10-K 1 a12311410k.htm 10-K 12.31.14 10K






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, 2014
 


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
Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A
 
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
 

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 $1,446,208,206 as of June 30, 2014, 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 75,193,005 shares of the Registrant’s common stock as of February 26, 2015.
 



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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Part III

















MB FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-K
 
December 31, 2014
 
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
 
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) expected revenues, cost savings, synergies and other benefits from the recently completed MB Financial-Taylor Capital merger and our other merger and acquisition activities might not be realized within the anticipated 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; (2) the possibility that the expected benefits of the other acquisition transactions we previously completed will not be realized; (3) 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 loans we originate and loans we acquire from other financial institutions; (4) results of examinations by the Office of Comptroller of Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for loan and lease losses or write-down assets; (5) competitive pressures among depository institutions; (6) interest rate movements and their impact on customer behavior, net interest margin and the value of our mortgage servicing rights; (7) the possibility that our mortgage banking business may increase volatility in our 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; (8) the impact of repricing and competitors’ pricing initiatives on loan and deposit products; (9) fluctuations in real estate values; (10) the ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to meet customers’ needs and developments in the market-place; (11) our ability to realize the residual values of our direct finance, leveraged, and operating leases; (12) our ability to access cost-effective funding; (13) changes in financial markets; (14) changes in economic conditions in general and in the Chicago metropolitan area in particular; (15) the costs, effects and outcomes of litigation; (16) 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 and the implementation of the Basel III capital standards, other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry and changes in federal and/or state tax laws or interpretations thereof by taxing authorities; (17) changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; (18) our future acquisitions of other depository institutions or lines of business; and (19) 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.

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 primarily to small and middle market businesses and individuals in the markets that we serve.  Our primary business segments include banking, leasing and mortgage banking.  As of December 31, 2014, on a consolidated basis, we had total assets of $14.6 billion, deposits of $11.0 billion, stockholders’ equity of $2.0 billion, and client assets under management of $3.6 billion in our Wealth Management Group (including $2.3 billion in our trust department and $1.3 billion in our majority-owned asset management firm, Cedar Hill Associates LLC).

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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, including the following recent transactions.
 
During 2009 and 2010, MB Financial Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the following institutions in transactions facilitated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC):

Glenwood, Illinois-based Heritage Community Bank (Heritage);
Oak Forest, Illinois-based InBank;
Chicago, Illinois-based Corus Bank, N.A. (Corus);
Aurora, Illinois-based Benchmark Bank (Benchmark);
Chicago, Illinois-based New Century Bank (New Century); and
Chicago, Illinois-based Broadway Bank (Broadway).  

For the Heritage, Benchmark, New Century and Broadway transactions, MB Financial Bank entered into loss-share agreements with the FDIC.  Under the loss-share agreements, MB Financial Bank shares with the FDIC in the losses on assets (generally loans and other real estate owned referred to as “covered loans” and “covered other real estate owned”) covered under the agreements for specified time periods (generally ten years for single family residential real estate loans and five years for commercial loans), after which MB Financial Bank 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 will expire in June 2015. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors-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.”

On December 28, 2012, MB Financial Bank acquired Celtic Leasing Corp. (“Celtic”), a privately held, mid-ticket equipment leasing company.

On August 18, 2014, the Company completed the Taylor Capital Group, Inc. ("Taylor Capital") merger. Consideration paid 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. 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: LaSalle Systems Leasing, Inc. ("LaSalle"), Celtic and Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, LLC, ("Equipment Finance") a subsidiary that was acquired through the Taylor Capital merger. MB Financial Bank also has a majority owned subsidiary with significant operating activities, Cedar Hill Associates, LLC ("Cedar Hill").
 
LaSalle, which we acquired in 2002, focuses on leasing technology-related equipment to middle market and larger businesses located throughout the United States.  LaSalle also specializes in brokering third party equipment maintenance contracts as well as technology-related equipment. Celtic focuses on leasing equipment to middle market health care, legal, technology, and manufacturing companies located throughout the United States. 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.
 
Cedar Hill is an asset management firm located in Chicago, Illinois in which we acquired a majority interest in April 2008.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, Vision Investment Services, Inc., a registered broker/dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a subsidiary of MB Financial Bank, was dissolved.
 
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 the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8. of this report.

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Banking. We concentrate on serving small and middle market businesses and their owners. We also serve consumers who live or work near our branches. We operate four primary lines of business within our banking segment: commercial banking, lease banking, retail banking, and wealth management. Each is described below.

Commercial Banking.  Commercial banking focuses on serving middle market businesses, primarily located in the Chicago metropolitan area. 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 $10 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; 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.

Lease Banking. Lease banking offers loans similar to those offered in the commercial banking business line but serves 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, Standard & Poors or the equivalent. 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 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 132 ATMs located throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. We also have one branch in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our target customer includes individuals who live and work near our branch offices, as well as companies with annual revenues of $1 to $10 million located near our offices. We offer a variety of personal banking options designed to meet the needs of all market segments. In addition to traditional checking account products, we offer both internet banking and mobile banking services to provide convenience and added technology for our customers. Our customers can take advantage of our MB Debit MasterCard, our Platinum Credit Card and our Everyday Prepaid Card.

Our business banking division continues to grow. This division offers the same business services available to our larger commercial business customers, customized to smaller businesses. These customers are afforded the expertise of a business banker and the personal attention of a local branch. We offer a small business corporate credit card as well as a multi-card which serves as a travel and entertainment card or a purchasing card for our larger commercial customers.

Our cards division, MB Payment Solutions, offers general reloadable prepaid cards, payroll cards, incentive cards and gift cards. These products are extended to existing customers and offered nationally to companies needing card payment solutions.
 
Wealth Management.  Our wealth management group provides comprehensive wealth management solutions to individuals, corporations and not-for-profits. We provide investment management, custody, personal trust, financial planning and wealth advisory services to business owners, high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments and municipal agencies, and private banking services through our private bankers, asset management and trust advisors and Cedar Hill, a registered investment advisor. Estate settlement, guardianship and retirement plan services are provided through our asset management and trust group. Our investment advisors working in our branches offer a wide variety of financial products and services to our retail customers, including non-FDIC insured investment alternatives and/or insurance products. MB Financial Bank subsidiary Cedar Hill also provides clients with non-FDIC insured investment alternatives and/or insurance products.

Leasing. Leasing includes lease originations and related services offered through our lease subsidiaries, LaSalle Systems Leasing, Inc., Celtic Leasing Corp. and Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, LLC. 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 healthcare 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,

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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 originates residential mortgage loans for sale to investors and for the Company's portfolio through its retail and third-party channels, as well as our 86 retail banking branches. 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. Most of the activity in our mortgage banking segment is attributable to the mortgage banking business we acquired in connection with the Taylor Capital merger.

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 area.  Borrowers tend to be privately-owned and are generally manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, long-term health care operators and service providers.  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.  Our commercial loans typically range in size from $250 thousand to $30 million.

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 made to businesses with the primary source of repayment derived from payments on the related assets securing the loan and secondarily liquidation of the collateral. 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 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 factors considered are net operating income of the property before debt service and depreciation, the debt service 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.  Prior to 2008, we provided construction loans for the acquisition and development of land and construction of condominiums, townhomes, and one-to-four family residences.  We also provided acquisition, development and

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construction loans for retail and other commercial purposes, primarily in our market areas, as well as provided financing for owner occupied real estate. Since 2008, we have primarily focused on providing construction loans for owner occupied real estate and periodically funding projects to strong borrowers.  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.  If our estimate of the value of a project at completion proves to be overstated, or market values have declined since we originated our loan, we may have inadequate security for repayment of the loan and we may incur a loss.

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 Standard & Poors 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.  Primarily, 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.  Our general practice is to sell a majority of our newly originated fixed-rate residential real estate loans and to hold in portfolio a limited number of adjustable-rate residential real estate loans with 15 and 30 year maturities.
 
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 twenty 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. 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 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.


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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, 2014, we and our subsidiaries employed a total of 2,839 full-time equivalent employees.  We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Supervision and Regulation
 
We, our bank subsidiary, 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 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.
 

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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:

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.

When the total assets of our bank subsidiary have exceeded $10 billion for four consecutive quarters, the bank and its affiliates become 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 substantially similar 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. Following is a description of the capital regulations in effect through December 31, 2014. For a description of modifications to these regulations that became effective January 1, 2015, see “--New Capital Regulations” below.
 
The Federal Reserve Board’s risk-based regulations establish a two-tier capital framework.  Tier 1 capital generally consists of common stockholders’ equity, retained earnings, a limited amount of qualifying perpetual preferred stock, qualifying trust preferred securities and noncontrolling interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill and certain intangibles.  Tier 2 capital generally consists of certain hybrid capital instruments and perpetual debt, mandatory convertible debt securities and a limited amount of subordinated debt, qualifying preferred stock, loan and lease loss allowance, and unrealized holding gains on certain equity securities.  The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital represents qualifying total capital, at least 50% of which must consist of Tier 1 capital.
 
Risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and total capital by risk-weighted assets.  Assets and off-balance sheet exposures are assigned to one of four categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative credit risk.  For bank holding companies, generally the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is 4% and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio is 8%.  Our Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios under these guidelines at December 31, 2014 were 12.61% and 13.62%, respectively.
 
The Federal Reserve Board’s leverage capital guidelines establish a minimum leverage ratio determined by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted average total assets.  The minimum leverage ratio is 3% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating.  All other bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4%.  At December 31, 2014, we had a leverage ratio of 10.47%.
 
The federal banking agencies’ risk-based capital rules are based upon the 1988 capital accord (“Basel I”) of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”).  The Basel Committee is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors/regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines for use by each country’s supervisors in determining the supervisory policies and regulations to which they apply.  Actions of the Committee have no direct effect on banks in participating countries.  In 2004, the Basel Committee published a new capital accord (“Basel II”) to replace Basel I.  Basel II provides two approaches for setting capital standards for credit risk — an internal ratings-based approach tailored to individual institutions’ circumstances and a standardized approach that bases risk weightings on external credit assessments to a much greater extent than permitted in existing risk-based capital guidelines.  Basel II also addresses capital requirements for operational risk and refines the existing capital requirements for market risk exposures.
 
A final rule implementing the advanced approaches of Basel II in the United States, which applies only to certain large or internationally active banking organizations, or “core banks” — defined as those with consolidated total assets of $250 billion or more or consolidated on-balance sheet foreign exposures of $10 billion or more, became effective as of April 1, 2008.  Certain other U.S. banking organizations would have the option to adopt the requirements of this rule.  The Company is not required to comply with the advanced approaches of Basel II.
 

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In 2009, the United States Treasury Department issued a policy statement (the “Treasury Policy Statement”) entitled “Principles for Reforming the U.S. and International Regulatory Capital Framework for Banking Firms,” which contemplates changes to the existing regulatory capital regime involving substantial revisions to major parts of the Basel I and Basel II capital frameworks and affecting all regulated banking organizations and other systemically important institutions.  The Treasury Policy Statement calls for, among other things, higher and stronger capital requirements for all banking firms, with changes to the regulatory capital framework to be phased in over a period of several years.

The Dodd-Frank Act includes certain provisions concerning the capital regulations of the United States banking regulators, which are often referred to as the “Collins Amendment.”  These provisions are intended to subject bank holding companies to the same capital requirements as their bank subsidiaries and to eliminate or significantly reduce the use of hybrid capital instruments, especially trust preferred securities, as regulatory capital. Under the Collins Amendment, trust preferred securities issued by a company, such as our company, with total consolidated assets of less than $15 billion before May 19, 2010 and treated as regulatory capital are grandfathered, but any such securities issued later are not eligible as regulatory capital.  The banking regulators must develop regulations setting minimum risk-based and leverage capital requirements for holding companies and banks on a consolidated basis that are no less stringent than the generally applicable requirements in effect for depository institutions under the prompt corrective action regulations discussed below. See “--New Capital Regulations” below.  The banking regulators also must seek to make capital standards countercyclical so that the required levels of capital increase in times of economic expansion and decrease in times of economic contraction. 
 
In December 2010 and January 2011, the Basel Committee published the final texts of reforms on capital and liquidity generally referred to as “Basel III.”  Although Basel III is intended to be implemented by participating countries for large, internationally active banks, its provisions are considered by United States banking regulators in developing new regulations applicable to other banks and bank holding companies.
 
For banks in the United States, among the most significant provisions of Basel III concerning capital are the following:

minimum capital ratios, including a minimum ratio of common equity to risk-weighted assets;
an additional countercyclical capital buffer to be imposed by banking regulators periodically at their discretion, with advance notice;
restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses when capital ratios fall within the buffer zone;
deduction from common equity of deferred tax assets that depend on future profitability to be realized;
increased capital requirements for counterparty credit risk relating to over the counter (OTC) derivatives, repos and securities financing activities; and
for capital instruments issued on or after January 13, 2013 (other than common equity), a loss-absorbency requirement.

The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations to implement the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III on capital. These are described below under “--New Capital Regulations.”
 
The Basel III provisions on liquidity include complex criteria establishing a liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”) and a net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”).  The purpose of the LCR is to ensure that banks and their holding companies maintain adequate unencumbered, high quality liquid assets to meet liquidity needs for 30 days under a severe liquidity stress scenario.  The purpose of the NSFR is to promote more medium and long-term funding of assets and activities, using a one-year horizon.  Although Basel III is described as a “final text,” it is subject to the resolution of certain issues and to further guidance and modification, as well as to adoption by United States banking regulators, including decisions as to whether and to what extent it will apply to United States banks that are not large, internationally active banks.  The federal banking agencies have adopted a rule on liquidity coverage requirements applicable only to banking organizations with total consolidated assets of $250 billion or more, $10 billion or more in on-balance sheet foreign exposure, and setting less stringent requirements for organizations with $50 billion or more in total assets.
 
Prompt Corrective Action.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, 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.  This 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 five percent 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

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take priority over the parent’s general unsecured creditors.  In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement 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 and leverage capital ratios as the relevant capital measures.  These regulations establish various degrees of corrective action to be taken when an institution is considered undercapitalized.  Under the regulations in effect through December 31, 2014, a “well capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10% 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 4%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8% and a leverage ratio of at least 4% (3% in certain circumstances).  An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8% or a leverage ratio of less than 4% (3% in certain circumstances).  An institution is “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3%, a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6% 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, 2014, our bank subsidiary met the requirements to be classified as “well-capitalized.”

In connection with new capital regulations, changes to the prompt corrective action rules have been adopted. See “--New Capital Regulations” below.

New Capital Regulations

The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations that substantially amend the capital regulations currently applicable to us. These regulations implement the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.

New Capital Rules. Effective January 1, 2015 (with some changes transitioned into full effectiveness over two to four years), we and our bank subsidiary became subject to new capital requirements adopted by the Federal Reserve and the OCC. These new requirements create a new required ratio for common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital, increase the leverage and Tier 1 capital ratios, change the risk-weights of certain assets for purposes of the risk-based capital ratios, create an additional capital conservation buffer over the required capital ratios and change what qualifies as capital for purposes of meeting these various capital requirements. Beginning in 2016, failure to maintain the required capital conservation buffer will limit our ability and the ability of our bank subsidiary to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary bonuses.

Under the new capital regulations, the minimum capital ratios are: (1) 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 of 4.0%. CET1 generally consists of common stock; retained earnings; accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), explained below, unless we elect to exclude AOCI from regulatory capital, as discussed below; and certain minority interests; all subject to applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions.

There are a number of changes in what constitutes regulatory capital, some of which are subject to transition periods. These changes include the phasing-out of certain instruments as qualifying capital. We and our bank subsidiary do not have any of these instruments. Under the new requirements for total capital, Tier 2 capital is no longer limited to the amount of Tier 1 capital included in total capital. Mortgage servicing rights, certain deferred tax assets and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries over designated percentages of CET1 will be deducted from capital. In addition, Tier 1 capital will include AOCI, which includes all unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities. Because of our asset size, we have the one-time option of deciding in the first quarter of 2015 whether to permanently opt-out of the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive income in our capital calculations. We are planning to take advantage of this opt-out to reduce the impact of market volatility on our regulatory capital levels.

The new requirements also include changes in the risk-weights of assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposures. These include a 150% risk weight (up from 100%) 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% (up from 0%) credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable (currently set at 0%); a 250% risk weight (up from 100%) for mortgage servicing and deferred tax assets that are not deducted from capital; and increased risk-weights (0% to 600%) for equity exposures.

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In addition to the minimum CET1, Tier 1 and total capital ratios, we and our bank subsidiary will have to maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses based on percentages of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. This new capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented in January 2019.

The OCC’s prompt corrective action standards changed effective January 1, 2015. Under the new standards, in order to be considered well-capitalized, our bank subsidiary must have a CET1 ratio of 6.5% (new), a Tier 1 ratio of 8% (increased from 6%), a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% (unchanged) and a leverage ratio of 5% (unchanged).

We have determined that we and our bank subsidiary meet all these new requirements, including the full capital conservation buffer.

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.

As described above under “--New Capital Regulations,” beginning January 1, 2016 the capital conservation buffer requirement can also restrict our ability and the ability of our bank subsidiary to pay dividends.
 
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.
 
The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums on each insured institution quarterly based on annualized rates for one of four risk categories. Each institution is assigned to one of four risk categories based on its capital, supervisory ratings and other factors.  Well capitalized institutions that are financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses are assigned to Risk Category I.  Risk Categories II, III and IV present progressively greater risks to the DIF. 
 
As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has adopted rules under which insurance premium assessments are based on an institution’s total assets minus its tangible equity (defined as Tier 1 capital) instead of its deposits.  Under these rules, an institution with total assets of less than $10 billion will be assigned to a Risk Category as described above, and a range of initial base assessment rates will apply to each category, subject to adjustment downward based on unsecured debt issued by the institution and, except for an institution in Risk Category I, adjustment upward if the institution’s brokered deposits exceed 10% of its domestic deposits, to produce total base assessment rates.  Total base assessment rates range from 2.5 to 9 basis points for Risk Category I, 9 to 24 basis points for Risk Category II, 18 to 33 basis points for Risk Category III, and 30 to 45 basis points for Risk Category IV, all subject to further adjustment upward if the institution holds more than a de minimis amount of unsecured debt issued by another FDIC-insured institution. The FDIC may increase or decrease its rates by 2.0 basis points without further rulemaking.  In an emergency, the FDIC may also impose a special assessment.
 
For a bank that has had total assets of $10 billion or more for four consecutive quarters, FDIC regulations require the bank to be assessed quarterly for deposit insurance 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

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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.”

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, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or written agreement entered into with the FDIC. The management of the Bank does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.
 
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.  The FDIC has not yet announced how it will implement this offset or how larger institutions will be affected by it.
 
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 entire community, 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

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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 USA Patriot Act of 2001 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 existing 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. Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations implementing the USA Patriot Act that apply certain of its requirements to financial institutions such as our banking and broker-dealer subsidiaries.  The regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing.  The increased 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.
 
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 in December 2013 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". These regulations became effective April 15, 2014, with a conformance period for certain features lasting until July 21, 2015.

Activities eligible for exemptions include, among others, certain underwriting, marketing and risk-mitigating hedging activities, 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.
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.

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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 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.
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 with more than $10 billion in assets and impose certain reporting and disclosure requirements.
 
Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company and the financial services industry more generally.

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, a new, 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 will become subject to the CFPB’s examination and primary enforcement authority once the bank’s total assets have exceeded $10 billion for four consecutive quarters; until such time, this examination and enforcement authority with respect to the bank will be held by the OCC.

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 a “reasonable 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 reasonable 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. We are continuing to analyze the impact that such rules may have on our business. 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.

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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.  The proposed regulations are consistent with the Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies issued by regulators in 2010.
 
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 near 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.
 
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.


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, 2014, excluding loans acquired in the Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions and covered by our loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC for those transactions and purchased credit-impaired loans, approximately 39% of

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our total loan portfolio was secured by real estate (compared to approximately 42% as of December 31, 2013), a majority of which is commercial real estate. 
 
Our commercial real estate portfolio consists of health care, industrial, multifamily, office, retail and church and schools loans.  Our concentration in commercial real estate loans involves additional risk as the values of the properties securing the loans have declined over the past several years.  Vacancy rates have increased over the past several years, resulting in lower cash flows on the underlying properties and stress on our customer's ability to repay their loans.
 
At December 31, 2014, excluding loans acquired in the Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions and covered by our loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC for those transactions and purchased credit-impaired loans, our commercial real estate loans totaled $2.5 billion, or 28% of our total loan portfolio. This loan type represented approximately 38% of our total non-performing loans as of December 31, 2014.
 
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, 2014, our commercial loans totaled $3.2 billion, or 36% of our total loan portfolio. This loan type represented approximately 16% of our total non-performing loans as of December 31, 2014.
 
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 outstanding unpaid amounts under the terms of the loan. At December 31, 2014, our lease loans totaled $1.7 billion, or 18% of our total loan portfolio. This loan type represented approximately 7% of our total non-performing loans as of December 31, 2014.

We have been negatively affected by credit risk associated with residential real estate.

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 limited number of 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. The decline in residential real estate values as a result of the downturn in the Chicago-area housing markets has reduced the value of the real estate collateral securing these types of loans and increased the risk that we will incur losses if borrowers default on their loans. Residential loans with high combined loan-to-value ratios generally will be more sensitive to declining property values than those with lower combined loan-to-value ratios and therefore may experience a higher incidence of default and severity of losses. In addition, if the borrowers sell their homes, the borrowers may be unable to repay their loans in full from the sale proceeds. As a result, these loans may experience higher rates of delinquencies, defaults and losses, which could in turn adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our non-performing consumer related loans increased from $25.4 million, or 24% of our total non-performing loans, as of December 31, 2013 to $34.0 million, or 39% of our total non-performing loans, as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to a group of restructured loans that were less than 90 days past due as of December 31, 2014 but reported as non-performing. Non-performing

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home equity and residential real estate loans together accounted for 95% of the consumer related non-performing loans as of December 31, 2014.
 
Changes in economic conditions, particularly an economic slowdown in the Chicago area, 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.
 
Except for our leasing and lease loan activities, asset-based lending activities, mortgage banking activities and certain treasury management services, which are nationwide, our lending and deposit gathering activities are concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our success depends on the general economic conditions of this metropolitan area and its surrounding areas.
 
Many of the loans in our portfolio are secured by real estate. Most 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 tornados.
 
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.
 
Negative developments in the financial industry have adversely affected 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. Overall, during the past few years, the regulatory environment has had a negative effect on our business.

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, the possibility of the federal government defaulting on its obligations for a period of time due to debt ceiling limitations or other unresolved political issues, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the federal government and loans to the federal government pose credit default and liquidity risks. In 2011, Standard & Poor’s lowered its long term sovereign credit rating on the United States from AAA to AA+. A further downgrade or a downgrade by other rating agencies, 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.
 
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.

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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.
 
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.

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. 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 available for common stockholders.

Mortgage production, especially refinancing, generally declines in rising interest rate environments. We have experienced historically low interest rates in recent years. If 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.

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.

Changes in interest rates may change the value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio which may increase the volatility of our earnings.

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.

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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, 2014, our mortgage servicing rights had a fair value of $235.4 million. 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 constrains the inclusion of mortgage servicing rights in capital and requires deductions from Common Equity Tier 1 Capital in the event such assets exceed a certain percentage of a bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 Capital.

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 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 highly 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 repurchase reserve for losses could be insufficient.

We currently maintain a repurchase 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 repurchase 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.

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 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.
 
The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to market conditions outside of our control.
 
As of December 31, 2014, our investment securities portfolio contained 168 securities in an unrealized loss position (with total unrealized losses of $5.3 million as of that date), compared to 345 securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013 (with total unrealized losses of $11.3 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

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could cause an-other-than-temporary impairment or permanent impairment of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges 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.

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 not announced how it will implement this offset or how larger institutions will be affected by it.
 
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 43% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2014) 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.
 
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;

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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.

We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Taylor Capital merger.
 
The success of our recently completed merger with Taylor Capital is subject to several uncertain factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to realize expected revenues, cost savings, synergies and other benefits from the merger 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. The success of the merger also will depend on the credit quality of the loans and other assets of Taylor Capital.

MB Financial and Taylor Capital operated independently of one another before the merger. Although the conversion of Cole Taylor Bank’s systems to MB Financial Bank’s systems has been completed, it remains possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of each institution’s ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger. The integration process continues to divert management attention and resources.

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, Benchmark, Broadway and 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 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 will expire in June 2015.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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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.
 
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.
 
Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, 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. Treasury’s Office of 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. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions. During the last year, 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 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 accountholders, on a risk-assessed basis.  As with any category of accountholder, there will be money services businesses that pose little 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 and rules which are expensive to comply with.
 
We offer several prepaid card products for our retail and commercial banking customers and to support our national product initiative. We are the issuing bank for all products, and in some cases are also the program manager. We currently have general purpose reloadable payroll, incentive and gift card programs. Prepaid cards are highly regulated by federal and state authorities.  Some of the laws and related regulations in this area include consumer protection, escheatment, privacy, anti-money laundering and data protection laws.  Compliance with these laws and regulations is costly, difficult and requires significant personnel resources.

Issuers of prepaid cards have suffered significant losses in recent years with respect to the theft of cardholder data that has been illegally exploited for personal gain. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to engage in illegal activities involving cards and cardholder information, such as counterfeiting, fraudulent payment or refund schemes and identity theft. We rely upon third parties for some transaction processing services, which subject us and our cardholders to risks related to the vulnerabilities

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of those third parties.  Theft or fraud-related losses involving our prepaid cards and other products and services could result in reputational damage to us and adversely affect our operating results.
 
Financial reform legislation has, among other things, tightened capital standards and resulted in new regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.
 
On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act 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 new banking regulations is the requirement for new capital regulations.  Generally, trust preferred securities will no longer be eligible as Tier 1 capital, but the Company’s currently outstanding trust preferred securities will be grandfathered.  See “Item 1. Business-Supervision and Regulation-New Capital Regulations.”
 
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. 
 
The Dodd-Frank Act created a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Bureau 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 Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks with more than $10 billion in assets.
 
Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company.  However, 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.”

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, a new, independent federal agency with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB also 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. 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. The CFPB has also issued guidance which could significantly affect the automotive financing industry by subjecting indirect auto lenders, such as our subsidiary bank, to regulation as creditors under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which would make indirect auto lenders monitor and control certain credit policies and procedures undertaken by auto 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 auto 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.


25




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.
 
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.
 
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. The Taylor Capital merger could impact the retention of key personnel. See "-We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Taylor Capital merger."
 
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 complex model using, among other things, estimated cash flows and industry pricing multiples. Based on the Company's 2014 goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of the three reporting units, banking, leasing and mortgage banking, were in excess of their carrying value.  If the fair values of the three reporting units were less than their book value of total common stockholders' equity for an extended period of time, 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 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 in order 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.


26




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.

 We are subject to certain 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. 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 internet security systems 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.


27




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.

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, 2014, we had outstanding $185.8 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, 2014, we had eight 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.













28




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.

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.

Item 1B.
  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.
  Properties
 
We conduct our business at 86 banking offices located in the Chicago metropolitan area and one banking office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  We own a majority of our banking center facilities.  The remaining facilities are leased.  We have approximately 132 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 for additional information regarding our premises and equipment.
 
We also have non-bank office locations in Chicago and Forest Park, Illinois; Paramus, New Jersey; Towson, Maryland; Ann Arbor, Birmingham and Troy, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; and Irvine, LaJolla and Newport Beach, California.  These offices are used by our lease and mortgage banking personnel and our Cedar Hill, LaSalle, Celtic and Equipment Finance, LLC subsidiaries. We also operate 39 mortgage retail offices in 18 states.
 
We believe our facilities in the aggregate are suitable and adequate to operate our banking and related business.

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.
PART II
 

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

29




Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MBFI.”  There were approximately 1,525 holders of record of our common stock as of December 31, 2014.
 
The following table presents quarterly market price information and cash dividends paid per share for our common stock for 2014 and 2013:
 
 
 
Market Price Range
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
Paid
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2014
 
$
33.62

 
$
26.21

 
$
0.14

Quarter ended September 30, 2014
 
30.26

 
24.44

 
0.14

Quarter ended June 30, 2014
 
31.92

 
25.15

 
0.12

Quarter ended March 31, 2014
 
32.72

 
26.95

 
0.12

2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

Quarter ended December 31, 2013
 
$
32.85

 
$
27.86

 
$
0.12

Quarter ended September 30, 2013
 
29.74

 
26.70

 
0.12

Quarter ended June 30, 2013
 
27.13

 
22.52

 
0.10

Quarter ended March 31, 2013
 
24.58

 
20.11

 
0.10

 
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 and Tier 1 leverage capital ratios to fall below 12%, 9% and 8%, respectively.  These ratios are in excess of the minimum ratios required for a bank to be considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes, which through December 31, 2014 were 10%, 6% and 5%, respectively, and effective January 1, 2015 are 10%, 8% and 5%, respectively, plus a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%. See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Adequacy” and “ -- New Capital Regulations” above.  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, 2014 with respect to our repurchases of our outstanding common shares:
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid
per Share
 
Number of Shares Purchased
as Part Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs
October 1, 2014 — October 31, 2014
 
1,745

 
$
28.36

 

 
1,000,000

November 1, 2014 — November 30, 2014
 

 

 

 
1,000,000

December 1, 2014 — December 31, 2014
 
225

 
33.21

 

 
1,000,000

Total
 
1,970

 
$
28.91

 

 
 

 
(1)          Represents shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to purchase up to one million shares of common stock from time to time over the next two years, subject to market conditions and other factors. No shares were repurchased pursuant to this program, the authorization of which expired in the fourth quarter of 2014.


30




Stock Performance Presentation
 
The following line graph shows a comparison of the cumulative returns for the period beginning December 31, 2009 and ending December 31, 2014 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, 2009 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

 
 
 
Period Ending
Index
 
12/31/2009
 
12/31/2010
 
12/31/2011
 
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013
 
12/31/2014
MB Financial, Inc.
 
$
100.00

 
$
88.06

 
$
87.14

 
$
101.32

 
$
167.19

 
$
174.36

NASDAQ Composite Index
 
100.00

 
118.15

 
117.22

 
138.02

 
193.47

 
222.16

SNL Mid Cap Bank Index
 
100.00

 
116.28

 
102.22

 
114.55

 
170.19

 
173.36

 


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.
 
The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income and net interest margin 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, making the measure more meaningful when comparing our operating results from period to period.
  
A reconciliation of net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis to net interest margin is contained in the “Selected Financial Data” discussed below.

Selected Financial Data:
 
 
 
As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2014 (1)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010 (2)
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
 
$
375,148

 
$
297,895

 
$
335,310

 
$
384,560

 
$
429,640

Interest expense
 
24,325

 
25,559

 
42,522

 
59,287

 
89,868

Net interest income
 
350,823


272,336


292,788


325,273


339,772

Provision for credit losses
 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
 
(8,900
)
 
120,750

 
246,200

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
338,771


278,140


301,688


204,523


93,572

Non-interest income
 
221,305

 
154,394

 
129,193

 
122,719

 
195,041

Non-interest expenses
 
436,782

 
294,588

 
304,030

 
283,246

 
268,061

Income before income taxes
 
123,294


137,946


126,851


43,996


20,552

Applicable income tax expense
 
37,193

 
39,491

 
36,477

 
5,268

 
24

Net income
 
86,101


98,455


90,374


38,728


20,528

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred shares
 
4,000

 

 
3,269

 
10,414

 
10,382

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
82,101


$
98,455


$
87,105


$
28,314


$
10,146

Common Share Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.32

 
$
1.81

 
$
1.61

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.19

Diluted earnings per common share
 
1.31

 
1.79

 
1.60

 
0.52

 
0.19

Common book value per common share
 
25.58

 
24.14

 
23.29

 
21.92

 
21.14

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
62,012,196

 
54,509,612

 
54,270,297

 
54,057,158

 
52,724,715

Diluted
 
62,573,406

 
54,993,865

 
54,505,976

 
54,337,280

 
53,035,047

Dividend payout ratio
 
39.69
%
 
24.58
%
 
8.13
%
 
7.69
%
 
21.05
%
Cash dividends per common share
 
$
0.52

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.04

 
$
0.04

 
(1) 
In 2014, we completed the Taylor Capital merger. See Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
(2) 
In 2010, we completed two FDIC-assisted transactions.


32




Selected Financial Data (continued):
 
 
 
As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
312,081

 
$
473,459

 
$
287,543

 
$
244,565

 
$
844,159

Investment securities
 
2,723,701

 
2,352,862

 
2,416,977

 
2,509,412

 
1,677,929

Loans, gross
 
9,083,217

 
5,712,551

 
5,766,930

 
5,950,995

 
6,617,811

Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
110,026

 
111,746

 
124,204

 
126,798

 
192,217

Loans held for sale
 
737,209

 
629

 
7,492

 
4,727

 

Total assets
 
14,602,099

 
9,641,427

 
9,571,805

 
9,833,072

 
10,320,364

Deposits
 
10,990,942

 
7,381,259

 
7,542,697

 
7,647,607

 
8,152,958

Short-term and long-term borrowings
 
1,014,331

 
555,548

 
336,652

 
486,218

 
553,917

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
185,778

 
152,065

 
152,065

 
158,538

 
158,571

Stockholders’ equity
 
2,028,286

 
1,326,682

 
1,275,770

 
1,393,027

 
1,344,786

Performance Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return on average assets
 
0.75
%
 
1.05
%
 
0.95
 %
 
0.39
%
 
0.20
%
Return on average equity
 
5.15

 
7.59

 
6.83

 
2.85

 
1.54

Return on average common equity
 
5.29

 
7.59

 
7.05

 
2.43

 
0.89

Net interest margin (1)
 
3.54

 
3.31

 
3.49

 
3.75

 
3.72

Tax equivalent effect
 
0.23

 
0.28

 
0.24

 
0.15

 
0.11

Net interest margin — fully tax equivalent basis (1) 
 
3.77


3.59


3.73


3.90


3.83

Loans to deposits
 
82.64


77.39


76.46


77.82


81.17

Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Non-performing loans to total loans (2)
 
0.96
%
 
1.87
%
 
2.03
 %
 
2.17
%
 
5.48
%
Non-performing assets to total assets (3)
 
0.73

 
1.36

 
1.62

 
2.12

 
4.21

Allowance for loan and lease losses to total loans
 
1.21

 
1.96

 
2.15

 
2.13

 
2.90

Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans (2)
 
126.34

 
104.87

 
106.17

 
98.00

 
53.03

Net loan charge-offs to average loans
 
0.18

 
0.16

 
(0.02
)
 
2.90

 
3.42

Liquidity and Capital Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
 
12.61
%
 
15.28
%
 
14.73
 %
 
17.34
%
 
15.75
%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
 
13.62

 
16.53

 
16.62

 
19.39

 
17.75

Tier 1 capital to average assets
 
10.47

 
11.22

 
10.50

 
11.73

 
10.66

Average equity to average assets
 
13.96

 
13.82

 
13.35

 
13.65

 
12.65

Other:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Banking facilities
 
86

 
85

 
86

 
88

 
90

Full time equivalent employees
 
2,839

 
1,775

 
1,758

 
1,684

 
1,703

 
(1) 
Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.
(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 2014
 
Three Months Ended 2013
 
 
December
 
September
 
June
 
March
 
December
 
September
 
June
 
March
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
 
$
126,847

 
$
102,461

 
$
73,265

 
$
72,575

 
$
73,829

 
$
74,820

 
$
74,118

 
$
75,128

Interest expense
 
7,036

 
6,849

 
5,193

 
5,247

 
5,566

 
5,912

 
6,638

 
7,443

Net interest income
 
119,811


95,612


68,072


67,328


68,263


68,908


67,480


67,685

Provision for credit losses
 
9,743

 
3,109

 
(1,950
)
 
1,150

 
(3,000
)
 
(3,304
)
 
500

 

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
110,068


92,503


70,022


66,178


71,263


72,212


66,980


67,685

Non-interest income
 
83,678

 
61,087

 
39,928

 
36,612

 
39,045

 
37,707

 
38,939

 
38,703

Non-interest expenses
 
140,504

 
142,201

 
78,030

 
76,047

 
76,641

 
76,265

 
70,253

 
71,429

Income before income taxes
 
53,242


11,389


31,920


26,743


33,667


33,654


35,666


34,959

Income tax expense
 
17,117

 
4,488

 
8,814

 
6,774

 
9,811

 
9,254

 
10,373

 
10,053

Net income
 
$
36,125


$
6,901


$
23,106


$
19,969


$
23,856


$
24,400


$
25,293


$
24,906

Dividends on preferred shares
 
2,000

 
2,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
34,125


$
4,901


$
23,106


$
19,969


$
23,856


$
24,400


$
25,293


$
24,906

Net interest margin
 
3.81
%
 
3.56
%
 
3.26
%
 
3.36
%
 
3.23
%
 
3.37
%
 
3.33
%
 
3.32
%
Tax equivalent effect
 
0.20

 
0.22

 
0.27

 
0.28

 
0.27

 
0.29

 
0.28

 
0.27

Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis
 
4.01
%

3.78
%

3.53
%

3.64
%

3.50
%

3.66
%

3.61
%

3.59
%
Common Share Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.46

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.37

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.46

Diluted earnings per common share
 
0.45

 
0.08

 
0.42

 
0.36

 
0.43

 
0.44

 
0.46

 
0.46

Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
74,525,990

 
63,972,902

 
54,669,868

 
54,639,951

 
54,622,584

 
54,565,089

 
54,436,043

 
54,411,806

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
75,130,331

 
64,457,978

 
55,200,054

 
55,265,188

 
55,237,160

 
55,130,653

 
54,868,075

 
54,736,644




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.
 
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, commercial deposit and 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 sale of assets, gain on extinguishment of debt and other operating income. During the periods under report, non-interest expenses included salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, computer services and telecommunication expense, advertising and marketing expense, professional and legal expense, other intangibles amortization expense, facilities impairment charges, net loss (gain) on other real estate owned and other related expenses, 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 banking and leasing business growth. Growth in operations affects other expenses primarily as a result of additional employee, branch 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 August 18, 2014, the Company completed the Taylor Capital Group, Inc. ("Taylor Capital") merger. Consideration paid 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. The results of operations acquired from Taylor Capital have been included in the Company's results of operations for the 136 days since the date of acquisition.

We had net income and net income available to common stockholders of $86.1 million and $82.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income and net income available to common stockholders of $98.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and net income and net income available to common stockholders of $90.4 million and $87.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012. Fully diluted earnings per common share were $1.31 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1.79 per common share in 2013 and $1.60 per common share in 2012.

The decrease in earnings from the year ended December 31, 2013 to the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in non-interest expense, including merger related expenses. See "Non-interest Expenses" section for a detailed schedule of merger related expenses. In addition, our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 were affected by $10.6 million in contingent consideration expense that we recognized in the third quarter of 2014 relating to our December 2012 acquisition of Celtic. The consideration paid to Celtic's shareholders included the right to receive certain contingent payments based on the realization of residuals owned by Celtic on the transaction closing date. Given Celtic's stronger than expected lease residual performance subsequent to the acquisition, we have increased the fair value of the residual based contingent consideration by $10.6 million.

The increase in earnings from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013 was primarily due to an increase in non-interest income of $25.2 million primarily from revenues earned from our key fee initiatives (predominantly leasing revenues) and decrease of $9.4 million in non-interest expense primarily from a net gain recognized on

35




other real estate owned in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a net loss in the year ended December 31, 2012, partially offset by a $20.5 million decrease in net interest income in the year ended December 31, 2013. Net interest income decreased as a result of a decline in average earning assets (primarily as a result of a decrease in covered loans) and a decrease of the net interest margin.

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, 2014, the aggregate residual value of the equipment leased under our direct finance, leveraged, and operating leases totaled $129.3 million.  See Note 1 and Note 6 of our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Income Tax Accounting.  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, 2014, the Company had $988 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, 2014, the Company had approximately $7 thousand of accrued interest related to tax reserves.  The application of income tax law is inherently complex.  Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and 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.
 

36




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 the 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 the 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, 2014, the Company had three reporting units: banking, leasing and mortgage banking. Based on the Company's 2014 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The carrying amount of goodwill was $711.5 million at December 31, 2014 and $423.4 million at December 31, 2013. The increase of $288.2 million in goodwill was due to the Taylor Capital 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 consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial condition.
 

37




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.
 
Reconciliations of net interest income and net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis to net interest income and net interest margin in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are provided in the table.
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Yield/
 
Average
 
 
 
Yield/
 
Average
 
 
 
Yield/
 
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans held for sale
 
$
231,555

 
$
8,676

 
3.75
%
 
$
2,758

 
$

 
%
 
$
4,246

 
$

 
%
Loans (1) (2) (3)
 
6,511,293

 
283,353

 
4.35

 
5,279,314

 
228,931

 
4.34

 
5,408,127

 
263,079

 
4.86

Loans exempt from federal income taxes (4)
 
319,890

 
13,879

 
4.34

 
326,426

 
14,786

 
4.47

 
278,925

 
13,275

 
4.68

Taxable investment securities
 
1,549,954

 
38,619

 
2.49

 
1,393,341

 
26,084

 
1.87

 
1,542,814

 
33,424

 
2.17

Investment securities exempt from federal income taxes (4)
 
1,034,274

 
53,524

 
5.18

 
933,840

 
50,098

 
5.36

 
815,500

 
45,094

 
5.53

Federal funds sold
 
6,575

 
25

 
0.38

 
4,510

 
15

 
0.33

 

 

 

Other interest bearing deposits
 
270,578

 
663

 
0.25

 
283,854

 
690

 
0.24

 
337,325

 
867

 
0.26

Total interest earning assets
 
9,924,119

 
$
398,739

 
4.02

 
8,224,043

 
$
320,604

 
3.90

 
8,386,937

 
$
355,739

 
4.24

Non-interest earning assets
 
1,496,025

 
 

 
 

 
1,167,834

 
 

 
 

 
1,161,048

 
 

 
 

Total assets
 
$
11,420,144

 
 

 
 

 
$
9,391,877

 
 

 
 

 
$
9,547,985

 
 

 
 

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NOW and money market deposit
 
$
3,291,808

 
$
4,815

 
0.15
%
 
$
2,698,226

 
$
3,483

 
0.13
%
 
$
2,646,299

 
$
4,286

 
0.16
%
Savings deposit
 
893,861

 
453

 
0.05

 
839,025

 
546

 
0.07

 
789,595

 
786

 
0.10

Time deposits
 
1,704,921

 
11,759

 
0.69

 
1,639,054

 
15,211

 
0.93

 
2,132,370

 
25,186

 
1.18

Short-term borrowings
 
404,305

 
780

 
0.19

 
264,381

 
622

 
0.24

 
231,872

 
1,204

 
0.52

Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes
 
251,483

 
6,518

 
2.56

 
223,266

 
5,697

 
2.52

 
362,255

 
11,060

 
3.00

Total interest bearing liabilities
 
6,546,378

 
$
24,325

 
0.37

 
5,663,952

 
$
25,559

 
0.45

 
6,162,391

 
$
42,522

 
0.69

Non-interest bearing deposits
 
3,029,464

 
 

 
 

 
2,234,537

 
 

 
 

 
1,973,666

 
 

 
 

Other non-interest bearing liabilities
 
249,702

 
 

 
 

 
195,397

 
 

 
 

 
137,302

 
 

 
 

Stockholders’ equity
 
1,594,600

 
 

 
 

 
1,297,991

 
 

 
 

 
1,274,626

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
11,420,144

 
 

 
 

 
$
9,391,877

 
 

 
 

 
$
9,547,985

 
 

 
 

Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)
 
 

 
$
374,414

 
3.65
%
 
 

 
$
295,045

 
3.45
%
 
 

 
$
313,217

 
3.55
%
Less: taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 

 
23,591

 
 

 
 

 
22,709

 
 

 
 

 
20,429

 
 

Net interest income, as reported
 
 

 
$
350,823

 
 

 
 

 
$
272,336

 
 

 
 

 
$
292,788

 
 

Net interest margin (6)
 
 

 
 

 
3.54
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.31
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.49
%
Tax equivalent effect
 
 

 
 

 
0.23
%
 
 

 
 

 
0.28
%
 
 

 
 

 
0.24
%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)
 
 

 
 

 
3.77
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.59
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.73
%
 
(1)       Non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2)       Interest income includes amortization of net deferred loan origination fees of $3.5 million, $3.6 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(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 on a fully tax equivalent basis increased $79.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. Net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis, for the year ended December 31, 2014, were significantly impacted by the Taylor Capital merger. 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. The accretion of the acquisition accounting discount on acquired loans had the most significant impact on net interest margin.
    
The increase in net interest income was due to a $1.7 billion increase in average earning asset balances (primarily as a result of the earning assets acquired through the Taylor Capital merger). In addition, net interest income in 2014 included interest

38




income of $17.1 million resulting from accretion of the acquisition accounting discount recorded on loans acquired in the Taylor Capital merger which increased the net interest margin by approximately 18 basis points. The net interest margin, expressed on a fully tax equivalent basis, was 3.77% for 2014 and 3.59% for 2013.
 
Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis decreased $18.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease from the year ended December 31, 2012 was due to a $162.9 million decrease in average earning asset balances (primarily as a result of a decrease in covered loans) as well as a 14 basis point decline in net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis. The net interest margin, expressed on a fully tax equivalent basis, was 3.59% for 2013 and 3.73% for 2012. The decrease in the margin during 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in yields on loans, as a result of tighter credit spreads and lower covered loan yields, and a decrease in yields on investment securities, partially offset by a lower cost of funds.
 
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 (dollars in thousands).
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2014 Compared to 2013
 
2013 Compared to 2012
 
 
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
 
$
8,676

 
$

 
$
8,676

 
$

 
$

 
$

Loans
 
53,610

 
812

 
54,422

 
(6,208
)
 
(27,940
)
 
(34,148
)
Loans exempt from federal income taxes (1)
 
(292
)
 
(615
)
 
(907
)
 
2,176

 
(665
)
 
1,511

Taxable investment securities
 
3,178

 
9,357

 
12,535

 
(3,055
)
 
(4,285
)
 
(7,340
)
Investment securities exempt from federal income taxes (1)
 
5,243

 
(1,817
)
 
3,426

 
6,382

 
(1,378
)
 
5,004

Federal funds sold
 
9

 
1

 
10

 
15

 

 
15

Other interest bearing deposits
 
(32
)
 
5

 
(27
)
 
(132
)
 
(45
)
 
(177
)
Total decrease in interest income
 
70,392

 
7,743

 
78,135

 
(822
)
 
(34,313
)
 
(35,135
)
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NOW and money market deposit accounts
 
829

 
503

 
1,332

 
83

 
(886
)
 
(803
)
Savings deposits
 
33

 
(126
)
 
(93
)
 
46

 
(286
)
 
(240
)
Time deposits
 
590

 
(4,042
)
 
(3,452
)
 
(5,179
)
 
(4,796
)
 
(9,975
)
Short-term borrowings
 
285

 
(127
)
 
158

 
149

 
(731
)
 
(582
)
Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes
 
730

 
91

 
821

 
(3,756
)
 
(1,607
)
 
(5,363
)
Total decrease in interest expense
 
2,467

 
(3,701
)
 
(1,234
)
 
(8,657
)
 
(8,306
)
 
(16,963
)
Total increase (decrease) in net interest income
 
$
67,925

 
$
11,444

 
$
79,369

 
$
7,835

 
$
(26,007
)
 
$
(18,172
)

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

39




Non-interest Income

 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest income (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lease financing, net
 
$
64,310

 
$
61,243

 
$
3,067

 
5.0
 %
Mortgage banking revenue
 
46,149

 
1,664

 
44,485

 
NM

Commercial deposit and treasury management fees
 
34,315

 
24,867

 
9,448

 
38.0

Trust and asset management fees
 
21,839

 
19,142

 
2,697

 
14.1

Card fees
 
13,741

 
11,013

 
2,728

 
24.8

Capital markets and international banking fees
 
5,458

 
3,560

 
1,898

 
53.3

Consumer and other deposit service fees
 
12,788

 
13,968

 
(1,180
)
 
(8.4
)
Brokerage fees
 
5,176

 
4,907

 
269

 
5.5

Loan service fees
 
4,814

 
5,563

 
(749
)
 
(13.5
)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
3,381

 
3,385

 
(4
)
 
(0.1
)
Net loss on investment securities
 
(2,525
)
 
(1
)
 
(2,524
)
 
NM

Net gain (loss) on sale of assets
 
3,452

 
(323
)
 
3,775

 
NM

Gain on extinguishment of debt
 
1,895

 

 
1,895

 
100.0

Other operating income
 
6,512

 
5,406

 
1,106

 
20.5

Total non-interest income
 
$
221,305

 
$
154,394

 
$
66,911

 
43.3
 %
NM - not meaningful

Non-interest income increased by $66.9 million, or 43.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013.

Mortgage banking revenue increased due to the mortgage operations acquired through the Taylor Capital merger.
Commercial deposit and treasury management fees increased due to new customer activity as well as the increased customer base as a result of the Taylor Capital merger.
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets increased due to the $3.5 million gain recognized on the sale of other assets resulting from the sale of a branch property in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Leasing revenues increased due to higher fees and promotional revenue from the sale of third-party equipment maintenance contracts.
Card fees increased due to a new payroll prepaid card program as well as higher credit card fees.
Trust and asset management fees increased due to the addition of new customers and the impact on asset management fees from higher equity values.
Capital markets and international banking services fees increased due to higher M&A advisory, syndication and interest rate swap fees.
Other operating income increased due to higher income recognized from our investment in Small Business Investment Companies.
Consumer and other deposit service fees decreased due to lower demand deposit service fees and NSF and overdraft charges.
Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was impacted by the net loss on investment securities and the gain on extinguishment of debt as a result of the balance sheet repositioning that occurred in the third quarter of 2014 following the Taylor Capital merger.


40




 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest income (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lease financing, net
 
$
61,243

 
$
36,382

 
$
24,861

 
68.3
 %
Mortgage banking revenue
 
1,664

 
2,325

 
(661
)
 
(28.4
)
Commercial deposit and treasury management fees
 
24,867

 
23,636

 
1,231

 
5.2

Trust and asset management fees
 
19,142

 
17,990

 
1,152

 
6.4

Card fees
 
11,013

 
9,368

 
1,645

 
17.6

Capital markets and international banking fees
 
3,560

 
5,086

 
(1,526
)
 
(30.0
)
Consumer and other deposit service fees
 
13,968

 
14,428

 
(460
)
 
(3.2
)
Brokerage fees
 
4,907

 
4,792

 
115

 
2.4

Loan service fees
 
5,563

 
5,845

 
(282
)
 
(4.8
)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
3,385

 
3,570

 
(185
)
 
(5.2
)
Net (loss) gain on investment securities
 
(1
)
 
555

 
(556
)
 
(100.2
)
Net loss on sale of assets
 
(323
)
 
(942
)
 
619

 
(65.7
)
Other operating income
 
5,406

 
6,158

 
(752
)
 
(12.2
)
Total non-interest income
 
$
154,394

 
$
129,193

 
$
25,201

 
19.5
 %

Non-interest income increased by $25.2 million, or 19.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, driven by revenue from our key fee initiatives.

Net lease financing income increased as a result of leasing revenues attributable to the addition of Celtic revenues ($25.9 million). Celtic was acquired on December 28, 2012.
Card fee income increased due to higher revenues on prepaid, debit and credit cards.
Commercial deposit and treasury management fees increased as a result of the addition of new treasury management services customers.
Trust and asset management fees increased due to strong equity market performance and the addition of new clients.
Capital markets and international banking service fees decreased due to lower swap, syndication, and merger and acquisition advisory revenues.

Non-interest Expenses
 
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest expense (in thousands):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
255,974

 
$
177,858

 
$
78,116

 
43.9
 %
Occupancy and equipment expense
 
44,910

 
36,878

 
8,032

 
21.8

Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
31,678

 
18,883

 
12,795

 
67.8

Advertising and marketing expense
 
8,854

 
8,272

 
582

 
7.0

Professional and legal expense
 
14,652

 
8,807

 
5,845

 
66.4

Other intangibles amortization expense
 
5,501

 
6,084

 
(583
)
 
(9.6
)
Facilities impairment charges
 
2,270

 

 
2,270

 
100.0

Net loss (gain) recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense
 
3,575

 
(781
)
 
4,356

 
(557.7
)
Other operating expenses
 
69,368

 
38,587

 
30,781

 
79.8

Total non-interest expenses
 
$
436,782

 
$
294,588

 
$
142,194

 
48.3
 %
 
Non-interest expense increased by $142.2 million, or 48.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2013 to the year ended December 31, 2014. Non-interest expenses include $34.8 million and $2.5 million in expenses related to the Taylor Capital merger for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.


41




The following table presents the detail of the merger related expenses (in thousands):

 
 
Year Ended
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Merger related expenses:
 
 
 
 
   Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
16,289

 
$

   Occupancy and equipment expense
 
743

 

   Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
6,892

 

   Advertising and marketing expense
 
544

 
4

   Professional and legal expense
 
7,110

 
2,411

   Facilities impairment charges
 
2,270

 

   Other operating expenses
 
975

 
68

Total merger related expenses
 
$
34,823

 
$
2,483


We expect to incur additional merger related expenses during the first half of 2015 primarily in occupancy and equipment expense and salaries and employee benefits expense.

Other explanations for changes are as follows:

Salaries and employee benefits increased due to the increased staff from the Taylor Capital merger, annual salary increases, incentive expense, health insurance costs and temporary staffing needs.
Other operating expense increased primarily as a result of a $10.6 million contingent consideration expense related to our acquisition of Celtic Leasing Corp., a $3.3 million contribution to the MB Financial Charitable Foundation, an increase in filing and other loan expense, higher FDIC assessments due to our larger balance sheet, higher currency delivery expenses related to new treasury management accounts and mortgage banking operating expenses.
Computer services and telecommunication expenses increased due primarily to an increase in spending on IT security, data warehouse, investments in our key fee initiatives, as well as higher transaction volumes in the leasing, treasury management and card areas, as well as due to the Taylor Capital merger. The increase was also due to increased telecommunication expense related to transitioning to a new provider.
Occupancy and equipment expense increased due to the additional offices acquired in the Taylor Capital merger.
Non-interest expense was also impacted by higher losses on other real estate owned.

 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage
Change
Non-interest expense (in thousands):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
177,858

 
$
165,696

 
$
12,162

 
7.3
 %
Occupancy and equipment expense
 
36,878

 
35,806

 
1,072

 
3.0

Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
18,883

 
15,499

 
3,384

 
21.8

Advertising and marketing expense
 
8,272

 
8,183

 
89

 
1.1

Professional and legal expense
 
8,807

 
6,110

 
2,697

 
44.1

Other intangibles amortization expense
 
6,084

 
5,010

 
1,074

 
21.4

Facilities impairment charges
 

 
2,190

 
(2,190
)
 
(100.0
)
Net (gain) loss recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense
 
(781
)
 
20,584

 
(21,365
)
 
(103.8
)
Prepayment fees on interest bearing liabilities
 

 
12,682

 
(12,682
)
 
(100.0
)
Other operating expenses
 
38,587

 
32,270

 
6,317

 
19.6

Total non-interest expenses
 
$
294,588

 
$
304,030

 
$
(9,442
)
 
(3.1
)%
 
Non-interest expense decreased by $9.4 million, or 3.1%, from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013.



42




Salaries and employee benefits increased primarily due to the addition of Celtic (approximately $11 million).
Other operating expenses were higher in 2013 as a result of an increase in the clawback liability related to our loss share agreements with the FDIC.
Computer services and telecommunication expenses increased due primarily to an increase in spending on IT security, data warehouse, investments in our key fee initiatives, as well as higher transaction volumes in leasing, treasury management and card areas.
Professional and legal expense increased due to merger-related expenses of $2.4 million primarily related to fairness opinion, legal and consulting expense incurred in connection with the then-pending acquisition of Taylor Capital.
Other intangible amortization expense increased due to the impact of Celtic.
Other real estate expense decreased due to a reduced other real estate owned inventory in 2013.
Net gain of $1.5 million was recognized on other real estate owned in 2013 compared to a net loss of $17.6 million in 2012.
Non-interest expense for 2012 was impacted by $12.7 million in prepayment fees related to the early redemption of interest bearing liabilities and $2.2 million in branch impairment charges.
 
Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $37.2 million compared to $39.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our pre-tax income during the year ended December 31, 2014.  Our effective tax rate increased to 30.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 28.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to the contingent consideration expense related to our acquisition of Celtic and certain merger related expenses that were not deductible for tax purposes.
 
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $39.5 million compared to $36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in our pre-tax income during the year ended December 31, 2013.  Our effective tax rate was 28.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 28.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
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.


43




Balance Sheet
 
Total assets increased $5.0 billion, or 51.5%, from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the Taylor Capital merger. 

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $161.4 million from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the repayment of short term borrowings.

Investment securities increased $370.8 million, or 15.8%, from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 mostly as a result of the investment securities acquired through the Taylor Capital merger partly offset by the $451.6 million sale of certain investment securities as part of the balance sheet repositioning in the third quarter of 2014.

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans and loans held for sale, increased from 2013 to 2014 by $3.4 billion, or 61.3%, primarily due to the loans acquired through the Taylor Capital merger.
 
Total liabilities increased by $4.3 billion, or 51.2%, from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the liabilities assumed through the Taylor Capital merger, less short-term borrowings repaid as part of the balance sheet repositioning in the third quarter of 2014, along with the application of excess cash on hand. 

Total deposits increased by $3.6 billion, or 48.9%, to $11.0 billion at December 31, 2014 from $7.4 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily due to the deposits assumed through the Taylor Capital merger.

Noninterest bearing deposits increased by 73.3% from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 due to the deposits assumed through the Taylor Capital merger, as well as strong organic growth throughout 2014. Noninterest bearing deposits comprised 37.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2014 compared to 32.2% at December 31, 2013.

Total borrowings increased by $492.5 million, or 69.6%, to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase in total borrowings was primarily due to the borrowings assumed in the Taylor Capital merger partly offset by the repayment of short term FHLB advance and junior subordinated notes as part of the balance sheet repositioning in third quarter of 2014, along with the application of excess cash on hand.

Total stockholders’ equity increased $701.6 million at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of the equity issued in the connection with the Taylor Capital merger.


44




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.
 
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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Available for sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
64,612

 
$
65,873

 
$
50,486

 
$
52,068

 
$
38,605

 
$
41,315

States and political subdivisions
 
390,076

 
410,854

 
19,398

 
19,143

 
679,991

 
725,019

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
713,413

 
720,563

 
696,415

 
701,233

 
930,413

 
939,202

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
186,110

 
187,662

 
50,891

 
52,941

 
51,100

 
54,126

Corporate bonds
 
259,526

 
259,203

 
284,083

 
283,070

 
97,014

 
96,674

Equity securities
 
10,531

 
10,597

 
10,649

 
10,457

 
11,398

 
11,835

 
 
1,624,268

 
1,654,752

 
1,111,922

 
1,118,912

 
1,808,521

 
1,868,171

Held to maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
752,558

 
782,265

 
932,955

 
936,173

 
237,563

 
258,602

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
240,822

 
252,796

 
249,578

 
262,756

 
255,858

 
277,079

 
 
993,380

 
1,035,061

 
1,182,533

 
1,198,929

 
493,421

 
535,681

Total
 
$
2,617,648

 
$
2,689,813

 
$
2,294,455

 
$
2,317,841

 
$
2,301,942

 
$
2,403,852

 
During the third quarter of 2014, the Company repositioned its balance sheet subsequent to the Taylor Capital merger and sold certain longer-term and lower-coupon investment securities with an approximate carrying amount of $451.6 million. These investment security sales shortened the overall duration of the investment securities portfolio to pre-merger levels. Also as a part of the balance sheet repositioning, securities of states and political subdivisions with an approximate fair value of $291.2 million and amortized cost of $273.5 million were transferred from held to maturity to available for sale during the third quarter of 2014. As a result of the repositioning, the Company recognized a net loss of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2014.

Securities of states and political subdivisions with an approximate fair value of $656.6 million were transferred from available for sale to held to maturity during the third quarter of 2013, which is the new cost basis. As of the date of the transfer, the resulting unrealized holding gain continues to be reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. This unrealized gain will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities as a yield adjustment.

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 $304.7 million and $308.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014.  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 $276.2 million and $279.3 million at December 31, 2014, 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 27% of the state and political subdivisions portfolio consists of securities issued by municipalities in Illinois.  Approximately 40% of state and political subdivisions securities are insured and approximately 93% of our state and political subdivisions securities consist of general obligation issues.


45




The following table sets forth certain information regarding contractual maturities and the weighted average yields of our investment securities at December 31, 2014 (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
 
$

 
%
 
$
50,974

 
2.27
%
 
$
14,899

 
2.44
%
 
$

 
%
States and political subdivision (1)
 
3,675

 
1.52

 
6,043

 
2.10

 
25,924

 
4.19

 
375,212

 
5.29

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)
 

 

 
10,618

 
2.46

 
150,362

 
2.17

 
559,583

 
2.25

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (2)
 

 

 
84,732

 
2.50

 
6

 
6.75

 
102,924

 
5.22

Corporate bonds
 
10,117

 
1.92

 
249,086

 
2.68

 

 

 

 

Equity securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
10,597

 
2.14

 
 
13,792

 
1.82

 
401,453

 
2.58

 
191,191

 
2.47
%
 
1,048,316

 
3.63

Held to maturity (amortized cost)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivision (1)
 
29,060

 
1.16

 
247,683

 
1.58

 
102,901

 
2.91

 
372,914

 
3.44

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)
 

 

 

 

 
9,411

 
4.34

 
231,411

 
4.27

 
 
29,060

 
1.16

 
247,683

 
1.58

 
112,312

 
3.03

 
604,325

 
3.76

Total
 
$
42,852

 
1.37
%
 
$
649,136

 
2.19
%
 
$
303,503

 
2.67
%
 
$
1,652,641

 
3.68
%
 
(1)   Yield is reflected on a fully tax equivalent basis utilizing a 35% tax rate.
(2)   These securities are presented based upon contractual maturities.
 
Loan Portfolio
 
The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Commercial related credits:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
3,245,206

 
36
%
 
$
1,281,377

 
22
%
 
$
1,220,472

 
21
%
 
$
1,113,123

 
19
%
 
$
1,206,984

 
18
%
Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,692,258

 
18

 
1,494,188

 
26

 
1,303,020

 
23

 
1,208,575

 
20

 
1,053,446

 
16

Commercial real estate
 
2,544,867

 
28

 
1,647,700

 
29

 
1,761,832

 
30

 
1,853,788

 
31

 
2,176,584

 
33

Construction real estate
 
247,068

 
3

 
141,253

 
3

 
110,261

 
2

 
183,789

 
3

 
423,339

 
6

Total commercial related credits
 
7,729,399

 
85

 
4,564,518

 
80

 
4,395,585

 
76

 
4,359,275

 
73

 
4,860,353

 
73

Other loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
503,287

 
5

 
314,440

 
5

 
314,359

 
5

 
316,787

 
5

 
328,482

 
5

Indirect vehicle
 
268,840

 
3

 
262,632

 
5

 
208,633

 
4

 
187,481

 
3

 
175,664

 
3

Home equity
 
251,909

 
3

 
268,289

 
5

 
305,186

 
5

 
336,043

 
6

 
381,662

 
6

Other consumer
 
78,137

 
1

 
66,952

 
1

 
93,317

 
2

 
88,865

 
2

 
59,320

 
1

Total other loans
 
1,102,173

 
12

 
912,313

 
16

 
921,495

 
16

 
929,176


16

 
945,128

 
15

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 
8,831,572


97


5,476,831


96


5,317,080


92


5,288,451


89


5,805,481


88

Purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 
251,645

 
3

 
235,720

 
4

 
449,850

 
8

 
662,544

 
11

 
812,330

 
12

Total loans (1)
 
$
9,083,217

 
100
%
 
$
5,712,551

 
100
%
 
$
5,766,930

 
100
%
 
$
5,950,995

 
100
%
 
$
6,617,811

 
100
%
 
(1) 
Loans that MB Financial Bank will share losses with the FDIC are referred to as “covered loans.”

 

46




Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans, increased from 2013 to 2014 by $3.4 billion, or 61.3%, primarily due to the loans acquired through the Taylor Capital merger. Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans, increased from 2012 to 2013 by $159.8 million.
    
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, 2014 (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
 
$
14,088

 
$
1,047,965

 
$
78,466

 
$
1,544,294

 
$
269,543

 
$
180,459

 
$
110,391

 
$
3,245,206

Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
5,970

 

 
151,083

 
11,217

 
1,410,304

 
18,721

 
94,963

 
1,692,258

Commercial real estate
 
32,663

 
234,591

 
175,730

 
1,036,289

 
732,461

 
222,122

 
111,011

 
2,544,867

Construction real estate
 
337

 
122,118

 
1,910

 
114,636

 
7,678

 
389

 

 
247,068

Residential real estate
 
17,311

 
376

 
8,193

 
245

 
23,890

 
178,949

 
274,323

 
503,287

Indirect vehicle
 
1,542

 
97

 
2,538

 

 
148,722

 

 
115,941

 
268,840

Home equity
 
15,171

 
40,299

 
2,059

 
72,448

 
3,505

 
83,663

 
34,764

 
251,909

Other consumer loans
 
5

 
14,991

 
30,937

 
6,091

 
5,264

 
20,766

 
83

 
78,137

Purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 

 
86,057

 
76,075

 
56,250

 
10,148

 
18,120

 
4,995

 
251,645

Gross loans
 
$
87,087

 
$
1,546,494

 
$
526,991

 
$
2,841,470

 
$
2,611,515

 
$
723,189

 
$
746,471

 
$
9,083,217

 
(1) 
Excludes purchased credit-impaired loans that were acquired as part of the Taylor Capital merger and FDIC-assisted transactions.  See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding purchased credit-impaired loans.
(2) 
Excludes non-performing loans.

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, 2014 and 2013, the gross interest income that would have been recorded on such loans during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 had such loans been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $4.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively.  The amount of interest income on impaired loans that was included in net income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $407 thousand and $1.9 million, 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.
 
Non-performing loans exclude purchased credit-impaired loans that were acquired as part of the Heritage, InBank, Corus, Benchmark, Broadway, and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions and as part of the Taylor Capital merger.  Fair value of these loans as of acquisition includes estimates of credit losses.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, there was a negative provision for credit losses of $1.3 million and net recoveries of $323 thousand, respectively, in relation to 16 pools of purchased loans with a total carrying amount of $71.7 million as of December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, there was a negative provision for credit losses of $2.5 million and net recoveries of $218.0 thousand in relation to 15 pools of purchased loans with a total carrying amount of $195.5 million as of December 31, 2013.  There was $1.3 million in allowance for loan and lease losses related to these purchased loans at December 31, 2014 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2013. See Note 5 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding purchased credit-impaired loans.
 

47




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 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 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 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 (computed on a loan by loan basis) and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans. We anticipate recording a provision for the acquired portfolio in future quarters related to renewing Taylor loans which will largely offset the accretion from the pass rated loans.

In accordance with ASC 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans and purchased impaired loans ("PCI loans"), 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 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.

The following table sets forth the amounts of non-performing loans and non-performing assets (excluding loans held for sale, purchased credit-impaired loans and other real estate owned acquired as part of our FDIC-assisted transactions) at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Non-performing loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Non-accruing loans
 
$
82,733

 
$
106,115

 
$
115,387

 
$
129,309

 
$
362,441

Loans 90 days or more past due, still accruing interest
 
4,354

 
446

 
1,599

 
82

 
1

Total non-performing loans
 
87,087

 
106,561

 
116,986

 
129,391

 
362,442

Other real estate owned
 
19,198

 
23,289

 
36,977

 
78,452

 
71,476

Repossessed assets
 
93

 
840

 
773

 
156

 
82

Total non-performing assets
 
$
106,378

 
$
130,690

 
$
154,736

 
$
207,999

 
$
434,000

Total allowance for loan and lease losses (1)
 
$
110,026

 
$
111,746

 
$
124,204

 
$
126,798

 
$
192,217

Accruing restructured loans (2)
 
15,603

 
29,430

 
21,256

 
37,996

 
22,543

Total non-performing loans to total loans
 
0.96
%
 
1.87
%
 
2.03
%
 
2.17
%
 
5.48
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
 
0.73

 
1.36

 
1.62

 
2.12

 
4.21

Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans
 
126.34

 
104.87

 
106.17

 
98.00

 
53.03

 
(1) 
The reserve for unfunded credit commitments (primarily letters of credit) was reclassified from the allowance for loan and lease losses to other liabilities as of June 30, 2011.  Includes $13.6 million of reserves on unfunded credit commitments at December 31, 2010.
(2) 
Accruing restructured loans consists primarily of commercial real estate, home equity and residential real estate 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

48




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.
 
Occasionally, the Company will restructure a note into two separate notes (A/B structure), charging off the entire B portion of the note. The A note is structured with appropriate loan-to-value and cash flow coverage ratios that provide for a high likelihood of repayment. The A note is classified as a non-performing note until the borrower has displayed a historical payment performance for a reasonable time prior to and subsequent to the restructuring. A period of sustained repayment for at least six months generally is required to return the note to accrual status provided that management has determined that the performance is reasonably expected to continue. The A note will be classified as a restructured note (either performing or non-performing) through the calendar year of the restructuring that the historical payment performance has been established.

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.  Other real estate owned related to the Heritage (consumer related properties), Benchmark, Broadway, and New Century transactions, which totaled $18.2 million and $19.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is subject to the loss-share agreements with the FDIC. 

The following table presents a summary of other real estate owned, excluding assets related to FDIC-assisted transactions, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Beginning balance
 
$
23,289

 
$
36,977

 
$
78,452

Transfers in at fair value less estimated costs to sell
 
2,133

 
6,164

 
4,535

Acquired from business combination
 
4,720

 

 

Capitalized other real estate owned costs
 

 
74

 
2,809

Fair value adjustments
 
(2,543
)
 
(96
)
 
(15,901
)
Net gains on sales of other real estate owned
 
989

 
1,984

 
1,398

Cash received upon disposition
 
(9,390
)
 
(21,814
)
 
(34,316
)
Ending balance
 
$
19,198

 
$
23,289

 
$
36,977

 
As of December 31, 2014, the other real estate owned portfolio consisted of seven properties with $2.3 million of other real estate owned balance related to commercial loans, twelve properties with $11.5 million of other real estate owned balance related to construction loans, eight properties with $3.3 million of other real estate owned balance related to commercial real estate loans and ten properties with $2.1 million of other real estate owned balance related to consumer related loans.  In addition, the Company also recorded losses of $446 thousand, $360 thousand, and $3.1 million on other real estate owned related to assets acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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

49




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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans
 
$
16,065

 
$
43,844

Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,264

 
2,459

Commercial real estate
 
37,322

 
32,895

Construction real estate
 

 
391

Total
 
$
55,651

 
$
79,589


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.

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 any loan committee. Loans rated "one" represent those loans least likely to default and 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 the migration of loan risk ratings and historical default data over a multi-year period to develop our estimated default factors (EDFs). The model tracks annual loan rating migrations by loan type and currently uses loan risk rating migrations for 14 years. The migration data is adjusted by using average losses for an economic cycle (approximately 13 years) to develop EDFs by loan type, risk rating and maturity. EDFs are updated annually in December.
 
Estimated loan 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 (which incorporates estimated 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 (ALLL) also includes adjustments for macroeconomic factors. 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 has shown to be a statistically reliable predictor of our credit losses relative to our long term average credit losses. We tested over 20 economic variables (U.S. manufacturing index, unemployment rate, U.S. GDP growth, etc.). We annually review this data to determine that such a relationship continues to exist. We currently use the following macroeconomic indicators in our macroeconomic factor computation:
 
Commercial loans and lease loans:  initial unemployment insurance claims in Illinois, our prior period charge-off rates and crude oil prices.
 

50




Commercial real estate loans and construction loans:  M2 Money stock, our prior period charge-off rates and the U.S. commercial real estate index.
 
Using the indicators noted above, a predicted charge-off percentage is calculated. The predicted charge-off percentage is then compared to the cycle average charge-off percentage, and a macroeconomic adjustment factor is calculated. The macroeconomic adjustment factor is applied to each commercial loan type. Each year, we review the predictive nature of the macroeconomic factors by comparing actual charge-offs to the predicted model charge-offs, re-run our regression analysis and re-calibrate the macroeconomic factors as appropriate.
 
The commercial related general loss reserve was $85.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and $78.3 million as of December 31, 2013. The increase was due to reserves maintained on acquired performing loans that have renewed. 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 commercial 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 decreased to $5.2 million as of December 31, 2014 from $12.8 million as of December 31, 2013 as a result of fewer non-performing loans and an improvement in credit quality. 
 
Consumer Related Reserves.  Pools of homogenous 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 $19.8 million at December 31, 2014 and $20.6 million at December 31, 2013.
 
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 and any significant changes in loan concentrations. 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.


51




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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
113,462

 
$
128,279

 
$
135,975

 
$
192,217

 
$
177,072

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments acquired through business combination
 
1,261

 

 

 

 

Utilization of allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 
(637
)
 

 

 

 

Provision for credit losses
 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
 
(8,900
)
 
120,750

 
246,200

Charge-offs:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
1,339

 
3,706

 
2,408

 
17,571

 
58,077

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
586

 

 
1,721

 
1,466

 
1,711

Commercial real estate
 
11,438

 
7,517

 
11,377

 
96,633

 
79,828

Residential real estate
 
1,718

 
2,796

 
2,944

 
12,643

 
3,326

Construction real estate
 
79

 
980

 
4,007

 
52,917

 
94,533

Indirect vehicle
 
3,735

 
2,911

 
2,259

 
2,836

 
3,199

Home equity
 
3,383

 
3,692

 
4,551

 
11,066

 
4,632

Other consumer
 
2,467

 
2,073

 
1,349

 
1,648

 
1,755

Total charge-offs
 
24,745

 
23,675

 
30,616

 
196,780

 
247,061

Recoveries:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
3,757

 
3,156

 
3,475

 
5,370

 
8,788

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
939

 
1,131

 
6,720

 
225

 
184

Commercial real estate
 
4,020

 
6,025

 
16,987

 
3,332

 
2,070

Residential real estate
 
1,190

 
479

 
501

 
49

 
184

Construction real estate
 
252

 
1,616

 
2,019

 
8,590

 
3,170

Indirect vehicle
 
1,736

 
1,411

 
1,096

 
1,399

 
1,163

Home equity
 
482

 
594

 
671

 
224

 
351

Other consumer
 
288

 
250

 
351

 
599

 
96

Total recoveries
 
12,664

 
14,662

 
31,820

 
19,788

 
16,006

Net charge-offs (recoveries)
 
12,081

 
9,013

 
(1,204
)
 
176,992

 
231,055

Allowance for credit losses
 
114,057

 
113,462

 
128,279

 
135,975

 
192,217

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments (1)
 
(4,031
)
 
(1,716
)
 
(4,075
)
 
(9,177
)
 

Allowance for loan and lease losses (2)
 
$
110,026

 
$
111,746

 
$
124,204

 
$
126,798

 
$
192,217

Total loans at December 31,
 
$
9,083,217

 
$
5,712,551

 
$
5,766,930

 
$
5,950,995

 
$
6,617,811

Ratio of allowance to total loans
 
1.21
%
 
1.96
%
 
2.15
 %
 
2.13
%
 
2.90
%
Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
 
0.18

 
0.16

 
(0.02
)
 
2.90

 
3.42

 
(1)
The reserve for unfunded credit commitments (primarily letters of credit) was reclassified from the allowance for loan and lease losses to other liabilities as of June 30, 2011.
(2)
Includes $13.6 million of reserves on unfunded credit commitments at December 31, 2010.
 
Net charge-offs of $12.1 million were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to net charge-offs of $9.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. A provision for credit losses of $12.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to a negative provision for credit losses of $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $12.0 million provision for credit losses for Taylor Capital acquired loans. These credit costs are a result of Taylor Capital loan renewals and required reserves on Taylor Capital acquired loans in excess of the purchase loan discount.
    

52




Net charge-offs of $9.0 million were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to net recoveries of $1.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. As a result of the improvement in credit quality of performing commercial related loans (noted through improved risk ratings) and improved loss history (noted through lower loss given default statistics and lower default factors), negative provision for credit losses of $5.8 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Loans
Commercial loans
 
$
29,079

 
36
%
 
$
22,977

 
22
%
 
$
22,498

 
21
%
 
$
21,106

 
19
%
 
$
28,747

 
18
%
Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
9,962

 
18

 
9,159

 
26

 
7,755

 
23

 
7,561

 
20

 
6,424

 
16

Commercial real estate
 
41,044

 
28

 
49,942

 
29

 
59,048

 
30

 
68,658

 
31

 
105,875

 
33

Residential real estate
 
6,646

 
5

 
8,872

 
5

 
6,941

 
5

 
3,935

 
5

 
5,104

 
5

Construction real estate
 
8,909

 
3

 
6,794

 
3

 
11,159

 
2

 
15,639

 
3

 
37,215

 
6

Consumer related loans
 
13,103

 
7

 
11,770

 
11

 
12,287

 
11

 
9,862

 
11

 
8,852

 
10

Covered loans (1)
 
1,283

 
3

 
2,232

 
4

 
4,516

 
8

 
37

 
11

 

 
12

Total (2)
 
$
110,026

 
100
%
 
$
111,746

 
100
%
 
$
124,204

 
100
%
 
$
126,798

 
100
%
 
$
192,217

 
100
%
 
(1) 
Consists of allowance for loan and lease losses for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans.
(2) 
The reserve for unfunded credit commitments (primarily letters of credit) was reclassified from the allowance for loan and lease losses to other liabilities as of June 30, 2011.  Includes $13.6 million of reserves on unfunded credit commitments at December 31, 2010.
 
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

53




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.

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 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 (noninterest bearing deposits, money market and NOW accounts, and savings accounts) increased by $3.1 billion, or 51.7%, and certificates of deposit increased by $551.0 million, or 37.5%, at December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Noninterest bearing deposits grew by $1.7 billion, or 73.3%, compared to December 31, 2013. These increases were primarily due to the deposits assumed in the Taylor Capital merger. Low cost deposits comprised 82% of total deposits at December 31, 2014 compared to 80% at December 31, 2013.

The following table sets forth the composition of our deposits at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Demand deposits, noninterest bearing
 
$
4,118,256

 
37
%
 
$
2,375,863

 
32
%
NOW and money market accounts
 
3,913,765

 
36

 
2,682,419

 
36

Savings deposits
 
940,345

 
9

 
855,394

 
12

Certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more
 
1,314,911

 
12

 
827,413

 
11

Other certificates of deposit
 
703,665

 
6

 
640,170

 
9

Total
 
$
10,990,942

 
100
%
 
$
7,381,259

 
100
%


54




The following table sets forth the maturities of certificates of deposit and other time deposits $100,000 and over at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over:
 

Maturing within three months
$
450,048

After three but within six months
310,693

After six but within twelve months
236,590

After twelve months
281,150

Total certificates of deposit $100,000 and over (1)
$
1,278,481

 
 

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

Maturing within three months
$
8,111

After three but within six months
8,534

After six but within twelve months
10,496

After twelve months
9,289

Total other time deposits $100,000 and over
$
36,430

 
(1)
Includes brokered deposits of $536.3 million.
(2)
Consists of time deposits held in individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and time certificates that the customer has the option to increase the principal balance and maintain the original interest rate.

Borrowings.  Total borrowings were $1.0 billion at December 31, 2014 compared to $555.5 million at December 31, 2013.  The increase in total borrowings was primarily due to the borrowings assumed in the Taylor Capital merger partly offset by the repayment of short term FHLB advances and junior subordinated notes as part of the balance sheet repositioning in third quarter of 2014 and the application of excess cash on hand.

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.
 

55




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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Federal funds purchased:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
15,156

 
$
6

 
$
13

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
68,244

 

 

Balance outstanding at end of period
 
11,591

 

 

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
0.41
%
 
0.29
%
 
0.45
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 
0.14

 

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
206,861

 
$
198,652

 
$
210,891

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
264,092

 
240,600

 
270,245

Balance outstanding at end of period
 
219,824

 
193,389

 
208,242

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
0.20
%
 
0.21
%
 
0.26
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 
0.21

 
0.20

 
0.23

Federal Home Loan Bank advances:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
179,740

 
$
65,559

 
$
13,826

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
925,000

 
300,000

 
24,006

Balance outstanding at end of period
 
700,000

 
300,000

 
12,360

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
0.12
%
 
0.29
%
 
3.51
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 
0.13

 
0.17

 
3.58

Correspondent bank line of credit:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Average balance outstanding
 
$
2,548

 
$
164

 
$
7,142

Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
15,000

 

 
35,000

Balance outstanding at end of period
 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
2.03
%
 
2.20
%
 
2.28
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period
 

 

 

 
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 structured repurchase agreements.  As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our long-term borrowings were $82.9 million and $62.2 million, respectively. During the first quarter of 2013, we pre-paid a $50.0 million subordinated debt facility. 

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts include debentures sold to Coal City Capital Trust I, FOBB Statutory Trust III, Taylor Capital 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, 2003, 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.

On September 22, 2014, the Company redeemed the junior subordinated notes held by Taylor Capital Trust I and concurrently redeemed all of the issued and outstanding 9.75% TAYC Capital Trust I Preferred Securities. The aggregate liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities was $45.4 million. TAYC Capital Trust I 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 I were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition. As a result, a $1.9 million gain on early extinguishment of this debt was recognized in the third quarter of 2014.

As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts were $185.8 million and $152.1 million, respectively.  See Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further analysis.
 




56




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 addresses current regulatory proposals that include (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, 2014, we were in compliance with the foregoing policies.
 
At December 31, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit, loan origination commitments and unused commercial and retail lines of credit of approximately $3.0 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 $1.6 billion at December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, there were no firm lending commitments in place, management believes that we could borrow approximately $300.0 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, 2014, the Company had $704.2 million outstanding in FHLB advances, and could borrow an additional amount of approximately $388.3 million.  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, 2014, the Company had approximately $1.2 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, 2014, no amount was outstanding. The holding company had $32.2 million in cash of December 31, 2014, 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 our bank subsidiary may pay to us by requiring the bank to maintain total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and Tier 1 leverage capital ratios of 12%, 9% and 8%, respectively.  The minimum ratios required for a bank to be considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes were, through December 31, 2014, 10%, 6% and 5%, respectively, and effective January 1, 2015 became 10%, 8% and 5%, respectively, plus a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%. See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Adequacy” and “ - New Capital Regulations.”  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 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, 2014, 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 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, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
Less than 1
Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
3 - 5 Years
 
More than 5
Years
Time certificates
 
$
2,018,576

 
$
1,595,106

 
$
300,692

 
$
68,443

 
$
54,335

Long-term borrowings
 
82,916

 
17,589

 
59,165

 
2,597

 
3,565

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts (1)
 
185,778

 

 

 

 
185,778

Operating leases
 
53,285

 
10,272

 
15,727

 
9,976

 
17,310

Capital expenditures
 
1,449

 
1,449

 

 

 

Total
 
$
2,342,004

 
$
1,624,416

 
$
375,584

 
$
81,016

 
$
260,988

Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit
 
$
2,998,533

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(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.

Capital Resources
 
MB Financial Bank is 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 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 in effect through December 31, 2014, to be adequately capitalized a bank had to maintain minimum ratios of

58




total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.00%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.00%, and Tier 1 capital to total assets of 4.00%. Effective January, 1, 2015, in order to be adequately capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations, 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, 2014, the most recent notification from the federal banking regulators categorized MB Financial Bank as well capitalized.
 
Through December 31, 2014, a well capitalized institution had to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.00%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets of at least 6.00%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of at least 5.00% and not be subject to any written order, agreement or directive requiring it to meet or maintain a specific capital level. Effective January 1, 2015, a well capitalized institution must maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.00%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets of at least 8.00%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of at least 5.00%, a minimum 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.  Through December 31, 2014, on a consolidated basis, we were required to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 4.00%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.00% and a minimum ratio of total-capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.00%. Effective January 1, 2015, we became required to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 4.00%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.00%, a minimum ratio of total-capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.00% and a minimum ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.50%.  See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Adequacy,” “Prompt Corrective Action” and “New Capital Rules “  In addition, our internal policy requires us, on a consolidated basis, to maintain ratios of Tier 1 capital to total assets, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and total-capital to risk-weighted assets at or above 8.00%, 9.00% and 12.00%, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014 (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
 
$
1,544,759

 
13.62
%
 
$
907,369

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,473,928

 
13.03

 
904,917

 
8.00

 
$
1,131,146

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,430,702

 
12.61
%
 
$
453,684

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,359,871

 
12.02

 
452,459

 
4.00

 
$
678,688

 
6.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,430,702

 
10.47
%
 
$
546,766

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,359,871

 
9.96

 
545,943

 
4.00

 
$
682,429

 
5.00
%
 
N/A — not applicable
 
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 1 Capital and Total Capital at December 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $1.4 million in capital expenditure commitments outstanding which relate to various projects to renovate existing branches.  We expect to pay the outstanding commitments as of December 31, 2014 through the normal cash flows of our business operations.


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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.  Net cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by $25.3 million to $167.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $192.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to the increase in other liabilities offset by the decrease in the change of the deferred tax liability.
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $10.9 million to $192.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $181.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The increase was primarily due to the increase in net income in 2013.
 
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, 2014, the Company had net cash flows provided by investing activities of $674.6 million compared to net cash flows used in investing activities of $39.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The change was primarily due to more sales of investment securities and a larger decrease in loans.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had net cash flows used in investing activities of $39.2 million compared to net cash flows provided by investing activities of $330.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The change was primarily due to more purchases of investment securities, less of a decrease in loans and less proceeds from FDIC related covered assets.
 
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, 2014, the Company had net cash flows used in financing activities of $1.0 billion compared to net cash flows provided by financing activities of $32.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The change in cash flows from financing activities was primarily due to repayments of borrowings and a larger decrease in deposits.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had net cash flows provided by financing activities of $32.4 million compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of $469.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The change in cash flows from financing activities was primarily due to an increase in short-term borrowings in 2013 and the repayments of borrowings and preferred stock in the prior year.


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 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.

60




 
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, 2014 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, 2014 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.
 
Therefore, the information in the table is calculated assuming that NOW, money market and savings deposits will reprice as follows: 4%, 10% and 5%, respectively, in the first three months, 12%, 26%, and 15%, respectively, in the next nine months, 51%, 58% and 58%, respectively, from one year to five years, and 33%, 6%, and 22%, respectively over five years (dollars in thousands):
 

61




 
 
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
 
$
54,105

 
$
470

 
$
702

 
$

 
$
55,277

Federal funds sold
 

 

 

 

 

Investment securities
 
126,916

 
304,081

 
1,450,183

 
842,521

 
2,723,701

Loans held for sale
 
737,209

 

 

 

 
737,209

Loans, including covered loans
 
4,212,142

 
1,769,717

 
2,939,988

 
161,370

 
9,083,217

Total interest earning assets
 
$
5,130,372

 
$
2,074,268

 
$
4,390,873

 
$
1,003,891

 
$
12,599,404

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NOW and money market deposit accounts
 
$
276,227

 
$
751,716

 
$
2,147,278

 
$
738,544

 
$
3,913,765

Savings deposits
 
51,511

 
145,207

 
534,072

 
209,555

 
940,345

Time deposits
 
641,441

 
960,823

 
411,179

 
5,133

 
2,018,576

Short-term borrowings
 
724,587

 
59,750

 
133,289

 
13,789

 
931,415

Long-term borrowings
 
4,578

 
12,543

 
63,770

 
2,025

 
82,916

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
185,778

 

 

 

 
185,778

Total interest bearing liabilities
 
$
1,884,122

 
$
1,930,039

 
$
3,289,588

 
$
969,046

 
$
8,072,795

Rate sensitive assets (RSA)
 
$
5,130,372

 
$
7,204,640

 
$
11,595,513

 
$
12,599,404

 
$
12,599,404

Rate sensitive liabilities (RSL)
 
1,884,122

 
3,814,161

 
7,103,749

 
8,072,795

 
8,072,795

Cumulative GAP (GAP=RSA-RSL)
 
3,246,250

 
3,390,479

 
4,491,764

 
4,526,609

 
4,526,609

RSA/Total assets
 
35.13
%
 
49.34
%
 
79.41
%
 
86.28
%
 
86.28
%
RSL/Total assets
 
12.90

 
26.12

 
48.65

 
55.29

 
55.29

GAP/Total assets
 
22.23

 
23.22

 
30.76

 
31.00

 
31.00

GAP/RSA
 
63.28

 
47.06

 
38.74

 
35.93

 
35.93

 
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.

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, 2014
 
At December 31, 2013
Levels of
 
Dollar
 
Percentage
 
Dollar
 
Percentage
Interest Rates
 
Change
 
Change
 
Change
 
Change
+2.00%
 
$
19,270

 
4.60
 %
 
$
10,596

 
3.84
 %
+1.00%
 
7,930

 
1.89

 
5,554

 
2.01

-1.00%
 
(20,299
)
 
(4.85
)
 
(6,553
)
 
(2.38
)
 
In the interest rate sensitivity table above, changes in net interest income between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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.
 

62




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.
 



63





Item 8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
MB FINANCIAL, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
 
INDEX
 


64




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, 2014, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework of 1992. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.
 
McGladrey LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited the 2014 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, 2014. Their report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 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/ Jill E. York
Mitchell Feiger
Jill E. York
President and
Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 27, 2015



65





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
MB Financial, Inc.
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992.  MB Financial Inc.’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 included 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  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.
 
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 (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) 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 (c) 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.
 
In our opinion, MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 of MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries and our report dated February 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
/s/ McGladrey LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 27, 2015



66





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
MB Financial, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and 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, 2014.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992, and our report dated February 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the MB Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ McGladrey LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 27, 2015



67




FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2014 and 2013
(Amounts in thousands, except common share data)
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
$
256,804

 
$
205,193

Interest earning deposits with banks
 
55,277

 
268,266

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
312,081

 
473,459

Federal funds sold
 

 
42,950

Investment securities:
 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale, at fair value
 
1,654,752

 
1,118,912

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost ($1,035,061 and $1,198,929 fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)
 
993,380

 
1,182,533

Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
75,569

 
51,417

Total investment securities
 
2,723,701

 
2,352,862

Loans held for sale
 
737,209

 
629

Loans:
 
 

 
 

Total loans, excluding purchased credit impaired and covered loans
 
8,831,572

 
5,476,831

Purchased credit impaired and covered loans
 
251,645

 
235,720

Total loans
 
9,083,217

 
5,712,551

Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
110,026

 
111,746

Net loans
 
8,973,191

 
5,600,805

Lease investment, net
 
162,833

 
131,089

Premises and equipment, net
 
238,377

 
221,065

Cash surrender value of life insurance
 
133,562

 
130,181

Goodwill
 
711,521

 
423,369

Other intangibles
 
38,006

 
23,428

Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value
 
235,402

 
413

Other real estate owned, net
 
19,198

 
23,289

Other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
19,328

 
20,472

Other assets
 
297,690

 
197,416

Total assets
 
$
14,602,099

 
$
9,641,427

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 

 
 

Non-interest bearing
 
$
4,118,256

 
$
2,375,863

Interest bearing
 
6,872,686

 
5,005,396

Total deposits
 
10,990,942

 
7,381,259

Short-term borrowings
 
931,415

 
493,389

Long-term borrowings
 
82,916

 
62,159

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
185,778

 
152,065

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
382,762

 
225,873

Total liabilities
 
12,573,813

 
8,314,745

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, ($0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares at December 31, 2014 and 1,000,000 at December 31, 2013; Series A, 8% perpetual non-cumulative, 4,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and no shares outstanding at December 31, 2013, $25 liquidation value)
 
115,280

 

Common stock, ($0.01 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares at December 31, 2014 and 70,000,000 at December 31, 2013; issued 75,067,482 shares at December 31, 2014 and 55,148,409 shares at December 31, 2013)
 
751

 
551

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,267,761

 
738,053

Retained earnings
 
629,677

 
581,998

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
20,356

 
8,383

Less: 296,715 and 184,173 shares of treasury stock, at cost, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
 
(6,974
)
 
(3,747
)
Controlling interest stockholders’ equity
 
2,026,851

 
1,325,238

Noncontrolling interest
 
1,435

 
1,444

Total stockholders’ equity
 
2,028,286

 
1,326,682

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
14,602,099

 
$
9,641,427


     See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

68





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
$
292,028

 
$
228,931

 
$
263,079

Nontaxable
 
9,022

 
9,611

 
8,629

Investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
 
38,619

 
26,084

 
33,424

Nontaxable
 
34,791

 
32,564

 
29,311

Federal funds sold
 
25

 
15

 

Other interest earning accounts
 
663

 
690

 
867

Total interest income
 
375,148

 
297,895

 
335,310

Interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
17,027

 
19,240

 
30,258

Short-term borrowings
 
780

 
622

 
1,204

Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes
 
6,518

 
5,697

 
11,060

Total interest expense
 
24,325

 
25,559

 
42,522

Net interest income
 
350,823

 
272,336

 
292,788

Provision for credit losses
 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
 
(8,900
)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
338,771

 
278,140

 
301,688

Non-interest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Lease financing, net
 
64,310

 
61,243

 
36,382

Mortgage banking revenue
 
46,149

 
1,664

 
2,325

Commercial deposit and treasury management fees
 
34,315

 
24,867

 
23,636

Trust and asset management fees
 
21,839

 
19,142

 
17,990

Card fees
 
13,741

 
11,013

 
9,368

Capital markets and international banking fees
 
5,458

 
3,560

 
5,086

Consumer and other deposit service fees
 
12,788

 
13,968

 
14,428

Brokerage fees
 
5,176

 
4,907

 
4,792

Loan service fees
 
4,814

 
5,563

 
5,845

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
3,381

 
3,385

 
3,570

Net (loss) gain on investment securities
 
(2,525
)
 
(1
)
 
555

Net gain (loss) on sale of assets
 
3,452

 
(323
)
 
(942
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
 
1,895

 

 

Other operating income
 
6,512

 
5,406

 
6,158

Total non-interest income
 
221,305

 
154,394

 
129,193

Non-interest expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
255,974

 
177,858

 
165,696

Occupancy and equipment expense
 
44,910

 
36,878

 
35,806

Computer services and telecommunication expense
 
31,678

 
18,883

 
15,499

Advertising and marketing expense
 
8,854

 
8,272

 
8,183

Professional and legal expense
 
14,652

 
8,807

 
6,110

Other intangibles amortization expense
 
5,501

 
6,084

 
5,010

Facilities impairment charges
 
2,270

 

 
2,190

Net loss (gain) recognized on other real estate owned and other related expense
 
3,575

 
(781
)
 
20,584

Prepayment fees on interest bearing liabilities
 

 

 
12,682

Other operating expenses
 
69,368

 
38,587

 
32,270

Total non-interest expenses
 
436,782

 
294,588

 
304,030

Income before income taxes
 
123,294

 
137,946

 
126,851

Income tax expense
 
37,193

 
39,491

 
36,477

Net income
 
$
86,101

 
$
98,455

 
$
90,374

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred shares
 
4,000

 

 
3,269

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
82,101

 
$
98,455

 
$
87,105

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

69




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Common share data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.32

 
$
1.81

 
$
1.61

Diluted earnings per common share
 
1.31

 
1.79

 
1.60

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
 
62,012,196

 
54,509,612

 
54,270,297

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
 
62,573,406

 
54,993,865

 
54,505,976

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



70




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
86,101

 
$
98,455

 
$
90,374

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of reclassification adjustments
 
20,933

 
(43,543
)
 
(4,097
)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrealized gains on investment securities transferred to held to maturity from available for sale
 
(3,700
)
 
(2,478
)
 

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income
 
2,525

 
1

 
(555
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
 
19,758

 
(46,020
)
 
(4,652
)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(7,785
)
 
18,077

 
1,828

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
11,973

 
(27,943
)
 
(2,824
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
98,074

 
$
70,512

 
$
87,550


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



71





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(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, 2011
$
194,719

$
548

$
731,248

$
427,956

$
39,150

$
(3,044
)
$
2,450

$
1,393,027

Net income



90,374



230

90,604

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax




(2,824
)


(2,824
)
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.13 per share)



(7,149
)



(7,149
)
Dividends and discount accretion on preferred shares
1,281



(3,269
)



(1,988
)
Repurchase of preferred shares and warrant
(196,000
)

(1,518
)




(197,518
)
Restricted common stock activity, net of tax

2

(704
)
18


1,774


1,090

Stock option activity, net of tax


(694
)
3


345


(346
)
Repurchase of common shares in connection with
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  employee benefit plans and held in trust for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  deferred compensation plan


369



(2,368
)

(1,999
)
Stock-based compensation expense


4,806





4,806

Additional investment in subsidiary


(736
)



(904
)
(1,640
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(293
)
(293
)
Balance at December 31, 2012
$

$
550

$
732,771

$
507,933

$
36,326

$
(3,293
)
$
1,483

$
1,275,770

Net income



98,455



186

98,641

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax




(27,943
)


(27,943
)
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.44 per share)



(24,290
)



(24,290
)
Restricted common stock activity, net of tax

1

(739
)
(100
)

1,725


887

Stock option activity, net of tax


58



499


557

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


507



(2,678
)

(2,171
)
Stock-based compensation expense


5,456





5,456

Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(225
)
(225
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$

$
551

$
738,053

$
581,998

$
8,383

$
(3,747
)
$
1,444

$
1,326,682












72




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY - (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(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, 2013
$

$
551

$
738,053

$
581,998

$
8,383

$
(3,747
)
$
1,444

$
1,326,682

Net income



86,101



291

86,392

Other comprehensive income net of tax




11,973



11,973

Issuance of preferred stock
115,280







115,280

Issuance of common stock due to business combination

196

518,796





518,992

Cash dividends declared on preferred shares



(4,000
)



(4,000
)
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.52 per share)



(34,422
)



(34,422
)
Restricted common stock activity, net of tax

2

812



60


874

Stock option activity, net of tax

2

529





531

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


597



(3,287
)

(2,690
)
Stock-based compensation expense


8,974





8,974

Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(300
)
(300
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
115,280

$
751

$
1,267,761

$
629,677

$
20,356

$
(6,974
)
$
1,435

$
2,028,286


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



73





MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
86,101

 
$
98,455

 
$
90,374

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

 
 

 
 

Depreciation of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
60,067

 
51,893

 
52,419

Facilities impairment charges
 
2,270

 

 
2,190

Compensation expense for share-based payment plans
 
8,974

 
5,456

 
4,806

(Gain) loss on sales of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
(5,817
)
 
362

 
(2,204
)
Amortization of other intangibles
 
5,501

 
6,084

 
5,010

Provision for credit losses
 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
 
(8,900
)
Deferred income tax expense
 
(48
)
 
21,681

 
15,177

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities, net
 
45,413

 
47,771

 
44,543

Accretion of premiums and discounts on loans, net
 
(21,262
)
 
(7,122
)
 
(13,797
)
Accretion of FDIC indemnification asset
 
(112
)
 
(342
)
 
(1,055
)
Net loss (gain) on investment securities
 
2,525

 
1

 
(555
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
 
2,213,914

 
86,505

 
96,243

Origination of loans held for sale
 
(2,266,636
)
 
(77,935
)
 
(96,480
)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
 
(12,022
)
 
(1,664
)
 
(2,325
)
Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights
 
11,777

 

 

Net loss (gain) on other real estate owned
 
1,554

 
(1,888
)
 
14,503

Net loss on other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
446

 
360

 
3,091

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
(3,381
)
 
(3,385
)
 
(3,570
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
 
(1,895
)
 

 

Decrease (increase) in other assets, net
 
9,988

 
17,485

 
(67,511
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities, net
 
18,038

 
(45,155
)
 
49,861

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
167,447

 
192,758

 
181,820

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Decrease (increase) in federal funds sold
 
42,950

 
(42,950
)
 

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
 
512,878

 
989

 
15,416

Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities available for sale
 
259,694

 
496,258

 
608,665

Purchase of investment securities available for sale
 
(216,777
)
 
(484,113
)
 
(605,098
)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities held to maturity
 
41,654

 
17,087

 
2,134

Purchase of investment securities held to maturity
 
(122,859
)
 
(61,073
)
 
(2,187
)
Purchase of non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
(15
)
 
(547
)
 
(44
)
Redemption of non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
26,483

 
4,515

 
25,491

Net decrease in loans
 
155,399

 
38,725

 
219,125

Purchases in mortgage servicing rights
 
(1,096
)
 

 

Purchases of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
(94,667
)
 
(65,453
)
 
(76,675
)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and leased equipment
 
22,924

 
8,532

 
14,587

Capital improvements on other real estate owned
 

 
(74
)
 
(2,809
)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
 
9,390

 
21,814

 
34,316

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
17,049

 
15,194

 
40,298

Life insurance death benefit
 

 
2,083

 

Net cash acquired (paid) in business acquisition
 
25,174

 

 
(27,010
)
Net (payments for) proceeds from FDIC related covered assets
 
(3,620
)
 
9,766

 
83,954

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
674,561

 
(39,247
)
 
330,163

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net decrease in deposits
 
(343,530
)
 
(161,438
)
 
(104,910
)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
 
(597,774
)
 
272,787

 
648

Proceeds from long-term borrowings
 
33,816

 
7,725

 
6,742

Principal paid on long-term borrowings
 
(13,059
)
 
(61,616
)
 
(156,956
)
Redemption of junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
(45,369
)
 

 
(6,186
)
Repurchase of preferred stock and warrant
 

 

 
(197,518
)
Treasury stock transactions, net
 
(2,690
)
 
(1,672
)
 
(249
)
Stock options exercised
 
1,034

 
1,014

 
154

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 
396

 
(325
)
 
(390
)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
 
(2,000
)
 

 
(3,239
)
Dividends paid on common stock
 
(34,210
)
 
(24,070
)
 
(7,101
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(1,003,386
)
 
32,405

 
(469,005
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(161,378
)
 
$
185,916

 
$
42,978

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
473,459

 
287,543

 
244,565

End of year
 
$
312,081

 
$
473,459

 
$
287,543


74




MB FINANCIAL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(Amounts in Thousands)

 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash payments for:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest paid to depositors and other borrowed funds
 
$
25,258

 
$
26,345

 
$
44,212

Net income tax payments, net
 
23,040

 
35,375

 
9,883

Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment securities held to maturity purchased not settled
 
$

 
$
321

 
$

Transfer of investment securities available for sale to investment securities held to maturity
 

 
656,617

 

Transfer of investment securities held to maturity to investment securities available for sale
 
273,471

 

 

Loans transferred to other real estate owned
 
2,133

 
6,164

 
4,535

Loans transferred to other real estate owned related to FDIC-assisted transactions
 
16,337

 
16,023

 
19,705

Loans transferred to repossessed vehicles
 
1,019

 
871

 
1,496

Operating leases rewritten as direct finance leases included as loans
 
5,853

 
6,936

 
7,760

Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing Activities From Acquisitions:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Noncash assets acquired:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment securities available for sale
 
$
826,691

 
$

 
$
635

Investment securities held to maturity
 
22,599

 

 

Non-marketable securities -FHLB and FRB stock
 
50,620

 

 

Loans held for sale
 
670,671

 

 

Loans
 
3,532,211

 

 
32,933

Lease investments
 
11,885

 

 

Premises and equipment
 
19,701

 

 
81

Goodwill
 
288,152

 

 
36,300

Other intangibles
 
20,079

 

 
5,028

Mortgage servicing rights
 
224,453

 

 

Other real estate owned
 
4,720

 

 

Other assets
 
130,478

 

 
27,323

Total noncash assets acquired
 
$
5,802,260

 
$

 
$
102,300

Liabilities assumed:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
$
3,953,213

 
$

 
$

Short-term borrowings
 
1,035,800

 

 

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
80,843

 

 

Other liabilities
 
$
123,028

 
$

 
$
75,290

Total liabilities assumed
 
$
5,192,884

 
$

 
$
75,290

 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


75





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: LaSalle Systems Leasing, Inc., Celtic Leasing Corp. Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, LLC. MB Financial Bank also has a majority owned subsidiary with significant operating activities, Cedar Hill Associates, LLC. Vision Investment Services, Inc., a subsidiary of MB Financial Bank, was dissolved in the fourth quarter of 2012.
 
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

76




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. 
 
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.

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 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.
 


77




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 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.
 
Periodically, the Company will restructure a note into two separate notes (A/B structure), charging off the entire B portion of the note. The A note is structured with appropriate loan-to-value and cash flow coverage ratios that provide for a high likelihood of repayment. The A note is classified as a non-performing note until the borrower has displayed a historical payment performance for a reasonable time prior to and subsequent to the restructuring. A period of sustained repayment for at least six months generally is required to return the note to accrual status provided that management has determined that the performance is reasonably expected to continue. The A note will be classified as a restructured note (either performing or non-performing) through the calendar year of the restructuring that the historical payment performance has been established.
 
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, and prevailing economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay.  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.  Loans rated "one" represent those loans least likely to default and 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 the migration of loan risk ratings and historical default data over a multi-year period to develop our estimated default factors (EDFs).  The model tracks annual loan rating migrations by loan type and currently uses loan risk rating migrations for 14 years.  The migration data is adjusted by using average losses for an economic cycle (approximately 13 years) to develop EDFs by loan type, risk rating and maturity.  EDFs are updated annually in December. 

78




 
Estimated loan 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 (which incorporates estimated 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 adjustments for macroeconomic factors.  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 has shown to be a statistically reliable predictor of our credit losses relative to our long term average credit losses. We tested over 20 economic variables (U.S. manufacturing index, unemployment rate, U.S. GDP growth, etc.). We annually review this data to determine that such a relationship continues to exist. We currently use the following macroeconomic indicators in our macroeconomic factor computation:
 
Commercial loans and lease loans:  initial unemployment insurance claims in Illinois, our prior period charge-off rates and crude oil prices.
 
Commercial real estate loans and construction loans:  M2 Money stock, our prior period charge-off rates and the U.S. commercial real estate index.
  
Using the indicators noted above, a predicted charge-off percentage is calculated.  The predicted charge-off percentage is then compared to the cycle average charge-off percentage, and a macroeconomic adjustment factor is calculated.  The macroeconomic adjustment factor is applied to each commercial loan type.  Each year, we review the predictive nature of the macroeconomic factors by comparing actual charge-offs to the predicted model charge-offs, re-run our regression analysis and re-calibrate the macroeconomic factors as appropriate.
 
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, 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.
 
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 and any significant changes in loan concentrations. In reviewing

79




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 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 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 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 (computed on a loan by loan basis) and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans. We anticipate recording a provision for the acquired portfolio in future quarters related to renewing Taylor loans which will largely offset the accretion from the pass rated loans.

In accordance with ASC 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans and purchased impaired loans ("PCI loans"), 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 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 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,

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by comparing the carrying value of the asset with the anticipated future cash flows. The Company's annual assessment is done at the unit level. As of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014.
 
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 the declining balance method over four to 15 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 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.
 
When cash flow estimates are adjusted downward for a particular loan pool, the FDIC indemnification asset is increased.  An allowance for loan and lease losses is established for the impairment of the loans.  A provision for credit losses is recognized for the difference between the increase in the FDIC indemnification asset and the decrease in cash flows.
 
When cash flow estimates are adjusted upward for a particular loan pool, the FDIC indemnification asset is decreased.  The difference between the decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset and the increase in cash flows is accreted over the estimated life of the loan pool.
 
When cash flow estimates are adjusted downward for covered foreclosed real estate, the FDIC indemnification asset is increased.  A charge is recognized for the difference between the increase in the FDIC indemnification asset and the decrease in cash flows.
 
When cash flow estimates are adjusted upward for covered foreclosed real estate, the FDIC indemnification asset is decreased.  Any write-down after the transfer to covered foreclosed real estate is reversed.
 
In both scenarios, the claw-back liability for amounts owed to the FDIC for better than expected performance will increase or decrease accordingly.
 
Preferred stock: Preferred stock issued in connection with the Taylor Capital Group, Inc. merger was initially recorded at fair value.  Preferred dividends declared are deducted from net income for computing 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.

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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 must 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 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 Business Solutions, LLC (LBS), a subsidiary of LaSalle Systems Leasing, Inc., sells third party maintenance contracts to customers.  The maintenance is serviced by third party providers, with LBS maintaining no legal obligation under the contract to perform additional services.  Revenues are recorded net of cost of sales, as LBS 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.


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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.
 
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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Distributed earnings allocated to common stock
 
$
34,422

 
$
24,290

 
$
7,149

Undistributed earnings
 
51,679

 
74,165

 
83,225

Net income
 
86,101

 
98,455

 
90,374

Less: preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
 
4,000

 

 
3,269

Net income available to common stockholders
 
82,101

 
98,455

 
87,105

Less: earnings and dividends allocated to participating securities
 
2

 
2

 
3

Earnings allocated to common stockholders
 
$
82,099

 
$
98,453

 
$
87,102

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
 
62,012,196

 
54,509,612

 
54,270,297

Dilutive effect of equity awards
 
561,210

 
484,253

 
235,679

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
 
62,573,406

 
54,993,865

 
54,505,976

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.32

 
$
1.81

 
$
1.61

Diluted earnings per common share
 
1.31

 
1.79

 
1.60

 
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, 2014, the Company had three reportable operating segments: banking, leasing and mortgage banking. 
 
New authoritative accounting guidance:
ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” amended prior guidance to include explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The Company adopted this new authoritative guidance on January 1, 2014, and it did not have an impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 310 “Receivables.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” amended prior guidance to clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical

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possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosures. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 323 “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 323, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures” amended prior guidance to permit entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the statement of operation as a component of income tax expense. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topics 205 “Presentation of Financial Statements” and 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements” and ASC Topic 360Property, Plant, and Equipmentamended prior guidance to change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. The disposal of a component of an entity or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The new authoritative guidance also requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company's statements of operations or financial condition.

ASC Topic 860 “Transfers and Servicing.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing” amended prior guidance to change the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting and to require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The new authoritative guidance also requires disclosures for a transfer of a financial asset accounted for as a sale and an agreement with the same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer that results in the transferor retaining substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2015, and the Company is assessing the impact on the statements of operations and financial condition.

ASC Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” amended prior guidance to require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The new authoritative guidance will be effective for reporting periods after January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have an 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
 
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 (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. This transaction solidifies the Company's market position in Chicago and diversifies its revenue streams. At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of the common stock of Taylor Capital and each share of nonvoting convertible preferred stock of Taylor Capital converted into the right to receive (1) 0.64318 of a share of the common stock of the Company, and (2) $4.08 in cash. All “in-the-money” Taylor Capital stock options and warrants outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time were canceled in exchange for the right to receive a cash payment as provided in the merger agreement, as were the outstanding unvested restricted stock awards of Taylor Capital; however, the cash consideration payable for such restricted stock awards will remain subject to vesting or other lapse restrictions. Each share of Taylor Capital’s perpetual non-cumulative preferred stock, Series A, converted into the right to receive one share of the Company’s perpetual non-cumulative preferred stock, Series A.

The Company issued approximately 19.6 million shares of common stock and paid approximately $129.5 million in cash in the Merger. For the “in-the-money” Taylor Capital stock options and warrants, the Company paid in the aggregate approximately $4.4 million in cash. For the outstanding unvested Taylor Capital restricted stock awards, the Company will pay or has paid in the aggregate up to approximately $3.7 million in cash, as and to the extent such awards vest. The $129.5 million cash consideration includes payments for the Taylor Capital stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards.

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.  In the event that the fair value of net assets acquired exceeds the cost, the Company will record a gain on the acquisition. As the consideration paid for Taylor Capital exceeded the net assets acquired, goodwill of $288.2 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 as of December 31, 2014 have been determined only provisionally for loans, as loan risk ratings continue to be assessed.
 

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

 
 
August 18,
 
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
154,684

Investment securities available for sale
 
826,691

Investment securities held to maturity
 
22,599

Non-marketable securities - FRB and FHLB Stock
 
50,620

Loans held for sale
 
670,671

Loans
 
3,532,211

Leases investments, net
 
11,885

Premises and equipment
 
19,701

Goodwill
 
288,152

Core deposit intangible
 
20,079

Mortgage servicing rights
 
224,453

Other real estate owned
 
4,720

Other assets
 
130,478

Total assets
 
$
5,956,944

LIABILITIES
 
 
Deposits
 
$
3,953,213

Short-term borrowings
 
1,035,800

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
80,843

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
123,028

Total liabilities
 
$
5,192,884

Series A preferred stock at $28.82 per share at August 15, 2014
 
$
115,280

Total identifiable net assets less Series A preferred stock
 
$
648,780

 
 
 
Consideration excluding Series A preferred stock:
 
 
Market value of common stock at $26.49 per share at August 15, 2014 (19,602,482 shares of common stock issued)
 
$
519,270

Cash paid
 
129,510

   Total fair value of consideration, excluding Series A preferred stock
 
$
648,780

 
The Company's Series A preferred stock was valued based upon the closing price of Taylor Capital's Series A preferred stock on August 15, 2014, the last trading day before the merger date.

Fair value estimates for loans, premises and equipment, goodwill, core deposit intangible, mortgage servicing rights, other real estate owned, other assets and total consideration have been revised compared to previously reported balances. These adjustments made during the measurement period were recorded as of the closing date of the transaction. The most significant changes were made to the fair value estimates of loans, core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights as a result of additional information that was received that allowed us to refine our initial estimates. The fair value estimates of loans, core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights decreased by $7.1 million, $4.9 million and $8.0 million, respectively, compared to previously reported balances.

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 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 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 310-30 as they display significant credit deterioration since origination.


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For pass rated loans (non-purchased credit-impaired loans), the difference between the estimated fair value of the loans (computed on a loan by loan basis) and the principal outstanding is accreted over the remaining life of the loans. We anticipate recording a provision for the acquired portfolio in future quarters related to renewing Taylor Capital loans which will largely offset the accretion from the pass rated loans.

In accordance with ASC 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans and purchased impaired loans ("PCI loans"), 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 when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.

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

 
 
PCI Loans
 
Non-PCI Loans
Contractually required principal and interest payments
 
$
244,650

 
$
3,707,463

Contractually required interest payments not expected to be collected due to estimated prepayments
 

 
(302,329
)
Nonaccretable difference
 
(34,219
)
 

Cash flows expected to be collected
 
210,431

 
3,405,134

Accretable difference
 
(5,626
)
 
(77,728
)
   Fair value of acquired loans
 
$
204,805

 
$
3,327,406


The Company incurred costs of $7.1 million and $2.4 million to directly consummate the merger for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is recorded in professional and legal fees on the statement of operations. The Company recorded $34.8 million and $2.5 million in pre-tax merger related expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remainder of the merger related expenses primarily relate to retention and severance compensation costs and service contract termination costs. The data processing systems were converted in September 2014.

The following table provides the unaudited pro forma information for the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as if the acquisition had occurred January 1, 2013. The pro forma results combine the historical results of Taylor Capital into the Company's consolidated statement of income including the impact of certain purchase 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, 2013. 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.
 
 
For Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Total revenues (net interest income plus non-interest income)
 
$
774,778

 
$
790,655

Net income
 
112,220

 
180,085


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

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 $127.2 million and $75.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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.


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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, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
64,612

 
$
1,281

 
$
(20
)
 
$
65,873

States and political subdivisions
 
390,076

 
20,846

 
(68
)
 
410,854

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
713,413

 
8,977

 
(1,827
)
 
720,563

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
186,110

 
1,772

 
(220
)
 
187,662

Corporate bonds
 
259,526

 
2,428

 
(2,751
)
 
259,203

Equity securities
 
10,531

 
66

 

 
10,597

 
 
1,624,268

 
35,370

 
(4,886
)
 
1,654,752

Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
752,558

 
30,089

 
(382
)
 
782,265

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
240,822

 
11,974

 

 
252,796

 
 
993,380

 
42,063

 
(382
)
 
1,035,061

Total
 
$
2,617,648

 
$
77,433

 
$
(5,268
)
 
$
2,689,813

December 31, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
50,486

 
$
1,704

 
$
(122
)
 
$
52,068

States and political subdivisions
 
19,398

 
22

 
(277
)
 
19,143

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
696,415

 
8,555

 
(3,737
)
 
701,233

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
50,891

 
2,050

 

 
52,941

Corporate bonds
 
284,083

 
1,597

 
(2,610
)
 
283,070

Equity securities
 
10,649

 

 
(192
)
 
10,457

 
 
1,111,922

 
13,928

 
(6,938
)
 
1,118,912

Held to Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
 
932,955

 
7,584

 
(4,366
)
 
936,173

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
249,578

 
13,178

 

 
262,756

 
 
1,182,533

 
20,762

 
(4,366
)
 
1,198,929

Total
 
$
2,294,455

 
$
34,690

 
$
(11,304
)
 
$
2,317,841

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Company has no direct exposure to the State of Illinois, but approximately 27% of the state and political subdivisions portfolio consists of securities issued by municipalities located in Illinois as of December 31, 2014. Approximately 93% of such securities were general obligation issues as of December 31, 2014.

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company repositioned its balance sheet subsequent to the Taylor Capital merger and sold certain longer-term and lower-coupon investment securities with an approximate carrying amount of $451.6 million. These investment security sales shortened the overall duration of the investment securities portfolio to pre-merger levels. Also as a part of the balance sheet repositioning, securities of states and political subdivisions with an approximate fair value of $291.2 million and amortized cost of $273.5 million were transferred from held to maturity to available for sale during the third quarter of 2014. As a result of the repositioning, the Company recognized a net loss of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2014.


88




Unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities at December 31, 2014 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
 
$
9,644

 
$
(20
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
9,644

 
$
(20
)
States and political subdivisions
 
7,784

 
(21
)
 
3,558

 
(47
)
 
11,342

 
(68
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
235,818

 
(1,336
)
 
29,373

 
(491
)
 
265,191

 
(1,827
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
89,509

 
(220
)
 

 

 
89,509

 
(220
)
Corporate bonds
 
62,693

 
(1,159
)
 
9,675

 
(1,592
)
 
72,368

 
(2,751
)
 
 
405,448

 
(2,756
)
 
42,606

 
(2,130
)
 
448,054

 
(4,886
)
Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
28,786

 
(130
)
 
14,238

 
(252
)
 
43,024

 
(382
)
Totals
 
$
434,234

 
$
(2,886
)
 
$
56,844

 
$
(2,382
)
 
$
491,078

 
$
(5,268
)
 
Unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities at December 31, 2013 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
 
$
18,598

 
$
(122
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
18,598

 
$
(122
)
States and political subdivisions
 
2,275

 
(166
)
 
4,748

 
(111
)
 
7,023

 
(277
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
232,807

 
(2,905
)
 
44,182

 
(832
)
 
276,989

 
(3,737
)
Corporate bonds
 
122,344

 
(2,606
)
 
705

 
(4
)
 
123,049

 
(2,610
)
Equity securities
 
10,457

 
(192
)
 

 

 
10,457

 
(192
)
 
 
386,481

 
(5,991
)
 
49,635

 
(947
)
 
436,116

 
(6,938
)
Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

States and political subdivisions
 
235,016

 
(4,330
)
 
1,301

 
(36
)
 
236,317

 
(4,366
)
Totals
 
$
621,497

 
$
(10,321
)
 
$
50,936

 
$
(983
)
 
$
672,433

 
$
(11,304
)
 
The total number of security positions in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 was 168 compared to 345 at December 31, 2013. 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, 2014, 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, 2014, 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.


89




Net (losses) gains recognized on investment securities available for sale were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Realized gains
 
$
2,045

 
$
15

 
$
787

Realized losses
 
(4,478
)
 
(2
)
 
(8
)
Impairment charges
 
(92
)
 
(14
)
 
(224
)
Net (losses) gains
 
$
(2,525
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
555

 
The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities as of December 31, 2014 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
 
$
13,752

 
$
13,792

Due after one year through five years
 
305,172

 
306,103

Due after five years through ten years
 
39,903

 
40,823

Due after ten years
 
355,387

 
375,212

Equity securities
 
10,531

 
10,597

Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
899,523

 
908,225

 
 
1,624,268

 
1,654,752

Held to maturity:
 
 

 
 

Due in one year or less
 
29,060

 
29,114

Due after one year through five years
 
247,683

 
249,058

Due after five years through ten years
 
102,901

 
106,556

Due after ten years
 
372,914

 
397,537

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
240,822

 
252,796

 
 
993,380

 
1,035,061

Total
 
$
2,617,648

 
$
2,689,813

 
Investment securities with carrying amounts of $1.5 billion and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law, while only $980.4 million and $908.4 million were required to be pledged at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of those pledged, the Company had investment securities available for sale pledged as collateral for advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of $226.9 million and $29.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

90




Note 5.
        Loans
 
Loans consist of the following at (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial
 
$
3,245,206

 
$
1,281,377

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,692,258

 
1,494,188

Commercial real estate
 
2,544,867

 
1,647,700

Residential real estate
 
503,287

 
314,440

Construction real estate
 
247,068

 
141,253

Indirect vehicle
 
268,840

 
262,632

Home equity
 
251,909

 
268,289

Other consumer
 
78,137

 
66,952

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 
8,831,572

 
5,476,831

Purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 
251,645

 
235,720

Total loans
 
$
9,083,217

 
$
5,712,551

 
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 and asset-based loans, credit risk tends to be geographically concentrated in that a majority of the loan customers are located in the markets serviced by MB Financial Bank.
 
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 Company's Board of Directors on a regular basis.
 
Commercial Loans. Commercial credit is extended primarily to 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 and projected cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not behave 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 or Standard & Poor's Rating Services or, in the event the related lessee has not received any such rating, where the related lessee would be viewed under the underwriting policies of the Company as an investment grade company. 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.
 
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 cash flow loans and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on the successful operation of the property. 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 controlled by the Company and used exclusively for the improvement of real estate in which the Company holds a mortgage. Due to the inherent risk in this type of loan, they are subject to other industry specific policy guidelines outlined in the Company's Credit Risk Policy.

91





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, powersports, recreational and marine 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 Company relationship with the borrower. Indirect loan and credit card underwriting involves the use of risk-based pricing in the underwriting process.

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, 2014 and 2013, were approximately $63.1 million and $24.0 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 $7.9 million, and total repayments were $14.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. Most of the increase in such loans is attributable to lending relationships held by Taylor Capital prior to its merger with the Company. 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, first mortgage loans and home equity loans with unpaid principal balances aggregating no less than 133% for first mortgage loans and 250% for home equity loans of the outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $2.0 billion and $518.4 million, respectively, of loans pledged as collateral for Federal Home Loan Bank advances. 


92




The following table presents the contractual aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (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, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
3,231,571

 
$
8,222

 
$

 
$
5,413

 
$
13,635

 
$
3,245,206

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,679,991

 
2,025

 
6,095

 
4,147

 
12,267

 
1,692,258

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 
342,984

 

 

 

 

 
342,984

Industrial
 
333,907

 
944

 

 
3,182

 
4,126

 
338,033

Multifamily
 
417,504

 
1,377

 

 
1,517

 
2,894

 
420,398

Retail
 
432,718

 
2,481

 
652

 
2,325

 
5,458

 
438,176

Office
 
244,166

 

 

 
2,127

 
2,127

 
246,293

Other
 
754,031

 
307

 
2,421

 
2,224

 
4,952

 
758,983

Residential real estate
 
485,492

 
8,038

 
2,319

 
7,438

 
17,795

 
503,287

Construction real estate
 
246,731

 

 

 
337

 
337

 
247,068

Indirect vehicle
 
265,296

 
2,516

 
702

 
326

 
3,544

 
268,840

Home equity
 
242,756

 
2,717

 
1,039

 
5,397

 
9,153

 
251,909

Other consumer
 
78,106

 
16

 
12

 
3

 
31

 
78,137

Gross loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 
8,755,253

 
28,643

 
13,240

 
34,436

 
76,319

 
8,831,572

Purchased credit-impaired and covered loans
 
158,215

 
4,432

 
585

 
88,413

 
93,430

 
251,645

Total loans
 
$
8,913,468

 
$
33,075

 
$
13,825

 
$
122,849

 
$
169,749

 
$
9,083,217

Non-performing loan aging
 
$
46,149

 
$
5,764

 
$
1,099

 
$
34,075

 
$
40,938

 
$
87,087

December 31, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
1,273,302

 
$
5,952

 
$
626

 
$
1,497

 
$
8,075

 
$
1,281,377

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,489,391

 
3,841

 
656

 
300

 
4,797

 
1,494,188

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 


 


Healthcare
 
213,665

 

 

 
3,064

 
3,064

 
216,729

Industrial
 
372,975

 
5,465

 

 
1,404

 
6,869

 
379,844

Multifamily
 
302,456

 
3,078

 
181

 
2,226

 
5,485

 
307,941

Retail
 
334,198

 
328

 
2,816

 
7,258

 
10,402

 
344,600

Office
 
155,936

 

 

 
2,066

 
2,066

 
158,002

Other
 
233,464

 
4,898

 
259

 
1,963

 
7,120

 
240,584

Residential real estate
 
302,362

 
1,422

 
1,030

 
9,626

 
12,078

 
314,440

Construction real estate
 
138,563

 
391

 

 
2,299

 
2,690

 
141,253

Indirect vehicle
 
259,488

 
2,210

 
657

 
277

 
3,144

 
262,632

Home equity
 
257,219

 
1,725

 
2,165

 
7,180

 
11,070

 
268,289

Other consumer
 
66,866

 
81

 
1

 
4

 
86

 
66,952

Gross loans, excluding covered loans
 
5,399,885

 
29,391

 
8,391

 
39,164

 
76,946

 
5,476,831

Covered loans
 
135,717

 
902

 
3,346

 
95,755

 
100,003

 
235,720

Total loans
 
$
5,535,602

 
$
30,293

 
$
11,737

 
$
134,919

 
$
176,949

 
$
5,712,551

Non-performing loan aging
 
$
56,339

 
$
14,325

 
$
3,283

 
$
32,614

 
$
50,222

 
$
106,561

 

 

93




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 and covered loans, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
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
 
$
14,088

 
$

 
$
17,781

 
$

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,404

 
3,566

 
4,276

 
291

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 

 

 
3,064

 

Industrial
 
6,371

 

 
15,265

 
155

Multifamily
 
5,333

 

 
5,145

 

Office
 
3,644

 
464

 
11,703

 

Retail
 
2,986

 

 
2,969

 

Other
 
13,541

 
324

 
19,991

 

Residential real estate
 
17,311

 

 
13,009

 

Construction real estate
 
337

 

 
475

 

Indirect vehicle
 
1,542

 

 
1,459

 

Home equity
 
15,171

 

 
10,969

 

Other consumer
 
5

 

 
9

 

Total
 
$
82,733

 
$
4,354

 
$
106,115

 
$
446

 
The reduction in interest income associated with loans on non-accrual status was approximately $4.3 million, $4.7 million, and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 watch list 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. Risk ratings are updated at least annually and any time the situation warrants.



94




Loans listed as 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 and covered loans, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
December 31, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
3,036,069

 
$
178,984

 
$
30,153

 
$

 
$
3,245,206

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,680,736

 
6,853

 
4,669

 

 
1,692,258

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 
338,622

 
4,362

 

 

 
342,984

Industrial
 
314,225

 
8,817

 
14,991

 

 
338,033

Multifamily
 
412,824

 
920

 
6,654

 

 
420,398

Retail
 
423,842

 
2,740

 
11,594

 

 
438,176

Office
 
229,947

 
8,524

 
7,822

 

 
246,293

Other
 
708,447

 
22,013

 
28,523

 

 
758,983

Construction real estate
 
246,204

 
527

 
337

 

 
247,068

Total
 
$
7,390,916

 
$
233,740

 
$
104,743

 
$

 
$
7,729,399

December 31, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
1,193,114

 
$
26,637

 
$
61,000

 
$
626

 
$
1,281,377

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,486,899

 
553

 
6,736

 

 
1,494,188

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 
189,705

 
21,186

 
2,774

 
3,064

 
216,729

Industrial
 
345,236

 
5,328

 
29,280

 

 
379,844

Multifamily
 
296,179

 
342

 
11,420

 

 
307,941

Retail
 
316,420

 
10,660

 
17,520

 

 
344,600

Office
 
151,393

 
2,682

 
3,927

 

 
158,002

Other
 
217,188

 
349

 
23,047

 

 
240,584

Construction real estate
 
139,847

 
540

 
866

 

 
141,253

Total
 
$
4,335,981

 
$
68,277

 
$
156,570

 
$
3,690

 
$
4,564,518

 
Special mention loans increased as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to special mention loans acquired in the Taylor Capital merger. Approximately $49.1 million and $80.7 million of the substandard and doubtful loans were non-performing as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 

95




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 and covered loans, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Performing
 
Non-performing
 
Total
December 31, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
$
485,976

 
$
17,311

 
$
503,287

Indirect vehicle
 
267,297

 
1,543

 
268,840

Home equity
 
236,739

 
15,170

 
251,909

Other consumer
 
78,132

 
5

 
78,137

Total
 
$
1,068,144

 
$
34,029

 
$
1,102,173

December 31, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
$
301,431

 
$
13,009

 
$
314,440

Indirect vehicle
 
261,173

 
1,459

 
262,632

Home equity
 
257,320

 
10,969

 
268,289

Other consumer
 
66,943

 
9

 
66,952

Total
 
$
886,867

 
$
25,446

 
$
912,313


Non-performing loans increased as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to a group of restructured loans that were less than 90 days past due at time of migration to non-performing during the third quarter of 2014.  

96




The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans, excluding purchased credit-impaired and covered loans, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
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
 
$
9,752

 
$
8,992

 
$
760

 
$

 
$
10,324

 
$

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
2,316

 
2,316

 

 

 
2,569

 
121

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial
 
9,115

 
5,858

 
3,257

 

 
7,870

 

Multifamily
 
1,733

 
1,733

 

 

 
1,928

 
52

Retail
 
2,025

 
813

 
1,212

 

 
3,465

 

Office
 

 

 

 

 
1,127

 

Other
 
1,479

 
1,465

 
14

 

 
5,249

 

Residential real estate
 
1,941

 
1,941

 

 

 
2,740

 

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

 
34

 

Indirect vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity
 
577

 
577

 

 

 
762

 

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
7,987

 
7,987

 

 
2,395

 
14,227

 

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
715

 
715

 

 
105

 
1,515

 
91

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial
 
517

 
513

 
4

 
130

 
4,982

 

Multifamily
 
5,680

 
4,709

 
971

 
996

 
6,354

 
131

Retail
 
9,264

 
7,897

 
1,367

 
720

 
8,547

 

Office
 
4,528

 
2,986

 
1,542

 
545

 
2,833

 

Other
 
12,612

 
12,527

 
85

 
136

 
11,022

 
12

Residential real estate
 
14,234

 
14,234

 

 
3,126

 
14,632

 

Construction real estate
 
2,707

 
337

 
2,370

 
162

 
455

 

Indirect vehicle
 
227

 
227

 

 
14

 
358

 

Home equity
 
25,927

 
25,705

 
222

 
2,153

 
25,672

 

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
113,336

 
$
101,532

 
$
11,804

 
$
10,482

 
$
126,665

 
$
407


 

97




 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
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
 
$
8,903

 
$
8,903

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,259

 
$

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
3,401

 
3,401

 

 

 
1,030

 
6

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 

 

 

 

 
2,698

 

Industrial
 
7,560

 
7,560

 

 

 
8,900

 

Multifamily
 
1,166

 
1,166

 

 

 
758

 
11

Retail
 
4,466

 
4,466

 

 

 
3,628

 

Office
 
559

 
527

 
32

 

 
922

 

Other
 
2,963

 
2,963

 

 

 
4,380

 

Residential real estate
 
4,234

 
4,234

 

 

 
3,260

 

Construction real estate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity
 
577

 
577

 

 

 
797

 

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
8,923

 
8,919

 
4

 
4,284

 
13,476

 
4

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1,060

 
1,060

 

 
144

 
1,279

 
192

Commercial real estate:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 
3,186

 
3,064

 
122

 
382

 
8,189

 

Industrial
 
7,707

 
7,705

 
2

 
3,038

 
3,699

 

Multifamily
 
5,374

 
5,374

 

 
1,661

 
6,443

 
340

Retail
 
14,169

 
12,428

 
1,741

 
1,511

 
12,885

 
280

Office
 
2,442

 
2,442

 

 
791

 
4,045

 

Other
 
20,367

 
17,029

 
3,338

 
796

 
12,868

 
20

Residential real estate
 
13,496

 
12,710

 
786

 
3,119

 
12,966

 
245

Construction real estate
 
475

 
475

 

 
227

 
1,603

 

Indirect vehicle
 
173

 
123

 
50

 
57

 
86

 

Home equity
 
23,840

 
23,395

 
445

 
1,358

 
24,283

 
772

Other consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
135,041

 
$
128,521

 
$
6,520

 
$
17,368

 
$
136,454

 
$
1,870

 
Average impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $126.7 million, $136.5 million and $119.3 million, respectively.  Interest income recognized on impaired loans was $407 thousand, $1.9 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Impaired loans included accruing restructured loans of $15.6 million and $29.4 million that have been modified and are performing in accordance with those modified terms as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In addition, impaired loans included $25.8 million and $25.0 million of non-performing, restructured loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, deferral of past due interest or principal, implementing an A/B note structure, redeeming past due taxes, reduction of interest rates, extending maturities and modification of 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. Programs that we offer to residential real estate borrowers include the Home Affordable Refinance Program (“HARP”) and a restructuring program similar to the Home Affordable Modification Program (“HAMP”) for first mortgage borrowers as well as the Second Lien Modification Program (“2MP”) and similar programs for home equity borrowers in keeping with the restructuring techniques discussed above.

98





Occasionally, the Company will restructure a note into two separate notes (A/B structure), charging off the entire B portion of the note. The A note is structured with appropriate loan-to-value and cash flow coverage ratios that provide for a high likelihood of repayment. The A note is classified as a non-performing note until the borrower has displayed a historical payment performance for a reasonable time prior to and subsequent to the restructuring. A period of sustained repayment for at least six months generally is required to return the note to accrual status provided that management has determined that the performance is reasonably expected to continue. The A note will be classified as a restructured note (either performing or non-performing) through the calendar year of the restructuring that the historical payment performance has been established. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was one A/B structure with a recorded investment of $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which is included above as an accruing restructured loans.

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 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 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 would not be able to meet the modified terms of the loan, the loan would 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 loss process. See Note 1 for additional information. 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 have been restructured during the year ended December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Charge-offs and
Specific Reserves
Performing:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential real estate
 
3
 
$
588

 
$
588

 
$

Indirect vehicle
 
2
 
26

 
26

 

Home equity
 
9
 
2,251

 
2,251

 

Total
 
14
 
$
2,865

 
$
2,865

 
$

Non-Performing:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
1
 
$
263

 
$
263

 
$
85

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Multifamily
 
1
 
158

 
158

 
40

Residential real estate
 
6
 
1,850

 
1,850

 
246

Indirect vehicle
 
53
 
320

 
320

 
88

Home equity
 
27
 
3,813

 
3,813

 
335

Total
 
88
 
$
6,404

 
$
6,404

 
$
794



99




The following table presents loans that have been restructured during the year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded
Investment
 
Charge-offs and
Specific Reserves
Performing:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Multifamily
 
1

 
$
601

 
$
601

 
$

Residential real estate
 
6

 
910

 
910

 

Home equity
 
14

 
2,204

 
2,204

 

Total
 
21

 
$
3,715

 
$
3,715

 
$

Non-Performing:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
2

 
$
1,251

 
$
1,251

 
$
673

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
1

 
3,401

 
3,401

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Healthcare
 
1

 
3,164

 
3,164

 
496

Industrial
 
4

 
2,570

 
2,570

 
1,425

Multifamily
 
2

 
623

 
623

 
169

Retail
 
3

 
862

 
862

 
235

Other
 
1

 
84

 
84

 
23

Residential real estate
 
9

 
1,803

 
1,682

 
121

Indirect vehicle
 
26

 
171

 
129

 
42

Home equity
 
26

 
3,430

 
3,430

 

Total
 
75

 
$
17,359

 
$
17,196

 
$
3,184


Of the troubled debt restructurings entered into during the past twelve months, $188 thousand subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2014.  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, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Performing
 
Non-performing
Beginning balance
 
$
29,430

 
$
24,952

Additions
 
2,865

 
6,404

Charge-offs
 
(451
)
 
(2,840
)
Principal payments, net
 
(2,650
)
 
(3,965
)
Removals
 
(8,574
)
 
(3,576
)
Transfer to other real estate owned
 

 
(221
)
Transfer from non-performing/performing
 
6,407

 
11,424

Transfer to non-performing/performing
 
(11,424
)
 
(6,407
)
Ending balance
 
$
15,603

 
$
25,771


Approximately $6.4 million of non-performing troubled debt restructurings were transferred to performing status. A majority of these loans were identified as non-performing troubled debt restructurings during the first half of 2013 and have performed in accordance with the modified terms. The loans continue to be reported as performing troubled debt restructurings. 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.


100




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, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extended
 
Extended Maturity
 
Extended
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity,
 
and Amortization,
 
Maturity and
 
Delay in
 
 
 
Amortization
 
Delay in Payments
 
Delay in Payments
 
Payments or
 
 
 
and Reduction
 
and Reduction of
 
or Reduction of
 
Reduction of
 
 
 
of Interest Rate
 
Interest Rate
 
Interest Rate
 
Interest Rate
 
Total
Commercial
$

 
$

 
$
263

 
$

 
$
263

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Multifamily

 

 
158

 

 
158

Residential real estate
411

 

 
1,268

 
759

 
2,438

Indirect vehicle

 

 

 
346

 
346

Home equity
2,384

 
878

 
1,211

 
1,591

 
6,064

     Total
$
2,795

 
$
878

 
$
2,900

 
$
2,696

 
$
9,269


Activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
113,462

 
$
128,279

 
$
135,975

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments acquired through business combination
 
1,261

 

 

Utilization of allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 
(637
)
 

 

Provision for credit losses
 
12,052

 
(5,804
)
 
(8,900
)
Charge-offs:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
1,339

 
3,706

 
2,408

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
586

 

 
1,721

Commercial real estate
 
11,438

 
7,517

 
11,377

Residential real estate
 
1,718

 
2,796

 
2,944

Construction real estate
 
79

 
980

 
4,007

Indirect vehicle
 
3,735

 
2,911

 
2,259

Home equity
 
3,383

 
3,692

 
4,551

Other consumer
 
2,467

 
2,073

 
1,349

Total charge-offs
 
24,745

 
23,675

 
30,616

Recoveries:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
3,757

 
3,156

 
3,475

Commercial collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 
939

 
1,131

 
6,720

Commercial real estate
 
4,020

 
6,025

 
16,987

Residential real estate
 
1,190

 
479

 
501

Construction real estate
 
252

 
1,616

 
2,019

Indirect vehicle
 
1,736

 
1,411

 
1,096

Home equity
 
482

 
594

 
671

Other consumer
 
288

 
250

 
351

Total recoveries
 
12,664

 
14,662

 
31,820

Net charge-offs (recoveries)
 
12,081

 
9,013

 
(1,204
)
Allowance for credit losses
 
114,057

 
113,462

 
128,279

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 
(4,031
)
 
(1,716
)
 
(4,075
)
Balance at December 31,
 
$
110,026

 
$
111,746

 
$
124,204

 

101




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, 2014 and 2013 (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, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for credit losses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
$
23,461

 
$
9,159

 
$
51,628

 
$
8,872

 
$
6,856

 
$
1,662

 
$
8,478

 
$
1,630

 
$
1,716

 
$
113,462

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments acquired through business combination
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,261

 
1,261

Utilization of allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(637
)
 
(637
)
Charge-offs
 
1,339

 
586

 
11,438

 
1,718

 
79

 
3,735

 
3,383

 
2,467

 

 
24,745

Recoveries
 
3,757

 
939

 
4,020

 
1,190

 
252

 
1,736

 
482

 
288

 

 
12,664

Provision
 
3,692

 
450

 
(2,384
)
 
(1,698
)
 
1,889

 
2,024

 
3,879

 
2,509

 
1,691

 
12,052

Ending balance
 
$
29,571

 
$
9,962

 
$
41,826

 
$
6,646

 
$
8,918

 
$
1,687

 
$
9,456

 
$
1,960

 
$
4,031

 
$
114,057

Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,395

 
$
105

 
$
2,527

 
$
3,126

 
$
162

 
$
14

 
$
2,153

 
$

 
$
1,348

 
$
11,830

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
26,684

 
9,857

 
38,517

 
3,520

 
8,747

 
1,673

 
7,303

 
1,960

 
2,683

 
100,944

Acquired and accounted for under ASC 310-30 (1)
 
492

 

 
782

 

 
9

 

 

 

 

 
1,283

Total ending allowance balance
 
$
29,571

 
$
9,962

 
$
41,826

 
$
6,646

 
$
8,918

 
$
1,687

 
$
9,456

 
$
1,960

 
$
4,031

 
$
114,057

Loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
16,979

 
$
3,031

 
$
38,501

 
$
16,175

 
$
337

 
$
227

 
$
26,282

 
$

 
$

 
$
101,532

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
3,228,227

 
1,689,227

 
2,506,366

 
487,112

 
246,731

 
268,613

 
225,627

 
78,137

 

 
8,730,040

Acquired and accounted for under ASC 310-30 (1)
 
103,582

 

 
80,378

 
14,138

 
31,068

 

 
138

 
22,341

 

 
251,645

Total ending loans balance
 
$
3,348,788

 
$
1,692,258

 
$
2,625,245

 
$
517,425

 
$
278,136

 
$
268,840

 
$
252,047

 
$
100,478

 
$

 
$
9,083,217

December 31, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for credit losses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
$
24,943

 
$
7,755

 
$
61,056

 
$
6,941

 
$
11,222

 
$
1,324

 
$
9,401

 
$
1,562

 
$
4,075

 
$
128,279

Transfer to (from) allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 

 

 

 

 
500

 

 

 

 
(500
)
 

Charge-offs
 
3,706

 

 
7,517

 
2,796

 
980

 
2,911

 
3,692

 
2,073

 

 
23,675

Recoveries
 
3,156

 
1,131

 
6,025

 
479

 
1,616

 
1,411

 
594

 
250

 

 
14,662

Provision
 
(932
)
 
273

 
(7,936
)
 
4,248

 
(5,502
)
 
1,838

 
2,175

 
1,891

 
(1,859
)
 
(5,804
)
Ending balance
 
$
23,461

 
$
9,159

 
$
51,628

 
$
8,872

 
$
6,856

 
$
1,662

 
$
8,478

 
$
1,630

 
$
1,716

 
$
113,462

Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
4,284

 
$
144

 
$
8,179

 
$
3,119

 
$
227

 
$
57

 
$
1,358

 
$

 
$
689

 
$
18,057

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
18,693

 
9,015

 
41,763

 
5,753

 
6,567

 
1,605

 
7,120

 
1,630

 
1,027

 
93,173

Acquired and accounted for under ASC 310-30 (1)
 
484

 

 
1,686

 

 
62

 

 

 

 

 
2,232

Total ending allowance balance
 
$
23,461

 
$
9,159

 
$
51,628

 
$
8,872

 
$
6,856

 
$
1,662

 
$
8,478

 
$
1,630

 
$
1,716

 
$
113,462

Loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
17,822

 
$
4,461

 
$
64,724

 
$
16,944

 
$
475

 
$
123

 
$
23,972

 
$

 
$

 
$
128,521

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,246,523

 
1,489,727

 
1,582,976

 
293,883

 
140,778

 
262,509

 
244,317

 
66,952

 

 
5,327,665

Acquired and accounted for under ASC 310-30 (1)
 
35,673

 

 
140,504

 
5,448

 
48,313

 

 
107

 
26,320

 

 
256,365

Total ending loans balance
 
$
1,300,018

 
$
1,494,188

 
$
1,788,204

 
$
316,275

 
$
189,566

 
$
262,632

 
$
268,396

 
$
93,272

 
$

 
$
5,712,551


(1)  Loans acquired in the Taylor Capital merger and FDIC-assisted transactions and accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 “Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.”

102




 
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 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 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 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. We anticipate recording a provision for the acquired portfolio in future quarters related to renewing Taylor loans which will largely offset the accretion from the pass rated loans.

In accordance with ASC 310-30, for both purchased non-impaired loans and purchased impaired loans ("PCI loans"), 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 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.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, there was a negative provision for credit losses of $1.3 million and net recoveries of $323 thousand, respectively, in relation to 16 pools of purchased loans with a total carrying amount of $71.7 million as of December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, there was a provision for credit losses of $2.5 million and net recoveries of $218 thousand in relation to 15 pools of purchased loans with a total carrying amount of $195.5 million as of December 31, 2013.  There was $1.3 million in allowance for loan and lease losses related to these purchased loans at December 31, 2014 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2013.  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 310-30 were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
2,337

 
$
5,685

Purchases
 
5,626

 

Accretion
 
(2,098
)
 
(4,456
)
Other
 
1,569

 
1,108

Balance at end of period
 
$
7,434

 
$
2,337

 
In our FDIC-assisted transactions, the fair value of purchased 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.

When cash flow estimates are adjusted downward for a particular loan pool, the FDIC indemnification asset is increased. An allowance for loan and lease losses is established for the impairment of the loans. A provision for credit losses is recognized for the difference between the increase in the FDIC indemnification asset and the decrease in cash flows.


103




When cash flow estimates are adjusted upward for a particular loan pool, the FDIC indemnification asset is decreased. The difference between the decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset and the increase in cash flows is accreted over the estimated life of the loan pool.

When cash flow estimates are adjusted downward for covered foreclosed real estate, the FDIC indemnification asset is increased. A charge is recognized for the difference between the increase in the FDIC indemnification asset and the decrease in cash flows.

When cash flow estimates are adjusted upward for covered foreclosed real estate, the FDIC indemnification asset is decreased. Any write-down after the transfer to covered foreclosed real estate is reversed.

In both scenarios, the clawback liability (the amount the FDIC requires us to pay back if certain thresholds are met) will increase or decrease accordingly.

For other loans acquired through business combinations, the fair value of purchased 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.
 
The carrying amount of covered loans and other purchased non-covered loans at December 31, 2014 consisted of purchased credit-impaired loans and non-credit-impaired loans as shown in the following table (in thousands):

December 31, 2014
 
Purchased
Impaired
Loans
 
Purchased  Non-Impaired
Loans
 
Total
Covered loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial related (1)
 
$
706

 
$
2,099

 
$
2,805

Commercial
 
830

 
309

 
1,139

Commercial real estate
 
20,489

 
16,528

 
37,017

Construction real estate
 
2,512

 
2,085

 
4,597

Other
 
1,877

 
21,622

 
23,499

Total covered loans
 
$
26,414

 
$
42,643

 
$
69,057

Estimated (payable) receivable amount from the FDIC under the loss-share agreement (2)
 
$
(1,850
)
 
$
4,513

 
$
2,663

Non covered loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial related (3)
 
$
4,288

 
$
13,370

 
$
17,658

Commercial loans
 
95,350

 
1,681,908

 
1,777,258

Commercial loans collateralized by assignment of lease payments
 

 
160,299

 
160,299

Commercial real estate
 
43,361

 
926,184

 
969,545

Construction real estate
 
26,471

 
146,567

 
173,038

Other
 
13,118

 
231,921

 
245,039

Total non-covered loans
 
$
182,588

 
$
3,160,249

 
$
3,342,837


(1)
Covered commercial related loans include commercial, commercial real estate and construction real estate loans acquired in connection with the Benchmark FDIC-assisted transactions.
(2)
Estimated reimbursable amounts from the FDIC under the loss-share agreement exclude $303 thousand in reimbursable amounts related to covered other real estate owned.
(3)
Non-covered commercial related loans include commercial, commercial real estate and construction real estate for InBank and Heritage.
 
Outstanding balances on purchased loans from the FDIC were $95.1 million and $273.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The related carrying amount on loans purchased from the FDIC was $91.4 million and $261.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.


104




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 $2.8 million as of December 31, 2014. Any recoveries, net of expenses, received on commercial related loans on which losses were incurred prior to April 1, 2014 will continue to be 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. Effective July 1, 2015, the losses on commercial related loans acquired in connection with Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions will cease to be covered under the loss-share agreements for those transactions. Any recoveries, net of expenses, received on commercial related loans on which losses were incurred prior to January 1, 2015 and July 1, 2015, for the respective transactions, will continue to be covered (and any such net recoveries must be shared with the FDIC in accordance with the loss-share agreements) through December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 for the Benchmark FDIC-assisted transaction and Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions, respectively. The losses on consumer related loans acquired in connection with the Benchmark FDIC-assisted transaction and Broadway and New Century FDIC-assisted transactions will continue to be covered under the loss-share agreements through December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

 
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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Direct finance leases:
 
 

 
 

Minimum lease payments
 
$
340,602

 
$
155,945

Estimated unguaranteed residual values
 
70,469

 
31,272

Less: unearned income
 
(31,229
)
 
(14,473
)
Direct finance leases (1)
 
$
379,842

 
$
172,744

Leveraged leases:
 
 

 
 

Minimum lease payments
 
$
10,689

 
$
24,320

Estimated unguaranteed residual values
 
1,586

 
2,508

Less: unearned income
 
(540
)
 
(1,644
)
Less: related non-recourse debt
 
(10,330
)
 
(23,243
)
Leveraged leases (1)
 
$
1,405

 
$
1,941

Operating leases:
 
 

 
 

Equipment, at cost
 
$
257,495

 
$
218,473

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(94,662
)
 
(87,384
)
Lease investments, net
 
$
162,833

 
$
131,089

 
(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

105




purchases internally, but has some loans at other banks which totaled $38.5 million at December 31, 2014 and $17.5 million at December 31, 2013.
 
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
2015
 
$
122,353

 
$
7,386

 
$
40,624

 
$
170,363

2016
 
97,324

 
2,482

 
29,802

 
129,608

2017
 
66,223

 
642

 
20,461

 
87,326

2018
 
37,231

 
179

 
9,475

 
46,885

2019
 
13,457

 

 
5,143

 
18,600

Thereafter
 
4,014

 

 
3,205

 
7,219

 
 
$
340,602

 
$
10,689

 
$
108,710

 
$
460,001


At December 31, 2014, 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
2015
 
$
8,827

 
$
856

 
$
2,818

 
$
12,501

2016
 
7,597

 
606

 
7,926

 
16,129

2017
 
19,448

 
105

 
10,332

 
29,885

2018
 
14,544

 
19

 
9,265

 
23,828

2019
 
10,551

 

 
7,857

 
18,408

Thereafter
 
9,502

 

 
19,050

 
28,552

 
 
$
70,469

 
$
1,586

 
$
57,248

 
$
129,303

 
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 generally reviewed quarterly, and any write-downs or charge-offs deemed necessary are recorded in the period in which they become known. To mitigate this risk of loss, we usually limit individual leased equipment residuals to approximately $1.0 million per transaction and seek to diversify both the type of equipment leased and the industries in which the lessees participate. Often times, there are several individual lease schedules under one master lease.  There were 3,793 leases at December 31, 2014 compared to 3,590 at December 31, 2013.  The average residual value per lease schedule was approximately $34 thousand at December 31, 2014 and $21 thousand at December 31, 2013.  The average residual value per master lease schedule was approximately $155 thousand at December 31, 2014 and $82 thousand at December 31, 2013.

106




 

Income from lease financing, net was composed of (in thousands):
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Rental income
 
$
64,017

 
$
62,629

 
$
49,473

Equipment maintenance contracts revenue, net of cost of sales
 
16,441

 
11,071

 
14,129

Vendor promotional income
 
8,382

 
7,587

 
4,051

Other lease related revenue
 
2,121

 
1,796

 
167

Gain on sale of lease payments and leased equipment, net of residual write downs
 
12,899

 
12,002

 
4,708

Income on lease investments, gross
 
103,860

 
95,085

 
72,528

Less: depreciation on operating leases
 
(39,550
)
 
(33,842
)
 
(36,146
)
Lease financing, net
 
$
64,310

 
$
61,243

 
$
36,382

 
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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Land and land improvements
 
$
67,630

 
$
67,389

Buildings
 
100,505

 
98,675

Furniture and equipment
 
124,490

 
97,766

Buildings and leasehold improvements
 
59,733

 
55,639

 
 
352,358

 
319,469

Accumulated depreciation
 
(113,981
)
 
(98,404
)
Premises and equipment, net
 
$
238,377

 
$
221,065

 
Depreciation on premises and equipment totaled $20.4 million, $18.1 million, and $16.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.


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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 2014 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, 2014, 2013, or 2012. The carrying amount of goodwill was $711.5 million at December 31, 2014 and $423.4 million December 31, 2013. The increase of $288.2 million in goodwill was due to the Taylor Capital merger. The carrying amount of goodwill at the banking and leasing segments was $670.9 million and $40.6 million, respectively, and none was allocated to the mortgage banking segment at December 31, 2014.
 
The Company has other intangible assets consisting of core deposit and client relationship intangibles that had a remaining weighted average amortization period of approximately five years as of December 31, 2014. The Company recognized a $20.1 million core deposit intangible in 2014 due to the Taylor Capital merger, which is being amortized over 15 years using the declining balance method.
 
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
23,428

 
$
29,512

Amortization expense
 
(5,501
)
 
(6,084
)
Other intangibles from business combinations
 
20,079

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
38,006

 
$
23,428

 
 
 
 
 
Gross carrying amount
 
$
80,371

 
$
60,292

Accumulated amortization
 
(42,365
)
 
(36,864
)
Net book value
 
$
38,006

 
$
23,428


The following presents the estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets (in thousands):
 
Years ending December 31,
Amount
2015
$
5,963

2016
5,157

2017
4,637

2018
4,221

2019
2,743

Thereafter
15,285

 
$
38,006

 

108




Note 9.
Deposits
 
The composition of deposits was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Demand deposit accounts, noninterest bearing
 
$
4,118,256

 
$
2,375,863

NOW and money market accounts
 
3,913,765

 
2,682,419

Savings accounts
 
940,345

 
855,394

Certificates of deposit, $250,000 or more
 
838,928

 
522,094

Other certificates of deposit
 
1,179,648

 
945,489

Total
 
$
10,990,942

 
$
7,381,259

 
Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more included $485.3 million and $224.2 million of brokered deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows (in thousands):
 
2015
$
1,595,106

2016
204,649

2017
96,043

2018
29,585

2019
38,858

Thereafter
54,335

 
$
2,018,576

 
Note 10.
Short-Term Borrowings
 
Short-term borrowings were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
 
Cost
 
Amount
 
Cost
 
Amount
Customer repurchase agreements
 
0.21
%
 
$
219,824

 
0.20
%
 
$
193,389

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
0.13

 
700,000

 
0.17

 
300,000

Federal funds purchased
 
0.14

 
11,591

 

 

 
 
0.15
%
 
$
931,415

 
0.18
%
 
$
493,389

 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 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 had fixed rate Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances with a maturity date less than one year of $700.0 million at December 31, 2014 and $300.0 million at December 31, 2013.  At December 31, 2014, the interest rate on the advances outstanding on that date was 0.13% with maturities from January 2, 2015 to December 11, 2015. 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.


109




On March 9, 2012, the Company entered into a $35.0 million unsecured line of credit with a correspondent bank. Interest is payable at a rate of one month LIBOR + 1.85%. As of December 31, 2014, no amount was outstanding and the line of credit is scheduled to mature on September 7, 2015.

 
Note 11.
Long-term Borrowings
 
The Company had FHLB advances with original contractual maturities greater than one year of $4.2 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the advances had fixed terms with effective interest rates, net of discounts, ranging from 3.23% to 5.87% and maturities ranging from April 2021 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 $38.5 million and $17.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which as of December 31, 2014, were accruing interest at rates ranging from 2.25% to 12.00%.  Lease investments include equipment with an amortized cost of $48.8 million and $25.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that is pledged as collateral on these notes.
 
The Company had a $40.0 million 10-year structured repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, which bears interest at a fixed rate borrowing of 4.75% and expires in 2016.

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

2015
$
17,589

2016
53,147

2017
6,018

2018
1,917

2019
680

Thereafter
3,565

 
$
82,916




110




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 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, 2014 (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


(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, 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, 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 purchase accounting adjustments to such amounts, which in each case resulted in a discount of $7.5 million.
 
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

111




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.

On September 22, 2014, the Company redeemed the junior subordinated notes held by Taylor Capital Trust I and concurrently redeemed all of the issued and outstanding 9.75% TAYC Capital Trust I Preferred Securities. The aggregate liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities was $45.4 million. TAYC Capital Trust I 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 I were assumed by the Company upon completion of the acquisition. As a result, a $1.9 million gain on early extinguishment of this debt was recognized in the third quarter of 2014.

 
Note 13.
Lease Commitments and Rental Expense
 
The Company leases office space for certain branch offices.  At December 31, 2014, the future minimum annual rental commitments for these noncancelable leases and subleases of such space were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Gross
 
Sublease
 
Net
Years ending December 31,
 
Rents
 
Rents
 
Rents
2015
 
$
10,272

 
$
797

 
$
9,475

2016
 
8,329

 
484

 
7,845

2017
 
7,398

 
439

 
6,959

2018
 
5,296

 
414

 
4,882

2019
 
4,680

 
424

 
4,256

Thereafter
 
17,310

 
581

 
16,729

 
 
$
53,285

 
$
3,139

 
$
50,146

 
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, 2014, 2013, and 2012 amounted to $7.4 million, $4.7 million, and $5.4 million, respectively.
 

112




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 2014, 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, 2014 was estimated to be $8.6 million and was $7.0 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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.  Discretionary Company contributions to these plans for the year ended December 31, 2014 were estimated to be approximately $563 thousand.  Contributions to these plans were $643 thousand and $464 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In addition, pursuant to the Company’s agreement entered into with the Company’s 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, 2014, the fair value of the assets held in other publicly traded funds totaled $16.8 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 $829 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 

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Note 15.
Income Taxes
 
The deferred taxes consist of (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Deferred tax asset:
 
 

 
 

Allowance for credit losses
 
$
43,853

 
$
44,418

Federal net operating loss carryforwards
 
12,234

 

State net operating loss carryforwards
 
26,582

 
24,354

Other real estate owned
 
14,229

 
7,878

Stock options and restricted stock
 
5,904

 
5,816

Loans
 
47,668

 
6,833

Deferred compensation
 
10,620

 
8,423

Tax credit carryforwards
 
25,244

 
13,233

Bonus accrual
 
5,595

 
4,739

Merger and non-compete accrual
 

 
623

Other items
 
3,390

 
1,222

Total deferred tax asset
 
195,319

 
117,539

Valuation allowance
 

 

Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance
 
195,319

 
117,539

Deferred tax liability:
 
 

 
 

Equipment leasing
 
(112,524
)
 
(90,941
)
Premises and equipment
 
(18,817
)
 
(27,059
)
Mortgage servicing rights
 
(64,486
)
 
(7
)
Deferred income from FDIC-assisted transactions
 
(45,999
)
 
(48,272
)
Investment securities
 
(1,802
)
 
(5,030
)
FHLB stock dividends
 
(2,652
)
 
(2,441
)
Core deposit intangible
 
(9,118
)
 
(2,918
)
Other items
 
(2,794
)
 
(3,792
)
Total deferred tax liability
 
(258,192
)
 
(180,460
)
Net deferred tax liability
 
(62,873
)
 
(62,921
)
Net unrealized holding gain on investment securities available for sale
 
(13,099
)
 
(5,354
)
Net deferred tax liability
 
$
(75,972
)
 
$
(68,275
)
 
The Company's federal net operating loss carryforwards totaled $35.0 million at December 31, 2014 and begin to expire in 2031 through 2034. The Company’s Illinois net operating loss carryforwards totaled $509.2 million at December 31, 2014 and begin to expire in 2021 through 2029.  In January of 2011, the State of Illinois enacted legislation suspending the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards. For Illinois purposes, no carryover deduction was allowed for any taxable year ending after December 31, 2010 and prior to December 31, 2012, and no carryover deduction could exceed $100,000 for any taxable year ending on or after December 31, 2012 and prior to December 31, 2014. Further, the legislation extended the carryover period for Illinois net operating losses by the number of taxable years in which carryover deductions are disallowed or limited.  The Company's tax credit carryforwards include federal alternative minimum tax credits of $21.4 million with an indefinite carryforward period and general business credits of $3.7 million with expiration dates occurring in 2028 through 2034. Management has determined that is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, including the net operating loss carryforwards, as of December 31, 2014, will be realized and that no valuation allowance is required. The Company also had other state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $12.7 million at December 31, 2014, the majority of which do not begin to expire until after 2021.

 

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Income taxes attributable to continuing operations consist of (in thousands):
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Current expense (benefit):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
 
$
25,270

 
$
12,234

 
$
15,075

State
 
11,971

 
5,576

 
6,225

Foreign
 

 

 

 
 
37,241

 
17,810

 
21,300

Deferred expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
3,122

 
17,245

 
13,688

State
 
(3,170
)
 
4,436

 
1,489

Foreign
 

 

 

 
 
(48
)
 
21,681

 
15,177

 
 
$
37,193

 
$
39,491

 
$
36,477

 
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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Federal income tax expense at expected statutory rate
 
$
43,153

 
$
48,281

 
$
44,398

Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Tax exempt income, net
 
(14,848
)
 
(14,200
)
 
(12,539
)
State tax expense net of federal impact
 
5,721

 
6,508

 
5,014

Non-deductible contingent consideration
 
3,738

 

 

Non-includable increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
(1,120
)
 
(1,111
)
 
(1,177
)
Non-deductible merger expense
 
988

 
591

 

Adjustment of tax contingency reserves
 
(31
)
 
(24
)
 
14

Other items, net
 
(408
)
 
(554
)
 
767

Income tax expense
 
$
37,193

 
$
39,491

 
$
36,477

 
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, 2014 to December 31, 2014 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, 2014
 
$
73

 
$
7

 
$
80

Increases for tax positions of prior years
 

 
6

 
6

Acquisition related increases
 
939

 

 
939

Benefits recognized
 
(31
)
 
(6
)
 
(37
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
981

 
$
7

 
$
988

 
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 2011 tax return year and forward.  The Company’s various state income tax returns are generally open for the 2010 tax return year and forward based on individual state statutes of limitation.  The Company is currently under examination by multiple state taxing authorities. 


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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, 2014 and 2013, the following financial instruments were outstanding, the contractual amounts of which represent off-balance sheet credit risk (in thousands):
 
 
 
Contractual Amount
 
 
2014
 
2013
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 

 
 

Home equity lines
 
$
221,102

 
$
208,581

Other commitments
 
2,643,220

 
1,214,391

Letters of credit:
 
 

 
 

Standby
 
131,810

 
69,556

Commercial
 
2,401

 
708

 
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, 2014, the maximum remaining term for any standby letters of credit matures on September 30, 2030.  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, 2014, 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, increased $63.9 million to $134.2 million from $70.3 million at December 31, 2013.  Of the $134.2 million in commitments outstanding at December 31, 2014, approximately $121.8 million of the letters of credit have been issued or renewed since December 31, 2013.
 
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, 2014, the Company had approximately $1.4 million in capital expenditure commitments outstanding which relate to various projects to renovate existing branches.
 
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, 2014, approximately 27% 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, 2014. 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

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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.  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 are subject as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
As of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, the bank subsidiary must have maintained the total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, 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.
 

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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, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,544,759

 
13.62
%
 
$
907,369

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,473,928

 
13.03

 
904,917

 
8.00

 
$
1,131,146

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
1,430,702

 
12.61
%
 
453,684

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,359,871

 
12.02

 
452,459

 
4.00

 
678,688

 
6.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
1,430,702

 
10.47
%
 
546,766

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
1,359,871

 
9.96

 
545,943

 
4.00

 
682,429

 
5.00
%
As of December 31, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
1,106,541

 
16.53
%
 
$
535,430

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
974,189

 
14.59

 
534,004

 
8.00

 
$
667,505

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
1,022,512

 
15.28
%
 
267,715

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
890,380

 
13.34

 
267,002

 
4.00

 
400,503

 
6.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
1,022,512

 
11.22
%
 
364,587

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

MB Financial Bank
 
890,380

 
9.79

 
363,904

 
4.00

 
454,880

 
5.00
%
 
N/A — not applicable
 
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:


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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.

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 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. We also obtain dealer quotations for these derivatives for comparative purposes to assess the reasonableness of the model valuations. In addition, we use 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. We also offer other derivatives, including foreign currency forward contracts

119




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.
 
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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)
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
65,873

 
$

 
$
65,873

 
$

States and political subdivisions
 
410,854

 

 
410,391

 
463

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
720,563

 

 
720,053

 
510

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
187,662

 

 
187,662

 

Corporate bonds
 
259,203

 

 
259,203

 

Equity securities
 
10,597

 
10,597

 

 

Loans held for sale
 
737,209

 

 
737,209

 

Mortgage servicing rights
 
235,402

 

 

 
235,402

Assets held in trust for deferred compensation
 
16,829

 
16,829

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
46,388

 
1,607

 
39,707

 
5,074

Financial liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities (1)
 
16,483

 
16,483

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
40,499

 
7,209

 
33,290

 

2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government sponsored agencies and enterprises
 
$
52,068

 
$

 
$
52,068

 
$

States and political subdivisions
 
19,143

 

 
19,143

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
701,233

 

 
700,542

 
691

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
52,941

 

 
52,941

 

Corporate bonds
 
283,070

 

 
277,905

 
5,165

Equity securities
 
10,457

 
10,457

 

 

   Loans held for sale
 
629

 

 
629

 

Assets held in trust for deferred compensation
 
10,679

 
10,679

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
18,645

 

 
18,645

 

Financial liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities (1)
 
10,569

 
10,569

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
18,632

 

 
18,632

 

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

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The following table presents 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, 2014
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
$
463

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Credit assumption
 
45% Loss
Residential mortgage-backed securities
510

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant pre-payment rates (CPR)
 
1% - 3%
Mortgage servicing rights
235,402

 
Discounted cash flows
 
CPR
 
4.9% - 26.9%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
9.25 - 16.00
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity (months)
 
36 - 460
 
 
 
 
 
Delinquencies
 
0.00 - 28.57
 
 
 
 
 
Costs to service
 
$ 60 - $ 356
Derivative financial instruments (mortgage
5,074

 
Sales cash flows
 
Expected closing ratio
 
16.90% - 94.00%
   interest rate lock commitments)
 
 
 
 
Expected delivery price
 
98.89 bps - 110.01 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, 2014 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, 2014
Weighted average prepayment speed (CPR)
11.50
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(9,650
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(18,574
)
 
 
Weighted average discount rate
9.41
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(8,998
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(17,356
)
 
 
Weighted average delinquency rate
1.25
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(1,520
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(2,196
)
 
 
Weighted average costs to service
$
70

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
(3,325
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
(6,651
)

The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2014. 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.


121




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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Investment Securities
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
Derivatives
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5,856

 
$
6,071

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Acquired through business combination
 
507

 

 
224,798

 

 
5,922

 

Purchases
 

 

 
1,096

 

 

 

Originations
 

 

 
21,285

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income
 
128

 
(44
)
 
(11,777
)
 

 
(848
)
 

Principal payments
 
(363
)
 
(157
)
 

 

 

 

Impairment charge
 
(92
)
 
(14
)
 

 

 

 

Sales
 
(498
)
 

 

 

 

 

Transferred out of level 3
 
(4,565
)
 

 

 

 

 

Balance, ending of period
 
$
973

 
$
5,856

 
$
235,402

 
$

 
$
5,074

 
$

 
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 (90% at December 31, 2014), 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.



122




Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 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)
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Impaired loans
 
$
61,717

 
$

 
$

 
$
61,717

Non-financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreclosed assets
 
38,619

 

 

 
38,619

2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Impaired loans
 
$
77,497

 
$

 
$

 
$
77,497

Non-financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreclosed assets
 
44,601

 

 

 
44,601

 
The following table presents additional information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of 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, 2014
 
Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
61,717

 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Appraisal adjustments - sales costs
 
5% - 10%
Foreclosed assets
38,619

 
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, interest earning deposits with banks and federal funds sold: 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.

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.


123




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.
 
The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
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
 
$
256,804

 
$
256,804

$
256,804

$

$

   Interest bearing deposits with banks
 
55,277

 
55,277

55,277



   Investment securities available for sale
 
1,654,752

 
1,654,752

10,597

1,643,182

973

   Investment securities held to maturity
 
993,380

 
1,035,061


1,035,061


   Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
75,569

 
75,569



75,569

   Loans held for sale
 
737,209

 
737,209


737,209


   Loans, net
 
8,973,191

 
8,956,494



8,956,494

   Accrued interest receivable
 
49,065

 
49,065

49,065



   Derivative financial instruments
 
46,388

 
46,388

1,607

39,707

5,074

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
4,118,256

 
$
4,118,256

$
4,118,256

$

$

   Interest bearing deposits
 
6,872,686

 
6,877,349



6,877,349

   Short-term borrowings
 
931,415

 
931,416



931,416

   Long-term borrowings
 
82,916

 
86,025



86,025

   Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
185,778

 
122,408



122,408

   Accrued interest payable
 
3,709

 
3,709

3,709



   Derivative financial instruments
 
40,499

 
40,499

7,209

33,290




124




 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
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
 
$
205,193

 
$
205,193

$
205,193

$

$

Interest bearing deposits with banks
 
268,266

 
268,266

268,266



Federal funds sold
 
42,950

 
42,950

42,950



Investment securities available for sale
 
1,118,912

 
1,118,912

10,457

1,102,599

5,856

Investment securities held to maturity
 
1,182,533

 
1,198,929


1,198,929


Non-marketable securities - FHLB and FRB stock
 
51,417

 
51,417



51,417

Loans held for sale
 
629

 
629


629


Loans, net
 
5,600,805

 
5,583,759



5,583,759

Accrued interest receivable
 
36,593

 
36,593

36,593



Derivative financial instruments
 
18,645

 
18,645


18,645


Financial Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
2,375,863

 
$
2,375,863

$
2,375,863

$

$

Interest bearing deposits
 
5,005,396

 
5,012,928



5,012,928

Short-term borrowings
 
493,389

 
493,384



493,384

Long-term borrowings
 
62,159

 
66,301



66,301

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
152,065

 
101,247



101,247

Accrued interest payable
 
2,042

 
2,042

2,042



Derivative financial instruments
 
18,632

 
18,632


18,632



125




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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Total cost of share-based payment plans during the year
 
$
8,974

 
$
5,456

 
$
4,806

Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income
 
$
3,528

 
$
2,159

 
$
1,918

 
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. Following May 28, 2014, no more than 10% of the total number of authorized shares 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 not 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, 2014, there were 6,243,194 shares available for future grants.
 
Prior to 2014, annual equity-based incentive awards were typically granted to selected officers and employees mid-year. In 2014, these awards began being granted 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, 2014:
 
 
 
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, 2013
 
2,443,752

 
$
27.57

 
4.71
 
 

Granted
 
231,977

 
29.63

 
 
 
 

Exercised
 
(211,339
)
 
19.88

 
 
 
 

Expired or cancelled
 
(177,125
)
 
35.78

 
 
 
 

Forfeited
 
(36,551
)
 
22.33

 
 
 
 

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2014
 
2,250,714

 
$
27.94

 
4.39
 
$
13,820

Options exercisable as of December 31, 2014
 
1,689,055

 
$
29.00

 
3.20
 
$
9,263

 
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.

126





The following assumptions were used for options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:

 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.82
%
 
1.92
%
 
1.02
%
Expected volatility of Company’s stock
 
23.16
%
 
25.18
%
 
27.17
%
Expected dividend yield
 
1.65
%
 
1.73
%
 
2.00
%
Expected life of options (years)
 
5.5
 
5.6
 
5.7
Weighted average fair value per option of options granted during the year
 
$
5.93

 
$
5.88

 
$
4.23

 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $2.0 million, $1.3 million, and $203 thousand, respectively.
 
The following is a summary of changes in restricted shares and units for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares and Units Outstanding at December 31, 2013
 
685,719

 
$
22.59

Granted
 
443,375

 
29.23

Vested
 
(305,504
)
 
20.53

Forfeited
 
(22,505
)
 
24.92

Shares and Units Outstanding at December 31, 2014
 
801,085

 
$
26.99

 
The total intrinsic value of restricted shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $8.6 million, $5.8 million, and $6.2 million, respectively.

The Company issued 48,569, 56,752 and 65,333 market-based restricted stock units in 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 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 of issuance.

The Company issued 92,717 shares of market-based restricted stock in 2011.  The market component of the vesting terms for the award requires that, for ten consecutive trading days, the closing price of the Company’s stock be at least $27.00.  The market component for this award has been satisfied and vested in full in the third quarter of 2014, on the third anniversary of the grant date. A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to value the market-based restricted stock awards at the time of issuance.
 
As of December 31, 2014, there was $17.4 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, 2014, the weighted-average period over which the unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized was approximately 2.3 years.

127




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 for December 31, 2014 was approximately $1.1 million, and the net amount payable for December 31, 2013 was approximately $25 thousand.  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, 2014, the Company’s credit exposure relating to interest rate swaps was approximately $11.2 million, which is 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 $197 thousand at December 31, 2014.  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 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.
 
The Company’s derivative financial instruments are summarized below as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
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)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
197

 
$
(15
)
 
$
238

 
$
(23
)
Stand-alone derivative instruments: (2)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
1,509,930

 
37,039

 
550,883

 
17,298

 
2,001,787

 
(30,761
)
 
551,798

 
(17,350
)
Interest rate options contracts
 
55,830

 
283

 
83,907

 
323

 
55,830

 
(283
)
 
84,953

 
(323
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
27,402

 
2,276

 
31,361

 
1,006

 
27,002

 
(2,109
)
 
47,760

 
(935
)
Spot foreign exchange contracts
 
512

 
5

 

 

 
304

 
(18
)
 

 

Mortgage related derivatives
 
871,446

 
6,785

 
1,783

 
18

 
879,841

 
(7,313
)
 
250

 
(1
)
Total non-hedging derivative instruments
 
2,465,120

 
46,388

 
667,934

 
18,645

 
2,964,764

 
(40,484
)
 
684,761

 
(18,609
)
Total
 
$
2,465,120

 
$
46,388

 
$
667,934

 
$
18,645

 
$
2,964,961

 
$
(40,499
)
 
$
684,999

 
$
(18,632
)

(1) Hedged fixed-rate commercial real estate loans
(2) These portfolio swaps are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC Topic 815.

128




 
Amounts included in the other income in the consolidated statements of operations related to derivative financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivative instruments designated as hedges of fair value:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
8

 
$
9

 
$
(15
)
Stand-alone derivative instruments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
2,458

 
40

 
30

Interest rate options contracts
 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts
 
96

 
(30
)
 
67

Spot foreign exchange contracts
 
(14
)
 

 

Mortgage related derivatives
 
(965
)
 
(109
)
 
96

Total non-hedging derivative instruments
 
1,575

 
(99
)
 
193

Total
 
$
1,583

 
$
(90
)
 
$
178

 
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.

Information about the Company's financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 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
 
$
10,727

 
$

 
$
10,727

 
$
29,916

 
$

 
$
29,916

   Foreign currency forward contracts
 
1,525

 

 
1,525

 
709

 

 
709

   Mortgage banking derivatives
 
1,700

 

 
1,700

 
7,302

 

 
7,302

     Total derivatives
 
13,952

 

 
13,952

 
37,927

 

 
37,927

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 
219,824

 

 
219,824

   Total
 
$
13,952

 
$

 
$
13,952

 
$
257,751

 
$

 
$
257,751


 
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Counterparty A
 
$
13

 
$
(13
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
9,556

 
$
(13
)
 
$
(9,543
)
 
$

   Counterparty B
 
145

 
(145
)
 

 

 
3,736

 
(145
)
 
(3,591
)
 

   Counterparty C
 
6,123

 
(6,123
)
 

 

 
10,335

 
(6,122
)
 
(4,213
)
 

   Other counterparties
 
7,671

 
(3,920
)
 

 
3,751

 
14,300

 
(3,920
)
 
(8,663
)
 
1,717

     Total derivatives
 
13,952

 
(10,201
)
 

 
3,751

 
37,927

 
(10,200
)
 
(26,010
)
 
1,717

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 

 
219,824

 

 
(219,824
)
 

   Total
 
$
13,952

 
$
(10,201
)
 
$

 
$
3,751

 
$
257,751

 
$
(10,200
)
 
$
(245,834
)
 
$
1,717


129





Information about the Company's financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 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
 
$
5,792

 
$

 
$
5,792

 
$
11,904

 
$

 
$
11,904

   Foreign currency forward contracts
 
80

 

 
80

 
848

 

 
848

   Mortgage banking derivatives
 
3

 

 
3

 
1

 

 
1

     Total derivatives
 
5,875

 

 
5,875

 
12,753

 

 
12,753

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 
193,389

 

 
193,389

   Total
 
$
5,875

 
$

 
$
5,875

 
$
206,142

 
$

 
$
206,142


 
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
 
Net Amount Recognized
 
Financial Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net Amount
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Counterparty A
 
$
883

 
$
(883
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
10,669

 
$
(883
)
 
$
(9,786
)
 
$

   Counterparty B
 
1,836

 
(412
)
 

 
1,424

 
412

 
(412
)
 

 

   Counterparty C
 
2,380

 
(1,612
)
 

 
768

 
1,612

 
(1,612
)
 

 

   Other counterparties
 
776

 
(5
)
 

 
771

 
60

 
(5
)
 

 
55

     Total derivatives
 
5,875

 
(2,912
)
 

 
2,963

 
12,753

 
(2,912
)
 
(9,786
)
 
55

Repurchase agreements
 

 

 

 

 
193,389

 

 
(193,389
)
 

   Total
 
$
5,875

 
$
(2,912
)
 
$

 
$
2,963

 
$
206,142

 
$
(2,912
)
 
$
(203,175
)
 
$
55





130




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 and deposit gathering 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 its 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 customers and depositors.  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 offered through the Company's leasing subsidiaries, LaSalle Systems Leasing, Inc., Celtic Leasing Corp. and Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, LLC. The leasing subsidiaries invest directly in equipment that we lease (referred to as direct finance, leveraged or operating leases) to "Fortune 1000," large middle-market companies and healthcare 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 subsidiaries also specialize in selling third party equipment maintenance contracts to large companies.

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

Net interest income for the leasing segment includes adjustments based on the Company's internal funds transfer pricing model as well as interest on loans originated for the sole purpose of funding equipment purchases related to leases at the Company's lease subsidiaries. The provision for credit losses and non-interest expense for the leasing segment includes adjustments for internal allocations of certain expenses.


131




The following table presents summary financial information for the reportable segments (in thousands):
 
Banking
 
Leasing
 
Mortgage Banking
 
Consolidated
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
328,326

 
$
12,783

 
$
9,714

 
$
350,823

Provision for credit losses
12,022

 
35

 
(5
)
 
12,052

Non-interest income
115,411

 
59,806

 
46,088

 
221,305

Non-interest expense (1)
350,358

 
39,525

 
46,899

 
436,782

Income tax expense
21,106

 
12,524

 
3,563

 
37,193

Net income
$
60,251


$
20,505

 
$
5,345

 
$
86,101

Total assets
$
12,698,740

 
$
930,748

 
$
972,611

 
$
14,602,099

Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
267,131

 
$
5,205

 
$

 
$
272,336

Provision for credit losses
(6,167
)
 
363

 

 
(5,804
)
Non-interest income
92,936

 
59,794

 
1,664

 
154,394

Non-interest expense (1)
259,753

 
34,835

 

 
294,588

Income tax expense
28,201

 
11,290

 

 
39,491

Net income
$
78,280

 
$
18,511

 
$
1,664

 
$
98,455

Total assets
$
9,167,127

 
$
474,300

 
$

 
$
9,641,427

Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
290,881

 
$
1,907

 
$

 
$
292,788

Provision for credit losses
(9,035
)
 
135

 

 
(8,900
)
Non-interest income
93,124

 
33,744

 
2,325

 
129,193

Non-interest expense
284,452

 
19,578

 

 
304,030

Income tax expense
30,780

 
5,697

 

 
36,477

Net income
$
77,808

 
$
10,241

 
$
2,325

 
$
90,374

Total assets
$
9,187,480

 
$
384,325

 
$

 
$
9,571,805


(1) 
Includes merger related expenses of $34.8 million and $2.5 million in the banking segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Also, includes contingent consideration expense related to our acquisition of Celtic Leasing Corp. in the banking segment for the year ended December 31, 2014.


132




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,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
32,161

 
$
122,001

Investments in subsidiaries
 
2,143,408

 
1,340,641

Other assets
 
38,941

 
24,505

Total assets
 
$
2,214,510

 
$
1,487,147

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

Junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
$
185,778

 
$
152,065

Other liabilities
 
446

 
8,400

Stockholders’ equity
 
2,028,286

 
1,326,682

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,214,510

 
$
1,487,147

 
Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
101,500

 
$
80,500

 
$
146,000

Interest and other income
 
3,097

 
4,215

 
1,682

Interest and other expense
 
14,636

 
7,143

 
7,117

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
89,961

 
77,572

 
140,565

Income tax benefit
 
(4,590
)
 
(1,223
)
 
(2,192
)
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
94,551

 
78,795

 
142,757

Equity in undistributed net (loss) income of subsidiaries
 
(8,450
)
 
19,660

 
(52,383
)
Net income
 
86,101

 
98,455

 
90,374

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred shares
 
4,000

 

 
3,269

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
82,101

 
$
98,455

 
$
87,105


133





Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
86,101

 
$
98,455

 
$
90,374

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

 
 

 
 

Compensation expense for share-based payment plans
 
8,974

 
5,456

 
4,806

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 
8,450

 
(19,660
)
 
52,383

Change in other assets and other liabilities
 
(8,980
)
 
(1,460
)
 
(5,064
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
94,545

 
82,791

 
142,499

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net decrease in loans
 

 
6,960

 
21,010

Net cash paid in business acquisition
 
(101,546
)
 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(101,546
)
 
6,960

 
21,010

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Treasury stock transactions, net
 
(2,690
)
 
(1,672
)
 
(249
)
Stock options exercised
 
1,034

 
1,014

 
154

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 
396

 
(325
)
 
(390
)
Dividends paid on common stock
 
(34,210
)
 
(24,070
)
 
(7,101
)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
 
(2,000
)
 

 
(3,239
)
Repurchase of preferred stock and warrant
 

 

 
(197,518
)
Redemption of on junior subordinated notes issued to capital trusts
 
(45,369
)
 

 
(6,186
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(82,839
)
 
(25,053
)
 
(214,529
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash
 
(89,840
)
 
64,698

 
(51,020
)
Cash:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
122,001

 
57,303

 
108,323

End of year
 
$
32,161

 
$
122,001

 
$
57,303


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 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 share, at a rate of 8.00% per annum, payable quarterly. The Company Series A Preferred Stock is included in Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes.



134




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, 2014 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, 2014, 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, 2014, 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.


135





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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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, 2014 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
 
2,620,784

 
$
27.94

 
6,243,194

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total
 
2,620,784

 
$
27.94

 
6,243,194

 
(1) Includes 170,654 shares underlying market-based restricted stock units and 192,481 shares underlying 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 1,550 shares underlying stock options and 6,935 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 not scheduled to fully vest prior to three years from the date of grant

136




(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).
 
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 2015 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 2015 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.


137





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
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
February 27, 2015
 
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 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Jill E. York
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Jill E. York
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
February 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Thomas H. Harvey*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Thomas H. Harvey
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/David P. Bolger*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
David P. Bolger
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/C. Bryan Daniels*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
C. Bryan Daniels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Charles J. Gries*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Charles J. Gries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/James N. Hallene*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
James N. Hallene
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Richard J. Holmstrom*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Richard J. Holmstrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Karen J. May*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Karen J. May
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Ronald D. Santo*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Ronald D. Santo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Jennifer W. Steans*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Jennifer W. Steans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Renee Togher*
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Renee Togher
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*By:
/s/Mitchell Feiger
 
Attorney-in-Fact
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


138




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2013, by and among the Registrant and Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2013 (File No.0-24566-01))

 
 
 
2.2
 
Amendment, dated as of June 30, 3014, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2013, by and between the Registrant and Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014 (File No.0-24566-01))
 
 
 
2.3
 
Letter Agreement, dated as of June 30, 3014, by and between the Registrant and Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014 (File No.0-24566-01))
 
 
 
2.4
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 1, 2006, by and among the Registrant, MBFI Acquisition Corp. and First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. (“First Oak Brook”)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2006 (File No.0-24566-01))
 
 
 
2.5
 
Purchase and Assumption Agreement among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Corus Bank, National Association, Chicago, Illinois, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and MB Financial Bank, N.A., dated as of September 11, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010 (File No.0-24566-01))
 
 
 
2.6
 
Purchase and Assumption Agreement among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Broadway Bank, Chicago, Illinois, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and MB Financial Bank, N.A., dated as of April 23, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
2.7
 
Purchase and Assumption Agreement among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of New Century Bank, Chicago, Illinois, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and MB Financial Bank, N.A., dated as of April 23, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
3.1
 
Charter of the Registrant, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 (File No. 001-36599)).
 
 
 
3.1A
 
Articles Supplementary to the Charter of the Registrant for the Registrant’s Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on August 14, 2014 (File No.001-36599))
 
 
 
3.2
 
Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended*
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


139





EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Letter Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2008, between the Registrant and the United States Department of the Treasury (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 8, 2008 (File No.0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Mitchell Feiger (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.4
 
Form of Change and Control Severance Agreement between MB Financial Bank, National Association and Jill E. York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.4B
 
Form of Change and Control Severance Agreement between MB Financial Bank, National Association and each of Larry J. Kallembach, Brian Wildman, Rosemarie Bouman and Susan Peterson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4B to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.4C
 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between MB Financial Bank, National Association and each of Mark A. Heckler and Edward F. Milefchik (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4C to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.4D

 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between MB Financial Bank, National Association and each of Randall T. Conte, Michael J. Morton, Lawrence G. Ryan and Michael D. Sharkey (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4D to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 (File No. 001-36599)).
 
 
 
10.5
 
Form of Letter Agreement dated December 4, 2008 between MB Financial, Inc. and each of Mitchell Feiger, Jill E. York, Burton Field, Larry J. Kallembach, Brian Wildman, Rosemarie Bouman, and Susan Peterson relating to the TARP Capital Purchase Program (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.5A
 
Form of Compensation Amendment and Waiver Agreement under the TARP Capital Purchase Program between MB Financial, Inc. and certain employees (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5A to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.5B
 
Form of Compensation Amendment and Waiver Agreement under the TARP Capital Purchase Program between MB Financial, Inc. and each of Mark A. Heckler and Edward F. Milefchik (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5B to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.7
 
MB Financial, Inc. Third Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed on April 11, 2014 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

140




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.8
 
MB Financial Stock Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.9
 
MB Financial Non-Stock Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.10
 
Avondale Federal Savings Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MB Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (then known as Avondale Financial Corp.) for the year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 0-24566))
 
 
 
10.11
 
Agreement Regarding Salary Adjustment and Portion of Salary Payable by Stock, dated as of December 21, 2009, between MB Financial, Inc. and Mitchell Feiger (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.11A
 
Form of Agreement Regarding Salary Adjustment and Portion of Salary Payable by Stock between MB Financial, Inc. and Rosemarie Bouman, Burton J. Field, Mark A. Heckler, Larry J. Kallembach, Edward F. Milefchik, Susan G. Peterson and Brian J. Wildman (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11A to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.12
 
Agreement Regarding Salary Adjustment and Portion of Salary Payable by Stock, dated as of December 21, 2009, between MB Financial, Inc. and Jill E. York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.13
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between MB Financial Bank, N.A. and Ronald D. Santo (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2004 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.13A
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between MB Financial Bank, N.A. and Ronald D. Santo ((incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13A to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 2, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.15
 
Tax Gross Up Agreements between the Registrant and each of Mitchell Feiger, Jill E. York, Larry J. Kallembach, Brian Wildman, and Susan Peterson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.15A
 
Tax Gross Up Agreement between the Registrant and Rosemarie Bouman (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15A to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.16
 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 


141




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.17
 
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.18
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Executive Officers under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.18A
 
Amendment to Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement and Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Executive Officers under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18A to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.18B
 
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Agreement for Executive Officers under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18B to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.18C
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for grants on December 2, 2009 to Mitchell Feiger, Jill E. York and Burton J. Field (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18C to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2009 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.19
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Directors under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.20
 
First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the definitive proxy statement filed by First Oak Brook on March 30, 2004 (File No. 0-14468))
 
 
 
10.20A
 
Amendment to First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan ((incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20A to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 2, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.21
 
First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the definitive proxy statement filed by First Oak Brook on April 2, 2001 (File No. 0-14468))
 
 
 
10.21A
 
Amendment to First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan ((incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21A to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 2, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.22
 
First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. Directors Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by First Oak Brook on October 25, 1999 (File No. 333-89647))
 
 
 
10.22A
 
Amendment to First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. Directors Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22A to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 filed on May 15, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.23
 
Letter Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and among the Registrant and certain principal stockholders of Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014 (File No.0-24566-01))
 
 
 



142




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.23A
 
Supplemental Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2014, by and among the Registrant, MB Financial Bank, N.A., and Jennifer W. Steans, as representative of certain principal stockholders of Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2014 (File No.001-36599))

 
 
 
10.23B
 
Escrow Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2014, by and among MB Financial Bank, N.A., Jennifer W. Steans, as representative of certain principal stockholders of Taylor Capital Group, Inc., and The Northern Trust Company, as escrow agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2014 (File No.001-36599))

 
 
 
10.24
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2013 by and between the Registrant, MB Financial Bank, N.A. and Mark A. Hoppe (included as Exhibit E to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2013, by and between the Registrant and Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2013 (File No.0-24566-01)))
 
 
 
10.25
 
Taylor Capital Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Taylor Capital Group, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 000-50034))
 
 
 
10.25A
 
Trust Under Taylor Capital Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Taylor Capital Group, Inc. filed May 24, 2002 (Registration No. 333-89158))
 
 
 
10.25B
 
Amendment to the Taylor Capital Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25B to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 (File No. 001-36599)).
 
 
 
10.26
 
Taylor Capital Group, Inc. Senior Officer Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Taylor Capital Group, Inc. for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 000-50034))
 
 
 
10.26A
 
Amendment to the Taylor Capital Group, Inc. Senior Officer Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26A to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 (File No. 001-36599)).
 
 
 
10.27
 
First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to First Oak Brook’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 0-14468))
 
 
 
10.27A
 
Amendment to First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27A to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 filed on May 15, 2007)
 
 
 
10.29
 
Form of Transitional Employment Agreement between the Registrant (as successor to First Oak Brook) and Rosemarie Bouman (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to First Oak Brook’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 0-14468))
 
 
 
10.29A
 
First Amendment to Transitional Employment Agreement between the Registrant (as successor to First Oak Brook) and Rosemarie Bouman ((incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28A to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed March 2, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))

143




 
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.29B
 
Second Amendment to Transitional Employment Agreement between the Registrant (as successor to First Oak Brook) and Rosemarie Bouman ((incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28B to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed March 2, 2007 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.30
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2012 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.31
 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Management Committee) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2012 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.32
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Management Committee) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2012 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
10.32A
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Management Committee) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32A to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2012 (File No. 0-24566-01))
 
 
 
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant*
 
 
 
23
 
Consent of McGladrey LLP*
 
 
 
24
 
Power of Attorney*
 
 
 
31.1
 
Rule 13a — 14(a)/15d — 14(a) Certification (Chief Executive Officer)*
 
 
 
31.2
 
Rule 13a — 14(a)/15d — 14(a) Certification (Chief Financial Officer)*
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications*
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial statements from the MB Financial, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, 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

144