MIDLAND, Mich., April 25, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chemical Financial Corporation (“Corporation” or “Chemical”) (NASDAQ:CHFC) today announced 2017 first quarter net income of $47.6 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, compared to 2016 fourth quarter net income of $47.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share and 2016 first quarter net income of $23.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share. Excluding transaction expenses and the change in fair value in loan servicing rights (“significant items”), net income in the first quarter of 2017 was $50.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $49.9 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $25.3 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016.(1)

During the first quarter of 2017, significant items included transaction expenses of $4.2 million and a $0.5 million detriment to earnings due to the change in fair value in loan servicing rights, compared to transaction expenses of $18.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, that were partially offset by $7.4 million of net gain on the sale of branches and a $6.3 million gain due to the change in fair value in loan servicing rights. Transaction expenses for the first quarter of 2016 were $2.6 million.

“We continue to make good progress towards our goal of being the preeminent Midwest Community Bank. Our first quarter 2017 financial results yielded solid underlying operating results. Importantly, we continued to generate strong organic loan growth, exceeding $280 million in the first quarter to bring our total organic loan growth over the past twelve months to more than $1 billion.  During the quarter, we fast-tracked implementation of key infrastructure initiatives including significant risk management and compliance platform upgrades, accelerating the important benefits associated with those initiatives,” noted David B. Ramaker, Chief Executive Officer and President of Chemical Financial Corporation. “Our operating expense run rate in the first quarter modestly exceeded expectations and, as a factor that we can control, will continue to be an area of significant focus as we move forward in 2017.”

“We continue to build a great franchise, laying a strong foundation for future growth and enhanced shareholder value.  In addition, the communities and markets we serve provide an attractive economic environment in which Chemical Bank can grow and prosper, and our talented team of bankers continues to capture an increasing share and range of our customers’ financial service needs.”

The Corporation’s return on average assets was 1.09% during both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 1.02% in the first quarter of 2016. The Corporation’s return on average shareholders’ equity was 7.4% in both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 9.3% in the first quarter of 2016. Excluding significant items, the Corporation’s return on average assets was 1.16% during both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 1.09% in the first quarter of 2016 and the Corporation’s return on average shareholders’ equity was 7.8% in both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 9.9% in the first quarter of 2016. (2)

Net interest income was $130.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, $2.4 million, or 1.8%, lower than the fourth quarter of 2016 and $55.8 million, or 75.0%, higher than the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in net interest income in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 was impacted by there being two less days in the quarter, a decrease in interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans and a reduction in prepayment fees recognized, partially offset by the positive impact of organic loan growth. The increase in net interest income in the first quarter of 2017 over the first quarter of 2016 was primarily attributable to loans acquired in the merger with Talmer Bancorp, Inc. (“Talmer”), although also partially attributable to organic loan growth. The Corporation experienced net organic loan growth of $282.6 million during the first quarter of 2017. The merger with Talmer added $4.88 billion of loans on August 31, 2016.

The net interest margin was 3.41% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 3.48% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 3.50% in the first quarter of 2016. The net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis) was 3.49% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 3.56% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 3.60% in the first quarter of 2016. (3) The decrease in the net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis) in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, was largely attributable to lower average yields on the Corporation’s loan portfolio resulting from a lower contribution of interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans and a reduction in prepayment fees recognized. Interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans contributed 12 basis points to the Corporation’s net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis) in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 14 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2016 and three basis points in the first quarter of 2016.

The provision for loan losses was $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $6.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, was primarily the result of overall credit quality and collateral position improvements, partially offset by organic growth in the loan portfolio. The increase in the provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, was primarily the result of an increase in organic growth in the loan portfolio.

Net loan charge-offs were $3.5 million, or 0.11% of average loans, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.8 million, or 0.06% of average loans, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4.5 million, or 0.25% of average loans, in the first quarter of 2016. Net loan charge-offs in the first quarter of 2017 included $1.5 million of losses from one commercial loan relationship.

The Corporation’s nonperforming loans totaled $47.8 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $44.3 million  at December 31, 2016 and $53.4 million at March 31, 2016. Nonperforming loans comprised 0.36% of total loans at March 31, 2017, compared to 0.34% at December 31, 2016 and 0.73% at March 31, 2016. The decrease in the percentage of nonperforming loans to total loans at March 31, 2017, compared to March 31, 2016, was primarily due to $4.9 billion of total loans added as a result of the merger with Talmer, as none of these loans are classified as nonperforming after the merger date since they are recorded in loan pools at their estimated net realizable value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

At March 31, 2017, the allowance for loan losses of the originated loan portfolio was $78.8 million, or 0.99% of originated loans, compared to $78.3 million, or 1.05% of originated loans, at December 31, 2016 and $70.3 million, or 1.17% of originated loans, at March 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses of the originated loan portfolio as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 164.7% at March 31, 2017, compared to 176.5% at December 31, 2016 and 131.6% at March 31, 2016. The reduction in allowance for loan losses as a percentage of originated loans primarily reflects overall credit improvement and collateral position improvement on loans individually evaluated for impairment.

Noninterest income was $38.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $54.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $19.4 million in the first quarter of 2016. Noninterest income in the first quarter of 2017 decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 primarily due to the fourth quarter 2016 net gain on the sales of the Chicago, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada branches totaling $7.4 million and a $5.3 million decrease in mortgage banking revenue. Mortgage banking revenue included a $519 thousand detriment to earnings due to a change in fair value in loan servicing rights in the first quarter of 2017, compared to a benefit of $6.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. As of January 1, 2017, the Corporation elected to account for loan servicing rights previously accounted for under the lower of cost or fair value method under the fair value measurement method. This change in accounting policy did not impact the income statement retrospectively, but resulted in a positive balance sheet adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017 in the amount of $3.7 million. Noninterest income in the first quarter of 2017 was higher than the first quarter of 2016 due primarily to incremental revenue resulting from the merger with Talmer.

Operating expenses were $104.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $114.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $58.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. Operating expenses included transaction expenses of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, $18.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Excluding these transaction expenses, operating expenses were $100.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $96.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $56.3 million in the first quarter of 2016.(4) The increase in operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 was primarily due to increases in credit-related expenses of $2.2 million, mostly due to a reduction in the amount of gains on sales of other real estate, and employee benefits of $2.0 million primarily due to an increase in payroll taxes due to stock option exercises and the beginning of a new tax year. The increase in operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, was primarily attributable to incremental expenses resulting from the merger with Talmer.

The effective tax rate was 20.5%  in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 28.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 29.2% in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in the tax rate for the first quarter of 2017 compared to the prior and year ago quarters was primarily due to the tax benefit received from stock option exercises that occurred in the first quarter 2017 and growth in the Corporation’s lending on real estate projects that receive either low income housing or historic tax credits.

The efficiency ratio is a measure of operating expenses as a percentage of net interest income and noninterest income. The Corporation’s efficiency ratio was 62.0% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 61.2% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 62.8% in the first quarter of 2016. The Corporation’s adjusted efficiency ratio, which excludes transaction expenses, changes in fair value of the loan servicing portfolio, amortization of intangibles and net gains on sales of branches, closed branch locations and investment securities, was 57.4% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 53.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 57.6% in the first quarter of 2016. (5)

Total assets were $17.64 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $17.36 billion at December 31, 2016 and $9.30 billion at March 31, 2016. The increase in total assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to loan growth that was funded by a combination of organic growth in customer deposits and an increase in FHLB advances. The increase in total assets during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to the merger with Talmer in addition to organic loan growth.

Total loans were $13.27 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $282.6 million, or 2.2%, from total loans of $12.99 billion at December 31, 2016 and an increase of $5.91 billion, or 80.2%, from total loans of $7.37 billion at March 31, 2016. The Corporation experienced organic loan growth of $282.6 million during the first quarter of 2017 and $1.02 billion during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017. The Corporation added $4.88 billion of loans as part of the merger with Talmer on August 31, 2016.

Total deposits were $13.13 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $12.87 billion at December 31, 2016 and $7.65 billion at March 31, 2016. The Corporation experienced organic growth in customer deposits of $259.2 million during the first quarter of 2017. The Corporation added $5.29 billion of deposits as part of the merger with Talmer, including $403.2 million of brokered deposits. The Corporation reduced the balance of brokered deposits by $318.5 million during the period of September 30, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers were $398.9 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $343.0 million at December 31, 2016 and $283.4 million at March 31, 2016. Short-term borrowings were $900.0 million at March 31, 2017 and $825.0 million at December 31, 2016 and consisted of short-term FHLB advances utilized by the Corporation to fund short-term liquidity needs. Long-term borrowings were $490.9 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $597.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $273.7 million at March 31, 2016.

The Corporation’s shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio was 14.7% at March 31, 2017, compared to 14.9% at December 31, 2016 and 11.1% at March 31, 2016. The Corporation’s tangible equity to tangible assets ratio and total risk-based capital ratio were 8.8% and 11.4% (estimated), respectively, at March 31, 2017 compared to 8.8% and 11.5%, respectively, at December 31, 2016 and 8.2% and 11.5%, respectively, at March 31, 2016. (6) The Corporation’s book value was $36.56 per share at March 31, 2017, compared to $36.57 per share at December 31, 2016 and $26.99 per share at March 31, 2016. The Corporation’s tangible book value was $20.32 per share at March 31, 2017, compared to $20.20 per share at December 31, 2016 and $19.20 per share at March 31, 2016. (7)

(1) Net income, excluding significant items, and diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items, are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release and to the financial tables entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(2) Return on average assets, excluding significant items, and return on average shareholders’ equity, excluding significant items, are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release and to the financial tables entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(3) Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release and to the financial tables entitled “Average Balances, Fully Tax Equivalent (FTE) Interest and Effective Yields and Rates” for a reconciliation of net interest income used to compute net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(4) Operating expenses excluding transaction expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure.

(5) Adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release and to the financial tables entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(6) Tangible equity to tangible assets ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release and to the financial tables entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(7) Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release and to the financial tables entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Conference Call Details

Chemical Financial Corporation will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2017 operating results on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. ET. Anyone interested may access the conference call on a live basis by dialing toll-free at 1-855-490-5692 and entering 268798 for the conference ID. The call will also be broadcast live over the Internet hosted at Chemical Financial Corporation’s website at www.chemicalbank.com under the “Investor Info” section. A copy of the slide-show presentation and an audio replay of the call will remain available on Chemical Financial Corporation’s website for at least 14 days.

About Chemical Financial Corporation

Chemical Financial Corporation is the largest banking company headquartered and operating branch offices in Michigan. The Corporation operates through its subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank, with 249 banking offices located primarily in Michigan, northeast Ohio and northern Indiana. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation had total assets of $17.64 billion. Chemical Financial Corporation’s common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CHFC and is one of the issuers comprising The NASDAQ Global Select Market and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. More information about the Corporation is available by visiting the investor relations section of its website at www.chemicalbank.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains references to financial measures which are not defined in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Such non-GAAP financial measures include the Corporation’s tangible equity to tangible assets ratio, tangible book value per share, presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis, and information presented excluding transaction expenses or significant items, including net income, diluted earnings per share, return on average assets, return on average shareholders’ equity, operating expenses and the efficiency ratio. These non-GAAP financial measures have been included as the Corporation believes they are helpful for investors to analyze and evaluate the Corporation’s financial condition. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure may be found in the financial tables included with this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy and the Corporation. Words and phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “future,” “intends,” “is likely,” “judgment,” “look ahead,” “look forward,” “on schedule,” “opinion,” “opportunity,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “probable,” “projects,” “should,” “strategic,” “trend,” “will,” and variations of such words and phrases or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements include, among others, statements related to future levels of loan charge-offs, future levels of provisions for loan losses, real estate valuation, future levels of nonperforming assets, the rate of asset dispositions, future capital levels, future dividends, future growth and funding sources, future liquidity levels, future profitability levels, future deposit insurance premiums, future asset levels, the effects on earnings of future changes in interest rates, the future level of other revenue sources, future economic trends and conditions, future initiatives to expand the Corporation’s market share, expected performance and cash flows from acquired loans, future effects of new or changed accounting standards, future opportunities for acquisitions, opportunities to increase top line revenues, the Corporation’s ability to grow its core franchise, future cost savings and the Corporation’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity and capital based on the requirements adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and U.S. regulators. All statements referencing future time periods are forward-looking.

Management’s determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses; the carrying value of acquired loans, goodwill and mortgage servicing rights; the fair value of investment securities (including whether any impairment on any investment security is temporary or other-than-temporary and the amount of any impairment); and management’s assumptions concerning pension and other postretirement benefit plans involve judgments that are inherently forward-looking. There can be no assurance that future loan losses will be limited to the amounts estimated. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. The future effect of changes in the financial and credit markets and the national and regional economies on the banking industry, generally, and on the Corporation, specifically, are also inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in Item 1A of Chemical’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. These and other factors are representative of the risk factors that may emerge and could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)                        
Chemical Financial Corporation                        
(In thousands, except per share data)                        
 
    March 31,
 2017
  December 31,
 2016
  March 31,
 2016
     
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents:            
Cash and cash due from banks   $ 191,940     $ 237,758     $ 168,739  
Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank and other banks and federal funds sold   249,840     236,644     122,635  
Total cash and cash equivalents   441,780     474,402     291,374  
Investment securities:            
Available-for-sale   1,275,846     1,234,964     514,015  
Held-to-maturity   647,192     623,427     518,300  
Total investment securities   1,923,038     1,858,391     1,032,315  
Loans held-for-sale   39,123     81,830     9,667  
Loans:            
Total loans   13,273,392     12,990,779     7,366,885  
Allowance for loan losses   (78,774 )   (78,268 )   (70,318 )
Net loans   13,194,618     12,912,511     7,296,567  
Premises and equipment   142,763     145,012     105,868  
Loan servicing rights   64,604     58,315     10,478  
Goodwill   1,133,534     1,133,534     286,867  
Other intangible assets   38,848     40,211     25,788  
Interest receivable and other assets   658,665     650,973     244,708  
Total Assets   $ 17,636,973     $ 17,355,179     $ 9,303,632  
Liabilities            
Deposits:            
Noninterest-bearing   $ 3,399,287     $ 3,341,520     $ 1,951,193  
Interest-bearing   9,733,060     9,531,602     5,698,923  
Total deposits   13,132,347     12,873,122     7,650,116  
Interest payable and other liabilities   114,789     134,637     64,120  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers   398,910     343,047     283,383  
Short-term borrowings   900,000     825,000      
Long-term borrowings   490,876     597,847     273,722  
Total liabilities   15,036,922     14,773,653     8,271,341  
Shareholders’ Equity            
Preferred stock, no par value per share            
Common stock, $1 par value per share   71,118     70,599     38,248  
Additional paid-in capital   2,194,705     2,210,762     725,531  
Retained earnings   372,193     340,201     295,202  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (37,965 )   (40,036 )   (26,690 )
Total shareholders’ equity   2,600,051     2,581,526     1,032,291  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   $ 17,636,973     $ 17,355,179     $ 9,303,632  

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)                      
Chemical Financial Corporation                      
(In thousands, except per share data)                      
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016   March 31, 2016
Interest Income          
Interest and fees on loans $ 132,485     $ 134,463     $ 74,401  
Interest on investment securities:          
Taxable 4,756     4,687     1,929  
Tax-exempt 4,235     3,940     2,665  
Dividends on nonmarketable equity securities 621     582     256  
Interest on deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank and other banks and federal funds sold 799     744     213  
Total interest income 142,896     144,416     79,464  
Interest Expense          
Interest on deposits 8,916     8,866     4,059  
Interest on short-term borrowings 1,658     875     100  
Interest on long-term borrowings 2,225     2,228     975  
Total interest expense 12,799     11,969     5,134  
Net Interest Income 130,097     132,447     74,330  
Provision for loan losses 4,050     6,272     1,500  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 126,047     126,175     72,830  
Noninterest Income          
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts 8,004     8,414     5,720  
Wealth management revenue 5,827     6,034     5,201  
Other charges and fees for customer services 8,891     9,981     6,392  
Mortgage banking revenue 9,160     14,420     1,405  
Gain on sale of investment securities 90     76     19  
Gain on sale of branch offices     7,391      
Other 6,038     7,948     682  
Total noninterest income 38,010     54,264     19,419  
Operating Expenses          
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 60,248     57,631     33,890  
Occupancy 7,392     7,644     4,905  
Equipment and software 8,517     8,709     4,404  
Merger and acquisition-related transaction expenses (transaction expenses) 4,167     18,016     2,594  
Other 23,872     22,302     13,094  
Total operating expenses 104,196     114,302     58,887  
Income before income taxes 59,861     66,137     33,362  
Income tax expense 12,257     18,969     9,757  
Net Income $ 47,604     $ 47,168     $ 23,605  
Earnings Per Common Share:          
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic 70,628     70,171     38,198  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted 71,415     71,304     38,521  
Basic earnings per share $ 0.67     $ 0.67     $ 0.61  
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.67     $ 0.66     $ 0.60  
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.27     $ 0.27     $ 0.26  
Key Ratios (annualized where applicable):          
Return on average assets 1.09 %   1.09 %   1.02 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity 7.4 %   7.4 %   9.3 %
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) 3.49 %   3.56 %   3.60 %
Efficiency ratio – GAAP 62.0 %   61.2 %   62.8 %
Efficiency ratio – adjusted (non-GAAP) 57.4 %   53.7 %   57.6 %

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)                                      
Chemical Financial Corporation                                      
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)                                      
 
  1st Quarter 2017   4th Quarter 2016   3rd Quarter 2016   2nd Quarter 2016   1st Quarter 2016
   
Summary of Operations                  
Interest income $ 142,896     $ 144,416     $ 103,562     $ 82,937     $ 79,464  
Interest expense 12,799     11,969     6,753     5,442     5,134  
Net interest income 130,097     132,447     96,809     77,495     74,330  
Provision for loan losses 4,050     6,272     4,103     3,000     1,500  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 126,047     126,175     92,706     74,495     72,830  
Noninterest income 38,010     54,264     27,770     20,897     19,419  
Operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses (non-GAAP) 100,029     96,286     68,674     56,031     56,293  
Transaction expenses 4,167     18,016     37,470     3,054     2,594  
Income before income taxes 59,861     66,137     14,332     36,307     33,362  
Income tax expense 12,257     18,969     2,848     10,532     9,757  
Net income $ 47,604     $ 47,168     $ 11,484     $ 25,775     $ 23,605  
Significant items, net of tax 3,046     2,781     25,921     1,985     1,686  
Net income, excluding significant items $ 50,650     $ 49,949     $ 37,405     $ 27,760     $ 25,291  
                   
Per Common Share Data                  
Net income:                  
Basic $ 0.67     $ 0.67     $ 0.23     $ 0.67     $ 0.61  
Diluted 0.67     0.66     0.23     0.67     0.60  
Diluted, excluding significant items (non-GAAP) 0.71     0.70     0.75     0.72     0.65  
Cash dividends declared 0.27     0.27     0.27     0.26     0.26  
Book value – period-end 36.56     36.57     36.37     27.45     26.99  
Tangible book value – period-end 20.32     20.20     19.99     19.68     19.20  
Market value – period-end 51.15     54.17     44.13     37.29     35.69  
                   
Key Ratios (annualized where applicable)                
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) 3.49 %   3.56 %   3.58 %   3.70 %   3.60 %
Efficiency ratio – adjusted (non-GAAP) 57.4 %   53.7 %   53.2 %   54.6 %   57.6 %
Return on average assets 1.09 %   1.09 %   0.37 %   1.10 %   1.02 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity 7.4 %   7.4 %   2.9 %   10.0 %   9.3 %
Average shareholders’ equity as a percent of average assets 14.8 %   14.9 %   12.7 %   11.1 %   11.0 %
Capital ratios (period end):                  
Tangible shareholders’ equity as a percent of tangible assets 8.8 %   8.8 %   8.7 %   8.2 %   8.2 %
Total risk-based capital ratio (1) 11.4 %   11.5 %   11.1 %   11.4 %   11.5 %

(1) Estimated at March 31, 2017.

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Average Balances, Tax Equivalent Interest and Effective Yields and Rates (Unaudited)(1)  
Chemical Financial Corporation  
(Dollars in thousands)  
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016   March 31, 2016
  Average
Balance
  Interest (FTE)   Effective
Yield/Rate (1)
  Average
Balance
  Interest (FTE)   Effective
Yield/Rate (1)
  Average
Balance
  Interest (FTE)   Effective
Yield/Rate (1)
Assets                                  
Interest-earning assets:                                  
Loans (1)(2) $ 13,155,846     $ 133,293     4.11 %   $ 12,895,557     $ 135,301     4.18 %   $ 7,299,471     $ 75,099     4.13 %
Taxable investment securities 1,005,489     4,756     1.89     1,065,453     4,687     1.76     554,524     1,929     1.39  
Tax-exempt investment  securities(1) 861,508     6,495     3.02     807,093     6,047     3.00     496,304     4,100     3.30  
Other interest-earning assets 103,334     621     2.44     80,202     582     2.89     39,493     256     2.61  
Interest-bearing deposits with the FRB and other banks and federal funds sold 269,288     799     1.20     307,802     744     0.96     136,919     213     0.63  
Total interest-earning assets 15,395,465     145,964     3.83     15,156,107     147,361     3.87     8,526,711     81,597     3.84  
Less: allowance for loan losses (78,616 )           (74,822 )           (73,547 )        
Other assets:                                  
Cash and cash due from banks 229,203             245,613             158,277          
Premises and equipment 146,044             144,652             105,959          
Interest receivable and other assets 1,781,923             1,793,118             523,634          
Total assets $ 17,474,019             $ 17,264,668             $ 9,241,034          
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
Interest-bearing demand deposits $ 2,898,061     $ 1,018     0.14 %   $ 2,680,241     $ 1,266     0.19 %   $ 1,953,626     $ 468     0.10 %
Savings deposits 3,842,594     1,721     0.18     3,490,972     1,263     0.14     2,048,867     389     0.08  
Time deposits 2,953,069     6,177     0.85     3,209,695     6,337     0.79     1,625,573     3,202     0.79  
Short-term borrowings 1,225,888     1,658     0.55     949,292     875     0.38     349,699     100     0.12  
Long-term borrowings 539,032     2,225     1.67     600,066     2,228     1.41     266,022     975     1.47  
Total interest-bearing liabilities 11,458,644     12,799     0.45     10,930,266     11,969     0.44     6,243,787     5,134     0.33  
Noninterest-bearing deposits 3,305,201             3,622,365             1,906,896          
Total deposits and borrowed funds 14,763,845     12,799     0.35     14,552,631     11,969     0.33     8,150,683     5,134     0.25  
Interest payable and other liabilities 125,673             147,094             72,422          
Shareholders’ equity 2,584,501             2,564,943             1,017,929          
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 17,474,019             $ 17,264,668             $ 9,241,034          
Net Interest Spread (Average yield earned on interest-earning assets minus average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities)     3.38 %           3.43 %           3.51 %
Net Interest Income (FTE)     $ 133,165             $ 135,392             $ 76,463      
Net Interest Margin (Net Interest Income (FTE) divided by total average interest-earning assets)     3.49 %           3.56 %           3.60 %
                                   
Reconciliation to Reported Net Interest Income                                
Net interest income, fully taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)   $ 133,165             $ 135,392             $ 76,463      
Adjustments for taxable equivalent interest (1):                                
Loans     (808 )           (838 )           (698 )    
Tax-exempt investment securities     (2,260 )           (2,107 )           (1,435 )    
Total taxable equivalent interest adjustments   (3,068 )           (2,945 )           (2,133 )    
Net interest income (GAAP)     $ 130,097             $ 132,447             $ 74,330      
Net interest margin (GAAP)     3.41 %           3.48 %           3.50 %    

(1) Fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%. The presentation of net interest income on a FTE basis is not in accordance with GAAP, but is customary in the banking industry.
(2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held-for-sale are included in average balances reported and are included in the calculation of yields. Also, tax equivalent interest includes net loan fees.

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Noninterest Income and Operating Expenses Information (Unaudited)                    
Chemical Financial Corporation                    
(Dollars in thousands)                    
                     
    1st Quarter 2017   4th Quarter 2016   3rd Quarter 2016   2nd Quarter 2016   1st Quarter 2016
     
Noninterest income                    
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts   $ 8,004     $ 8,414     $ 7,665     $ 6,337     $ 5,720  
Wealth management revenue   5,827     6,034     5,584     5,782     5,201  
Electronic banking fees   6,817     8,196     5,533     4,786     4,918  
Mortgage banking revenue   9,160     14,420     4,439     1,595     1,405  
Other fees for customer services   2,074     1,785     1,877     1,677     1,474  
Gain on sale of investment securities   90     76     16     18     19  
Gain on sale of branch offices       7,391              
Other   6,038     7,948     2,656     702     682  
Total noninterest income   $ 38,010     $ 54,264     $ 27,770     $ 20,897     $ 19,419  

    1st Quarter 2017   4th Quarter 2016   3rd Quarter 2016   2nd Quarter 2016   1st Quarter 2016
     
Operating expenses                    
Salaries and wages   $ 48,526     $ 47,936     $ 33,841     $ 26,887     $ 26,743  
Employee benefits   11,722     9,695     6,724     6,240     7,147  
Occupancy   7,392     7,644     5,462     5,514     4,905  
Equipment and software   8,517     8,709     6,420     4,875     4,404  
Outside processing and service fees   7,511     7,290     5,365     4,833     3,711  
FDIC insurance premiums   1,406     2,813     1,849     1,338     1,407  
Professional fees   1,968     2,304     1,472     1,020     1,036  
Intangible asset amortization   1,513     1,843     1,292     1,195     1,194  
Credit-related expenses   1,200     (1,029 )   (371 )   (1,331 )   30  
Transaction expenses   4,167     18,016     37,470     3,054     2,594  
Other   10,274     9,081     6,620     5,460     5,716  
Total operating expenses   $ 104,196     $ 114,302     $ 106,144     $ 59,085     $ 58,887  

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Composition of Loans and Deposits and Additional Information on Intangible Assets (Unaudited)
Chemical Financial Corporation
(Dollars in Thousands)
                               
  March 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2016   Organic Growth – Three Months Ended March 31, 2017   Sept. 30, 2016   Talmer Merger Aug. 31, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016   Organic Growth-Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2017
                               
Composition of Loans                              
Commercial loan portfolio:                              
Commercial $ 3,253,608     $ 3,217,300     1.1 %   $ 3,199,576     $ 1,223,179     $ 1,953,301     $ 1,922,259     5.6 %
Commercial real estate 4,097,771     3,973,140     3.1     3,733,377     1,589,900     2,157,733     2,143,051     17.0  
Real estate construction 453,811     403,772     12.4     500,494     166,364     285,848     242,899     18.3  
Subtotal – commercial loans 7,805,190     7,594,212     2.8     7,433,447     2,979,443     4,396,882     4,308,209     12.0  
Consumer loan portfolio:                              
Residential mortgage 3,133,465     3,086,474     1.5     3,046,959     1,531,641     1,494,192     1,461,120     9.6  
Consumer installment 1,481,057     1,433,884     3.3     1,335,707     158,835     1,048,622     897,078     47.4  
Home equity 853,680     876,209     (2.6 )   899,676     212,483     707,573     700,478     (8.5 )
Subtotal – consumer loans 5,468,202     5,396,567     1.3     5,282,342     1,902,959     3,250,387     3,058,676     16.6  
Total loans $ 13,273,392     $ 12,990,779     2.2 %   $ 12,715,789     $ 4,882,402     $ 7,647,269     $ 7,366,885     13.9 %

  March 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2016   Organic Growth – Three Months Ended March 31, 2017   Sept. 30, 2016   Talmer Merger Aug. 31, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016   Organic Growth-Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2017
Composition of Deposits                              
Noninterest-bearing demand $ 3,399,287     $ 3,341,520     1.7 %   $ 3,264,934     $ 1,236,902     $ 2,007,629     $ 1,951,193     10.8 %
Savings 1,752,040     1,662,115     5.4     1,650,276     549,428     1,107,558     1,080,940     11.3  
Interest-bearing demand 2,900,546     2,825,801     2.6     3,316,635     894,748     1,819,865     2,005,053      
Money market accounts 2,161,645     2,033,319     6.3     1,692,656     699,739     969,566     1,006,271     45.3  
Brokered deposits 156,367     226,429     (30.9 )   474,902     403,210     173,092     186,143     (232.6 )
Other time deposits 2,762,462     2,783,938     (0.8 )   2,873,459     1,510,591     1,386,936     1,420,516     (11.9 )
Total deposits $ 13,132,347     $ 12,873,122     2.0 %   $ 13,272,862     $ 5,294,618     $ 7,464,646     $ 7,650,116     2.5 %

    March 31, 2017   Dec 31,
2016
  Sept 30, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016
                     
Additional Data – Intangibles                    
Goodwill   $ 1,133,534     $ 1,133,534     $ 1,137,166     $ 286,867     $ 286,867  
Loan servicing rights   64,604     58,315     51,393     9,677     10,478  
Core deposit intangibles (CDI)   38,723     40,211     35,618     24,429     25,542  
Noncompete agreements   125         82     164     246  

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Nonperforming Assets (Unaudited)                    
Chemical Financial Corporation                    
(Dollars in thousands)                    
                     
    March 31, 2017   Dec 31, 2016   Sept 30, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016
Nonperforming Assets                    
Nonperforming Loans (1):                    
Nonaccrual loans:                    
Commercial   $ 16,717     $ 13,178     $ 13,742     $ 14,577     $ 19,264  
Commercial real estate   20,828     19,877     19,914     21,325     25,859  
Real estate construction   79     80     80     496     546  
Residential mortgage   6,749     6,969     5,119     5,343     5,062  
Consumer installment   755     879     378     285     360  
Home equity   2,713     3,351     2,064     1,971     2,328  
Total nonaccrual loans(1)   47,841     44,334     41,297     43,997     53,419  
Other real estate and repossessed assets   16,395     17,187     20,730     8,440     9,248  
Total nonperforming assets   $ 64,236     $ 61,521     $ 62,027     $ 52,437     $ 62,667  
Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, excluding acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30:    
Commercial   2,646     11     221     3     370  
Commercial real estate   700     277     739     3      
Real estate construction           1,439          
Residential mortgage           375     407     423  
Home equity   1,169     995     628     1,071     679  
Total accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments   $ 4,515     $ 1,283     $ 3,402     $ 1,484     $ 1,472  

(1) Acquired loans, accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification 310-30, that are not performing in accordance with contractual terms are not reported as nonperforming loans because these loans are recorded in pools at their net realizable value based on the principal and interest the Corporation expects to collect on these loans.

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Summary of Allowance and Loan Loss Experience (Unaudited)                  
Chemical Financial Corporation                  
(Dollars in thousands)                  
                   
  1st Quarter 2017   4th Quarter 2016   3rd Quarter 2016   2nd Quarter 2016   1st Quarter 2016
         
Allowance for loan losses – originated loan portfolio    
Allowance for loan losses – beginning of period $ 78,268     $ 73,775     $ 71,506     $ 70,318     $ 73,328  
Provision for loan losses 4,050     6,272     4,103     3,000     1,500  
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries:                
Commercial (1,999 )   (336 )   (150 )   (1,153 )   (3,115 )
Commercial real estate 730     (280 )   (154 )   (187 )   (440 )
Real estate construction (9 )   36     (31 )       (11 )
Residential mortgage (567 )   (236 )   (304 )   8     (172 )
Consumer installment (1,310 )   (823 )   (1,137 )   (486 )   (602 )
Home equity (389 )   (140 )   (58 )   6     (170 )
Net loan charge-offs (3,544 )   (1,779 )   (1,834 )   (1,812 )   (4,510 )
Allowance for loan losses – end of period 78,774     78,268     73,775     71,506     70,318  
Allowance for loan losses – acquired loan portfolio              
Allowance for loan losses – beginning of period                  
Provision for loan losses                  
Allowance for loan losses – end of period                  
Total allowance for loan losses $ 78,774     $ 78,268     $ 73,775     $ 71,506     $ 70,318  
Net loan charge-offs as a percent of average loans (quarterly amounts annualized) 0.11 %   0.06 %   0.08 %   0.10 %   0.25 %

  March 31, 2017   Dec 31, 2016   Sept 30, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016
Originated loans $ 7,959,769     $ 7,458,401     $ 6,755,931     $ 6,378,934     $ 6,001,714  
Acquired loans 5,313,623     5,532,378     5,959,858       1,268,335     1,365,171  
Total loans $ 13,273,392     $ 12,990,779     $ 12,715,789     $ 7,647,269     $ 7,366,885  
                   
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of:                
Total originated loans 0.99 %   1.05 %   1.09 %     1.12 %   1.17 %
Nonperforming loans 164.7 %   176.5 %   178.6 %     162.5 %   131.6 %
Credit mark as a percent of unpaid principal balance on acquired loans 2.8 %   3.1 %   3.0 %     4.1 %   4.5 %

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)                  
Chemical Financial Corporation                  
(Amounts in thousands)                  
                   
  1st Quarter 2017   4th Quarter 2016   3rd Quarter 2016   2nd Quarter 2016   1st Quarter 2016
         
Non-GAAP Operating Results            
Net Income                  
Net income, as reported $ 47,604     $ 47,168     $ 11,484     $ 25,775     $ 23,605  
Transactions expenses 4,167     18,016     37,470     3,054     2,594  
Gain on sales of branch offices     (7,391 )            
Loan servicing rights change in fair valuation 519     (6,348 )   1,236          
Significant items 4,686     4,277     38,706     3,054     2,594  
Income tax benefit (1) (1,640 )   (1,496 )   (12,785 )   (1,069 )   (908 )
Significant items, net of tax 3,046     2,781     25,921     1,985     1,686  
Net income, excluding significant items $ 50,650     $ 49,949     $ 37,405     $ 27,760     $ 25,291  
Diluted Earnings Per Share                  
Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 0.67     $ 0.66     $ 0.23     $ 0.67     $ 0.60  
Effect of significant items, net of tax 0.04     0.04     0.52     0.05     0.05  
Diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items $ 0.71     $ 0.70     $ 0.75     $ 0.72     $ 0.65  
Return on Average Assets                  
Return on average assets, as reported 1.09 %   1.09 %   0.37 %   1.10 %   1.02 %
Effect of significant items, net of tax 0.07     0.07     0.85     0.09     0.07  
Return on average assets, excluding significant items 1.16 %   1.16 %   1.22 %   1.19 %   1.09 %
Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity                
Return on average shareholders’ equity, as reported 7.4 %   7.4 %   2.9 %   10.0 %   9.3 %
Effect of significant items, net of tax 0.4     0.4     6.7     0.7     0.6  
Return on average shareholders’ equity, excluding significant items 7.8 %   7.8 %   9.6 %   10.7 %   9.9 %
Efficiency Ratio                
Net interest income $ 130,097     $ 132,447     $ 96,809     $ 77,495     $ 74,330  
Noninterest income 38,010     54,264     27,770     20,897     19,419  
Total revenue – GAAP 168,107     186,711     124,579     98,392     93,749  
Net interest income FTE adjustment 3,068     2,945     2,426     2,138     2,133  
Loan servicing rights change in fair value (gains)losses 519     (6,348 )   1,236          
Gain on sales of branch offices     (7,391 )            
Gains from sale of investment securities gains and closed branch locations (90 )   (76 )   (301 )   (123 )   (169 )
Total revenue – Non-GAAP $ 171,604     $ 175,841     $ 127,940     $ 100,407     $ 95,713  
Operating expenses – GAAP $ 104,196     $ 114,302     $ 106,144     $ 59,085     $ 58,887  
Transaction expenses (4,167 )   (18,016 )   (37,470 )   (3,054 )   (2,594 )
Amortization of intangibles (1,513 )   (1,843 )   (1,292 )   (1,195 )   (1,194 )
Operating expenses – Non-GAAP $ 98,516     $ 94,443     $ 67,382     $ 54,836     $ 55,099  
Efficiency ratio – GAAP 62.0 %   61.2 %   85.2 %   60.1 %   62.8 %
Efficiency ratio – adjusted Non-GAAP 57.4 %   53.7 %   52.7 %   54.6 %   57.6 %

(1) Assumes transaction expenses and other significant items are deductible at an income tax rate of 35%, except for the impact of estimated nondeductible expenses incurred in periods when the Corporation completes merger and acquisition transactions.

Chemical Financial Corporation Announces 2017 First Quarter Operating Results
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)                  
Chemical Financial Corporation                  
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)                  
                   
  March 31, 2017   Dec 31,
2016
  Sept 30, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016
Tangible Book Value                  
Shareholders’ equity, as reported $ 2,600,051     $ 2,581,526     $ 2,563,666     $ 1,050,299     $ 1,032,291  
Goodwill, CDI and noncompete agreements, net of tax (1,154,915 )   (1,155,617 )   (1,154,121 )   (297,044 )   (297,821 )
Tangible shareholders’ equity $ 1,445,136     $ 1,425,909     $ 1,409,545     $ 753,255     $ 734,470  
Common shares outstanding 71,118     70,599     70,497     38,267     38,248  
Book value per share (shareholders’ equity, as reported, divided by common shares outstanding) $ 36.56     $ 36.57     $ 36.37     $ 27.45     $ 26.99  
Tangible book value per share (tangible shareholders’ equity divided by common shares outstanding) $ 20.32     $ 20.20     $ 19.99     $ 19.68     $ 19.20  
                   
Tangible Shareholders’ Equity to Tangible Assets                
Total assets, as reported $ 17,636,973     $ 17,355,179     $ 17,383,637     $ 9,514,172     $ 9,303,632  
Goodwill, CDI and noncompete agreements, net of tax (1,154,915 )   (1,155,617 )   (1,154,121 )   (297,044 )   (297,821 )
Tangible assets $ 16,482,058     $ 16,199,562     $ 16,229,516     $ 9,217,128     $ 9,005,811  
Shareholders’ equity to total assets 14.7 %   14.9 %   14.7 %   11.0 %   11.1 %
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets 8.8 %   8.8 %   8.7 %   8.2 %   8.2 %

CONTACT: For further information:
David B. Ramaker, CEO
Dennis L. Klaeser, CFO
989-839-5350