, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Beginning balance
 
$
26,279

 
$
31,553

 
$
19,198

Transfers in at fair value less estimated costs to sell
 
6,686

 
4,945

 
21,576

Acquired from business combination
 

 
3,960

 

Capitalized other real estate owned costs
 

 
96

 

Fair value adjustments
 
(2,277
)
 
(1,854
)
 
(3,128
)
Net gains on sales of other real estate owned
 
1,470

 
3,496

 
1,314

Cash received upon disposition
 
(22,422
)
 
(15,917
)
 
(7,407
)
Ending balance
 
$
9,736

 
$
26,279

 
$
31,553

 
As of December 31, 2017, the other real estate owned portfolio consisted of three properties with $309 thousand of other real estate owned balance related to commercial loans, four properties with $2.5 million of other real estate owned balance related to construction loans, nine properties with $6.1 million of other real estate owned balance related to commercial real estate loans and five properties with $815 thousand of other real estate owned balance related to consumer related loans.  In addition, the Company recorded net losses of $113 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2017 and net gains of $716 thousand and $845 thousand on other real estate owned related to assets acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 
 
Potential Problem Loans
 
We define potential problem loans as performing loans rated substandard and that do not meet the definition of a non-performing loan (See “Asset Quality” section above for non-performing loans). We do not necessarily expect to realize losses on potential problem loans, but we recognize potential problem loans carry a higher probability of default and require additional attention by management. The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of potential problem loans at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans
 
$
89,836

 
$
94,049

 
$
102,106

Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
9,407

 
3,505

 
7,004

Commercial real estate
 
74,023

 
46,990

 
30,831

Total
 
$
173,266

 
$
144,544

 
$
139,941

    
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
Management believes the allowance for loan and lease losses accounting policy is critical to the portrayal and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. Selection and application of this “critical accounting policy” involves judgments, estimates, and uncertainties that are subject to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable possibility.

We maintain our allowance for loan and lease losses at a level that management believes is appropriate to absorb probable losses on existing loans based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans, underlying collateral and prior loss experience.

Our allowance for loan and lease losses is comprised of three elements: a commercial related general loss reserve; a commercial related specific reserve for impaired loans; and a consumer related reserve for smaller-balance homogenous loans. Each element is discussed below.
 
Commercial Related General Loss Reserve.  We maintain a general loan loss reserve for the four categories of commercial related loans in our portfolio - commercial loans, commercial loans collateralized by the assignment of lease payments (lease loans), commercial real estate loans and construction real estate loans. 


54




Under our loan risk rating system, each loan, with the exception of those included in large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous consumer related loans, is risk rated between one and nine by the originating loan officer, Senior Credit Management, Loan Review or loan committee.  A loan rated "one" represents a loan least likely to default, while a loan rated "nine" represents a loss.  The probability of loans defaulting for each risk rating, sometimes referred to as default factors, are estimated based on the frequency with which loans migrate from one risk rating to another and to default status over time.  We use a loan loss reserve model that incorporates loan risk rating migrations and historical default data over a multi-year period to develop estimated default factors ("EDFs").  The model tracks annual loan rating migrations by loan type over the last 17 years and is adjusted to reflect average losses over an economic cycle. EDFs are updated annually in December.
 
EDFs are multiplied by individual loan balances in each risk-rating category and by an historical loss given default estimate for each loan type (which incorporates recoveries) to determine the appropriate allowance by loan type.  This approach is applied to the commercial, lease, commercial real estate, and construction real estate components of the portfolio.
 
To account for current economic conditions, the general allowance for loan and lease losses also includes macroeconomic factor adjustments.  Macroeconomic factors adjust the ALLL upward or downward based on the current point in the economic cycle using predictive economic data and are applied to the loan loss model through a separate allowance element for the commercial, commercial real estate, construction real estate and lease loan components.  To determine our macroeconomic factors, we use specific economic data that are deemed predictive of future credit losses. We tested over 20 economic variables (U.S. manufacturing index, unemployment rate, U.S. GDP growth, etc.). We review this data annually to determine that such relationships continue to exist. We currently use the following macroeconomic indicators in our macroeconomic factor computation:
 
Commercial loans and lease loans:  BBB-rated debt yield and number of civilians unemployed for 27 weeks or more.
 
Commercial real estate loans and construction loans:  M2 Money stock, the U.S. Commercial Real Estate Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.
  
Using the indicators noted above, a net charge-off rate is estimated and compared to our cycle average rate, resulting in a macroeconomic adjustment factor.  The macroeconomic adjustment factor is applied to each commercial loan type.  Each year, we evaluate the predictive nature of the macroeconomic factors and re-calibrate the macroeconomic models as needed.
 
The commercial related general loss reserve was $132.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and $120.2 million as of December 31, 2016. This increase relates to loan growth. Reserves on impaired commercial related loans are included in the “Commercial Related Specific Reserves” section below. 
 
Commercial Related Specific Reserves.  Our allowance for loan and lease losses also includes specific reserves on impaired commercial loans. A loan is considered to be impaired when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, the borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of all contractual principal and interest payments due is doubtful.
 
At each quarter-end, impaired loans are reviewed individually, with adjustments made to the general calculated reserve for each loan as deemed necessary.  Specific adjustments are made depending on expected cash flows and/or the value of the collateral securing each loan.  Generally, the Company obtains a current external appraisal (within 12 months) on real estate secured impaired loans.  Our appraisal policy is designed to comply with the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, most recently updated in December 2010. As part of our compliance with these guidelines, we maintain an internal Appraisal Review Department that engages and reviews all third party appraisals.
 
In addition, each impaired commercial loan with real estate collateral is reviewed quarterly by our appraisal department to determine that the most recent valuation remains appropriate during subsequent quarters until the next appraisal is received.  If considered necessary by our appraisal department, the appraised value may be further discounted to reflect current values. 
 
Other valuation techniques are also used to value non-real estate assets.  Discounts may be applied in the impairment analysis used for general business assets ("GBA").  Examples of GBA include accounts receivable, inventory, and any marketable securities pledged. The discount is used to reflect collection risk in the event of default that may not have been included in the valuation of the asset.
 
The total commercial related specific reserves component of the allowance increased to $6.1 million as of December 31, 2017 from $3.2 million as of December 31, 2016.
 

55




Consumer Related Reserves.  Pools of homogeneous loans with similar risk and loss characteristics are also assessed for probable losses.  These loan pools include consumer, residential real estate, home equity, credit cards and indirect vehicle loans.  Migration probabilities obtained from past due roll rate analyses and historical loss rates are applied to current balances to forecast charge-offs over a one-year time horizon. The reserves for consumer related loans totaled $18.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $15.9 million at December 31, 2016. The increased resulted from a higher amount of residential real estate and indirect loans.
 
We consistently apply our methodology for determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan and lease losses but may adjust our methodologies and assumptions based on historical information related to charge-offs and management's evaluation of the loan portfolio. In this regard, we periodically review the following to validate our allowance for loan and lease losses: historical net charge-offs as they relate to prior periods' allowance for loan and lease loss, comparison of historical loan migration in past years compared to the current year, overall credit trends and ratios, any significant changes in loan concentrations, lending policies, and emerging impacts in the legal/regulatory landscape. In reviewing this data, we adjust qualitative factors within our allowance methodology to appropriately reflect any changes warranted by the validation process. Management believes it has established an allowance for probable loan losses as appropriate under GAAP.

We recorded $7.0 million in provision for credit losses for acquired loans related to the non-purchased credit-impaired bank merger loans as accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20 for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. No additional provisions were recorded on the purchase credit-impaired bank merger loans accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30.

The provision for credit losses for non-purchased credit-impaired loans bank merger loans is calculated using a process similar to the one used for the legacy portfolio. A general loan loss reserve is calculated for the non-purchased credit-impaired bank merger loans that have renewed and not renewed separately using the same loan loss reserve model used for the legacy loans. The general loan loss reserve is calculated for the four categories of commercial-related loans in our portfolio: commercial loans, commercial loans collateralized by the assignment of lease payments (lease loans), commercial real estate loans and construction real estate loans. The probability of loans defaulting for each risk rating (referred to as default factors) is estimated based on the frequency with which loans migrate from one risk rating to another and to default status over time. The default factors are multiplied by individual loan balances in each risk rating category and again multiplied by an historical loss given default estimate for each loan type to determine the appropriate allowance. The bank merger loans are risk rated using the Company's rating methodology. The general loan loss reserve amount is adjusted upward to reflect uncertainty regarding the performance of the acquired portfolios due to our limited history with the borrowers.

For bank merger loans (non-purchased credit-impaired) that renewed during the period (quarter or year to date), the default factors were multiplied by the loan balance and loss given default estimate to calculate the required reserves. The amount of required reserves was recognized as a provision for credit losses in the statement of operations. For bank merger loans (non-purchased credit-impaired) that were not renewed subsequent to the merger consummation, the default factors were multiplied by the loan balance and the historical loss given default estimate. The resulting general loan loss reserve was compared to the remaining acquisition accounting discounts related to credit on the bank merger loans (non-purchased credit-impaired), with the excess recognized as a provision for credit losses in the statement of operations.


56




The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan and lease losses for the years presented (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
141,842

 
$
131,508

 
$
114,057

 
$
113,462

 
$
128,279

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments acquired through business combination
 

 

 

 
1,261

 

Utilization of allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 

 

 

 
(637
)
 

Provision for credit losses
 
21,593

 
19,563

 
21,386

 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
Charge-offs:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
2,323

 
2,126

 
2,993

 
1,339

 
3,706

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
3,397

 
6,740

 
2,765

 
925

 

Commercial real estate
 
1,466

 
2,851

 
3,563

 
11,438

 
7,517

Residential real estate
 
932

 
1,356

 
1,450

 
1,718

 
2,796

Construction real estate
 

 
593

 
34

 
79

 
980

Indirect vehicle
 
5,433

 
3,505

 
2,980

 
3,735

 
2,911

Home equity
 
1,314

 
1,662

 
1,485

 
3,383

 
3,692

Other consumer
 
1,707

 
1,778

 
1,941

 
2,128

 
2,073

Total charge-offs
 
16,572

 
20,611

 
17,211

 
24,745

 
23,675

Recoveries:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
3,806

 
2,434

 
1,749

 
3,757

 
3,156

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
775

 
550

 
1,112

 
939

 
1,131

Commercial real estate
 
2,817

 
3,729

 
6,723

 
4,020

 
6,025

Residential real estate
 
724

 
1,210

 
515

 
1,190

 
479

Construction real estate
 
774

 
142

 
272

 
252

 
1,616

Indirect vehicle
 
2,282

 
1,837

 
1,853

 
1,736

 
1,411

Home equity
 
778

 
756

 
579

 
482

 
594

Other consumer
 
589

 
724

 
473

 
288

 
250

Total recoveries
 
12,545

 
11,382

 
13,276

 
12,664

 
14,662

Net charge-offs
 
4,027

 
9,229

 
3,935

 
12,081

 
9,013

Allowance for credit losses
 
159,408

 
141,842

 
131,508

 
114,057

 
113,462

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 
(1,698
)
 
(2,476
)
 
(3,368
)
 
(4,031
)
 
(1,716
)
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
157,710

 
$
139,366

 
$
128,140

 
$
110,026

 
$
111,746

Total loans at December 31,
 
$
13,966,062

 
$
12,768,803

 
$
9,793,998

 
$
9,083,217

 
$
5,712,551

Ratio of allowance to total loans
 
1.13
%
 
1.09
%
 
1.31
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.96
%
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans
 
0.03

 
0.09

 
0.04

 
0.18

 
0.16


Net charge-offs of $4.0 million were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to net charge-offs of $9.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. A provision for credit losses of $21.6 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. A $7.0 million provision for credit losses for bank merger acquired loans was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
    
Net charge-offs of $9.2 million were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to net charge-offs of $3.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. A provision for credit losses of $19.6 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. These credit costs were a result of required reserves on bank merger loans that renewed subsequent to the merger consummation.

57




The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the date presented and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans.  The purpose of this allocation is only for internal analysis of the adequacy of the allowance and is not an indication of expected or anticipated losses (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
Commercial loans
 
$
46,176

 
34
%
 
$
44,483

 
34
%
 
$
38,751

 
37
%
 
$
29,079

 
36
%
 
$
22,977

 
22
%
Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
13,007

 
15

 
12,238

 
16

 
10,434

 
18

 
9,962

 
18

 
9,159

 
26

Commercial real estate
 
62,378

 
30

 
51,165

 
29

 
44,057

 
27

 
41,044

 
28

 
49,942

 
29

Residential real estate
 
7,012

 
10

 
5,971

 
8

 
5,734

 
6

 
6,646

 
5

 
8,872

 
5

Construction real estate
 
15,466

 
3

 
14,712

 
4

 
15,019

 
3

 
8,909

 
3

 
6,794

 
3

Consumer related loans
 
12,494

 
7

 
9,931

 
7

 
12,068

 
7

 
13,103

 
7

 
11,770

 
11

Purchased credit-impaired loans (1)
 
1,177

 
1

 
866

 
2

 
2,077

 
2

 
1,283

 
3

 
2,232

 
4

Total
 
$
157,710

 
100
%
 
$
139,366

 
100
%
 
$
128,140

 
100
%
 
$
110,026

 
100
%
 
$
111,746

 
100
%
 
(1) 
Consists of allowance for loan and lease losses for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans allocated to purchased credit-impaired loans.
 
Additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses, which are charged to earnings through the provision for credit losses, are determined based on a variety of factors, including specific reserves, current loan risk ratings, delinquent loans, historical loss experience and economic conditions in our market area. In addition, federal regulatory authorities, as part of the examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan and lease losses. The regulators may require us to record adjustments to the allowance level based upon their assessment of the information available to them at the time of examination. Although management believes the allowance for loan and lease losses is sufficient to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, there can be no assurance that the allowance will prove sufficient to cover actual loan losses.

We utilize an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem assets. At scheduled meetings of the board of directors of MB Financial Bank, a watch list is presented, showing significant loan relationships listed as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” and “Doubtful.” An asset is classified Substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible and viewed as valueless assets and have been charged-off. Assets that do not currently expose us to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses that deserve management's close attention are deemed to be Special Mention.

Our determination as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our valuation allowances is subject to review by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, MB Financial Bank's primary regulator, which can order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances. There can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not request us to materially adjust our allowance for loan and lease losses. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, has adopted an interagency policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses. The policy statement provides guidance for financial institutions on both the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate allowances and guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of general valuation guidelines. Generally, the policy statement recommends that (1) institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems; (2) management has analyzed all significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio in a reasonable manner; and (3) management has established acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives set forth in the policy statement. We analyze our process regularly, with modifications made if needed, and report those results four times per year at meetings of our board of directors. However, there can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not request us to materially adjust our allowance for loan and lease losses at the time of their examination.


58




Although management believes that appropriate specific and general loan loss allowances have been established, actual losses are dependent upon future events and, as such, further additions to the level of specific and general loan and lease loss allowances may become necessary.
 
Sources of Funds
 
General.  Deposits, short-term and long-term borrowings, including junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts and subordinated debt, loan and investment security repayments and prepayments, proceeds from the sale of securities, and cash flows generated from operations are the primary sources of our funds for lending, investing, leasing and other general purposes.  Loan repayments are a relatively predictable source of funds except during periods of significant interest rate volatility, while deposit flows tend to fluctuate with prevailing interests rates, money markets conditions, general economic conditions and competition.
 
Deposits.  We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms.  Our core deposits consist of checking accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and non-public certificates of deposit.  These deposits, along with brokered deposits, and short-term and long-term borrowings are used to support our asset base.  Our deposits are obtained predominantly from the geographic trade areas surrounding each of our branch office locations.  We rely primarily on customer service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain deposits; however, market interest rates and rates offered by competing financial institutions significantly affect our ability to attract and retain deposits.  We also use brokered deposits as an alternative funding source which allows us flexibility in managing our overall interest expense.  Low cost deposits (non-interest bearing deposits; money market, NOW, and interest bearing deposits; and savings deposits) increased by $416.9 million, or 3.4%, and certificates of deposit increased by $431.0 million, or 21.3%, at December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year. Non-interest bearing deposits decreased by $26.7 million, or 0.4%, compared to December 31, 2016. Low cost deposits comprised 84% of total deposits at December 31, 2017 compared to 86% at December 31, 2016.

The following table sets forth the composition of our deposits at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
6,381,512

 
43
%
 
$
6,408,169

 
45
%
Money market, NOW, and interest bearing deposits
 
4,954,765

 
33

 
4,543,004

 
32

Savings deposits
 
1,167,810

 
8

 
1,135,992

 
8

Certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more
 
1,890,587

 
12

 
1,467,977

 
11

Other certificates of deposit
 
563,704

 
4

 
555,306

 
4

Total
 
$
14,958,378

 
100
%
 
$
14,110,448

 
100
%


59




The following table sets forth the maturities of certificates of deposit and other time deposits $100,000 and over at December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
 
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over:
 

Maturing within three months
$
284,723

After three but within six months
320,086

After six but within twelve months
469,979

After twelve months
786,758

Total certificates of deposit $100,000 and over (1)
$
1,861,546

 
 

Other time deposits $100,000 and over (2):
 

Maturing within three months
$
5,768

After three but within six months
5,980

After six but within twelve months
9,603

After twelve months
7,690

Total other time deposits $100,000 and over
$
29,041

 
(1) 
Includes brokered deposits of $1.1 billion.
(2) 
Consists of time deposits held in individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and time certificates where the customer has the option to increase the principal balance and maintain the original interest rate.

Borrowings.  Total short-term and long-term borrowings were $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017 compared to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2016. The decrease was due to the decrease in short-term FHLB advances partly offset by the issuance by the Bank of $175.0 million in subordinated notes in November 2017.  We have access to a variety of borrowing sources and use short-term and long-term borrowings to support our asset base.  Short-term borrowings from time to time include federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, lines of credit from correspondent banks, and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  We also offer customers a deposit account that sweeps balances in excess of an agreed upon target amount into overnight repurchase agreements.
 

60




The following table sets forth certain information regarding our short-term borrowings at the dates and for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
At or For the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Federal funds purchased:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
89,920

 
$
53,076

 
$
8,848

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
242,500

 
77,750

 
82,124

Balance outstanding at end of period
 
3,250

 
46,750

 
4,530

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
1.16
%
 
0.60
%
 
0.13
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 
1.26

 
0.80

 
0.09

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
199,661

 
$
202,673

 
$
240,737

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
232,789

 
257,901

 
276,724

Balance outstanding at end of period
 
232,789

 
237,538

 
201,207

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
0.22
%
 
0.21
%
 
0.19
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 
0.27

 
0.22

 
0.20

Federal Home Loan Bank advances:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
1,267,249

 
$
869,003

 
$
683,808

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
1,650,000

 
1,315,000

 
1,100,000

Balance outstanding at end of period
 
625,000

 
1,275,000

 
775,000

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
1.05
%
 
0.38
%
 
0.14
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 
1.31

 
0.63

 
0.17

Correspondent bank line of credit:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
1,671

 
$
6,808

 
$
137

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
10,000

 
25,000

 
25,000

Balance outstanding at end of period
 

 
10,000

 
25,000

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
2.73
%
 
2.11
%
 
2.18
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 

 
2.52

 
2.18

 
Long-term borrowings include notes payable to other banks to support a portfolio of equipment that we own and lease to other companies, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, and subordinated notes.  As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our long-term borrowings were $505.2 million and $311.8 million, respectively.  The increase in long-term borrowings was mostly due to the issuance by the Bank of $175.0 million in subordinated notes in November 2017. On January 19, 2018, the Company pre-paid in full the unsecured term loan at the holding company level, which had an outstanding balance of $10.0 million at December 31, 2017.

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts include debentures sold to Coal City Capital Trust I, American Chartered Statutory Trust I, FOBB Statutory Trust III, Taylor Capital Trust II, American Chartered Statutory Trust II, MB Financial Capital Trust II, MB Financial Capital Trust III, MB Financial Capital Trust IV, MB Financial Capital Trust V, and MB Financial Capital Trust VI in connection with the issuance of their preferred securities in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2006, 2007, and 2007, respectively. TAYC Capital Trust II was established by Taylor Capital prior to the Company's acquisition of Taylor Capital, and the junior subordinated notes issued by Taylor Capital to TAYC Capital Trust II were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition. American Chartered Statutory Trust I and American Chartered Statutory Trust II were established by American Chartered prior to the Company's acquisition of American Chartered, and the junior subordinated notes issued by American Chartered to American Chartered Statutory Trust I and American Chartered Statutory Trust II were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition.

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts were $211.5 million and $210.7 million, respectively.  See Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further analysis.

On March 19, 2018, the Company will redeem the junior subordinated notes held by American Chartered Statutory Trust I and, as a result, all of the issued and outstanding three month LIBOR + 3.60% American Chartered Statutory Trust I capital (preferred) securities will be concurrently redeemed. The aggregate liquidation amount of these trust preferred securities is $20.0 million. American Chartered Statutory Trust I was established by American Chartered prior to the Company's acquisition of

61




American Chartered, and the junior subordinated notes issued by American Chartered to American Chartered Statutory Trust I were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition.
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity management is monitored by an Asset/Liability Committee, consisting of members of management, which reviews funding requirements, current liquidity position, sources and stability of funding, marketability of assets, options for attracting additional funds, and anticipated future funding needs, including the level of unfunded commitments.
 
Our primary sources of funds are retail and commercial deposits, short-term and long-term borrowings, public funds and funds generated from operations.  Funds from operations include principal and interest payments received on loans and securities and proceeds from sale of loans held for sale.  While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities provide an indication of the timing of the receipt of funds, changes in interest rates, economic conditions and competition strongly influence mortgage prepayment rates and deposit flows, reducing the predictability of the timing on sources of funds.
 
We have no required regulatory liquidity ratios to maintain; however, we adhere to an internal policy which dictates internal thresholds.  This policy provides that we may not have a ratio of loans to deposits (including customer repurchase agreements) in excess of 90%.  In addition, our internal policy includes (i) a “liquidity coverage ratio” or LCR, designed to ensure that a bank maintains an adequate level of unencumbered, high-quality assets sufficient to meet the bank’s liquidity needs over a 30-day time horizon under an acute liquidity stress scenario and should exceed 110%, and (ii) a “net stable funding ratio” or NSFR, which is the proportion/ratio of available long-term assets to long-term, stable funding.  At December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with the foregoing policies.
 
At December 31, 2017, we had outstanding letters of credit, loan origination commitments, and unused commercial and retail lines of credit of approximately $4.4 billion.  We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds available to meet current origination and other lending commitments.  Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature within one year totaled $1.5 billion at December 31, 2017, including brokered deposits.
 
In the event that additional short-term liquidity is needed, we have established relationships with several large and regional banks to provide short-term borrowings in the form of federal funds purchases.  While, at December 31, 2017, there were no firm lending commitments in place, management believes that we could borrow approximately $641.5 million for a short time from these banks on a collective basis.  Additionally, we are a member of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLB").  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $856.3 million outstanding in FHLB advances, and could borrow an additional amount of approximately $1.0 billion.  As a contingency plan for significant funding needs, the Asset/Liability Committee may also consider the sale of investment securities, selling securities under agreement to repurchase, or the temporary curtailment of lending activities.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $1.6 billion of unpledged securities, excluding securities available for pledge at the FHLB.
 
Our main sources of liquidity at the holding company level are dividends from MB Financial Bank and cash on hand. In addition, the Company has a $35.0 million unsecured line of credit with a correspondent bank. As of December 31, 2017, none was outstanding. The holding company had $219.1 million in cash of December 31, 2017, which was held at MB Financial Bank.
 
MB Financial Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements which affect its ability to pay dividends to us.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements.  Additionally, our current internal policy effectively limits the amount of dividends MB Financial Bank may pay to us by requiring the bank to maintain total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, Common equity tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage capital ratios of 11%, 9%, 7.5% and 7%, respectively.  The minimum ratios required for a bank to be considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes are 10%, 8%, 6.5% and 5%, respectively. See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Adequacy.”  In addition to adhering to our policy, there are regulatory restrictions on the ability of national banks to pay dividends.  See “Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation.”

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
 
Commitments.  As a financial services provider, we routinely enter into commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit.  While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon.  Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by us.  For additional information, see Note 16 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.


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Derivative Financial Instruments.  Derivatives have become one of several components of our asset/liability management activities to manage interest rate risk.  Using derivative instruments, principally interest rate swaps, our interest rate sensitivity is adjusted to maintain the desired interest rate risk profile.  We currently use fair value type hedges, or interest rate swaps, to mitigate the interest sensitivity of certain qualifying commercial loans.  The change in fair value of both the interest rate swap and hedged instrument is recorded in current earnings.
 
We also offer various derivatives, including interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts, to our customers to mitigate our exposure to market risk through the execution of off-setting positions with inter-bank dealer counterparties.  This permits us to offer customized risk management solutions to our customers.  These customer accommodations and any offsetting financial contracts are treated as stand-alone derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting.
 
The Company also enters into mortgage banking derivatives which are classified as non-designated derivatives. These derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund certain mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans. It is the Company's practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on its commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held-for-sale.

Interest rate swaps and treasury futures contracts are used in order to lessen the price volatility of the mortgage servicing rights asset. The Company also uses forward commitments to buy to-be-announced mortgage securities for which the Company does not intend to take delivery of the security and will enter into an offsetting position before physical delivery to lessen the price volatility of the mortgage servicing rights asset. These derivatives are recorded at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets with changes in fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of operations in mortgage banking revenue in non-interest income.

For additional information, including the notional amount and fair value of our derivative instruments at December 31, 2017, see Note 20 “Derivative Financial Instruments” to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Contractual Obligations.  In the ordinary course of operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations.  Such obligations include the funding of operations through FHLB advances, debt issuances, subordinated notes issued to capital trusts, operating leases for premises and equipment, as well as capital expenditures for new premises and equipment.
 
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and other potential funding needs at December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
Less than 1
Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
3 - 5 Years
 
More than 5
Years
Time certificates
 
$
2,454,291

 
$
1,508,872

 
$
809,089

 
$
134,284

 
$
2,046

Long-term borrowings
 
505,158

 
50,488

 
269,915

 
5,588

 
179,167

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts (1)
 
211,494

 

 

 

 
211,494

Operating leases
 
64,681

 
13,545

 
19,035

 
10,995

 
21,106

Capital expenditures
 
1,674

 
1,674

 

 

 

Total
 
$
3,237,298

 
$
1,574,579

 
$
1,098,039

 
$
150,867

 
$
413,813

Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit
 
$
4,440,228

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(1) 
May be called for redemption by us at any time. See Note 12 to the audited consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $1.7 million in capital expenditure commitments outstanding which relate to various projects to renovate corporate office space and branches.  We expect to pay the outstanding commitments as of December 31, 2017 through the normal cash flows of our business operations.


63




Capital Resources
 
The Company and MB Financial Bank are subject to the risk based capital regulations administered by the banking regulatory agencies.  The risk based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among bank holding companies and banks, to account for off-balance sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets.  Under the regulations, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights.  The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk weighted assets and off-balance sheet items.  Under the prompt corrective action regulations, to be adequately capitalized a bank must maintain minimum ratios of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.00%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.00%, Tier 1 capital to total assets of 4.00%  and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.50%.   Failure to meet these capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators, which, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the bank’s financial statements.  As of December 31, 2017, the most recent notification from the federal banking regulators categorized MB Financial Bank as well capitalized.
 
To be well capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations, an institution must maintain a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.00%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets of at least 8.00%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets of at least 5.00%, a ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.50% and not be subject to any written order, agreement or directive requiring it to meet or maintain a specific capital level.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed our bank subsidiary’s capital classification.  See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Adequacy,” and “--Prompt Corrective Action” for additional information regarding the regulatory capital requirements to which the Company and MB Financial Bank are subject. In addition, our internal policy requires us, on a consolidated basis, to maintain ratios of total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to total assets at or above 11%, 9%, 7.5% and 7%, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2017, MB Financial Bank was “well capitalized” under the capital adequacy requirements then in effect.  The following table sets forth the actual and required regulatory capital amounts and ratios for MB Financial Bank and at the consolidated level as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Required
To Be Well
 
 
 
 
 
 
Required
For Capital
 
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
 
 
Actual
 
Adequacy Purposes
 
Action Provisions
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
2,428,301

 
14.23
%
 
$
1,364,733

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
2,217,547

 
13.03

 
1,361,855

 
8.00

 
$
1,702,318

 
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,910,336

 
11.20
%
 
$
1,023,550

 
6.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,883,140

 
11.06

 
1,021,391

 
6.00

 
$
1,361,855

 
8.00
%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
$
1,603,479

 
9.40
%
 
$
767,662

 
4.50
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,883,140

 
11.06

 
766,043

 
4.50

 
$
1,106,507

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,910,336

 
10.02
%
 
$
762,370

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,883,140

 
9.90

 
760,797

 
4.00

 
$
950,996

 
5.00
%
 
N/A — not applicable

The Company and the Bank must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional common equity tier 1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum risk-based capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing shares, and paying discretionary bonuses.  The capital conservation buffer requirement began to be phased in on January 1, 2016 when a buffer greater than 0.625% of risk-weighted assets was required, which amount increases

64




each year until the buffer requirement is fully implemented on January 1, 2019. The conservation buffers for the Company and the Bank exceed the fully phased in minimum as of December 31, 2017.
 
We established statutory trusts for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities.  The trust preferred securities were included in our consolidated Tier 2 capital and total capital at December 31, 2017.  Prior to the completion of the American Chartered merger, the trust preferred securities were included in our consolidated Tier 1 capital.

On November 16, 2017, MB Financial Bank issued $175.0 million in fixed-to-floating subordinated notes that mature on December 1, 2027. The subordinated notes are callable on a semi-annual basis beginning on December 1, 2022. The allowable amount of the subordinated notes were included in our consolidated Tier 2 capital and total capital at December 31, 2017.

Statement of Cash Flows
 
Operating Activities.  Cash flows from operating activities primarily include net income, adjusted for items in net income that did not impact cash.  For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had net cash flows provided by operating activities of $574.0 million compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $251.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.  The change was due to the increase in net income and a decrease in loans held for sale.
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $251.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $205.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The change was due to less originations of loans held for sale, net of sale proceeds.
 
Investing Activities.  Cash flows from investing activities reflects the impact of loans and investment securities acquired for the Company’s interest-earning asset portfolios, as well as cash flows from asset sales and the impact of acquisitions.  For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had net cash flows used in investing activities of $907.9 million compared to net cash flows used in investing activities of $727.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.  The change was due to more purchases of investment securities and a larger net increase in loans.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had net cash flows used in investing activities of $727.7 million compared to net cash flows used in investing activities of $932.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The change was due to less purchases of investment securities partly offset by the growth in loans.
 
Financing Activities.  Cash flows from financing activities include transactions and events whereby cash is obtained from depositors, creditors or investors.  For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had net cash flows provided by financing activities of $449.6 million compared to net cash flows provided by financing activities of $558.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.  The change in cash flows from financing activities was due to an increase in payoffs of FHLB advances partly offset by a greater net increase in deposits and the proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock and from long-term borrowings.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had net cash flows provided by financing activities of $558.1 million compared to net cash flows provided by financing activities of $795.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The change in cash flows from financing activities was due to a smaller net increase in deposits.


Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Market Risk and Asset Liability Management
 
Market Risk.  Market risk is the risk that the market value or estimated fair value of our assets, liabilities, and derivative financial instruments will decline as a result of changes in interest rates or financial market volatility, or that our net income will be significantly reduced by interest rate changes.  Market risk is managed operationally in our Treasury Group, and is addressed through a selection of funding and hedging instruments supporting balance sheet growth, as well as monitoring our asset investment strategies.
 
Asset Liability Management.  Management and our Treasury Group continually monitor our sensitivity to interest rate changes.  It is our policy to maintain an acceptable level of interest rate risk over a range of possible changes in interest rates while remaining responsive to market demand for loan and deposit products.  The strategy we employ to manage our interest rate risk is to measure our risk using an asset/liability simulation model.  The model considers several factors to determine our potential exposure to interest rate risk, including measurement of repricing gaps, duration, convexity, value at risk, and the market value of portfolio

65




equity under assumed changes in the level of interest rates, shape of the yield curves, and general market volatility.  Management controls our interest rate exposure using several strategies, which include adjusting the maturities of securities in our investment portfolio, and limiting fixed rate loans or fixed rate deposits with terms of more than five years.  We also use derivative instruments, principally interest rate swaps, to manage our interest rate risk.  See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations.”
 
Interest Rate Risk.  Interest rate risk can come in a variety of forms, including repricing risk, yield curve risk, basis risk, and prepayment risk.  We experience repricing risk when the change in the average yield of our interest earning assets or average rate of our interest bearing liabilities is more sensitive than the other to changes in market interest rates.  Such a change in sensitivity could reflect a number of possible mismatches in the repricing opportunities of our assets and liabilities.
 
In the event that yields on our assets and liabilities do adjust to changes in market rates to the same extent, we may still be exposed to yield curve risk.  Yield curve risk reflects the possibility the changes in the shape of the yield curve could have different effects on our assets and liabilities.
 
Variable rate assets and liabilities that reprice at similar times, have similar maturities or repricing dates, but are based on different indexes still have interest rate risk.  Basis risk reflects the possibility that indexes will not move in a coordinated manner.
 
We hold mortgage-related investments, including mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities.  Prepayment risk is associated with mortgage-related investments and results from homeowners’ ability to pay off their mortgage loans prior to maturity.  We limit this risk by restricting the types of mortgage-backed securities we own to those with limited average life changes under certain interest-rate shock scenarios or securities with embedded prepayment penalties.
 
Measuring Interest Rate Risk.  As noted above, interest rate risk can be measured by analyzing the extent to which the repricing of assets and liabilities are mismatched to create an interest sensitivity gap.  An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific period if it will mature or reprice within that period.  The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time period and the amount of interest bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that same time period.  A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities.  A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets.  During a period of rising interest rates, therefore, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income.  Conversely, during a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap position would tend to result in an increase in net interest income.

The following table sets forth the amounts of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities outstanding at December 31, 2017 that we anticipate, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown.  Except as stated below, the amount of assets and liabilities shown which reprice or mature during a particular period were determined based on the earlier of the term to repricing or the term to repayment of the asset or liability.  The table is intended to provide an approximation of the projected repricing of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 based on contractual maturities and scheduled rate adjustments within a three-month period and subsequent selected time intervals.  The loan amounts in the table reflect principal balances expected to be reinvested and/or repriced because of contractual amortization and rate adjustments on adjustable-rate loans.  Loan and investment securities’ contractual maturities and amortization reflect expected prepayment assumptions.  While NOW, money market and savings deposit accounts have adjustable rates, it is assumed that the interest rates on some of the accounts will not adjust immediately to changes in other interest rates.
 

66




Therefore, the information in the table is calculated assuming that NOW, money market and savings deposits will reprice as follows: 36%, 29% and 10%, respectively, in the first three months, 10%, 21%, and 17%, respectively, in the next nine months, 32%, 43% and 50%, respectively, from one year to five years, and 22%, 7%, and 23%, respectively over five years (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Time to Maturity or Repricing
 
 
0 – 90
 
91 - 365
 
1 – 5
 
Over 5
 
 
 
 
Days
 
Days
 
Years
 
Years
 
Total
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest earning deposits with banks
 
$
166,774

 
$
12,470

 
$
1,847

 
$
250

 
$
181,341

Investment securities
 
148,412

 
328,501

 
1,137,257

 
867,349

 
2,481,519

Loans held for sale
 
548,578

 

 

 

 
548,578

Loans, including purchased credit-impaired loans
 
8,124,535

 
1,483,935

 
3,648,983

 
708,609

 
13,966,062

Total interest earning assets
 
$
8,988,299

 
$
1,824,906

 
$
4,788,087

 
$
1,576,208

 
$
17,177,500

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market, NOW, and interest bearing deposits
 
$
1,619,013

 
$
760,967

 
$
1,860,676

 
$
714,109

 
$
4,954,765

Savings deposits
 
116,781

 
197,068

 
583,762

 
270,199

 
1,167,810

Certificates of deposit
 
386,564

 
1,120,650

 
945,012

 
2,065

 
2,454,291

Short-term borrowings
 
861,039

 

 

 

 
861,039

Long-term borrowings
 
246,554

 
6,254

 
245,812

 
6,538

 
505,158

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
211,494

 

 

 

 
211,494

Total interest bearing liabilities
 
$
3,441,445

 
$
2,084,939

 
$
3,635,262

 
$
992,911

 
$
10,154,557

Cumulative rate sensitive assets (RSA)
 
$
8,988,299

 
$
10,813,205

 
$
15,601,292

 
$
17,177,500

 
$
17,177,500

Cumulative rate sensitive liabilities (RSL)
 
3,441,445

 
5,526,384

 
9,161,646

 
10,154,557

 
10,154,557

Cumulative GAP (GAP=RSA-RSL)
 
5,546,854

 
5,286,821

 
6,439,646

 
7,022,943

 
7,022,943

RSA/Total assets
 
44.75
%
 
53.83
%
 
77.67
%
 
85.52
%
 
85.52
%
RSL/Total assets
 
17.13

 
27.51

 
45.61

 
50.55

 
50.55

GAP/Total assets
 
27.61

 
26.32

 
32.06

 
34.96

 
34.96

GAP/RSA
 
61.71

 
48.89

 
41.28

 
40.88

 
40.88

 
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table.  For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates.  Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets may lag behind changes in market rates.  Additionally, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.  Therefore, we do not rely on a gap analysis to manage our interest rate risk, but rather we use what we believe to be the more reliable simulation model relating to changes in net interest income.


67




Based on simulation modeling which assumes gradual changes in interest rates over a one-year period, we believe that our net interest income would change due to changes in interest rates as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
Gradual
 
Changes in Net Interest Income Over One Year Horizon
Changes in
 
At December 31, 2017
 
At December 31, 2016
Levels of
 
Dollar
 
Percentage
 
Dollar
 
Percentage
Interest Rates
 
Change
 
Change
 
Change
 
Change
+2.00%
 
$
46,967

 
7.33
 %
 
$
47,407

 
7.94
 %
+1.00%
 
25,565

 
3.99

 
25,076

 
4.20

-1.00%
 
(33,889
)
 
(5.29
)
 
(26,252
)
 
(4.39
)
 
In the interest rate sensitivity tables above, changes in net interest income between December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 reflect changes in the composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, related interest rates, repricing frequencies, and the fixed or variable characteristics of the interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.  The changes in net interest income incorporate the impact of loan floors as well as shifts from low cost deposits to certificates of deposit in a rising rate environment.
 
The assumptions used in our interest rate sensitivity simulation discussed above are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the simulations cannot precisely measure net interest income or precisely predict the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income.  Our model assumes that a portion of our variable rate loans that have minimum interest rates will remain in our portfolio regardless of changes in the interest rate environment.  Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies.
 



68





Item 8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
MB FINANCIAL, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
INDEX
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


69




MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The management of MB Financial, Inc. (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
 
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention of overriding controls.  Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework of 2013. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.
 
RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited the 2017 consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on 10-K, has audited the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. Their report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 is included in this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”
 
/s/ Mitchell Feiger
 
/s/ Randall T. Conte
Mitchell Feiger
Randall T. Conte
President and
Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 23, 2018



70





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of MB Financial, Inc.
 
 
Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements) of the Company and our report dated February 23, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 
/s/ RSM US LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2018



71





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of MB Financial, Inc.
 
 
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated February 23, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 
/s/ RSM US LLP
 
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2004.
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2018



72




FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2017 and 2016
(Amounts in thousands, except common share data)
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
$
397,880

 
$
364,783

Interest earning deposits with banks
 
181,341

 
98,686

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
579,221

 
463,469

Investment securities:
 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale, at fair value
 
1,408,326

 
1,696,195

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost ($992,455 and $1,093,740 fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)
 
959,082

 
1,069,750

Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
114,111

 
143,276

Total investment securities
 
2,481,519

 
2,909,221

Loans held for sale
 
548,578

 
716,883

Loans:
 
 

 
 

Total loans, excluding purchased credit impaired loans
 
13,846,318

 
12,605,726

Purchased credit impaired loans
 
119,744

 
163,077

Total loans
 
13,966,062

 
12,768,803

Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
157,710

 
139,366

Net loans
 
13,808,352

 
12,629,437

Lease investment, net
 
409,051

 
311,327

Premises and equipment, net
 
286,690

 
293,910

Cash surrender value of life insurance
 
203,602

 
200,945

Goodwill
 
1,003,548

 
1,001,038

Other intangibles
 
54,766

 
62,959

Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value
 
276,279

 
238,011

Other real estate owned, net
 
9,736

 
26,279

Other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
4,788

 
5,006

Other assets
 
420,810

 
443,832

Total assets
 
$
20,086,940

 
$
19,302,317

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 

 
 

Non-interest bearing
 
$
6,381,512

 
$
6,408,169

Interest bearing
 
8,576,866

 
7,702,279

Total deposits
 
14,958,378

 
14,110,448

Short-term borrowings
 
861,039

 
1,569,288

Long-term borrowings
 
505,158

 
311,790

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
211,494

 
210,668

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
541,048

 
520,914

Total liabilities
 
17,077,117

 
16,723,108

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, ($0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016; Series A, 8% perpetual non-cumulative, 4,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, $25 liquidation value; Series B, 8% cumulative voting convertible, none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 125 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016, $1,000 liquidation value; Series C, 6% perpetual non-cumulative, 200,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016, $1,000 liquidation value)
 
309,999

 
115,572

Common stock, ($0.01 par value; authorized 120,000,000 shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016; issued 85,801,702 shares at December 31, 2017 and 85,630,748 shares at December 31, 2016)
 
858

 
856

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,691,007

 
1,678,826

Retained earnings
 
1,065,303

 
838,892

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
3,584

 
5,190

Less: 1,883,810 and 1,905,479 shares of treasury stock, at cost, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively
 
(60,928
)
 
(60,384
)
Controlling interest stockholders’ equity
 
3,009,823

 
2,578,952

Noncontrolling interest
 

 
257

Total stockholders’ equity
 
3,009,823

 
2,579,209

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
20,086,940

 
$
19,302,317


     See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

73





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Interest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
$
587,234

 
$
467,877

 
$
404,324

Nontaxable
 
10,665

 
11,120

 
9,318

Investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
 
33,975

 
35,571

 
39,299

Nontaxable
 
39,218

 
42,022

 
40,974

Federal funds sold
 
1

 

 
1

Other interest earning accounts
 
1,353

 
587

 
318

Total interest income
 
672,446

 
557,177

 
494,234

Interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
40,685

 
25,579

 
19,658

Short-term borrowings
 
14,697

 
4,195

 
1,412

Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes
 
14,687

 
9,512

 
7,558

Total interest expense
 
70,069

 
39,286

 
28,628

Net interest income
 
602,377

 
517,891

 
465,606

Provision for credit losses
 
21,593

 
19,563

 
21,386

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
580,784

 
498,328

 
444,220

Non-interest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage banking revenue
 
106,723

 
148,469

 
117,426

Lease financing revenue, net
 
86,587

 
73,486

 
76,581

Treasury management fees
 
58,930

 
50,620

 
45,283

Trust and asset management fees
 
34,744

 
32,872

 
23,545

Card fees
 
18,596

 
16,071

 
15,322

Capital markets and international banking fees
 
15,708

 
13,332

 
8,148

Consumer and other deposit service fees
 
13,333

 
13,308

 
13,282

Brokerage fees
 
4,321

 
4,654

 
5,754

Loan service fees
 
8,317

 
7,457

 
6,259

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
5,421

 
4,075

 
3,391

Net gain (loss) on investment securities
 
562

 
447

 
(176
)
Net loss on disposal of other assets
 
(2,323
)
 
(794
)
 
(2
)
Other operating income
 
15,954

 
10,906

 
7,280

Total non-interest income
 
366,873

 
374,903

 
322,093

Non-interest expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits expense
 
419,179

 
400,501

 
343,531

Occupancy and equipment expense
 
62,556

 
57,130

 
50,510

Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
40,591

 
43,468

 
34,453

Advertising and marketing expense
 
12,235

 
11,971

 
10,072

Professional and legal expense
 
10,207

 
12,879

 
11,053

Other intangibles amortization expense
 
8,193

 
7,305

 
6,115

Branch exit and facilities impairment charges (recovery)
 
8,353

 
(2,709
)
 
8,515

Net loss (gain) recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense
 
1,344

 
(1,599
)
 
1,468

Prepayment fees on interest bearing liabilities
 

 

 
85

Other operating expenses
 
96,184

 
90,905

 
68,352

Total non-interest expenses
 
658,842

 
619,851

 
534,154

Income before income taxes
 
288,815

 
253,380

 
232,159

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(15,225
)
 
79,244

 
73,211

Net income
 
$
304,040

 
$
174,136

 
$
158,948

Dividends on preferred shares
 
8,007

 
8,009

 
8,000

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
296,033

 
$
166,127

 
$
150,948

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

74




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Common share data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
3.53

 
$
2.16

 
$
2.03

Diluted earnings per common share
 
3.49

 
2.13

 
2.02

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
 
83,836,732

 
76,968,823

 
74,177,574

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per
common share
 
84,823,456

 
77,976,121

 
74,849,030

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



75




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
304,040

 
$
174,136

 
$
158,948

Unrealized holding losses on investment securities, net of reclassification adjustments
 
(1,807
)
 
(14,317
)
 
(4,078
)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrealized gains on investment securities transferred to held to maturity from available for sale
 
(353
)
 
(2,769
)
 
(3,633
)
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income
 
(562
)
 
(447
)
 
176

Other comprehensive loss, before tax
 
(2,722
)
 
(17,533
)
 
(7,535
)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss
 
1,116

 
6,946

 
2,956

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
(1,606
)
 
(10,587
)
 
(4,579
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
302,434

 
$
163,549

 
$
154,369


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



76





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Preferred
Stock
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income,
Net of Tax
Treasury
Stock
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total Stock-
holders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
115,280

$
751

$
1,267,761

$
629,677

$
20,356

$
(6,974
)
$
1,435

$
2,028,286

Net income



158,948



258

159,206

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax




(4,579
)


(4,579
)
Issuance of common stock due to business combination


218





218

Cash dividends declared on preferred shares



(8,000
)



(8,000
)
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.65 per share)



(48,813
)



(48,813
)
Restricted common stock activity, net of tax

5

(1,804
)


2,876


1,077

Stock option activity, net of tax


(247
)




(247
)
Repurchase of common shares





(49,963
)

(49,963
)
Repurchase of common shares in connection with employee benefit plans and held in trust for deferred compensation plan


819



(4,443
)

(3,624
)
Stock-based compensation expense


14,123





14,123

Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(400
)
(400
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
115,280

$
756

$
1,280,870

$
731,812

$
15,777

$
(58,504
)
$
1,293

$
2,087,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income



174,136



151

174,287

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax




(10,587
)


(10,587
)
Issuance of preferred and common stock due to business combination
1,227

97

383,775





385,099

Conversion of Series B preferred stock into common stock
(935
)

935






Cash dividends declared on preferred shares



(8,009
)



(8,009
)
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.74 per share)



(59,047
)



(59,047
)
Restricted common stock activity, net of tax

2

(2,171
)


2,094


(75
)
Stock option activity, net of tax

1

(164
)


(157
)

(320
)
Repurchase of common shares in connection with employee benefit plans and held in trust for deferred compensation plan


(20
)


(3,817
)

(3,837
)
Stock-based compensation expense


16,868





16,868

Additional investment in subsidiary


(1,267
)



(1,069
)
(2,336
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(118
)
(118
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
115,572

$
856

$
1,678,826

$
838,892

$
5,190

$
(60,384
)
$
257

$
2,579,209

Net income



304,040




304,040

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax




(1,606
)


(1,606
)
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs
194,719







194,719

Conversion of Series B preferred stock into common stock
(292
)

292






Cash dividends declared on preferred shares



(8,007
)



(8,007
)
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.82 per share)



(69,622
)



(69,622
)
Restricted common stock activity, net of tax


(6,820
)


3,549


(3,271
)
Stock option activity, net of tax

2

1,039





1,041

Repurchase of common shares in connection with employee benefit plans and held in trust for deferred compensation plan


764



(4,093
)

(3,329
)
Stock-based compensation expense


17,476





17,476

Additional investment in subsidiary


(570
)



(257
)
(827
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
309,999

$
858

$
1,691,007

$
1,065,303

$
3,584

$
(60,928
)
$

$
3,009,823


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

77





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
304,040

 
$
174,136

 
$
158,948

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
96,154

 
75,013

 
61,562

Facilities impairment charges
 
8,353

 
(2,709
)
 
8,515

Compensation expense for share-based payment plans
 
17,476

 
16,868

 
14,123

(Gain) loss on sales of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
(765
)
 
783

 
2,446

Amortization of other intangibles
 
8,193

 
7,305

 
6,115

Provision for credit losses
 
21,593

 
19,563

 
21,386

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
 
(33,493
)
 
45,917

 
39,573

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities, net
 
39,332

 
47,042

 
48,670

Accretion of premiums and discounts on loans, net
 
(27,840
)
 
(29,211
)
 
(36,651
)
Accretion of FDIC indemnification asset
 

 

 
(96
)
Net (gain) loss on investment securities
 
(562
)
 
(447
)
 
176

Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
 
5,010,415

 
6,687,670

 
6,817,330

Origination of loans held for sale
 
(4,829,690
)
 
(6,630,361
)
 
(6,818,125
)
Net loss (gain) on sale of loans held for sale
 
15,834

 
(28,896
)
 
(34,075
)
Origination of mortgage servicing rights
 
(59,810
)
 
(68,428
)
 
(68,690
)
Change in fair value and amortization/prepayments of mortgage servicing rights
 
22,407

 
3,666

 
33,648

Net loss (gain) on other real estate owned
 
920

 
(2,358
)
 
969

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
(5,421
)
 
(4,075
)
 
(3,391
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets, net
 
(56,831
)
 
(116,961
)
 
(9,644
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities, net
 
43,654

 
57,112

 
(37,182
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
573,959

 
251,629

 
205,607

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
 
8,804

 
28,024

 
28,356

Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities available for sale
 
357,210

 
336,357

 
284,895

Purchase of investment securities available for sale
 
(108,590
)
 
(17,702
)
 
(276,664
)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities held to maturity
 
151,979

 
174,201

 
83,061

Purchase of investment securities held to maturity
 
(54,206
)
 
(31,410
)
 
(339,454
)
Purchase of non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
(135,498
)
 
(60,316
)
 
(58,664
)
Redemption of non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
164,663

 
47,273

 
20,000

Net increase in loans
 
(1,151,104
)
 
(1,023,221
)
 
(663,235
)
Purchases in mortgage servicing rights
 
(865
)
 
(5,087
)
 
(823
)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage servicing rights
 

 

 
103,105

Purchases of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
(188,762
)
 
(191,922
)
 
(111,124
)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
25,431

 
6,819

 
5,374

Capital improvements on other real estate owned
 

 
(96
)
 

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
 
22,422

 
15,917

 
7,407

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
3,216

 
8,968

 
16,091

Life insurance death benefit
 
2,764

 

 

Net cash paid in business acquisition
 
(3,780
)
 
(9,010
)
 
(18,935
)
Purchase of additional investment in subsidiary from minority owners
 
(827
)
 
(2,336
)
 

Net payments for FDIC related covered assets
 
(713
)
 
(4,113
)
 
(11,483
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(907,856
)
 
(727,654
)
 
(932,093
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net increase in deposits
 
847,930

 
215,906

 
514,273

Proceeds from short-term borrowings - FHLB advances
 
3,125,000

 
3,175,000

 
1,950,000

Principal paid on short-term borrowings - FHLB advances
 
(4,000,000
)
 
(2,975,000
)
 
(1,875,000
)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings - other
 
(58,249
)
 
15,246

 
(1,284
)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
 
532,497

 
267,359

 
339,590

Principal paid on long-term borrowings
 
(114,129
)
 
(71,845
)
 
(22,232
)
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs
 
194,719

 

 

Treasury stock transactions, net
 
(3,270
)
 
(3,837
)
 
(53,587
)
Stock options exercised
 
2,504

 
1,410

 
499

Dividends paid on preferred stock
 
(8,007
)
 
(8,009
)
 
(8,000
)
Dividends paid on common stock
 
(69,346
)
 
(58,177
)
 
(48,413
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
449,649

 
558,053

 
795,846

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
115,752

 
$
82,028

 
$
69,360

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
463,469

 
381,441

 
312,081

End of year
 
$
579,221

 
$
463,469

 
$
381,441


78




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(Amounts in Thousands)

 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash payments for:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest paid to depositors and other borrowed funds
 
$
67,899

 
$
38,538

 
$
29,151

Income tax (refunds) payments, net
 
(3,505
)
 
14,188

 
8,138

Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment securities held to maturity purchased not settled
 
$

 
$
(761
)
 
$
761

Loans held for sale transferred to loans held for investment
 
29,508

 

 
33,613

Loans transferred to other real estate owned
 
6,686

 
4,945

 
21,576

Loans transferred to other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
2,771

 
2,885

 
4,607

Loans transferred to repossessed vehicles
 
2,013

 
3,072

 
928

Operating leases rewritten as direct finance leases included as loans
 
1,680

 
910

 
7,666

Long-term borrowings transferred to short-term borrowings
 
225,000

 
300,000

 

Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing Activities From Acquisitions:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Noncash assets acquired:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment securities available for sale
 
$

 
$
505,564

 
$

Non-marketable securities -FHLB and FRB stock
 

 
16,000

 

Loans
 
1,846

 
1,940,702

 

Premises and equipment
 
157

 
39,048

 
519

Cash surrender value of life insurance
 

 
59,917

 

Goodwill
 
2,510

 
275,968

 
13,549

Other intangibles
 

 
25,452

 
8,838

Other real estate owned
 

 
3,960

 

Other assets
 
(733
)
 
32,141

 
744

Total noncash assets acquired
 
$
3,780

 
$
2,898,752

 
$
23,650

Liabilities assumed:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
$

 
$
2,389,327

 
$

Short-term borrowings
 

 
48,305

 
606

Long-term borrowings
 

 
16,000

 

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 

 
28,075

 

Other liabilities
 
$

 
$
22,966

 
$
4,109

Total liabilities assumed
 
$

 
$
2,504,673

 
$
4,715

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


79





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.
   Significant Accounting Policies
 
MB Financial, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," "our") is a financial holding company that provides a full range of financial services to individuals and corporate customers through its banking subsidiary, MB Financial Bank, N.A. ("MB Financial Bank").
 
The Company’s primary market is the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area, in which MB Financial Bank operates 86 banking offices through MB Financial Bank.
 
MB Financial Bank, our largest subsidiary, has three wholly owned subsidiaries with significant operating activities: Celtic Leasing Corp., MB Equipment Finance, LLC, and MSA Holdings, LLC.
 
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  Significant intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the financial services industry.  In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company does not consolidate statutory trusts established for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities.  See Note 12 below for more detail.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the year.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Areas involving the use of management’s estimates and assumptions, which are more susceptible to change in the near term include the allowance for loan and lease losses; residual value of direct finance, leveraged, and operating leases; valuation of mortgage servicing rights; income tax accounting; fair value measurements for assets and liabilities; and goodwill.
 
Cash and cash equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing), interest-bearing deposits with banks, with original maturities of 90 days or less.
 
Investment securities: Securities classified as available for sale are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity.  Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale is based on various factors, including movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other factors.  Securities available for sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred tax effect.  Securities classified as held to maturity are those securities that the Company intends to hold until maturity and are reported at amortized cost.
 
The historical cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the estimated life of the security, using the level-yield method.  In determining the estimated life of a mortgage-related security, certain judgments are required as to the timing and amount of future principal prepayments.  These judgments are made based upon the actual performance of the underlying security and the general market consensus regarding changes in mortgage interest rates and underlying prepayment estimates.  Amortization of premium and accretion of discount is included in interest income from the related security.  Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of specific securities sold, are included in earnings.
 
The Company evaluates the portfolio for impairment each quarter.  In estimating other-than-temporary losses, the Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether the Company is more likely than not to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, the Company records an other-than-temporary loss in an amount equal to the entire difference between the fair value and amortized cost.  If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, but the Company does not intend to sell the security, only the credit portion of the estimated loss is recognized in earnings, with the other portion of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income.

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock: The Company owns investments in the stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (“FRB”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB”). No ready market exists for these stocks, and they have no quoted market values. The Bank, as a member of the Federal Reserve System and the FHLB, is required to maintain an investment in the capital stock of the FRB and FHLB. The stock is redeemable at par by the FRB and FHLB, respectively, and is, therefore, carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment. 
 

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Loans held for sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are reflected at fair value.  Changes in the fair value are recognized in mortgage banking revenue on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Mortgage Loan Representation and Warranty Reserve: The Company originates and sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market. When the Company sells mortgage loans, it makes customary representations and warranties to the purchasers about various characteristics of each loan, such as the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, the nature and extent of underwriting standards applied and the types of documentation being provided. These representations and warranties are generally enforceable over the life of the loan. If a defect in the origination process is identified, the Company may be required to either repurchase the loan or indemnify the purchaser for losses it sustains on the loan. If there are no such defects, the Company has no liability to the purchaser for losses it may incur on such loans. Representation and warranty reserves were $7.0 million as of December 31, 2017.

The Company maintains a representation and warranty reserve to account for the expected losses related to loans it might be required to repurchase or the indemnity payments it may have to make to purchasers. The representation and warranty reserve reflects management's best estimate of probable lifetime loss. The reserve considers both the estimate of expected losses on loans sold during the current accounting period as well as adjustments to the Company's previous estimate of expected losses on loans sold. Factors considered include borrower performance, repurchase demand behavior, and historical loan defect experience. Management monitors the adequacy of the overall reserve and makes adjustments to the level of reserve, as necessary, after consideration of other qualitative factors.

At the time a loan originated for sale is funded, the representation and warranty reserve is recorded as a decrease in mortgage banking revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and recorded in accrued interest, taxes and other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes to the reserve are recorded as an increase or decrease to mortgage banking revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Loans and leases: Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal reduced by the allowance for loan and lease losses and unearned income.  Direct finance and leveraged leases are included as lease loans for financial statement purposes.  Direct finance leases are stated as the sum of remaining minimum lease payments from lessees plus estimated residual values less unearned lease income.  Leveraged leases are stated at the sum of remaining minimum lease payments from lessees (less nonrecourse debt payments) plus estimated residual values less unearned lease income.  On a quarterly basis, management reviews the lease residuals for potential impairment.  Unearned lease income on direct finance and leveraged leases is recognized over the lives of the leases using the level-yield method.
 
Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield.  The Company is amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the loan.  Commitment fees based upon a percentage of a customer’s unused line of credit and fees related to standby letters of credit are recognized over the commitment period.
 
Interest income is accrued daily on the Company’s outstanding loan balances.  The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of renewal or collection.  Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.  All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off is reversed against interest income.
 
For impaired loans, accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful.  Cash collections on impaired loans are generally credited to the loan balance, and no interest income is recognized on those loans until the principal balance has been determined to be collectible.  Loans, other than those included in large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, are considered impaired when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Impaired loans include non-accrual loans and loans classified as a troubled debt restructuring. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, based on the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The amount of impairment, if any and any subsequent changes are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Troubled debt restructurings:  A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that leads to a restructuring of the loan, and the Company grants concessions to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, deferral of past due interest

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or principal, extension of maturity date, modification of amortization schedules, redemption of past due taxes and other actions intended to minimize potential losses.
 
In determining whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties, the Company considers if the debtor is in payment default or would be in payment default in the foreseeable future without the modification, the debtor declared or is in the process of declaring bankruptcy, there is substantial doubt that the debtor will continue as a going concern, the debtor has securities that have been or are in the process of being delisted, the debtor’s entity-specific projected cash flows will not be sufficient to service any of its debt, or the debtor cannot obtain funds from sources other than the existing creditors at a market rate for debt with similar risk characteristics.

In determining whether the Company has granted a concession, the Company assesses, if it does not expect to collect all amounts due, whether the current value of the collateral will satisfy the amounts owed, whether additional collateral or guarantees from the debtor will serve as adequate compensation for other terms of the restructuring, and whether the debtor otherwise has access to funds at a market rate for debt with similar risk characteristics.
 
A loan that is modified at a market rate of interest will not be classified as troubled debt restructuring in the calendar year subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with the modified terms.  Payment performance prior and subsequent to the restructuring is taken into account in assessing whether it is likely that the borrower can meet the new terms.  Under certain circumstances, a loan may be returned to accrual at the time of restructuring.  A period of sustained repayment for at least six months generally is required for return to accrual status. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a troubled debt restructuring loan that is subsequently modified in another restructuring agreement but has shown sustained performance will be removed from troubled debt restructuring status provided the modified terms were market based at the time of modification.
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses:  The allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") is established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense.  Loans are charged against the ALLL when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely.  The allowance is an amount that management believes will be appropriate to absorb probable losses on existing loans, based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loss and recovery experience as appropriate under GAAP.  The ALLL is based on management’s evaluation of the loan portfolio giving consideration to the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, the value of underlying collateral, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, prevailing economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay, as well as other qualitative and environmental factors.  While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions.  In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review MB Financial Bank’s ALLL, and may require it to recognize adjustments to its allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations.
 
The ALLL is comprised of three elements: a commercial related general loss reserve; a commercial related specific reserve for impaired loans; and a consumer related reserve for smaller-balance homogenous loans.  Each element is discussed below.
 
Commercial Related General Loss Reserve - We maintain a general loan loss reserve for the four categories of commercial related loans in our portfolio - commercial loans, commercial loans collateralized by the assignment of lease payments (lease loans), commercial real estate loans and construction real estate loans. 

Under our loan risk rating system, each loan, with the exception of those included in large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous consumer related loans, is risk rated between one and nine by the originating loan officer, Senior Credit Management, Loan Review or loan committee.  A loan rated "one" represents a loan least likely to default, while a loan rated "nine" represents a loss.  The probability of loans defaulting for each risk rating, sometimes referred to as default factors, are estimated based on the frequency with which loans migrate from one risk rating to another and to default status over time.  We use a loan loss reserve model that incorporates loan risk rating migrations and historical default data over a multi-year period to develop estimated default factors ("EDFs").  The model tracks annual loan rating migrations by loan type over the last 17 years and is adjusted to reflect average losses over an economic cycle. EDFs are updated annually in December. 
 
EDFs are multiplied by individual loan balances in each risk-rating category and by an historical loss given default estimate for each loan type (which incorporates recoveries) to determine the appropriate allowance by loan type.  This approach is applied to the commercial, lease, commercial real estate, and construction real estate components of the portfolio.
 

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To account for current economic conditions, the general allowance for loan and lease losses also includes macroeconomic factor adjustments.  Macroeconomic factors adjust the ALLL upward or downward based on the current point in the economic cycle using predictive economic data and are applied to the loan loss model through a separate allowance element for the commercial, commercial real estate, construction real estate and lease loan components.  To determine our macroeconomic factors, we use specific economic data that are deemed predictive of future credit losses. We tested over 20 economic variables (U.S. manufacturing index, unemployment rate, U.S. GDP growth, etc.). We review this data annually to determine that such relationships continue to exist. We currently use the following macroeconomic indicators in our macroeconomic factor computation:
 
Commercial loans and lease loans:  BBB-rated debt yield and number of civilians unemployed for 27 weeks or more.
 
Commercial real estate loans and construction loans:  M2 Money stock, the U.S. Commercial Real Estate Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.
  
Using the indicators noted above, a net charge-off rate is estimated and compared to our cycle average rate, resulting in a macroeconomic adjustment factor.  The macroeconomic adjustment factor is applied to each commercial loan type.  Each year, we evaluate the predictive nature of the macroeconomic factors and re-calibrate the macroeconomic models as needed.
 
Commercial Related Specific Reserves - The ALLL also includes specific reserves on impaired commercial related loans.  A loan is considered to be impaired when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, the borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of all contractual principal and interest payments due is doubtful.
 
At each quarter-end, impaired loans are reviewed individually, with adjustments made to the general calculated reserve for each loan as deemed necessary.  Specific adjustments are made depending on expected cash flows and/or the value of the collateral securing each loan.  Generally, the Company obtains a current external appraisal (within 12 months) on real estate secured impaired loans.  Our appraisal policy is designed to comply with the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines. As part of our compliance with these guidelines, we maintain an internal Appraisal Review Department that engages and reviews all third party appraisals.
 
In addition, each impaired commercial loan with real estate collateral is reviewed quarterly by our appraisal department to determine that the most recent valuation remains appropriate during subsequent quarters until the next appraisal is received.  If considered necessary by our appraisal department, the appraised value may be further discounted to reflect current values. 
 
Other valuation techniques are also used to value non-real estate assets.  Discounts may be applied in the impairment analysis used for general business assets ("GBA").  Examples of GBA include accounts receivable, inventory, and any marketable securities pledged. The discount is used to reflect collection risk in the event of default that may not have been included in the valuation of the asset.
 
Consumer Related Reserves - Pools of homogeneous loans with similar risk and loss characteristics are also assessed for probable losses.  These loan pools include consumer, residential real estate, home equity, credit cards and indirect vehicle loans.  Migration probabilities obtained from past due roll rate analyses and historical loss rates are applied to current balances to forecast charge-offs over a one-year time horizon.

We consistently apply our methodology for determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan and lease losses but may adjust our methodologies and assumptions based on historical information related to charge-offs and management's evaluation of the loan portfolio. In this regard, we periodically review the following to validate our allowance for loan and lease losses: historical net charge-offs as they relate to prior periods' allowance for loan and lease loss, comparison of historical loan migration in past years compared to the current year, overall credit trends and ratios, any significant changes in loan concentrations, lending policies, and emerging impacts in the legal/regulatory landscape. In reviewing this data, we adjust qualitative factors within our allowance methodology to appropriately reflect any changes warranted by the validation process.

Acquired loans: Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date without a carryover of the related allowance for loan and lease losses. These acquired loans are segregated into three types: pass rated loans with no discount attributable to credit quality, non-impaired loans with a discount attributable at least in part to credit quality and impaired loans with evidence of significant credit deterioration.  

Pass rated loans (typically performing loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20 "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" as these loans do not have evidence of credit deterioration since origination.
Non-impaired loans (typically performing substandard loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 if they display at least some level of credit deterioration since origination.

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Impaired loans (typically substandard loans on non-accrual status) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 as they display significant credit deterioration since origination.

For pass rated loans (non-purchased credit-impaired loans), the difference between the estimated fair value of the loans and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans. The Company anticipates recording a provision for the acquired portfolio in future quarters related to renewing acquired loans which will offset a substantial portion of the accretion from the pass rated loans.

In accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans (performing substandard loans) and purchased credit-impaired loans, the loans are pooled by loan type and the difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan pools when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.

Substantially all of the loans acquired in transactions with the FDIC displayed at least some level of credit deterioration and as such are included as non-impaired and impaired loans as described immediately above.
 
Lease investments: The Company’s investment in operating leases is reported as lease investments, net.  Rental income on operating leases is recognized as income over the lease term according to the provisions of the lease, which is generally on a straight-line basis.  The investment in equipment in operating leases is stated at cost less depreciation using the straight-line method generally over a life of five years or less.
 
Premises and equipment: Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Useful lives generally range from three to seven years for computer equipment and software, five to 10 years for furniture and equipment, and five to 39 years for buildings and building improvements.  Land improvements are amortized over a period of 15 years and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the related lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.  Land is not subject to depreciation.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while major improvements are capitalized and amortized to operating expense over their identified useful lives.  Premises and equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows.  If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.  Assets acquired through a business acquisition are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date.
 
Other real estate owned: Other real estate owned includes real estate assets that have been received in satisfaction of debt.  Other real estate owned is initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs, which establishes the cost basis.  Subsequently, other real estate owned is carried at the lower of the cost basis or fair value less estimated selling costs.  Any valuation adjustments required at the date of transfer are charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses.  Subsequently, unrealized losses and realized gains and losses on sale are included in net (gain) loss recognized on other real estate owned. 
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance: The Company has purchased bank-owned life insurance policies on certain executives.  Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value.  Changes in the cash surrender values are included in non-interest income.
 
Goodwill: The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including core deposit and client relationship intangibles, consists of goodwill.  Under the provisions of ASC Topic 350, goodwill is subject to at least annual assessments for impairment by applying a fair value based test.  The Company reviews goodwill and other intangible assets to determine potential impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, by comparing the carrying value of the asset with the anticipated future cash flows. The Company's annual assessment is done at the reporting unit level. As of December 31, 2017, the annual assessment date, the Company had three reporting units: banking, leasing and mortgage banking. The Company did not recognize impairment losses during the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Other intangibles: The Company’s other intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer intangibles obtained through acquisitions.  Core deposit intangibles (the portion of an acquisition purchase price which represents value assigned to the existing deposit base) have finite lives and are amortized by a 150% declining balance method over four to 20 years.  Other intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows.  If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Mortgage Servicing Rights: The Company originates and sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market and may retain the right to service the loans sold. Servicing involves the collection of payments from individual borrowers and the distribution

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of those payments to the investors. Upon a sale of mortgage loans for which servicing rights are retained, the retained mortgage servicing rights asset is capitalized at the fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities. Purchased mortgage servicing rights are recorded at the purchase price at the date of purchase and at fair value thereafter.

Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. The Company determines the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by estimating the fair value of the future cash flows associated with the mortgage loans being serviced. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights include, but are not limited to, prepayment speeds, discount rates, delinquencies and cost to service. The assumptions used in the valuation model are validated on a periodic basis. The fair value is validated on a quarterly basis with an independent third party.

The Company has elected to account for mortgage servicing rights using the fair value option. Changes in the fair value are recognized in mortgage banking revenue on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
FDIC indemnification asset: As part of the Heritage Community Bank ("Heritage"), Benchmark Bank ("Benchmark"), Broadway Bank ("Broadway"), and New Century Bank ("New Century") transactions, MB Financial Bank entered into loss-share agreements with the FDIC. These agreements cover realized losses on loans and foreclosed real estate for specified periods. See Note 5 below for more information on these agreements, including the duration of MB Financial Bank’s loss-share coverage. These loss-share assets are measured separately from the loan portfolios because they are not contractually embedded in the loans and are not transferable with the loans should MB Financial Bank choose to dispose of them. Fair values at the acquisition dates were estimated based on projected cash flows available for loss-share based on the credit adjustments estimated for each loan pool and the loss-share percentages.  The loss-share assets are also separately measured from the related loans and foreclosed real estate and recorded within other assets on the balance sheet.  The corresponding accretion is recorded in other income on the statement of operations.  Although these assets are contractual receivables from the FDIC, there are no contractual interest rates.
 
Preferred stock: Preferred stock issued in connection with the Taylor Capital Group, Inc. and American Chartered Bancorp, Inc. mergers was initially recorded at fair value. Preferred stock issued through a public offering was recorded at the liquidation preference less underwriting discounts and other allowable costs.  Preferred dividends declared are deducted from net income for computing net income available to common stockholders and earnings per common share computations.
 
Treasury stock: Treasury stock is recorded at acquisition cost. Gains and losses on disposition are recorded as increases or decreases to additional paid-in capital with losses in excess of previously recorded gains charged directly to retained earnings.
 
Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities: ASC Topic 815 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.  ASC Topic 815 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  Accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the statement of operations, and requires that a company formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
 
All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair value.  On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either a fair value hedge (i.e. a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability), a cash flow hedge (i.e. a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability), or a non-designated derivative (i.e. an instrument with no hedging designation).  For a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.  If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings.  Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as fair value or cash flow are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.
 
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedging items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
 
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item; the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; or management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.  When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective fair value hedge, the Company

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continues to carry the derivative on the balance sheet at its fair value, and no longer adjusts the hedged asset or liability for changes in fair value. The adjustment of the carrying amount of the hedged asset or liability is accounted for in the same manner as other components of the carrying amount of that asset or liability.
 
Transfers of financial assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
 
Sale of maintenance contracts: LaSalle Systems Leasing ("LSL"), a division of MB Equipment Finance, LLC, sells third party maintenance contracts to customers.  The maintenance is serviced by third party providers.  Revenues are recorded net of cost of sales, as LSL is viewed as an agent under ASC Topic 605, accepting minimal credit risk, maintaining no obligation to perform maintenance under the contracts and having no control over selection of the maintenance supplier.
 
Asset management and trust assets: Assets of the asset management and trust department, other than trust cash on deposit at MB Financial Bank, are not included in these consolidated financial statements because they are not assets of the bank.
 
Stock-based compensation: The Company accounts for its equity awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718.  ASC Topic 718 requires companies to recognize compensation expense related to equity awards in their statement of operations.  See Note 19 below for more information.
 
Income taxes: Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, while deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Basic and diluted earnings per common share: Earnings per common share is computed using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Participating securities include non-vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, though no actual shares of common stock related to restricted stock units are issued until the settlement of such units, to the extent holders of these securities receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents at the same rate as holders of the Company's common stock. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.
 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (amounts in thousands, except common share data):
 
 
 
Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Distributed earnings allocated to common stock
 
$
69,622

 
$
59,047

 
$
48,813

Undistributed earnings
 
234,418

 
115,089

 
110,135

Net income
 
304,040

 
174,136

 
158,948

Less: preferred stock dividends
 
8,007

 
8,009

 
8,000

Net income available to common stockholders for basic earnings per
common share
 
296,033

 
166,127

 
150,948

Plus: preferred stock dividends on convertible preferred stock
 
7

 
9

 

Less: earnings and dividends allocated to participating securities
 
7

 
7

 
8

Earnings allocated to common stockholders for diluted earnings per
common share
 
$
296,033

 
$
166,129

 
$
150,940

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
 
83,836,732

 
76,968,823

 
74,177,574

Dilutive effect of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Stock options
 
567,855

 
435,976

 
300,552

     Restricted shares and units
 
413,719

 
564,418

 
370,904

     Convertible preferred stock
 
5,150

 
6,904

 

   Total dilutive effect of equity awards and convertible preferred stock
 
986,724

 
1,007,298

 
671,456

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
 
84,823,456

 
77,976,121

 
74,849,030

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
3.53

 
$
2.16

 
$
2.03

Diluted earnings per common share
 
3.49

 
2.13

 
2.02

 
Comprehensive income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, net of deferred taxes, which are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Segment Reporting: An operating segment is a component of an entity that: (i) engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; (ii) has operating results that are reviewed regularly by the entity’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and (iii) has discrete financial information available. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had three reportable operating segments: banking, leasing and mortgage banking. 
 
New authoritative accounting guidance:

ASC Topic 805 "Business Combinations." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 805 "Business Combinations" amends prior guidance to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. This new authoritative guidance will not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" amended prior guidance to require an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new authoritative guidance was initially effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2017 but was deferred to January 1, 2018. The Company's revenue is comprised of interest income on financial assets, which is excluded from the scope of this new guidance, and non-interest income. This new guidance changes how certain recurring revenue streams are recognized within lease financing revenue and insignificant components of non-interest income. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018, and it will not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.


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ASC Topic 825 "Financial Instruments." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 825 "Financial Instruments" amended prior guidance to require equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. An entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The new guidance simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values, requires public entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from changes in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has selected the fair value option for financial instruments and requires separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018, and it will not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 405 "Liabilities-Extinguishment of Liabilities." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 405, "Liabilities-Extinguishment of Liabilities" amended prior guidance to clarify that liabilities related to the sale of prepaid store-value products within the scope of this guidance are financial liabilities and that breakage for those liabilities are to be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018, and it will not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 842 "Leases." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 842 "Leases" amended prior guidance to require lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from all leases on the balance sheet. The new authoritative guidance defines a lease as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. In addition, the qualifications for a sale and leaseback transaction have been amended. The new authoritative guidance also requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2019. The Company is evaluating the new guidance and its impact on the Company's statements of operations and financial condition. The Company expects an increase in assets and liabilities as a result of recording additional lease contracts where the Company is lessee.

ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" amended prior guidance to clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. An entity has an option to apply the amendments in this new authoritative guidance on either a prospective basis or a modified retrospective basis. The Company adopted this new authoritative guidance on January 1, 2017, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" also amended prior guidance to clarify what steps are required when assessing whether the economic characteristics and risks of call (put) options are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of their debt hosts, which is one of the criteria for bifurcating an embedded derivative. An entity is required to consider whether (1) the payoff is adjusted based on changes in an index, (2) the payoff is indexed to an underlying other than interest rates or credit risk, (3) the debt involves a substantial premium or discount, and (4) the call (put) option is contingently exercisable. An entity should apply this new authoritative guidance on a modified retrospective basis to existing debt instruments as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amendments are effective. The Company adopted this new authoritative guidance on January 1, 2017, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" amended prior guidance to better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The new authoritative guidance expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. This new authoritative guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 323 "Investment - Equity Method and Joint Ventures." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 323 "Investment - Equity Method and Joint Ventures" amended prior guidance to eliminate the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The new authoritative

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guidance required that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The Company adopted this new authoritative guidance on January 1, 2017, and it did not have an impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.
 
ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" amended prior guidance in several aspects, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new authoritative guidance allows for all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity also should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. For the statement of cash flows, excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity, and cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. The new authoritative guidance also allows an entity to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. In addition, the threshold to qualify for equity classification permits withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions. The Company early adopted the new guidance in the third quarter of 2016. The Company has also elected to account for forfeitures when they occur.

New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" amends prior guidance by clarifying which changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award requires an entity to apply modification accounting. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the modified award are the same as the original award. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. This new authoritative guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 326 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 326 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" amended the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information for credit loss estimates. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The new authoritative guidance also requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected (net of the allowance for credit losses). In addition, the credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than a write-down. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2020. The Company is evaluating the new guidance and expects it to have an impact on the Company's statements of operations and financial condition, the significance of which is not yet known. Due to the significant differences in the new authoritative guidance from existing GAAP, the implementation of this guidance may result in material changes in our accounting for credit losses on the financial instruments and will be impacted by the Company's loan and securities portfolios' composition, attributes, and quality in addition to the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts at the time of adoption. As part of the Company's evaluation process, it has established a steering committee and working group, including individuals from various functional areas, to assess processes, portfolio segmentation, model development, system requirements, and needed resources. The Company is also considering third-party consultants to assist in the evaluation process.

ASC Topic 230 "Statement of Cash Flows." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 230 "Statement of Cash Flows" addresses eight specific cash flow classification issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. This new authoritative guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 230 "Statement of Cash Flows" amends prior guidance to require an entity to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. This new authoritative guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes" amends prior guidance to require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. The

89




Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018, and it will not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other" amends prior guidance to eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2020. The Company is evaluating the new guidance and its impact on the Company's statements of operations and financial condition.

ASC Topic 610 "Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 610 "Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets" amends prior guidance to clarify the scope of Subtopic 610-20 by defining in substance nonfinancial assets and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2018. This new authoritative guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 310 "Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 "Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" amends prior guidance by shortening the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance and its impact on the Company's statements of operations and financial condition.

ASC Topic 220 "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income." New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 220 "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income" allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from enactment of H.R. 1, originally known as the "Tax Cut and Jobs Act." The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, and it will not have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

Reclassifications: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.  These reclassifications did not result in any changes to previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.
 

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Note 2.
   Business Combinations

MSA, Holding, LLC On December 31, 2015, MB Financial Bank acquired a 100% equity interest in MSA Holdings, LLC, ("MSA") then the parent company of MainStreet Investment Advisors, LLC and Cambium Asset Management, LLC ("Cambium"), a registered investment advisor. In 2017, Cambium was merged into Cedar Hill Associates LLC, a registered investment advisor subsidiary of MB Financial Bank which became a subsidiary of MSA following that transaction.

MB Financial Bank's acquisition of MSA was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired company were included in the Company’s results of operations starting on January 1, 2016. Under this method of accounting, assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at their estimated fair values, net of applicable income tax effects. The excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The Company recorded $13.5 million in goodwill and $8.8 million in other intangibles as a result of this acquisition. The amounts recognized for the business combination in the financial statements as of June 30, 2016 were determined to be final.

American Chartered Bancorp, Inc. On August 24, 2016, American Chartered Bancorp, Inc. ("American Chartered"), an Illinois corporation, was merged (the "American Chartered Merger") with and into the Company, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 20, 2015 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and between the Company and American Chartered. This transaction continues to solidify the Company's market position in Chicago. At the effective time of the merger (the "American Chartered Effective Time"), (i) each share of the common stock, no par value, of American Chartered ("American Chartered Common Stock") that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the American Chartered Effective Time, (ii) each share of American Chartered’s 8% Cumulative Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D ("American Chartered Series D Preferred Stock"), that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the American Chartered Effective Time whose holder elected pursuant to American Chartered’s charter to receive the same consideration in the American Chartered Merger as holders of American Chartered Common Stock, based on the number of shares of American Chartered Common Stock into which such share of American Chartered Series D Preferred Stock would otherwise then be convertible, and (iii) each share of American Chartered Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the American Chartered Effective Time, was converted into the right to receive, subject to the election and proration procedures set forth in the Merger Agreement: (1) cash in the amount of $9.30 (the "Cash Consideration") or (2) 0.2732 shares of the Company's common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional Company shares determined by multiplying the fractional Company share amount by $39.01 (the average closing sale price of the Company's common stock for the five full trading days ending on August 23, 2016) (the "Stock Consideration"). The holders of such shares of American Chartered stock also could elect to receive a combination of the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration for their shares. Each share of American Chartered Series D Preferred Stock whose holder did not elect to receive the same consideration in the American Chartered Merger as holders of American Chartered Common Stock, based on the number of shares of American Chartered Common Stock into which such share of American Chartered Series D Preferred Stock would otherwise then be convertible, was converted into the right to receive one share of the Company's 8% cumulative voting convertible preferred stock, Series B. Consideration paid was $487.4 million, including $382.8 million in common stock (9.7 million shares), $102.3 million in cash and $2.3 million in preferred stock and stock-based awards assumed. The $102.3 million in cash consideration includes payments for the value of the net option shares of the American Chartered stock options pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

This business combination was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired company have been included in the Company’s results of operations since the date of acquisition. Under this method of accounting, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration paid are recorded at their estimated fair values. The excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. As the consideration paid for American Chartered exceeded the net assets acquired, goodwill of $274.9 million was recorded on the acquisition and allocated to the banking segment. Goodwill recorded in the transaction, which reflects the increased Chicago market share and related synergies expected from the combined operations, is not tax deductible. The amounts recognized for the business combination in the financial statements have been determined to be final as of March 31, 2017.

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Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the American Chartered Merger, as of the closing date of the transaction were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
August 24, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
93,307

Investment securities available for sale
 
505,564

Non-marketable securities - FRB and FHLB Stock
 
16,000

Loans
 
1,942,548

Premises and equipment
 
39,048

Cash surrender value of life insurance
 
59,917

Goodwill
 
274,885

Other intangibles
 
25,452

Other real estate owned
 
3,960

Other assets
 
31,408

Total assets
 
$
2,992,089

LIABILITIES
 
 
Deposits
 
$
2,389,327

Short-term borrowings
 
48,305

Long-term borrowings
 
16,000

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
28,075

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
22,966

Total liabilities
 
$
2,504,673

 
 
 
Total identifiable net assets
 
$
487,416

 
 
 
Consideration:
 
 
Market value of common stock at $39.28 per share at August 24, 2016 (9,744,636 shares of common stock issued)
 
$
382,769

Series B preferred stock at $2,337.97 per share at August 24, 2016 (525 shares of preferred stock issued) (1)
 
1,227

Stock-based compensation attributed to pre-business combination service
 
1,103

Cash paid
 
102,317

   Total fair value of consideration, excluding Series B preferred stock
 
$
487,416

(1) 
Per share fair value amount determined as if the shares of Series B were converted into shares common stock.

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date without a carryover of the related allowance for loan and lease losses. These acquired loans are segregated into three types: pass rated loans with no discount attributable to credit quality, non-impaired loans with a discount attributable at least in part to credit quality and impaired loans with evidence of significant credit deterioration.  

Pass rated loans (typically performing loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20 "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" as these loans do not have evidence of credit deterioration since origination.
Non-impaired loans (typically performing substandard loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 if they display at least some level of credit deterioration since origination.
Impaired loans (typically substandard loans on non-accrual status) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 as they display significant credit deterioration since origination.

For pass rated loans (non-purchased credit-impaired loans), the difference between the estimated fair value of the loans and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans.

In accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans (performing substandard loans) and purchased credit-impaired loans, the loans are pooled by loan type and the difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan pools when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.

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The following table presents the acquired loans as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

 
 
Purchased
Credit-Impaired
Loans
 
Purchased Non-Credit-Impaired
Loans
Fair value
 
$
62,104

 
$
1,880,444

Gross contractual amounts receivable
 
93,490

 
2,149,868

Best estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (1)
 
22,293

 
114,154

Best estimate of contractual cash flows expected to be collected
 
71,197

 
2,035,714

(1) 
Includes interest payments not expected to be collected due to loan prepayments as well as principal and interest payments not expected to be collected due to customer default.

The fair value estimates of loans increased by $1.8 million compared to previously reported balances at December 31, 2016, which decreased the deferred tax asset by $733 thousand and goodwill by $1.1 million. The accretable discount for the non-purchased credit-impaired loans was $20.7 million as of the date of the acquisition. The non-accretable and accretable discount for the purchased credit-impaired loans was $18.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively, as of the date of the acquisition.

The Company incurred costs of $2.0 million directly related to the consummation of the American Chartered Merger for the year ended December 31, 2016, which is recorded in professional and legal fees on the statement of operations. The data processing systems were converted in September 2016.

The following table provides the unaudited pro forma information for the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, as if the acquisition had occurred January 1, 2015. The pro forma results combine the historical results of American Chartered into the Company's consolidated statement of operations including the impact of certain acquisition accounting adjustments including loan discount accretion, investment securities discount accretion, intangible assets amortization, deposit premium accretion and borrowing discount amortization. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2015. No assumptions have been applied to the pro forma results of operations regarding possible revenue enhancements, provision for credit losses, expense efficiencies or asset dispositions. The merger related expenses that have been recognized are included in net income in the table below.

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Total revenues (net interest income plus non-interest income)
 
$
975,188

 
$
906,605

Net income
 
197,046

 
192,789


Revenues and earnings of the acquired company since the acquisition date have not been disclosed as it is not practicable as American Chartered was merged into the Company and separate financial information is not readily available.

Mortgage Banking Acquisition. On December 4, 2017, the Company closed on an agreement with Champaign, Illinois-based Busey Bank ("Busey") to transfer approximately 165 residential mortgage team members from Busey to MB Financial Bank and acquired certain operating leases and furniture and equipment. This acquisition adds direct origination capabilities as well as 14 retail mortgage locations across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado. The added retail staff supports our strategy to grow those channels and increase our purchase share of originations. The Company recorded $3.6 million in goodwill as a result of this transaction. The amounts recognized for the business combination in the financial statements as of December 31, 2017 were determined to be provisional.

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Note 3.
   Restrictions on Cash and Due From Banks
 
MB Financial Bank is required to maintain reserve balances in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank, based on a percentage of deposits.  The total of those required reserve balances was approximately $210.0 million and $204.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The nature of the Company’s business requires that it maintain amounts with banks and federal funds sold which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.  Management monitors these correspondent relationships and the Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Note 4.
          Investment Securities
 
Amortized costs and fair values of investment securities were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
23,013

 
$
3

 
$
(9
)
 
$
23,007

States and political subdivisions
 
363,813

 
15,998

 
(486
)
 
379,325

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
861,594

 
3,035

 
(11,930
)
 
852,699

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
71,554

 
612

 
(131
)
 
72,035

Corporate bonds
 
70,155

 
84

 
(42
)
 
70,197

Equity securities
 
11,236

 

 
(173
)
 
11,063

   Total Available for Sale
 
1,401,365

 
19,732

 
(12,771
)
 
1,408,326

Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
878,400

 
32,559

 
(447
)
 
910,512

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
80,682

 
1,261

 

 
81,943

   Total Held to Maturity
 
959,082

 
33,820

 
(447
)
 
992,455

   Total
 
$
2,360,447

 
$
53,552

 
$
(13,218
)
 
$
2,400,781

December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
23,267

 
$
148

 
$

 
$
23,415

States and political subdivisions
 
376,541

 
15,669

 
(845
)
 
391,365

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
988,744

 
5,741

 
(10,801
)
 
983,684

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
91,949

 
1,221

 
(162
)
 
93,008

Corporate bonds
 
193,164

 
1,426

 
(695
)
 
193,895

Equity securities
 
11,000

 

 
(172
)
 
10,828

   Total Available for Sale
 
1,684,665

 
24,205

 
(12,675
)
 
1,696,195

Held to Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
 
910,608

 
21,609

 
(3,039
)
 
929,178

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
159,142

 
5,420

 

 
164,562

   Total Held to Maturity
 
1,069,750

 
27,029

 
(3,039
)
 
1,093,740

   Total
 
$
2,754,415

 
$
51,234

 
$
(15,714
)
 
$
2,789,935


The Company has no direct exposure to the State of Illinois, but approximately 20% of the state and political subdivisions portfolio consists of securities issued by municipalities located in Illinois as of December 31, 2017. Approximately 95% of such securities were general obligation issues as of December 31, 2017.



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Unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities at December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
5,111

 
$
(9
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
5,111

 
$
(9
)
States and political subdivisions
 
9,016

 
(29
)
 
18,754

 
(457
)
 
27,770

 
(486
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
256,769

 
(1,853
)
 
407,224

 
(10,077
)
 
663,993

 
(11,930
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
19,483

 
(20
)
 
14,583

 
(111
)
 
34,066

 
(131
)
Corporate bonds
 
7,052

 
(8
)
 
9,963

 
(34
)
 
17,015

 
(42
)
Equity securities
 
11,063

 
(173
)
 

 

 
11,063

 
(173
)
   Total Available for Sale
 
308,494

 
(2,092
)
 
450,524

 
(10,679
)
 
759,018

 
(12,771
)
Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
45,499

 
(257
)
 
12,561

 
(190
)
 
58,060

 
(447
)
   Total
 
$
353,993

 
$
(2,349
)
 
$
463,085

 
$
(10,869
)
 
$
817,078

 
$
(13,218
)
 
Unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities at December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
Available for Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
 
$
42,806

 
$
(845
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
42,806

 
$
(845
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
623,732

 
(10,084
)
 
54,990

 
(717
)
 
678,722

 
(10,801
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
7,062

 
(9
)
 
11,612

 
(153
)
 
18,674

 
(162
)
Corporate bonds
 
21,028

 
(204
)
 
20,088

 
(491
)
 
41,116

 
(695
)
Equity securities
 
10,828

 
(172
)
 

 

 
10,828

 
(172
)
   Total Available for Sale
 
705,456

 
(11,314
)
 
86,690

 
(1,361
)
 
792,146

 
(12,675
)
Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
243,568

 
(2,999
)
 
2,988

 
(40
)
 
246,556

 
(3,039
)
   Total
 
$
949,024

 
$
(14,313
)
 
$
89,678

 
$
(1,401
)
 
$
1,038,702

 
$
(15,714
)
 
The total number of security positions in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 was 471 compared to 615 at December 31, 2016. Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) whether or not the Company is more likely than not to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.
 
As of December 31, 2017, management does not have the intent to sell any of the securities in the table above and believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2017, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary.

Changes in market interest rates can significantly influence the fair value of securities, and the fair value of our municipal securities portfolio would decline substantially if interest rates increase materially.


95




Net gains (losses) recognized on investment securities available for sale were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Realized gains
 
$
617

 
$
614

 
$
1,470

Realized losses
 
(55
)
 
(167
)
 
(1,646
)
Net losses
 
$
562

 
$
447

 
$
(176
)
 
The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities as of December 31, 2017 by contractual maturity are shown below. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or repaid without any penalties. Therefore, mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.

 
 
Amortized
 
Fair
(In thousands)
 
Cost
 
Value
Available for sale:
 
 

 
 

Due in one year or less
 
$
113,389

 
$
113,602

Due after one year through five years
 
146,070

 
151,273

Due after five years through ten years
 
42,229

 
43,290

Due after ten years
 
155,293

 
164,364

Equity securities
 
11,236

 
11,063

Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
933,148

 
924,734

   Total Available for Sale
 
1,401,365

 
1,408,326

Held to maturity:
 
 

 
 

Due in one year or less
 
36,424

 
36,453

Due after one year through five years
 
188,783

 
195,378

Due after five years through ten years
 
183,390

 
191,621

Due after ten years
 
469,803

 
487,060

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
80,682

 
81,943

   Total Held to Maturity
 
959,082

 
992,455

   Total
 
$
2,360,447

 
$
2,400,781

 
Investment securities with carrying amounts of $726.1 million and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law, while only $625.2 million and $756.5 million were required to be pledged at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

96




Note 5.
        Loans
 
Loans consist of the following at (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Commercial
 
$
4,786,180

 
$
4,346,506

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,113,135

 
2,002,976

Commercial real estate
 
4,147,529

 
3,788,016

Residential real estate
 
1,432,458

 
1,060,828

Construction real estate
 
406,849

 
518,562

Indirect vehicle
 
667,928

 
541,680

Home equity
 
219,098

 
266,377

Other consumer
 
73,141

 
80,781

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans
 
13,846,318

 
12,605,726

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 
119,744

 
163,077

Total loans
 
$
13,966,062

 
$
12,768,803

 
Loans are made to individuals as well as commercial and tax exempt entities. Specific loan terms vary as to interest rate, repayment, and collateral requirements based on the type of loan requested and the credit worthiness of the prospective borrower. Except for commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments, asset-based loans, residential real estate loans and indirect vehicle loans, credit risk tends to be geographically concentrated in that a majority of the loan customers are located in Illinois.
 
The Company's extension of credit is governed by its Credit Risk Policy, which was established to control the quality of the Company's loans. This policy is reviewed and approved by the Enterprise Risk Committee of the Company's Board of Directors on an annual basis.
 
Commercial Loans. Commercial credit is extended primarily to emerging middle market and middle market customers. Such credits are typically comprised of working capital loans, loans for physical asset expansion, asset acquisition loans and other business loans. Loans to closely held businesses will generally be guaranteed in full or for a significant amount by the businesses' principal owners. Commercial loans are made based primarily on the historical cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not perform as forecasted and collateral securing loans may fluctuate in value due to economic or individual performance factors. Minimum standards and underwriting guidelines have been established for all commercial loan types. Asset-based loans, also included in commercial loans, are made to businesses with the primary source of repayment derived from payments on the related assets securing the loan. Collateral for these loans may include accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, and is monitored regularly to ensure ongoing sufficiency of collateral coverage and quality. The primary risk for these loans is a significant decline in collateral values due to general market conditions. Loan terms that mitigate these risks include typical industry amortization schedules, percentage of collateral advances, maintenance of cash collateral accounts and regular asset monitoring. Because of the national scope of our asset-based lending, the risk of these loans is also diversified by geography.
 
Commercial Loans Collateralized by Assignment of Lease Payments ("Lease Loans"). The Company makes lease loans to lessors where the underlying leases are with both investment grade and non-investment grade companies. Investment grade lessees are companies rated in one of the four highest categories by Moody's Investor Services. Whether or not companies fall into this category, each lease loan is considered on its individual merit based on the financial wherewithal of the lessee using financial information available at the time of underwriting. In addition, leases that transfer substantially all of the benefits and risk related to the equipment ownership are classified as direct finance leases and are included in lease loans.
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans. Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans. These loans are viewed primarily as property income based loans and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on the successful operation of the property, which also serves as collateral for the loan. Loan performance may be adversely affected by factors impacting the general economy or conditions specific to the real estate market such as geographic location and/or property type.
 
Construction Real Estate Loans. The Company defines construction loans as loans where the loan proceeds are monitored by the Company and used exclusively for the improvement of real estate in which the Company holds a mortgage. Due to the inherent

97




risk in this type of loan, these loans are subject to other industry specific policy guidelines outlined in the Company's Credit Risk Policy.

Consumer Related Loans. The Company originates direct and indirect consumer loans, including primarily residential real estate, home equity lines and loans, credit cards, and indirect vehicle loans (motorcycle, marine, recreational and powersports vehicles). Each loan type is underwritten based upon several factors including debt to income, type of collateral and loan to collateral value, credit history and the Company's relationship with the borrower. Indirect loan and credit card underwriting involves the use of risk-based pricing in the underwriting process.

Purchased credit-impaired loans. Purchased credit-impaired loans are accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30, which include purchased credit-impaired loans acquired through business combinations, FDIC-assisted transactions and re-purchase transactions with the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). The loans re-purchased from GNMA were originally sold by the Company with servicing retained and subsequently became delinquent. These loans are also insured by the Federal Housing Administration (commonly referred to as "FHA") or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (commonly referred to as "VA") where the Company would be able to recover the principal balance of these loans. All re-purchases from GNMA are at the Company's discretion.

Loans outstanding to executive officers and directors of the Company and MB Financial Bank, including companies in which they have management control or controlling beneficial ownership, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, were approximately $39.5 million and $72.2 million, respectively. Total advances on loans outstanding to executive officers and directors, including companies in which they have management control or controlling beneficial ownership, were $65.7 million, and total repayments were $83.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. In the opinion of management, these loans have similar terms to other customer loans and do not present more than normal risk of collection.

 A collateral pledge agreement exists whereby at all times, the Company must keep on hand, free of all other pledges, liens, and encumbrances, loans with unpaid principal balances aggregating no less than 160% for qualifying first mortgage loans, 167% for home equity loans, 161% for qualifying commercial real estate loan, and 105% for loans held for sale, of the outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $4.7 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively, of loans pledged as collateral for Federal Home Loan Bank advances and third party letters of credit, while only $3.1 billion and $3.2 billion were required to be pledged at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 


98




The following table presents the contractual aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Current
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Loans Past Due
90 Days or More
 
Total
Past Due
 
Total
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
4,769,244

 
$
1,702

 
$
6,926

 
$
8,308

 
$
16,936

 
$
4,786,180

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,099,246

 
11,320

 
1,878

 
691

 
13,889

 
2,113,135

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 
710,722

 

 

 

 

 
710,722

Industrial
 
908,394

 

 

 
755

 
755

 
909,149

Multifamily
 
601,844

 
688

 

 
732

 
1,420

 
603,264

Retail
 
503,224

 

 

 
474

 
474

 
503,698

Office
 
453,960

 

 
956

 
1,454

 
2,410

 
456,370

Other
 
956,181

 
7,035

 
76

 
1,034

 
8,145

 
964,326

Residential real estate
 
1,410,473

 
12,359

 
1,907

 
7,719

 
21,985

 
1,432,458

Construction real estate
 
404,595

 
2,254

 

 

 
2,254

 
406,849

Indirect vehicle
 
661,028

 
4,905

 
1,083

 
912

 
6,900

 
667,928

Home equity
 
210,831

 
3,161

 
1,073

 
4,033

 
8,267

 
219,098

Other consumer
 
72,846

 
202

 
36

 
57

 
295

 
73,141

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans
 
13,762,588

 
43,626

 
13,935

 
26,169

 
83,730

 
13,846,318

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 
63,937

 
8,749

 
3,997

 
43,061

 
55,807

 
119,744

Total loans
 
$
13,826,525

 
$
52,375

 
$
17,932

 
$
69,230

 
$
139,537

 
$
13,966,062

Non-performing loan aging
 
$
36,879

 
$
8,799

 
$
4,961

 
$
26,169

 
$
39,929

 
$
76,808

December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
4,337,348

 
$
2,515

 
$
156

 
$
6,487

 
$
9,158

 
$
4,346,506

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,989,934

 
9,229

 
1,869

 
1,944

 
13,042

 
2,002,976

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 


 


Health care
 
582,450

 

 

 

 

 
582,450

Industrial
 
825,715

 
3,045

 
3,293

 
1,340

 
7,678

 
833,393

Multifamily
 
547,107

 
458

 
53

 
379

 
890

 
547,997

Retail
 
506,789

 
568

 

 

 
568

 
507,357

Office
 
405,992

 
350

 
475

 
6,381

 
7,206

 
413,198

Other
 
899,950

 
2,385

 
1,155

 
131

 
3,671

 
903,621

Residential real estate
 
1,041,189

 
8,248

 
3,409

 
7,982

 
19,639

 
1,060,828

Construction real estate
 
518,171

 

 
391

 

 
391

 
518,562

Indirect vehicle
 
537,221

 
2,836

 
1,062

 
561

 
4,459

 
541,680

Home equity
 
261,765

 
1,219

 
815

 
2,578

 
4,612

 
266,377

Other consumer
 
80,443

 
152

 
120

 
66

 
338

 
80,781

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans
 
12,534,074

 
31,005

 
12,798

 
27,849

 
71,652

 
12,605,726

Purchased credit-impaired loans
 
86,169

 
6,546

 
6,600

 
63,762

 
76,908

 
163,077

Total loans
 
$
12,620,243

 
$
37,551

 
$
19,398

 
$
91,611

 
$
148,560

 
$
12,768,803

Non-performing loan aging
 
$
28,364

 
$
2,308

 
$
978

 
$
27,702

 
$
30,988

 
$
59,352

 

 

99




The following table presents the recorded investment in non-accrual loans and loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing by class of loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Loans past due
 
 
 
Loans past due
 
 
Non-accrual
 
90 days or more
and still accruing
 
Non-accrual
 
90 days or more
and still accruing
Commercial
 
$
14,001

 
$
3,500

 
$
11,222

 
$
1,406

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
490

 
531

 
1,364

 
1,197

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 

 

 

 

Industrial
 
8,807

 

 
276

 
1,064

Multifamily
 
860

 

 
2,662

 

Office
 
2,772

 

 
896

 
6,381

Retail
 
590

 

 
384

 

Other
 
8,016

 
190

 
83

 
21

Residential real estate
 
18,374

 
1,210

 
16,538

 
235

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

Indirect vehicle
 
3,019

 
81

 
2,355

 
10

Home equity
 
14,305

 

 
13,187

 

Other consumer
 
4

 
58

 
7

 
64

Total
 
$
71,238

 
$
5,570

 
$
48,974

 
$
10,378

 
The reduction in interest income associated with loans on non-accrual status was approximately $2.1 million, $3.0 million, and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

The Company utilizes an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem loans. Under the Company's risk rating system, the Company classifies potential problem and problem loans as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” and “Doubtful.” Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses that deserve management's close attention are deemed to be Special Mention. Loans rated but not adversely classified are deemed to be Pass. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants and at least annually.



100




Loans not rated are included in groups of homogeneous loans with similar risk and loss characteristics and are not included in the table below. The following tables present the risk category of loans by class of loans based on the most recent analysis performed, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
4,535,111

 
$
147,232

 
$
103,837

 
$

 
$
4,786,180

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,095,668

 
7,527

 
9,940

 

 
2,113,135

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 
640,751

 
33,672

 
36,299

 

 
710,722

Industrial
 
885,524

 
12,411

 
11,214

 

 
909,149

Multifamily
 
595,818

 
146

 
7,300

 

 
603,264

Retail
 
492,830

 
8,326

 
2,542

 

 
503,698

Office
 
452,902

 
696

 
2,772

 

 
456,370

Other
 
891,703

 
37,682

 
34,941

 

 
964,326

Construction real estate
 
406,849

 

 

 

 
406,849

Total
 
$
10,997,156

 
$
247,692

 
$
208,845

 
$

 
$
11,453,693

December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
4,127,397

 
$
113,838

 
$
105,271

 
$

 
$
4,346,506

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,981,689

 
16,010

 
5,277

 

 
2,002,976

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 
545,663

 
32,251

 
4,536

 

 
582,450

Industrial
 
814,668

 
17,962

 
763

 

 
833,393

Multifamily
 
544,071

 
312

 
3,614

 

 
547,997

Retail
 
498,458

 
8,350

 
549

 

 
507,357

Office
 
404,811

 
5,299

 
3,088

 

 
413,198

Other
 
820,229

 
44,629

 
38,763

 

 
903,621

Construction real estate
 
518,562

 

 

 

 
518,562

Total
 
$
10,255,548

 
$
238,651

 
$
161,861

 
$

 
$
10,656,060

 
Approximately $35.6 million and $17.3 million of the substandard and doubtful loans were non-performing as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 

101




For residential real estate, home equity, indirect vehicle and other consumer loan classes, the Company also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the recorded investment in those loan classes based on payment activity, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Performing
 
Non-performing
 
Total
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
$
1,412,874

 
$
19,584

 
$
1,432,458

Indirect vehicle
 
664,828

 
3,100

 
667,928

Home equity
 
204,793

 
14,305

 
219,098

Other consumer
 
73,079

 
62

 
73,141

Total
 
$
2,355,574

 
$
37,051

 
$
2,392,625

December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
$
1,044,055

 
$
16,773

 
$
1,060,828

Indirect vehicle
 
539,315

 
2,365

 
541,680

Home equity
 
253,190

 
13,187

 
266,377

Other consumer
 
80,710

 
71

 
80,781

Total
 
$
1,917,270

 
$
32,396

 
$
1,949,666


The recorded investment in residential mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties (including purchased credit-impaired loans) for which foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $43.6 million and $29.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


102




The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Partial
Charge-offs
 
Allowance for
Loan and Lease Losses
Allocated
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
8,312

 
$
7,771

 
$
541

 
$

 
$
5,595

 
$
95

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 

 

 

 

 
301

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial
 

 

 

 

 
1,260

 
8

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 
1,261

 
29

Retail
 

 

 

 

 
814

 
27

Office
 
527

 
527

 

 

 
1,426

 
18

Other
 
10,597

 
10,597

 

 

 
2,312

 
128

Residential real estate
 
1,950

 
1,912

 
38

 

 
483

 

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect vehicle
 
408

 
202

 
206

 

 
411

 
26

Home equity
 
81

 
81

 

 

 
376

 

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
7,418

 
7,418

 

 
2,315

 
7,668

 
277

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 

 

 

 

 
126

 
14

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial
 
8,339

 
8,317

 
22

 
2,669

 
3,215

 
171

Multifamily
 
568

 
568

 

 
320

 
426

 

Retail
 

 

 

 

 
1,345

 
28

Office
 
2,293

 
2,277

 
16

 
752

 
636

 
4

Other
 

 

 

 

 
29

 

Residential real estate
 
21,380

 
19,014

 
2,366

 
2,158

 
17,616

 
25

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity
 
30,762

 
28,286

 
2,476

 
2,200

 
27,982

 
54

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
92,635

 
$
86,970

 
$
5,665

 
$
10,414

 
$
73,282

 
$
904


 

103




 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Partial
Charge-offs
 
Allowance for
Loan and Lease Losses
Allocated
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
9,056

 
$
9,056

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,944

 
$

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,129

 
747

 
382

 

 
1,045

 
34

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial
 

 

 

 

 
402

 

Multifamily
 
1,922

 
1,922

 

 

 
2,348

 

Retail
 
2,670

 
929

 
1,741

 

 
2,165

 

Office
 

 

 

 

 
256

 

Other
 

 

 

 

 
60

 

Residential real estate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect vehicle
 
223

 
122

 
101

 

 
252

 

Home equity
 

 

 

 

 
143

 

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
14,403

 
14,403

 

 
2,889

 
22,737

 

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 

 

 

 

 
2,397

 
18

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Health care
 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial
 

 

 

 

 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail
 
3,592

 
3,592

 

 
354

 
6,827

 

Office
 

 

 

 

 
745

 

Other
 

 

 

 

 
235

 

Residential real estate
 
16,257

 
14,353

 
1,904

 
2,163

 
13,412

 

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity
 
31,104

 
28,790

 
2,314

 
2,930

 
28,677

 

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
80,356

 
$
73,914

 
$
6,442

 
$
8,336

 
$
87,645

 
$
52

 
Average impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $73.3 million, $87.6 million and $108.9 million, respectively.  Interest income recognized on impaired loans was $904 thousand, $52 thousand and $202 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 included accruing restructured loans of $28.6 million and $32.7 million, respectively, that have been modified and were performing in accordance with their modified terms as of those dates.  In addition, impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 included non-performing restructured loans of $30.8 million and $27.1 million, respectively.
 
Loans may be restructured in an effort to maximize collections from financially distressed borrowers. We use various restructuring techniques, including, but not limited to, deferring past due interest or principal, implementing an A/B note structure, redeeming past due taxes, reducing interest rates, extending maturities and modifying amortization schedules. Residential real estate loans are restructured in an effort to minimize losses while allowing borrowers to remain in their primary residences when possible.

A loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring will no longer be included in the troubled debt restructuring disclosures in the years after the restructuring if the loan performs in accordance with the terms specified by the restructuring agreement and the

104




interest rate specified in the restructuring agreement represents a market rate at the time of modification. The specified interest rate is considered a market rate when the interest rate is equal to or greater than the rate the Company is willing to accept at the time of restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk. If there are concerns that the borrower will not be able to meet the modified terms of the loan, the loan will continue to be included in the troubled debt restructuring disclosures.

Impairment analyses on commercial-related loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are performed in conjunction with the normal allowance for loan and lease losses process. Consumer loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are aggregated in two pools that share common risk characteristics, home equity and residential real estate loans, with impairment measured on a quarterly basis based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate.

The following table presents loans that were restructured during the year ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Charge-offs and
Specific Reserves
Performing:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
5
 
$
2,491

 
$
2,491

 
$
373

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Industrial
 
3
 
3,174

 
3,174

 

Retail
 
2
 
337

 
337

 

     Office
 
1
 
548

 
548

 

     Other
 
4
 
4,171

 
4,171

 

Residential real estate
 
10
 
1,744

 
1,744

 
230

Home equity
 
5
 
122

 
122

 
9

Total
 
30
 
$
12,587

 
$
12,587

 
$
612

Non-Performing:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
6
 
$
1,363

 
$
1,363

 
$

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Multifamily
 
3
 
290

 
290

 

Retail
 
1
 
906

 
906

 

Other
 
1
 
554

 
554

 

Residential real estate
 
35
 
6,428

 
6,428

 
1,733

Indirect vehicle
 
40
 
277

 
277

 
150

Home equity
 
5
 
842

 
842

 
76

Total
 
91
 
$
10,660

 
$
10,660

 
$
1,959



105




The following table presents loans that were restructured during the year ended December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Charge-offs and
Specific Reserves
Performing:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
2

 
$
4,388

 
$
4,388

 
$
412

Residential real estate
 
6

 
939

 
939

 
143

Home equity
 
13

 
2,113

 
2,113

 
172

Total
 
21

 
$
7,440

 
$
7,440

 
$
727

Non-Performing:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
8

 
$
17,472

 
$
17,472

 
$
5,784

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2

 
794

 
794

 
382

Residential real estate
 
10

 
1,310

 
1,310

 
245

Indirect vehicle
 
33

 
220

 
220

 
75

Home equity
 
42

 
4,933

 
4,933

 
293

Total
 
95

 
$
24,729

 
$
24,729

 
$
6,779


Of the troubled debt restructurings entered into during the year ended December 31, 2017, none subsequently defaulted during the year.  Performing troubled debt restructurings are considered to have defaulted when they become 90 days or more past due post-restructuring or are placed on non-accrual status.

The following tables present the troubled debt restructurings activity during the year ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Performing
 
Non-performing
Beginning balance
 
$
32,687

 
$
27,068

Additions
 
12,587

 
10,660

Charge-offs
 

 
(536
)
Principal payments, net
 
(1,455
)
 
(5,160
)
Removals
 
(12,149
)
 
(3,722
)
Transfer to other real estate owned
 

 
(590
)
Transfers in
 
2,890

 
6,006

Transfers out
 
(6,006
)
 
(2,890
)
Ending balance
 
$
28,554

 
$
30,836


Loans removed from troubled debt restructuring status are those that were restructured in a previous calendar year at a market rate of interest and have performed in compliance with the modified terms.


106




The following table presents the type of modification for loans that have been restructured and the post-modification recorded investment during the year ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2017
 
Extended Maturity,
Amortization
and Reduction
of Interest Rate
 
Extended
Maturity and/or
Amortization
 
Delay in
Payments and/or
Reduction of
Interest Rate
 
Release of Collateral
 
Total
Commercial
$

 
$
3,168

 
$

 
$
686

 
$
3,854

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Industrial

 
3,174

 

 

 
3,174

   Multifamily

 
290

 

 

 
290

   Retail

 
906

 
337

 

 
1,243

   Office

 
548

 

 

 
548

   Other

 
4,725

 

 

 
4,725

Residential real estate
4,894

 
2,326

 
952

 

 
8,172

Indirect vehicle

 

 
277

 

 
277

Home equity

 
35

 
929

 

 
964

     Total
$
4,894

 
$
15,172

 
$
2,495

 
$
686

 
$
23,247


Activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
141,842

 
$
131,508

 
$
114,057

Provision for credit losses
 
21,593

 
19,563

 
21,386

Charge-offs:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
2,323

 
2,126

 
2,993

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
3,397

 
6,740

 
2,765

Commercial real estate
 
1,466

 
2,851

 
3,563

Residential real estate
 
932

 
1,356

 
1,450

Construction real estate
 

 
593

 
34

Indirect vehicle
 
5,433

 
3,505

 
2,980

Home equity
 
1,314

 
1,662

 
1,485

Other consumer
 
1,707

 
1,778

 
1,941

Total charge-offs
 
16,572

 
20,611

 
17,211

Recoveries:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
3,806

 
2,434

 
1,749

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
775

 
550

 
1,112

Commercial real estate
 
2,817

 
3,729

 
6,723

Residential real estate
 
724

 
1,210

 
515

Construction real estate
 
774

 
142

 
272

Indirect vehicle
 
2,282

 
1,837

 
1,853

Home equity
 
778

 
756

 
579

Other consumer
 
589

 
724

 
473

Total recoveries
 
12,545

 
11,382

 
13,276

Net charge-offs
 
4,027

 
9,229

 
3,935

Allowance for credit losses
 
159,408

 
141,842

 
131,508

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 
(1,698
)
 
(2,476
)
 
(3,368
)
Balance at December 31,
 
$
157,710

 
$
139,366

 
$
128,140


107




The following table presents the activity in the allowance for credit losses, balance in allowance for credit losses and recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
collateralized  by
assignment of
lease payments
 
Commercial
real estate
 
Residential
real estate
 
Construction
real estate
 
Indirect
vehicle
 
Home
equity
 
Other Consumer
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Total
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for credit losses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
$
44,661

 
$
12,238

 
$
51,807

 
$
5,971

 
$
14,758

 
$
3,421

 
$
4,689

 
$
1,821

 
$
2,476

 
$
141,842

Charge-offs
 
2,323

 
3,397

 
1,466

 
932

 

 
5,433

 
1,314

 
1,707

 

 
16,572

Recoveries
 
3,806

 
775

 
2,817

 
724

 
774

 
2,282

 
778

 
589

 

 
12,545

Provision
 
123

 
3,391

 
10,271

 
1,249

 
(31
)
 
4,458

 
1,143

 
1,767

 
(778
)
 
21,593

Ending balance
 
$
46,267

 
$
13,007

 
$
63,429

 
$
7,012

 
$
15,501

 
$
4,728

 
$
5,296

 
$
2,470

 
$
1,698

 
$
159,408

Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,315

 
$

 
$
3,741

 
$
2,158

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,200

 
$

 
$
437

 
$
10,851

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
43,861

 
13,007

 
58,637

 
4,854

 
15,466

 
4,728

 
3,096

 
2,470

 
1,261

 
147,380

Acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 (1)
 
91

 

 
1,051

 

 
35

 

 

 

 

 
1,177

Total ending allowance balance
 
$
46,267

 
$
13,007

 
$
63,429

 
$
7,012

 
$
15,501

 
$
4,728

 
$
5,296

 
$
2,470

 
$
1,698

 
$
159,408

Loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
15,189

 
$

 
$
22,286

 
$
20,926

 
$

 
$
202

 
$
28,367

 
$

 
$

 
$
86,970

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
4,770,991

 
2,113,135

 
4,125,243

 
1,411,532

 
406,849

 
667,726

 
190,731

 
73,141

 

 
13,759,348

Acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 (1)
 
13,667

 

 
25,490

 
63,137

 
5,220

 

 
10,559

 
1,671

 

 
119,744

Total ending loans balance
 
$
4,799,847

 
$
2,113,135

 
$
4,173,019

 
$
1,495,595

 
$
412,069

 
$
667,928

 
$
229,657

 
$
74,812

 
$

 
$
13,966,062

December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for credit losses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
$
39,316

 
$
10,434

 
$
45,475

 
$
5,734

 
$
15,113

 
$
2,418

 
$
7,374

 
$
2,276

 
$
3,368

 
$
131,508

Charge-offs
 
2,126

 
6,740

 
2,851

 
1,356

 
593

 
3,505

 
1,662

 
1,778

 

 
20,611

Recoveries
 
2,434

 
550

 
3,729

 
1,210

 
142

 
1,837

 
756

 
724

 

 
11,382

Provision
 
5,037

 
7,994

 
5,454

 
383

 
96

 
2,671

 
(1,779
)
 
599

 
(892
)
 
19,563

Ending balance
 
$
44,661

 
$
12,238

 
$
51,807

 
$
5,971

 
$
14,758

 
$
3,421

 
$
4,689

 
$
1,821

 
$
2,476

 
$
141,842

Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,889

 
$

 
$
354

 
$
2,163

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,930

 
$

 
$
617

 
$
8,953

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
41,594

 
12,238

 
50,811

 
3,808

 
14,712

 
3,421

 
1,759

 
1,821

 
1,859

 
132,023

Acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 (1)
 
178

 

 
642

 

 
46

 

 

 

 

 
866

Total ending allowance balance
 
$
44,661

 
$
12,238

 
$
51,807

 
$
5,971

 
$
14,758

 
$
3,421

 
$
4,689

 
$
1,821

 
$
2,476

 
$
141,842

Loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
23,459

 
$
747

 
$
6,443

 
$
14,353

 
$

 
$
122

 
$
28,790

 
$

 
$

 
$
73,914

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
4,323,047

 
2,002,229

 
3,781,573

 
1,046,475

 
518,562

 
541,558

 
237,587

 
80,781

 

 
12,531,812

Acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 (1)
 
22,257

 

 
46,994

 
72,184

 
4,832

 

 
14,549

 
2,261

 

 
163,077

Total ending loans balance
 
$
4,368,763

 
$
2,002,976

 
$
3,835,010

 
$
1,133,012

 
$
523,394

 
$
541,680

 
$
280,926

 
$
83,042

 
$

 
$
12,768,803


(1) 
Loans acquired in business combinations and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 “Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.”
 
Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date without a carryover of the related allowance for loan and lease losses. These acquired loans are segregated into three types: pass rated loans with no discount attributable to credit quality, non-impaired loans with a discount attributable at least in part to credit quality and impaired loans with evidence of significant credit deterioration.  


108




Pass rated loans (typically performing loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20 "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" as these loans do not have evidence of credit deterioration since origination.
Non-impaired loans (typically performing substandard loans) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 if they display at least some level of credit deterioration since origination.
Impaired loans (typically substandard loans on non-accrual status) are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30 as they display significant credit deterioration since origination.

For pass rated loans (non-purchased credit-impaired loans), the difference between the estimated fair value of the loans and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans.

In accordance with ASC 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans and purchased credit-impaired loans, the loans are pooled by loan type and the difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan pools when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.

Substantially all of the loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions displayed at least some level of credit deterioration and as such are included as non-impaired and impaired loans as described immediately above.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, there was a provision for credit losses of $431 thousand and there were net charge-offs of $120 thousand in relation to purchased credit impaired loans. During the year ended December 31, 2016, there was a provision for credit losses of $144 thousand and net recoveries of $1.4 million in relation to purchased loans.  There was $1.2 million in allowance for loan and lease losses related to these purchased credit impaired loans at December 31, 2017 and $866 thousand at December 31, 2016.  The provision for credit losses and accompanying charge-offs are included in the table above.
 
Changes in the accretable yield for loans acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
16,050

 
$
12,596

Purchases
 
43

 
5,086

Accretion
 
(12,500
)
 
(9,585
)
Other (1)
 
8,476

 
7,953

Balance at end of period
 
$
12,069

 
$
16,050

 
(1) 
Primarily includes discount transfers from non-accretable discount to accretable discount due to better than expected performance of loan pools acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30.

In our FDIC-assisted transactions, the fair value of purchased credit-impaired loans, on the acquisition date, was determined based on assigned risk ratings, expected cash flows and the fair value of loan collateral. The fair value of loans that were non-impaired was determined based on estimates of losses on defaults and other market factors. Due to the loss-share agreements with the FDIC, we recorded a receivable (FDIC indemnification asset) from the FDIC equal to the present value of the corresponding reimbursement percentages on the estimated losses embedded in the loan portfolio.

For other loans acquired through business combinations, the fair value of purchased credit-impaired loans, on the acquisition date, was determined based on assigned risk ratings, expected cash flows and the fair value of loan collateral. The fair value of loans that were non-impaired was determined based on estimates of losses on defaults and other market factors.


109




The carrying amount of loans acquired through a business combination by pool type are as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2017
 
Purchased
Credit-Impaired
Loans
 
Purchased  Non-Credit-Impaired
Loans
 
Total
Covered loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Consumer related
 
$
14,898

 
$

 
$
14,898

Non covered loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial loans
 
$
13,667

 
$
254,027

 
$
267,694

Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 

 
35,163

 
35,163

Commercial real estate
 
25,490

 
776,939

 
802,429

Construction real estate
 
5,220

 
5,660

 
10,880

Consumer related
 
4,720

 
276,023

 
280,743

Total non-covered loans
 
49,097

 
1,347,812

 
1,396,909

Total acquired
 
$
63,995

 
$
1,347,812

 
$
1,411,807

 
In addition to loans acquired through a business combination noted in the table above, consumer related purchased credit-impaired loans includes loans repurchased from GNMA of $55.7 million as of December 31, 2017.

Effective April 1, 2014, the losses on commercial related loans (commercial, commercial real estate and construction real estate) acquired in connection with the Heritage FDIC-assisted transaction ceased being covered under the loss-share agreement for that transaction. The carrying amount of those loans was $1.5 million as of December 31, 2017. Any recoveries, net of expenses, received on commercial related loans on which losses were incurred prior to April 1, 2014 were covered (and any such net recoveries must be shared with the FDIC in accordance with the loss-share agreement) through March 31, 2017. The losses on consumer related loans acquired in connection with the Heritage FDIC-assisted transaction will continue to be covered under the loss-share agreement through March 31, 2019.

The losses on commercial related loans acquired in connection with the Benchmark FDIC-assisted transaction ceased to be covered under the loss-share agreement for that transaction effective January 1, 2015. The carrying amount of those loans was $152 thousand as of December 31, 2017. Any recoveries, net of expenses, received on commercial related loans on which losses were incurred prior to January 1, 2015 were covered (and any such net recoveries must be shared with the FDIC in accordance with the loss-share agreements) through December 31, 2017. The losses on consumer related loans acquired in connection with the Benchmark FDIC-assisted transaction will continue to be covered under the loss-share agreements through December 31, 2019.

Effective July 1, 2015, the losses on commercial related loans acquired in connection with Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions ceased to be covered under the loss-share agreements for those transactions. The carrying amount of those loans was $4.4 million as of December 31, 2017. Any recoveries, net of expenses, received on commercial related loans on which losses were incurred prior to July 1, 2015 will continue to be covered (and any such net recoveries must be shared with the FDIC in accordance with the loss-share agreements) through June 30, 2018. The losses on consumer related loans acquired in connection with the Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions will continue to be covered under the loss-share agreement through June 30, 2020.



110




Note 6.
  Lease Investments
 
The lease portfolio is comprised of various types of equipment, generally technology related, including computer systems and satellite equipment, material handling and general manufacturing equipment. 
 
Lease investments by categories follow (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Direct finance leases:
 
 

 
 

Minimum lease payments
 
$
492,953

 
$
433,451

Estimated unguaranteed residual values
 
74,220

 
78,256

Less: unearned income
 
(41,311
)
 
(36,327
)
Direct finance leases (1)
 
$
525,862

 
$
475,380

Leveraged leases:
 
 

 
 

Minimum lease payments
 
$
179

 
$
821

Estimated unguaranteed residual values
 
10

 
108

Less: unearned income
 
(3
)
 
(25
)
Less: related non-recourse debt
 
(177
)
 
(803
)
Leveraged leases (1)
 
$
9

 
$
101

Operating leases:
 
 

 
 

Equipment, at cost
 
$
575,612

 
$
440,861

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(166,561
)
 
(129,534
)
Lease investments, net
 
$
409,051

 
$
311,327

 
(1)Direct finance and leveraged leases are included as commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments for financial
statement purposes.

Leases that transfer substantially all of the benefits and risk related to the equipment ownership are classified as direct finance leases. If these direct finance leases have non-recourse debt associated with them and meet the additional requirements for a leveraged lease, they are further classified as leveraged leases, and the associated debt is netted with the outstanding balance in the consolidated financial statements. Interest income on direct finance and leveraged leases is recognized using methods which approximate a level yield over the term of the lease. Operating leases are investments in equipment leased to other companies, where the residual component makes up more than 10% of the investment.  The Company funds most of the lease equipment purchases internally, but has some loans at other banks which totaled $76.3 million at December 31, 2017 and $66.9 million at December 31, 2016.
 

111




The minimum lease payments receivable for the various categories of leases are due as follows (in thousands) for the years ending December 31,
 
 
 
Direct
Finance
 
Leveraged
 
Operating
 
 
Year
 
Leases
 
Leases
 
Leases
 
Total
2018
 
$
173,155

 
$
179

 
$
110,132

 
$
283,466

2019
 
130,691

 

 
48,311

 
179,002

2020
 
85,128

 

 
38,507

 
123,635

2021
 
51,186

 

 
29,576

 
80,762

2022
 
27,803

 

 
23,202

 
51,005

Thereafter
 
24,990

 

 
32,135

 
57,125

 
 
$
492,953

 
$
179

 
$
281,863

 
$
774,995


At December 31, 2017, the following reflects the residual values for leases by category in the year the initial lease term ends (in thousands):
 
 
 
Residual Values
 
 
Direct
 
 
 
 
 
 
End of initial lease term
 
Finance
 
Leveraged
 
Operating
 
 
December 31,
 
Leases
 
Leases
 
Leases
 
Total
2018
 
$
14,646

 
$
10

 
$
14,528

 
$
29,184

2019
 
13,660

 

 
13,201

 
26,861

2020
 
13,352

 

 
21,175

 
34,527

2021
 
4,308

 

 
25,007

 
29,315

2022
 
9,228

 

 
18,003

 
27,231

Thereafter
 
19,026

 

 
48,122

 
67,148

 
 
$
74,220

 
$
10

 
$
140,036

 
$
214,266

 
The lease residual value represents the present value of the estimated fair value of the leased equipment at the termination of the lease. Lease residual values are reviewed annually, and any write-downs for permanent impairments deemed necessary are recorded in the period in which they become known. To mitigate this risk of loss, we seek to diversify both the type of equipment leased and the industries in which the lessees participate. In addition, a portion of our leases are terminal rental adjustment clause or "TRAC" leases where the lessee effectively guarantees the full residual value through a rental adjustment at the end of term or those where partial residual value is guaranteed ("split-TRAC"), which has a limited residual risk. Under a split-TRAC structure, the limited residual risk would be satisfied first by the net sale proceeds of the leased asset. The lessee’s at-risk portion, or top risk, is satisfied last and is subject to repayment as additional rent, if the TRAC amount is not satisfied by the net sale proceeds.

Often times, there are several individual lease schedules under one master lease.  There were 4,773 leases at December 31, 2017 compared to 4,248 at December 31, 2016.  The average residual value per lease schedule was approximately $45 thousand at December 31, 2017 and $42 thousand at December 31, 2016.  The average residual value per master lease schedule was approximately $183 thousand at December 31, 2017 and $176 thousand at December 31, 2016.

112




 

Income from lease financing, net was composed of (in thousands):
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Rental income
 
$
87,524

 
$
69,083

 
$
59,668

Equipment maintenance contracts revenue, net of cost of sales
 
29,697

 
25,005

 
23,027

Vendor promotional income
 
13,475

 
11,073

 
8,527

Other lease related revenue
 
7,461

 
4,254

 
5,769

Gain on sale of lease payments and leased equipment, net of residual write downs
 
12,381

 
13,241

 
17,006

Income on lease investments, gross
 
150,538

 
122,656

 
113,997

Less: depreciation on operating leases
 
(63,951
)
 
(49,170
)
 
(37,416
)
Lease financing, net
 
$
86,587

 
$
73,486

 
$
76,581

 
Extension rents received in excess of residual values are reflected in rental income. Equipment maintenance contracts revenue represents the gross amount of revenue paid for maintenance contracts and other services brokered to customers.  The maintenance contracts are serviced by third parties, with the Company maintaining no obligation under the contracts.  The cost of sales is the amount paid by the Company to the third party maintenance provider. From time to time, the Company sells minimum lease payments to third parties.
 
Gains on leased equipment periodically result when a lessee renews a lease or purchases the equipment at the end of a lease or the equipment is sold to a third party at a profit.  Individual lease transactions can, however, result in a loss.  This generally happens when, at the end of a lease, the lessee does not renew the lease or purchase the equipment. 
 
Note 7.
   Premises and Equipment
 
Premises and equipment consisted of (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Land and land improvements
 
$
78,329

 
$
81,468

Buildings
 
116,584

 
122,268

Furniture and equipment
 
174,778

 
182,924

Buildings and leasehold improvements
 
81,589

 
76,602

 
 
451,280

 
463,262

Accumulated depreciation
 
(164,590
)
 
(169,352
)
Premises and equipment, net
 
$
286,690

 
$
293,910

 
Depreciation on premises and equipment totaled $29.0 million, $25.5 million, and $22.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.


113




Note 8.
  Goodwill and Intangibles
 
The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including core deposit and client relationship intangibles, consists of goodwill. Under ASC Topic 350, goodwill is subject to at least annual assessments for impairment by applying a fair value based test. The Company reviews goodwill to determine potential impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired, by comparing the carrying value of the reporting units with the fair value of the reporting units.
 
The Company's annual assessment date is as of December 31. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company had three reporting units: Banking, Leasing and Mortgage Banking. Based on the Company's 2017 goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of the three reporting units were in excess of their carrying value. No impairment losses were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, or 2015. The carrying amount of goodwill was $1.0 billion at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The increase of $2.5 million in goodwill was due to the Busey staff transfer and adjustments recognized for the American Chartered merger.

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Banking
 
Leasing
 
Mortgage banking
 
Total
 
Banking
 
Leasing
 
Mortgage banking
 
Total
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
960,398

 
$
40,640

 
$

 
$
1,001,038

 
$
684,430

 
$
40,640

 
$

 
$
725,070

Goodwill from business combinations (1)
 
(1,113
)
 

 
3,623

 
2,510

 
275,968

 

 

 
275,968

Balance at end of period
 
$
959,285

 
$
40,640

 
$
3,623

 
$
1,003,548

 
$
960,398

 
$
40,640

 
$

 
$
1,001,038

(1) 
Due to the Busey staff transfer and adjustments recognized for the American Chartered merger.

The Company has other intangible assets consisting of core deposit and client relationship intangibles that had a remaining weighted average amortization period of approximately twelve years as of December 31, 2017.
 
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of core deposit and client relationship intangibles, gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization, and net book value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
62,959

 
$
44,812

Amortization expense
 
(8,193
)
 
(7,305
)
Other intangibles from business combinations
 

 
25,452

Balance at end of period
 
$
54,766

 
$
62,959

 
 
 
 
 
Gross carrying amount
 
$
112,820

 
$
112,820

Accumulated amortization
 
(58,054
)
 
(49,861
)
Net book value
 
$
54,766

 
$
62,959


The following presents the estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets (in thousands):
 
Years ending December 31,
Amount
2018
$
7,451

2019
5,674

2020
5,022

2021
4,790

2022
3,806

Thereafter
28,023

 
$
54,766

 

114




Note 9.
Deposits
 
The composition of deposits was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Demand deposit accounts, non-interest bearing
 
$
6,381,512

 
$
6,408,169

NOW and money market accounts
 
4,954,765

 
4,543,004

Savings accounts
 
1,167,810

 
1,135,992

Certificates of deposit, $250,000 or more
 
1,506,071

 
1,144,121

Other certificates of deposit
 
948,220

 
879,162

Total
 
$
14,958,378

 
$
14,110,448

 
Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more included $1.1 billion and $795.0 million of brokered deposits at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Brokered deposits typically consist of smaller individual time certificates that have the same liquidity characteristics and yields consistent with time certificates of $250,000 or more.
 
At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows (in thousands):
 
2018
$
1,508,872

2019
458,980

2020
350,109

2021
76,795

2022
57,489

Thereafter
2,046

 
$
2,454,291

 
Note 10.
Short-Term Borrowings
 
Short-term borrowings were as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
 
Cost
 
Amount
 
Cost
 
Amount
Customer repurchase agreements
 
0.27
%
 
$
232,789

 
0.22
%
 
$
237,538

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
1.31

 
625,000

 
0.63

 
1,275,000

Federal funds purchased
 
1.26

 
3,250

 
0.80

 
46,750

Line of credit
 

 

 
2.52

 
10,000

Total
 
1.03
%
 
$
861,039

 
0.59
%
 
$
1,569,288

 
Customer repurchase agreements are agreements in which the Company acquires funds by selling assets to another party under a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the same assets at a specified price and date.  The Company enters into repurchase agreements and also offers a demand deposit account product to customers that sweeps their balances in excess of an agreed upon target amount into overnight repurchase agreements.  All securities sold under agreements to repurchase are recorded on the face of the balance sheet. The Company pledges mortgage-backed securities as collateral for the repurchase agreements and may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of those securities.

The Company had fixed rate Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances with a maturity date less than one year of $625.0 million at December 31, 2017 and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2016.  At December 31, 2017, the interest rate on the advances outstanding on that date ranged from 1.20% to 1.58% with maturities from March 5, 2018 to December 12, 2018. The Company has loans pledged as collateral on these FHLB advances. See Note 5. Loans of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

115





On December 18, 2015, the Company entered into a $35.0 million unsecured line of credit with a correspondent bank at the parent company level. Interest is payable at a rate of one month LIBOR + 1.75%. As of December 31, 2017, nothing was outstanding and $10.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2016. The line of credit is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2018.
 
Note 11.
Long-term Borrowings
 
Long-term borrowings were as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
 
Cost
 
Amount
 
Cost
 
Amount
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
1.73
%
 
$
231,317

 
0.85
%
 
$
230,865

Notes payable
 
4.14

 
90,807

 
4.18

 
66,925

Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs
 
4.00

 
173,034

 

 

Term note
 
3.31

 
10,000

 
2.52

 
14,000

Total
 
2.97
%
 
$
505,158

 
1.64
%
 
$
311,790


The Company had FHLB advances with original contractual maturities greater than one year of $231.3 million and $230.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the advances had fixed terms with interest rates ranging from 1.65% to 5.87% and maturities ranging from March 2019 to April 2035. The Company has investment securities available for sale and loans pledged as collateral on these FHLB advances. See Note 4. Investment Securities and Note 5. Loans of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company had notes payable to banks totaling $90.8 million and $66.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which as of December 31, 2017, were accruing interest at rates ranging from 2.25% to 7.40%, with a weighted average rate of 4.14%.  Lease investments include equipment with an amortized cost of $91.9 million and $79.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, that is pledged as collateral on these notes.

On August 24, 2016, the Company assumed a $16.0 million unsecured term loan at the holding company level with a correspondent bank through the American Chartered merger. Interest is payable at a rate of one month LIBOR + 1.75% and matures on June 30, 2020. Principal payments of $1.0 million are due quarterly until maturity. As of December 31, 2017, $10.0 million was outstanding, which was prepaid in full subsequent to December 31, 2017. See Note 24 Subsequent Events of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

On November 16, 2017, MB Financial Bank issued $175.0 million in 4.00% fixed-to-floating subordinated notes that mature on December 1, 2027. The subordinated notes bear a fixed interest rate of 4.00% until December 1, 2022 and a variable interest rate of three month LIBOR + 1.873% thereafter until maturity. The subordinated notes are callable on a semi-annual basis beginning on December 1, 2022.

The principal payments on long-term borrowings are due as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Amount
Years ending December 31,
 

2018
$
50,488

2019
255,015

2020
14,900

2021
4,358

2022
1,230

Thereafter
179,167

Total
$
505,158



116




Note 12.
Junior Subordinated Notes Issued to Capital Trusts
 
The Company has established statutory trusts for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities.  The proceeds from such issuances were used by the trusts to purchase junior subordinated notes of the Company, which are the sole assets of each trust.  Concurrently with the issuance of the trust preferred securities, the Company issued guarantees for the benefit of the holders of the trust preferred securities.  The Company’s outstanding trust preferred securities qualify, and are treated by the Company, as Tier 2 regulatory capital. Prior to the completion of the American Chartered merger, the trust preferred securities qualified, and were treated by the Company, as Tier 1 regulatory capital.  The Company owns all of the common securities of each trust.  The trust preferred securities issued by each trust rank equally with the common securities in right of payment, except that if an event of default under the indenture governing the notes has occurred and is continuing, the preferred securities will rank senior to the common securities in right of payment.

The table below summarizes the outstanding junior subordinated notes and the related trust preferred securities issued by each trust as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 
 
 
Coal City
Capital Trust I
 
MB Financial
Capital Trust II
 
MB Financial
Capital Trust III
 
MB Financial
Capital Trust IV
Junior Subordinated Notes:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Principal balance
 
$
25,774

 
$
36,083

 
$
10,310

 
$
20,619

Annual interest rate
 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.80%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.40%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.50%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.52%

Stated maturity date
 
September 1, 2028

 
September 15, 2035

 
September 23, 2036

 
September 15, 2036

Call date
 
September 1, 2008

 
December 15, 2010

 
September 23, 2011

 
September 15, 2011

Trust Preferred Securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Face Value
 
$
25,000

 
$
35,000

 
$
10,000

 
$
20,000

Annual distribution rate
 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.80%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.40%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.50%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.52%

Issuance date
 
July 1998

 
August 2005

 
July 2006

 
August 2006

Distribution dates (1)
 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly

 
 
MB Financial
Capital Trust V
 
MB Financial
Capital Trust VI
 
FOBB
Statutory Trust III (2)
 
TAYC
Capital Trust II (3)
Junior Subordinated Notes:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Principal balance
 
$
30,928

 
$
23,196

 
$
5,155

 
$
41,238

Annual interest rate
 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.30%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.30%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 2.80%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 2.68%

Stated maturity date
 
December 15, 2037

 
October 30, 2037

 
January 23, 2034

 
June 17, 2034

Call date
 
December 15, 2012

 
October 30, 2012

 
January 23, 2009

 
June 17, 2009

Trust Preferred Securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Face Value
 
$
30,000

 
$
22,500

 
$
5,000

 
$
40,000

Annual distribution rate
 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.30%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 1.30%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 2.80%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 2.68%

Issuance date
 
September 2007

 
October 2007

 
December 2003

 
June 2004

Distribution dates (1)
 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly

 
 
American Chartered Statutory Trust I (4)
 
American Chartered Statutory Trust II (4)
Junior Subordinated Notes:
 
 

 
 

Principal balance
 
$
20,619

 
$
10,464

Annual interest rate
 
3-mo LIBOR + 3.60%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 2.75%

Stated maturity date
 
December 18, 2031

 
October 7, 2034

Call date
 
December 18, 2006

 
October 7, 2009

Trust Preferred Securities:
 
 

 
 

Face Value
 
$
20,000

 
$
10,000

Annual distribution rate
 
3-mo LIBOR + 3.60%

 
3-mo LIBOR + 2.75%

Issuance date
 
November 2001

 
August 2004

Distribution dates (1)
 
Quarterly

 
Quarterly



117




(1) 
All distributions are cumulative and paid in cash.
(2) 
FOBB Statutory Trust III was established by First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. (“FOBB”) prior to the Company's acquisition of FOBB in 2006, and the junior subordinated notes issued by FOBB to FOBB Statutory Trust III were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition.
(3) 
TAYC Capital Trust II was established by Taylor Capital prior to the Company's acquisition of Taylor Capital in 2014, and the junior subordinated notes issued by Taylor Capital to TAYC Capital Trust II were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition. Principal balance and face value amounts associated with TAYC Capital Trust II do not include acquisition accounting adjustments to such amounts, which in each case resulted in a discount. This discount was $6.4 million as of December 31, 2017.
(4) 
American Chartered Statutory Trust I and American Chartered Statutory Trust II were established by American Chartered prior to the Company's acquisition of American Chartered in August 2016, and the junior subordinated notes issued by American Chartered to American Chartered Statutory Trust I and American Chartered Statutory Trust II were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition. Principal balance and face value amounts associated with American Chartered Statutory Trust I and American Chartered Statutory Trust II do not include purchase accounting adjustments to such amounts, which in each case resulted in a discount of $6.0 million as of December 31, 2017. The trust preferred securities of American Chartered Statutory Trust I and the related junior subordinated notes were called for redemption subsequent to December 31, 2017. See Note 24 Subsequent Events of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the junior subordinated notes at the stated maturity date or upon redemption.  Each trust’s ability to pay amounts due on the trust preferred securities is solely dependent upon the Company making payment on the related junior subordinated notes.  The Company’s obligation under the junior subordinated notes and other relevant trust agreements, in aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of each trust’s obligations under the trust preferred securities issued by each trust.  The Company has the right to defer payment of interest on the notes and, therefore, distributions on the trust preferred securities, for up to five years, but not beyond the stated maturity date in the table above.  During any such deferral period, the Company may not pay cash dividends on its common or preferred stock and generally may not repurchase its common or preferred stock.

Note 13.
Lease Commitments and Rental Expense
 
The Company leases office space for certain branch offices.  At December 31, 2017, the future minimum annual rental commitments for these non-cancelable leases and subleases of such space were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Gross
 
Sublease
 
Net
Years ending December 31,
 
Rents
 
Rents
 
Rents
2018
 
$
13,545

 
$
1,378

 
$
12,167

2019
 
11,385

 
1,046

 
10,339

2020
 
7,650

 
458

 
7,192

2021
 
6,024

 
212

 
5,812

2022
 
4,971

 
19

 
4,952

Thereafter
 
21,106

 

 
21,106

 
 
$
64,681

 
$
3,113

 
$
61,568

 
Under the terms of these leases, the Company is required to pay its pro rata share of the cost of maintenance and real estate taxes.  Certain leases also provide for increased rental payments based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.
 
Net rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 amounted to $11.3 million, $10.9 million, and $8.9 million, respectively.
 

118




Note 14.
Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) profit sharing plan that covers most full-time employees who have completed three months of service.  Each participant under the plan may contribute up to 75% of his/her eligible compensation on a pretax basis.  The Company’s contributions consist of a discretionary profit-sharing contribution and a matching contribution of the amounts contributed by the participants.  The board of directors determines the Company’s contributions on an annual basis.
 
During 2017, each participant was eligible for a maximum total Company matching contribution of 3.5% of their eligible compensation.  Additionally, the Company may make annual discretionary profit sharing contributions. The Company’s total contribution to the plan for the year ended December 31, 2017 was estimated to be $17.2 million and was $14.8 million and $14.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
The Company has deferred compensation plans that allow certain executives, senior officers, directors and other employees to defer payment of up 100% of their base salary and bonus in the case of employees and board fees in the case of directors.  Company contributions to these plans, which include discretionary contributions and the annual contribution to the Chief Executive Officer's account described below, were estimated to be approximately $869 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2017. These contributions were $806 thousand and $839 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Pursuant to the employment agreement between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, he is entitled to receive on each December 31st while he is employed by the Company (starting December 31, 2007) a fully vested employer contribution to his account under the Company's non-stock deferred compensation plan in amount equal to 20% of his base salary then in effect. 

The amounts deferred can be invested in MB Financial stock (under the Company’s stock deferred compensation plan) or publicly traded mutual funds (under the Company’s non-stock deferred compensation plan) at the discretion of the participant.  The cost of the MB Financial common stock held by MB Financial’s deferred compensation plans is reported separately in a manner similar to treasury stock (that is, changes in fair value are not recognized) with a corresponding deferred compensation obligation reflected in additional paid-in capital.  The amounts of the assets that are not invested in MB Financial common stock are recorded at their fair market value in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.  As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of the assets held in other publicly traded funds totaled $21.4 million.  A liability is established, in other liabilities, on the consolidated balance sheet, for the fair value of the obligation to the participants.  Any increase or decrease in the fair market value of plan assets is recorded in other non-interest income on the consolidated statement of operations.  Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation to participants is recorded as additional compensation expense or a reduction of compensation expense on the consolidated statement of operations.  The increase in fair market value of the assets and the obligation related to the deferred compensation plan was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 

119




Note 15.
Income Taxes
 
The deferred taxes consist of (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Deferred tax asset:
 
 

 
 

Allowance for credit losses
 
$
42,560

 
$
55,525

State net operating loss carryforwards
 
26,981

 
20,570

Other real estate owned
 
1,905

 
9,845

Stock options and restricted stock
 
5,929

 
9,675

Loans
 
12,762

 
36,770

Deferred compensation
 
6,918

 
8,556

Tax credit carryforwards
 
40,197

 
32,262

Bonus accrual
 
2,172

 
4,877

Other items
 
1,797

 
666

Total deferred tax asset
 
141,221

 
178,746

Valuation allowance
 

 

Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance
 
141,221

 
178,746

Deferred tax liability:
 
 

 
 

Equipment leasing
 
(127,465
)
 
(152,282
)
Premises and equipment
 
(17,250
)
 
(25,015
)
Mortgage servicing rights
 
(62,091
)
 
(76,468
)
Deferred income from FDIC-assisted transactions
 
(20,895
)
 
(46,443
)
Deferred loan costs
 
(7,555
)
 

Investment securities
 
(5,933
)
 
(7,270
)
FHLB stock dividends
 
(2,195
)
 
(3,221
)
Core deposit intangible
 
(9,023
)
 
(15,516
)
Other items
 
(3,683
)
 
(893
)
Total deferred tax liability
 
(256,090
)
 
(327,108
)
Net deferred tax liability
 
(114,869
)
 
(148,362
)
Net unrealized holding gain on investment securities available for sale
 
(959
)
 
(3,296
)
Net deferred tax liability
 
$
(115,828
)
 
$
(151,658
)
 
The Company’s Illinois net operating loss carryforwards totaled $358.2 million at December 31, 2017 and begin to expire in 2023 through 2028.  The Company's tax credit carryforwards include federal alternative minimum tax credits of $29.1 million with an indefinite carryforward period and general business credits of $11.0 million with expiration dates occurring in 2029 through 2037. Management has determined that is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, including the net operating loss carryforwards, as of December 31, 2017, will be realized and that no valuation allowance is required. The Company also had other state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $1.7 million at December 31, 2017, which do not begin to expire until after 2028.

On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, originally known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the "Tax Reform Legislation") was enacted into law. This new tax legislation, among other changes, reduced the Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As required under ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes," the Company re-measured its deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 for the Tax Reform Legislation, which resulted in a tax benefit of $104.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2017. This re-measurement as of December 31, 2017 was determined to be a reasonable estimate and provisional only for the income tax effects on certain fixed assets and lease investments as the related deferred tax liabilities continue to be assessed.



120




Income taxes attributable to continuing operations consist of (in thousands):
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Current expense (benefit):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
 
$
12,346

 
$
26,081

 
$
30,283

State
 
6,994

 
7,204

 
3,355

Foreign
 
157

 
42

 

 
 
19,497

 
33,327

 
33,638

Deferred expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(45,401
)
 
37,690

 
28,765

State
 
10,679

 
8,227

 
10,808

Foreign
 

 

 

 
 
(34,722
)
 
45,917

 
39,573

 
 
$
(15,225
)
 
$
79,244

 
$
73,211

 
The reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations follows (in thousands):
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Federal income tax expense at expected statutory rate
 
$
101,085

 
$
88,683

 
$
81,256

Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Tax exempt income, net
 
(17,164
)
 
(18,214
)
 
(16,909
)
Tax benefit resulting from change in tax rates
 
(106,563
)
 

 

State tax expense net of federal impact
 
11,487

 
10,030

 
9,205

Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits
 
(3,195
)
 
(2,330
)
 

Non-deductible contingent consideration
 
138

 
1,026

 
158

Non-includable increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
(1,889
)
 
(1,432
)
 
(1,191
)
Non-deductible merger expense
 

 
298

 
360

Adjustment of unrecognized tax benefit
 
94

 
1

 
(969
)
Other items, net
 
782

 
1,182

 
1,301

Income tax expense
 
$
(15,225
)
 
$
79,244

 
$
73,211

 
ASC Topic 740, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" provides guidance on financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in tax returns.

A reconciliation of the change in unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Unrecognized Tax Benefit
Without Interest
 
Interest on unrecognized
Tax Benefit
 
Total Unrecognized Tax
Benefit Including Interest
Balance at January 1, 2017
 
$
17

 
$
2

 
$
19

Increases for tax positions of prior years
 
113

 

 
113

Decreases related to prior year tax positions
 
(17
)
 
(2
)
 
(19
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
113

 
$

 
$
113

 
The whole amount of unrecognized tax benefits would affect the tax provision and the effective income tax rate if recognized in future periods.  The Company elects to treat interest and penalties recognized for the underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense, to the extent not included in unrecognized tax benefits.
 
The Company’s federal income tax returns are open and subject to examination for the 2014 tax return year and forward.  The Company’s various state income tax returns are generally open for the 2013 tax return year and forward based on individual state statutes of limitation.  The Company is currently under examination by federal and state taxing authorities. 


121




Note 16.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Commitments: The Company is a party to credit-related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit.  Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
The Company’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments.  The Company follows the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the following financial instruments were outstanding, the contractual amounts of which represent off-balance sheet credit risk (in thousands):
 
 
 
Contractual Amount
 
 
2017
 
2016
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 

 
 

Home equity lines
 
$
203,922

 
$
235,279

Other commitments
 
4,073,044

 
3,679,259

Letters of credit:
 
 

 
 

Standby
 
161,014

 
185,386

Commercial
 
2,248

 
1,766

 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require a payment of a fee.  The commitments for home equity lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon.  Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary by the Company, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.
 
The Company, in the normal course of its business, regularly offers standby and commercial letters of credit to its bank customers.  Standby and commercial letters of credit are a conditional but irrevocable form of guarantee.  Under letters of credit, the Company typically guarantees payment to a third party beneficiary upon the default of payment or nonperformance by the bank customer and upon receipt of complying documentation from that beneficiary.
 
Both standby and commercial letters of credit may be issued for any length of time, but normally do not exceed a period of five years.  These letters of credit may also be extended or amended from time to time depending on the bank customer’s needs.  As of December 31, 2017, the maximum remaining term for any standby letters of credit matures on December 31, 2025.  A fee is charged to the bank customer and is recognized as income over the life of the letter of credit, unless considered non-rebatable under the terms of a letter of credit application.
 
At December 31, 2017, the aggregate contractual amount of these letters of credit, which represents the maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company would be obligated to pay, decreased $23.9 million to $163.3 million from $187.2 million at December 31, 2016.  Of the $163.3 million in commitments outstanding at December 31, 2017, approximately $37.0 million of the letters of credit have been issued or renewed since December 31, 2016.
 
Letters of credit issued on behalf of bank customers may be done on either a secured, partially secured or an unsecured basis.  If a letter credit is secured or partially secured, the collateral can take various forms including bank accounts, investments, fixed assets, inventory, accounts receivable or real estate.  The Company takes the same care in making credit decisions and obtaining collateral when it issues letters of credit on behalf of its customers as it does when making other types of loans.
 
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $1.7 million in capital expenditure commitments outstanding which relate to various projects to renovate the corporate office space and branches.
 

122




Concentrations of credit risk:  The majority of the loans, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit have been granted to customers in the Company’s market area.  As of December 31, 2017, approximately 20% of our investments in securities issued by states and political subdivisions were within the state of Illinois.  We did not hold any direct exposure to the state of Illinois as of December 31, 2017. The distribution of commitments to extend credit approximates the distribution of loans outstanding.  Standby letters of credit are granted primarily to commercial borrowers. Our asset-based loans are made to borrowers located throughout the United States. Lease banking provides banking services to lessors located throughout the United States. Our leasing subsidiaries originate leases to companies located through the United States.
 
Contingencies: In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings.  In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from pending proceedings would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 17.
Regulatory Matters
 
The Company’s primary source of cash is dividends from its bank subsidiary, MB Financial Bank.  The bank subsidiary is subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that it may declare without prior regulatory approval.  In addition, the dividends declared cannot be in excess of the amount which would cause the bank subsidiary to fall below the minimum required for capital adequacy purposes.
 
The Company and its bank subsidiary are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory — and additional discretionary — actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company’s and its bank subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items are calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Company’s and its bank subsidiary’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and its bank subsidiary to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined).  Management believes the Company and its bank subsidiary met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
As of December 31, 2017, the most recent regulatory notification categorized the bank subsidiary as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework then in effect for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as “well capitalized” as of December 31, 2017, the bank subsidiary must have maintained the total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, common equity Tier 1 and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the well-capitalized column in the table below.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the bank subsidiary’s categories.
 

123




The required and actual amounts and ratios for the Company and its bank subsidiary are presented below as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Capital
 
Prompt Corrective
 
 
Actual
 
Adequacy Purposes
 
Action Provisions
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
2,428,301

 
14.23
%
 
$
1,364,733

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
2,217,547

 
13.03

 
1,361,855

 
8.00

 
$
1,702,318

 
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,910,336

 
11.20
%
 
1,023,550

 
6.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,883,140

 
11.06

 
1,021,391

 
6.00

 
1,361,855

 
8.00
%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
$
1,603,479

 
9.40
%
 
767,662

 
4.50
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,883,140

 
11.06

 
766,043

 
4.50

 
1,106,507

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,910,336

 
10.02
%
 
762,370

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,883,140

 
9.90

 
760,797

 
4.00

 
950,996

 
5.00
%
As of December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,878,106

 
11.63
%
 
$
1,292,159

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,812,202

 
11.26

 
1,287,099

 
8.00

 
$
1,608,874

 
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
1,518,472

 
9.40
%
 
969,119

 
6.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,670,360

 
10.38

 
965,324

 
6.00

 
1,287,099

 
8.00
%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
1,408,481

 
8.72
%
 
726,839

 
4.50
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,670,360

 
10.38

 
723,993

 
4.50

 
1,045,768

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
1,518,472

 
8.38
%
 
724,519

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,670,360

 
9.25

 
721,954

 
4.00

 
902,442

 
5.00
%
 
N/A — not applicable

The Company and the Bank must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional common equity tier 1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum risk-based capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing shares, and paying discretionary bonuses.  The capital conservation buffer requirement began to be phased in on January 1, 2016 when a buffer greater than 0.625% of risk-weighted assets was required, which amount increases each year until the buffer requirement is fully implemented on January 1, 2019. The conservation buffers for the Company and the Bank exceed the fully phased in minimum as of December 31, 2017.
 

124




Note 18.
Fair Value Measurements
 
ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

ASC Topic 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert expected future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present value amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

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

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

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, the Company's creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. Our valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company's valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with the Company's monthly and/or quarterly valuation process.

Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities Available for Sale. The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by quoted prices in active markets, when available, and classified as Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined by a matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities and classified as Level 2. In cases where significant credit valuation adjustments are incorporated into the estimation of fair value, reported amounts are classified as Level 3.

Loans Held for Sale. Mortgage loans originated and held for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value. The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted secondary market prices and classified as Level 2.

125





Loans. The Company has elected to record certain mortgage loans at fair value. The fair value of these loans is determined using quoted secondary market prices and classified as Level 2.

Mortgage Servicing Rights. The Company has elected to record its mortgage servicing rights at fair value. Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the Company determines the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by estimating the fair value of the future cash flows associated with the mortgage loans being serviced. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights include, but are not limited to, prepayment speeds, discount rates, delinquencies and cost to service. The assumptions used in the model are validated on a regular basis. The fair value is validated on a quarterly basis with an independent third party. Any material discrepancies between the internal model and the third party validation are investigated and resolved by an internal committee. Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, mortgage servicing rights are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Assets Held in Trust for Deferred Compensation and Associated Liabilities. Assets held in trust for deferred compensation are recorded at fair value and included in “Other Assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets are invested in mutual funds and classified as Level 1. Deferred compensation liabilities, also classified as Level 1, are carried at the fair value of the obligation to the employee, which corresponds to the fair value of the invested assets.

Derivatives. Currently, we use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative and classified as Level 2. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including LIBOR rate curves. The Company also obtains dealer quotations for these derivatives for comparative purposes to assess the reasonableness of the model valuations. In addition, the Company uses forward commitments to buy to-be-announced mortgage securities for which we do not intend to take delivery of the security and will enter into an offsetting position before physical delivery to lessen the price volatility of the mortgage servicing rights asset. Dealer quotations are used for these derivatives and are classified as Level 1. The Company also offers other derivatives, including foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate lock commitments, to our customers and offset our exposure from such contracts by purchasing other financial contracts, which are valued using market consensus prices. For certain interest rate lock commitments, the Company uses an external valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management’s assumptions and specific information about each borrower transaction and is classified in Level 3 of the hierarchy.
 

126




The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands):
 
 
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
23,007

 
$

 
$
23,007

 
$

States and political subdivisions
 
379,325

 

 
378,996

 
329

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
852,699

 

 
852,665

 
34

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
72,035

 

 
72,035

 

Corporate bonds
 
70,197

 

 
70,197

 

Equity securities
 
11,063

 
11,063

 

 

Loans held for sale
 
548,578

 

 
548,578

 

Loans
 
40,531

 

 
40,531

 

Mortgage servicing rights
 
276,279

 

 

 
276,279

Assets held in trust for deferred compensation
 
21,410

 
21,410

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
31,499

 
389

 
29,539

 
1,571

Financial liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities (1)
 
21,410

 
21,410

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
40,296

 
1,072

 
39,224

 

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
23,415

 
$

 
$
23,415

 
$

States and political subdivisions
 
391,365

 

 
390,992

 
373

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
983,684

 

 
983,513

 
171

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
93,008

 

 
93,008

 

Corporate bonds
 
193,895

 

 
193,895

 

Equity securities
 
10,828

 
10,828

 

 

   Loans held for sale
 
716,883

 

 
716,883

 

Loans
 
16,273

 

 
16,273

 

Mortgage servicing rights
 
238,011

 

 

 
238,011

Assets held in trust for deferred compensation
 
18,723

 
18,723

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
44,586

 
7,687

 
33,739

 
3,160

Financial liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities (1)
 
18,723

 
18,723

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
63,885

 
2,046

 
61,839

 

 
(1) Liabilities associated with assets held in trust for deferred compensation
 

127




The following tables present additional information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of financial assets measured on a recurring basis that were categorized within the Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (fair value in thousands):
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
$
329

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Credit assumption
 
40-45% Loss
Residential mortgage-backed securities
34

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant pre-payment rates (CPR)
 
1% - 3%
Mortgage servicing rights
276,279

 
Discounted cash flows
 
CPR
 
6.7% - 7.8%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
9.53 - 11.06
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity (months)
 
324 - 358
 
 
 
 
 
Delinquencies
 
2.42 - 5.30
 
 
 
 
 
Costs to service
 
$ 67 - $ 227
 
 
 
 
 
Additive delinquent costs to service
 
$ 175 - $ 1,000
Derivative financial instruments (mortgage
1,571

 
Sales cash flows
 
Expected closing ratio
 
70% - 95%
   interest rate lock commitments)
 
 
 
 
Expected delivery price
 
97.38 bps - 106.87 bps
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
$
373

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Credit assumption
 
50% Loss
Residential mortgage-backed securities
171

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant pre-payment rates (CPR)
 
1% - 3%
Mortgage servicing rights
238,011

 
Discounted cash flows
 
CPR
 
7.0% - 8.3%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
9.50 - 12.00
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity (months)
 
323 - 357
 
 
 
 
 
Delinquencies
 
0.51 - 3.87
 
 
 
 
 
Costs to service
 
$ 66 - $ 226
 
 
 
 
 
Additive delinquent costs to service
 
$ 175 - $ 1,000
Derivative financial instruments (mortgage
3,160

 
Sales cash flows
 
Expected closing ratio
 
70% - 95%
   interest rate lock commitments)
 
 
 
 
Expected delivery price
 
97.13 bps - 108.85 bps

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights include prepayment speeds, discount rates, maturities, delinquencies and cost to service. Significant increases in prepayment speeds, discount rates, delinquencies or cost to service would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Conversely, significant decreases in prepayment speeds, discount rates, delinquencies or costs to service would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. With the exception of changes in delinquencies, which can change the cost to service, the unobservable inputs move independently of each other.

Key economic assumptions used in the measuring of the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights and the sensitivity of the fair value to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions at December 31, 2017 are presented in the following table. This table does not take into account the derivatives used to economically hedge the mortgage servicing rights.
(dollars in thousands, except for weighted average cost to service)
December 31, 2017
Weighted average prepayment speed (CPR)
7.20
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(8,678
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(16,898
)
 
 
Weighted average discount rate
9.81
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(11,502
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(22,092
)
 
 
Weighted average delinquency rate
5.01
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(3,138
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(5,316
)
 
 
Weighted average costs to service
$
92

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
(5,245
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(10,491
)

128




The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company's policy for determining transfers between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period when circumstances in the underlying valuation criteria change and result in transfer between levels.

The following table presents additional information about financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):
 
 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Investment Securities
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
Derivatives
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
544

 
$
773

 
$
238,011

 
$
168,162

 
$
3,160

 
$
3,822

Acquired through business combination
 

 

 

 

 

 
146

Purchases
 

 

 
865

 
5,087

 

 

Originations
 

 

 
59,810

 
68,428

 

 

Included in earnings
 

 

 
(22,407
)
 
(3,666
)
 
(1,589
)
 
(808
)
Principal payments
 
(181
)
 
(229
)
 

 

 

 

Sales
 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, ending of period
 
$
363

 
$
544

 
$
276,279

 
$
238,011

 
$
1,571

 
$
3,160

 
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or fair value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period.

Impaired Loans. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 310. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria. For a majority of impaired real estate loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral (100% at December 31, 2017), the Company obtains a current external appraisal. Other valuation techniques are used as well, including internal valuations, comparable property analysis and contractual sales information.

Non-Financial Assets and Non-Financial Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value

The Company has no non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include foreclosed assets and non-financial long-lived assets.

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Vehicles Owned (Foreclosed Assets). Foreclosed assets, upon initial recognition, are measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan and lease losses based upon the fair value of the foreclosed asset. The fair value of foreclosed assets, upon initial recognition, are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria.
 
Non-Financial Long-Lived Assets.  Non-financial long-lived assets, when determined to be impaired, are measured and reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria.



129




Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are included in the table below (in thousands):
 
 
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Impaired loans
 
$
60,569

 
$

 
$

 
$
60,569

Non-financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreclosed assets
 
15,113

 

 

 
15,113

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Impaired loans
 
$
54,576

 
$

 
$

 
$
54,576

Non-financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreclosed assets
 
31,607

 

 

 
31,607

 
The following tables present additional information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of financial and non-financial assets measured on a nonrecurring basis that were categorized within the Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (fair value in thousands):

 
Fair Value at
 
Valuation
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
60,569

 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Appraisal adjustments - sales costs
 
5% - 10%
Foreclosed assets
15,113

 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Appraisal adjustments - sales costs
 
5% - 10%
 
Fair Value at
 
Valuation
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
54,576

 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Appraisal adjustments - sales costs
 
5% - 10%
Foreclosed assets
31,607

 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Appraisal adjustments - sales costs
 
5% - 10%

ASC Topic 825 requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are discussed above. The estimated fair value approximates carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest and the cash surrender value of life insurance policies. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below:

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair values of its other financial instruments:

Cash and due from banks and interest earning deposits with banks: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value.

Securities held to maturity: The fair values of securities held to maturity are determined by quoted prices in active markets, when available, and classified as Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined by a matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities and classified as Level 2. In cases where significant credit valuation adjustments are incorporated into the estimation of fair value, reported amounts are classified as Level 3.
  
Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB Stock: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value.

130





Loans: The fair values for loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using the corporate bond curve adjusted for liquidity for commercial loans and the swap curve adjusted for liquidity for retail loans.

Non-interest bearing deposits: The fair values disclosed are equal to their balance sheet carrying amounts, which represent the amount payable on demand.

Interest bearing deposits: The fair values disclosed for deposits with no defined maturities are equal to their carrying amounts, which represent the amounts payable on demand. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the Company's current incremental borrowing rates for similar terms.
 
Short-term borrowings: The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings with maturities of 90 days or less approximate their fair values.  The fair value of short-term borrowings greater than 90 days is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.
 
Long-term borrowings: The fair values of the Company's long-term borrowings (other than deposits) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts: The fair values of the Company's junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts are estimated based on the quoted market prices, when available, of the related trust preferred security instruments, or are estimated based on the quoted market prices of comparable trust preferred securities.

Accrued interest: The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their fair values.
 
Off-balance-sheet instruments: Fair values for the Company’s off-balance-sheet lending commitments (guarantees, letters of credit and commitments to extend credit) are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements.
 

131




The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash and due from banks
 
$
397,880

 
$
397,880

$
397,880

$

$

   Interest bearing deposits with banks
 
181,341

 
181,341

181,341



   Investment securities available for sale
 
1,408,326

 
1,408,326

11,063

1,396,900

363

   Investment securities held to maturity
 
959,082

 
992,455


992,455


   Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
114,111

 
114,111



114,111

   Loans held for sale
 
548,578

 
548,578


548,578


   Loans, net
 
13,808,352

 
13,988,392


40,531

13,947,861

   Accrued interest receivable
 
63,589

 
63,589

63,589



   Derivative financial instruments
 
31,499

 
31,499

389

29,539

1,571

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
6,381,512

 
$
6,381,512

$
6,381,512

$

$

   Interest bearing deposits
 
8,576,866

 
8,569,368



8,569,368

   Short-term borrowings
 
861,039

 
860,676



860,676

   Long-term borrowings
 
505,158

 
513,725



513,725

   Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
211,494

 
170,965



170,965

   Accrued interest payable
 
6,458

 
6,458

6,458



   Derivative financial instruments
 
40,296

 
40,296

1,072

39,224



 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
364,783

 
$
364,783

$
364,783

$

$

Interest bearing deposits with banks
 
98,686

 
98,686

98,686



Investment securities available for sale
 
1,696,195

 
1,696,195

10,828

1,684,823

544

Investment securities held to maturity
 
1,069,750

 
1,093,740


1,093,740


Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
143,276

 
143,276



143,276

Loans held for sale
 
716,883

 
716,883


716,883


Loans, net
 
12,629,437

 
12,747,107


16,273

12,730,834

Accrued interest receivable
 
59,024

 
59,024

59,024



Derivative financial instruments
 
44,586

 
44,586

7,687

33,739

3,160

Financial Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
6,408,169

 
$
6,408,169

$
6,408,169

$

$

Interest bearing deposits
 
7,702,279

 
7,698,839



7,698,839

Short-term borrowings
 
1,569,288

 
1,569,314



1,569,314

Long-term borrowings
 
311,790

 
317,028



317,028

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
210,668

 
157,098



157,098

Accrued interest payable
 
4,288

 
4,288

4,288



Derivative financial instruments
 
63,885

 
63,885

2,046

61,839



132




Note 19.
Stock Incentive Plans
 
ASC Topic 718 requires that the grant date fair value of equity awards to employees be recognized as compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for such award.
 
The following table summarizes the impact of the Company’s share-based payment plans in the financial statements for the periods shown (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Total compensation expense for share-based payment plans during the year
 
$
17,476

 
$
16,868

 
$
14,123

Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income (1)
 
10,338

 
8,983

 
5,515

(1) Includes tax benefits recorded for the vesting of restricted shares and exercise of options.
 
The Company adopted the Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) in 1997.  On May 28, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the third amendment and restatement of the Omnibus Plan to add 3,100,000 authorized shares for a total of 11,400,000 shares of common stock authorized to be utilized in connection with awards under the Omnibus Plan to directors, officers, and employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The number of shares authorized increased by 2,400,000 to 13,800,000 upon completion of the Taylor Capital merger.  Equity grants under the Omnibus Plan can be in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards.  Shares awarded in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, or other stock-based awards generally will reduce the shares available under the Omnibus Plan on a 2-for-1 basis. No more than 10% of the total number of authorized shares may be issued with respect to awards granted after May 28, 2014, other than stock appreciation rights, stock options and performance-based awards, which at the date of grant are scheduled to fully vest prior to three years from the date of grant (although such awards may provide scheduled vesting earlier with respect to some of such shares and for acceleration of vesting as provided in the Omnibus Plan). As of December 31, 2017, there were 2,917,472 shares available for future grants.
 
Annual equity-based incentive awards are generally granted to selected officers and employees in the first quarter of the year.  Options are granted with an exercise price equal to no less than the market price of the Company’s shares at the date of grant; those option awards generally vest over four years of service and have 10-year contractual terms.  Restricted shares and units typically vest over a two to four year period. Equity awards may also be granted at other times throughout the year in connection with the recruitment and retention of officers and employees.  Directors currently may elect, in lieu of cash, to receive up to 70% of their fees in stock options with a five year term, which are fully vested on the grant date (provided that the director may not sell the underlying shares for at least six months after the grant date), and up to 100% of their fees in restricted shares, which vest one year after the grant date.
 
The following table summarizes stock options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2016
 
1,940,405

 
$
27.45

 
5.31
 
 

Granted
 
168,157

 
45.50

 
 
 
 

Exercised
 
(370,968
)
 
27.80

 
 
 
 

Expired
 

 

 
 
 
 

Forfeited or cancelled
 
(15,616
)
 
31.69

 
 
 
 

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2017
 
1,721,978

 
$
29.10

 
5.19
 
$
26,752

Options exercisable as of December 31, 2017
 
1,128,446

 
$
26.69

 
3.72
 
$
20,146

 
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on certain assumptions.  Expected volatility is based on historical volatility and the expectations of future volatility of Company shares.  The risk free interest rate for periods within the contractual term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life of options is estimated based on historical employee behavior and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to remain outstanding.

133





The following assumptions were used for options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:

 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.18
%
 
1.44
%
 
1.68
%
Expected volatility of Company’s stock
 
22.71
%
 
28.08
%
 
29.66
%
Expected dividend yield
 
1.68
%
 
2.19
%
 
1.82
%
Expected life of options (years)
 
5.8

 
5.5

 
5.7

Weighted average fair value per option of options granted during the year
 
$
9.35

 
$
6.66

 
$
7.77

 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $6.1 million, $7.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
 
The following is a summary of changes in restricted shares and units for the year ended December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares and Units Outstanding at December 31, 2016
 
998,807

 
$
31.20

Granted
 
382,332

 
45.77

Vested
 
(384,946
)
 
30.70

Forfeited or cancelled
 
(22,992
)
 
35.09

Shares and Units Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
973,201

 
37.03

 
The total intrinsic value of restricted shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $17.6 million, $15.9 million and $11.4 million, respectively.

The Company issued 65,476, 80,780 and 71,560 market-based restricted stock units in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, which entitle recipients to shares of common stock at the end of a three year vesting period. Recipients will earn shares, totaling between 0% and 175% of the number of units issued, based on the Company's total stockholder return relative to a specified peer group of financial institutions over the three year period. The Company awarded 48,569 market-based restricted stock units in 2014 that vested in 2017. Recipients earned shares totaling 121% of the number of units issued, based on the Company’s total shareholder return relative to a specified peer group of financial institutions over the three year period. The market-based restricted stock units are included in the preceding table as if the recipients earned shares equal to 100% of the units issued. A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to value the market-based restricted stock units at the time awarded.
 
As of December 31, 2017, there was $22.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements (including share option and nonvested share awards) granted under the Omnibus Plan.  At December 31, 2017, the weighted-average period over which the unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized was approximately two years.

134




Note 20.
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company offers various derivatives, including interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts, to our customers which can mitigate our exposure to market risk through the execution of off-setting positions with inter-bank dealer counterparties. This also permits the Company to offer customized risk management solutions to our customers. These customer accommodations and any offsetting financial contracts are treated as non-designated derivative instruments and carried at fair value through an adjustment to the statement of operations.

Interest rate swap and foreign currency forward contracts involve the risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. The net amount payable or receivable under interest rate swaps is accrued as an adjustment to interest income.  The net amount payable was approximately $1 thousand at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  The Company's credit exposure on interest rate swaps is limited to the Company's net favorable value and interest payments of all swaps to each counterparty. In such cases, collateral is generally required from the counterparties involved if the net value of the swaps exceeds a nominal amount.  At December 31, 2017, the Company’s credit exposure relating to interest rate swaps was approximately $4.4 million, which was secured by the underlying collateral on customer loans. 
 
The Company also enters into mortgage banking derivatives which are classified as non-designated derivatives. These derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund certain mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans. It is the Company's practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on its commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held-for-sale.
 
The Company had fair value commercial loan interest rate swaps, to hedge its interest rate risk, with an aggregate notional amount of $58 thousand at December 31, 2017.  For fair value hedges, the changes in fair values of both the hedging derivative and the hedged item were recorded in current earnings as other income.

Interest rate swaps and treasury futures contracts are used in order to lessen the price volatility of the mortgage servicing rights asset. The Company also uses forward commitments to buy to-be-announced mortgage securities for which the Company does not intend to take delivery of the security and will enter into an offsetting position before physical delivery to lessen the price volatility of the mortgage servicing rights asset. These derivatives are recorded at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets with changes in fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of operations in mortgage banking revenue in non-interest income.
 

135




The Company’s derivative financial instruments are summarized below as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Notional
 
Estimated
 
Notional
 
Estimated
 
Notional
 
Estimated
 
Notional
 
Estimated
 
 
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Fair Value
Derivative instruments designated as hedges of fair value:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts (1)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
58

 
$
(1
)
 
$
107

 
$
(4
)
Stand-alone derivative instruments: (2)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
1,563,109

 
21,217

 
1,310,057

 
25,471

 
1,563,109

 
(21,217
)
 
1,310,057

 
(25,471
)
Interest rate options contracts
 
372,927

 
1,887

 
217,546

 
881

 
372,927

 
(1,887
)
 
217,546

 
(881
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
40,713

 
1,934

 
40,641

 
4,429

 
34,029

 
(1,759
)
 
40,505

 
(4,265
)
Spot foreign exchange contracts
 
1,424

 
23

 
1,691

 
12

 
24

 

 
660

 
(5
)
Mortgage banking derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swap contracts
 
458,000

 
4,479

 
383,000

 
2,946

 
1,008,000

 
(14,360
)
 
1,458,000

 
(31,212
)
   Treasury futures contracts
 
28,000

 
39

 
15,500

 
41

 
30,000

 
(222
)
 

 

   TBA mortgage securities
 
15,000

 
16

 

 

 
100,000

 
(63
)
 
55,000

 
(132
)
   Forward loan sale commitments
 
259,000

 
333

 
585,000

 
7,646

 
483,500

 
(787
)
 
386,000

 
(1,915
)
   Interest rate lock commitments
 
404,557

 
1,571

 
543,901

 
3,160

 

 

 

 

Total non-hedging derivative instruments
 
3,142,730

 
31,499

 
3,097,336

 
44,586

 
3,591,589

 
(40,295
)
 
3,467,768

 
(63,881
)
Total
 
$
3,142,730

 
$
31,499

 
$
3,097,336

 
$
44,586

 
$
3,591,647

 
$
(40,296
)
 
$
3,467,875

 
$
(63,885
)

(1) Derivative instruments designated to hedge fixed-rate commercial real estate loans.
(2) These portfolio swaps are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC Topic 815.
 
Amounts included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations related to derivative financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Derivative instruments designated as hedges of fair value:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
3

 
$
5

 
$
6

Stand-alone derivative instruments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
8,233

 
7,571

 
404

Interest rate options contracts
 

 
36

 
43

Foreign exchange contracts
 
269

 
970

 
149

Spot foreign exchange contracts
 
2,682

 
963

 
18

Mortgage related derivatives
 
(31,698
)
 
(1,509
)
 
(13,100
)
Total non-hedging derivative instruments
 
(20,514
)
 
8,031

 
(12,486
)
Total
 
$
(20,511
)
 
$
8,036

 
$
(12,480
)

Methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its interest rate swaps are discussed in Note 18 to consolidated financial statements.

Certain instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet. The instruments and transactions would include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The Company’s derivative transactions with financial institution counterparties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions. Under these agreements, there is generally a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts, and there may be an intention to settle such amounts on a net basis. The Company, however, does not generally offset such financial instruments for financial reporting purposes.


136




Information about the Company's financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 is summarized below (in thousands):
 
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
Gross Amount Recognized
 
Gross Amount Offset
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Gross Amount Recognized
 
Gross Amount Offset
 
Net Amount Recognized
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps, caps and floors
 
$
11,659

 
$

 
$
11,659

 
$
11,562

 
$

 
$
11,562

   Foreign currency forward contracts
 
1,013

 

 
1,013

 
953

 

 
953

   Mortgage banking derivatives
 
4,868

 

 
4,868

 
15,432

 

 
15,432

     Total derivatives
 
17,540

 

 
17,540

 
27,947

 

 
27,947

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 
232,789

 

 
232,789

   Total
 
$
17,540

 
$

 
$
17,540

 
$
260,736

 
$

 
$
260,736

 
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Counterparty A
 
$
6,068

 
$
(6,068
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
13,807

 
$
(6,068
)
 
$
(7,739
)
 
$

   Counterparty B
 
3,261

 
(3,261
)
 

 

 
5,595

 
(3,261
)
 
(2,334
)
 

   Counterparty C
 
5,285

 
(3,640
)
 

 
1,645

 
3,640

 
(3,640
)
 

 

   Other counterparties
 
2,926

 
(1,750
)
 

 
1,176

 
4,905

 
(1,750
)
 
(3,150
)
 
5

     Total derivatives
 
17,540

 
(14,719
)
 

 
2,821

 
27,947

 
(14,719
)
 
(13,223
)
 
5

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 

 
232,789

 

 
(232,789
)
 

   Total
 
$
17,540

 
$
(14,719
)
 
$

 
$
2,821

 
$
260,736

 
$
(14,719
)
 
$
(246,012
)
 
$
5


Information about the Company's financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is summarized below (in thousands):
 
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
Gross Amount Recognized
 
Gross Amount Offset
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Gross Amount Recognized
 
Gross Amount Offset
 
Net Amount Recognized
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps, caps and floors
 
$
7,885

 
$

 
$
7,885

 
$
18,564

 
$

 
$
18,564

   Foreign currency forward contracts
 
4,315

 

 
4,315

 
1,674

 

 
1,674

   Mortgage banking derivatives
 
10,633

 

 
10,633

 
33,259

 

 
33,259

     Total derivatives
 
22,833

 

 
22,833

 
53,497

 

 
53,497

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 
237,538

 

 
237,538

   Total
 
$
22,833

 
$

 
$
22,833

 
$
291,035

 
$

 
$
291,035

 
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Counterparty A
 
$
2,697

 
$
(2,697
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
18,768

 
$
(2,697
)
 
$
(16,071
)
 
$

   Counterparty B
 
4,683

 
(4,683
)
 

 

 
12,881

 
(4,683
)
 
(8,198
)
 

   Counterparty C
 
64

 
(64
)
 

 

 
4,919

 
(64
)
 
(4,855
)
 

   Other counterparties
 
15,389

 
(10,938
)
 

 
4,451

 
16,929

 
(10,938
)
 
(5,980
)
 
11

     Total derivatives
 
22,833

 
(18,382
)
 

 
4,451

 
53,497

 
(18,382
)
 
(35,104
)
 
11

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 

 
237,538

 

 
(237,538
)
 

   Total
 
$
22,833

 
$
(18,382
)
 
$

 
$
4,451

 
$
291,035

 
$
(18,382
)
 
$
(272,642
)
 
$
11


137




Note 21.
Operating Segments

The Company's operations consist of three reportable operating segments: Banking, Leasing and Mortgage Banking. The Company offers different products and services through its three segments. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those of the consolidated company.

The Banking Segment generates its revenues primarily from its lending, deposit gathering and fee business activities. The profitability of this segment's operations depends primarily on its net interest income after provision for credit losses, which is the difference between interest earned on interest earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities less provision for credit losses.  The provision for credit losses is dependent on changes in the Banking Segment's loan portfolio and management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan portfolio as well as prevailing economic and market conditions.  The Banking Segment is also subject to an extensive system of laws and regulations that are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and other customers, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole.  These laws and regulations govern such areas as capital, permissible activities, allowance for loan and lease losses, loans and investments, and rates of interest that can be charged on loans. 

The Leasing Segment generates its revenues through lease originations and related services. The Leasing Segment invests directly in equipment that the Company leases (referred to as direct finance, leveraged or operating leases) to "Fortune 1000," middle-market companies and health care providers located throughout the United States. The lease portfolio is made up of various kinds of equipment, generally technology related, such as computer systems, satellite equipment, medical equipment and general manufacturing, industrial, construction and transportation equipment. The Leasing Segment also specializes in selling third party equipment maintenance contracts to large companies.

The Mortgage Banking Segment originates residential mortgage loans for sale to investors and for the Company's portfolio through its retail and third party originator channels. This segment also services residential mortgage loans for various investors and for loans owned by the Company. The Mortgage Banking Segment is subject to an extensive system of laws and regulations that are intended primarily for the protection of customers.

Net interest income for the Leasing and Mortgage Banking segments include adjustments based on the Company's internal funds transfer pricing model. Non-interest income for the Leasing Segment includes income on loans originated for the sole purpose of funding equipment purchases related to leases at the Company's lease subsidiaries.


138




The following tables present summary financial information for the reportable segments (in thousands):
 
Banking
 
Leasing
 
Mortgage Banking
 
Consolidated
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
550,499

 
$
9,902

 
$
41,976

 
$
602,377

Provision for credit losses
16,555

 
3,858

 
1,180

 
21,593

Non-interest income
174,120

 
86,029

 
106,724

 
366,873

Non-interest expense (1)
462,055

 
57,331

 
139,456

 
658,842

Income tax expense
65,137

 
(51,140
)
 
(29,222
)
 
(15,225
)
Net income
$
180,872


$
85,882

 
$
37,286

 
$
304,040

Total assets
$
16,448,960

 
$
1,403,690

 
$
2,234,290

 
$
20,086,940

Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
475,133

 
$
9,415

 
$
33,343

 
$
517,891

Provision for credit losses
18,583

 
295

 
685

 
19,563

Non-interest income
153,250

 
73,503

 
148,150

 
374,903

Non-interest expense (1)
421,733

 
48,450

 
149,668

 
619,851

Income tax expense
53,263

 
13,525

 
12,456

 
79,244

Net income
$
134,804

 
$
20,648

 
$
18,684

 
$
174,136

Total assets
$
16,368,881

 
$
1,224,169

 
$
1,709,267

 
$
19,302,317

Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
424,883

 
$
11,475

 
$
29,248

 
$
465,606

Provision for credit losses
19,436

 
1,598

 
352

 
21,386

Non-interest income
127,710

 
76,943

 
117,440

 
322,093

Non-interest expense (1)
355,727

 
45,364

 
133,063

 
534,154

Income tax expense
51,647

 
16,255

 
5,309

 
73,211

Net income
$
125,783

 
$
25,201

 
$
7,964

 
$
158,948

Total assets
$
13,243,710

 
$
1,015,918

 
$
1,325,379

 
$
15,585,007


(1) 
Includes merger related expenses of $9.1 million, $23.7 million and $5.5 million in the banking segment for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Also, includes contingent consideration expense related to our acquisition of Celtic Leasing Corp. and MSA Holdings, LLC in the banking segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.


139




Note 22.
Condensed Parent Company Financial Information
 
The condensed financial statements of MB Financial, Inc. (parent company only) are presented below:
 

Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
219,086

 
$
26,591

Investments in subsidiaries
 
2,961,822

 
2,718,821

Other assets
 
73,438

 
92,520

Total assets
 
$
3,254,346

 
$
2,837,932

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings
 
$

 
$
10,000

Long-term borrowings
 
10,000

 
14,000

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
211,494

 
214,384

Other liabilities
 
23,029

 
20,339

Stockholders’ equity
 
3,009,823

 
2,579,209

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
3,254,346

 
$
2,837,932

 
Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
78,846

 
$
112,000

 
$
158,000

Interest and other income
 
4,148

 
1,913

 
469

Interest and other expense
 
18,990

 
14,990

 
10,637

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
64,004

 
98,923

 
147,832

Income tax benefit
 
(8,253
)
 
(5,303
)
 
(4,018
)
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
72,257

 
104,226

 
151,850

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
231,783

 
69,910

 
7,098

Net income
 
304,040

 
174,136

 
158,948

Dividends on preferred shares
 
8,007

 
8,009

 
8,000

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
296,033

 
$
166,127

 
$
150,948


140





Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
304,040

 
$
174,136

 
$
158,948

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation expense for share-based payment plans
 
17,476

 
16,868

 
14,123

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
(231,783
)
 
(69,910
)
 
(7,098
)
Change in other assets and other liabilities
 
162

 
(28,546
)
 
(8,814
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
89,895

 
92,548

 
157,159

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries
 

 
(2,000
)
 

Net cash paid in business acquisition
 

 
(83,163
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
 

 
(85,163
)
 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Treasury stock transactions, net
 
(3,270
)
 
(3,837
)
 
(53,587
)
Stock options exercised
 
2,504

 
1,410

 
499

Dividends paid on common stock
 
(69,346
)
 
(58,177
)
 
(48,413
)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
 
(8,007
)
 
(8,009
)
 
(8,000
)
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs
 
194,719

 

 

Net (decrease) increase short-term borrowings
 
(10,000
)
 
(15,000
)
 
25,000

Principal paid on long-term borrowings
 
(4,000
)
 
(2,000
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
102,600

 
(85,613
)
 
(84,501
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
192,495

 
(78,228
)
 
72,658

Cash:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
26,591

 
104,819

 
32,161

End of year
 
$
219,086

 
$
26,591

 
$
104,819



141




Note 23.
  Preferred Stock
 
On August 18, 2014, in connection with the Taylor Capital merger, the Company issued one share of its Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (“Company Series A Preferred Stock”), in exchange for each of the 4,000,000 outstanding shares of Taylor Capital’s Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A. Holders of the Company Series A Preferred Stock were entitled to receive, when as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends on the liquidation preference, which was $25 per share, at a rate of 8.00% per annum, payable quarterly. The Company Series A Preferred Stock was included in Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes and was redeemed in full by the Company subsequent to December 31, 2017. See Note 24 Subsequent Events of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

On August 24, 2016, in connection with the American Chartered merger, the Company issued one share of its Cumulative Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B ("Company Series B Preferred Stock"), in exchange for each of the 525 shares of American Chartered's Series D Preferred Stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger whose holders did not elect to receive the same consideration in the merger as holders of American Chartered Common Stock, based on the number of shares of American Chartered Common Stock into which each such share of American Chartered Series D Preferred Stock would otherwise then be convertible. Holders of the Company Series B Preferred Stock were entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends on the liquidation preference amount, which was $1,000 per share, at a rate of 8.00% per annum, had the right to vote on all matters upon which holders of the Company's common stock were entitled to vote and had the right to convert each share into shares of the Company's common stock at any time. The Company Series B Preferred stock had a mandatory conversion date of September 20, 2017. The Company Series B Preferred Stock was included in Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. During the third quarter of 2016, 400 shares of the Company Series B Preferred stock were voluntarily converted by the holders of such shares into shares of the Company's common stock. On September 20, 2017, the remaining 125 of the Company Series B Preferred stock were converted into shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the mandatory conversion provision referred to above.

On November 22, 2017, the Company issued 8,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C (“Company Series C Preferred Stock”). Holders of the Company Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when as and if declared by the Company's board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends on the liquidation preference, which is $25 per depositary share (equivalent to $1,000 per share of preferred stock), at a rate of 6.00% per annum, payable quarterly. The Company Series C Preferred Stock is included in Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes and is redeemable at the option of the Company at a redemption price of $25 per depositary share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, (i) in whole or in part from time to time, on any dividend payment date on or after November 25, 2022, and (ii) in whole but not in part prior to November 25, 2022, within 90 days following a “regulatory capital treatment event,” as defined in the terms of the Company Series C Preferred Stock. The Company must receive the approval of the Federal Reserve Board prior to any redemption of the Company Series C Preferred Stock.

Note 24.
  Subsequent Events
 
On January 19, 2018, the Company pre-paid in full the unsecured term loan at the holding company level, which had an outstanding balance of $10.0 million at December 31, 2017.

On February 15, 2018, the Company redeemed all of the 4,000,000 issued and outstanding shares of Company Series A Preferred Stock at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, or $100.0 million in the aggregate. The excess carrying amount of the Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of $15.6 million will be retained in stockholders' equity and reflected as income available to common stockholders, which will be included in the calculation of earnings per common share.

On March 19, 2018, the Company will redeem the junior subordinated notes held by American Chartered Statutory Trust I and, as a result, all of the issued and outstanding three month LIBOR + 3.60% American Chartered Statutory Trust I capital (preferred) securities will be concurrently redeemed. The aggregate liquidation amount of these trust preferred securities is $20.0 million. American Chartered Statutory Trust I was established by American Chartered prior to the Company's acquisition of American Chartered, and the junior subordinated notes issued by American Chartered to American Chartered Statutory Trust I were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition.

142




Item 9.
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 9A.
  Controls and Procedures
 
a)             Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”)) was carried out as of December 31, 2017 under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management.  Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
 
b)           Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: The annual report of management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report thereon issued by our independent registered public accounting firm are set forth under “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
 
c)           Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud.  A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns in controls or procedures can occur because of simple error or mistake.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.  The design of any control procedure also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control procedure, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
 
Item 9B.    Other Information
 
Not applicable.


143





PART III
 
Item 10.
  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Directors and Executive Officers.  The information concerning our directors and executive officers required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.  The information concerning compliance with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by our directors, officers and ten percent stockholders required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
 
Code of Ethics.  We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and persons performing similar functions, and to all of our other employees and our directors.  A copy of our code of ethics is available on our Internet website address, www.mbfinancial.com.
 
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation
 
The information concerning compensation and other matters required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.

Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
 
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2017 with respect to compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued:

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
Plan Category
 
Number of Shares to
be Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
warrants and rights (1)
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
warrants and rights (1)
 
Number of Shares
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Shares Reflected
in the first column) (2)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
 
2,544,445

 
$
29.10

 
2,917,472

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total
 
2,544,445

 
$
29.10

 
2,917,472

 
(1) Includes 220,816 shares underlying market-based restricted stock units and 594,290 shares underlying time-based restricted stock units.  Recipients of market-based restricted stock units will earn shares, totaling between 0% and 175% of the number of units issued, based on the Company's total stockholder return relative to a specified peer group of financial institutions over a three year period.  The market-based restricted stock units are included in the preceding table as if the recipients earned shares equal to 100% of the units issued.  Additionally, there were 7,361 shares underlying director stock units that we assumed in our 2006 acquisition of First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc.  The market-based restricted stock units, restricted stock units and director stock units do not have an exercise price and are not taken into account in the determination of the weighted average exercise price.

(2)  Represents shares remaining available for future awards under our Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan (Omnibus Plan). Awards in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and other stock-based awards generally will reduce the shares available under the Omnibus Plan on a 2-for-1 basis. Following May 28, 2014, no more than 10% of the total number of shares authorized under the Omnibus Plan may be issued with respect to awards granted after that date, other than stock appreciation rights, stock options and performance-based awards, which at the date of grant are scheduled to fully vest prior to three years from the date of grant (although

144




such awards may provide scheduled vesting earlier with respect to some of such shares and for acceleration of vesting as provided in the Omnibus Plan).
 
N/A — not applicable
 
Not included in the table are shares of our common stock that may be acquired by directors and officers who participate in the MB Financial, Inc. Stock Deferred Compensation Plan.  This plan, along with the MB Financial, Inc. Non-Stock Deferred Compensation Plan, allows directors and eligible officers to defer a portion of their cash compensation. Neither plan has been approved by our stockholders. All distributions under the stock plan are made in shares of our common stock purchased by the plan trustee on the open market, except for fractional shares, which are paid in cash.


Item 13.
  Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence
 
The information concerning certain relationships and related transactions and director independence required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.

Item 14.
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
The information concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.

PART IV


Item 15.
  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)(1)
 
Financial Statements: See Part II—Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
 
 
(a)(2)
 
Financial Statement Schedules: All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the information is not required under the related instructions or is not applicable.
 
 
 
(a)(3)
 
Exhibits: See Exhibit Index.
 
 
 
(b)
 
Exhibits: See Exhibit Index.


145




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


146




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.1
 
The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, the instruments defining the rights of the holders of each issue of long-term debt of the Registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Reserved
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.5
 
Reserved
 
 
 
10.5A
 
Reserved
 
 
 
10.5B
 
Reserved
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

147




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.10
 
Reserved
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

148




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

149





EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.24
 
Reserved
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

150




 
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial statements from the MB Financial, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of operations, (iii) consolidated statements of comprehensive income, (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows and (v) the notes to consolidated financial statements*
 
*  Filed herewith

151





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.
 
MB FINANCIAL, INC.
(registrant)
By:
/s/Mitchell Feiger
 
Mitchell Feiger
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
February 23, 2018
 
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.

Signatures
 
Title
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Mitchell Feiger
 
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Mitchell Feiger
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 23, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Randall T. Conte
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Randall T. Conte
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
February 23, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
/s/John Francoeur
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
John Francoeur
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
February 23, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Thomas H. Harvey*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Thomas H. Harvey
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/David P. Bolger*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
David P. Bolger
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/C. Bryan Daniels*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
C. Bryan Daniels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Sunil Garg*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Sunil Garg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Charles J. Gries*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Charles J. Gries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/James N. Hallene*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
James N. Hallene
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Richard J. Holmstrom*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Richard J. Holmstrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Mark A. Hoppe*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Mark A. Hoppe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Karen J. May*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Karen J. May
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Ronald D. Santo*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Ronald D. Santo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Renee Togher*
 
Director
 
February 23, 2018
Renee Togher
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*By:
/s/Mitchell Feiger
 
Attorney-in-Fact
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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