Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Chemical Financial Corporation ("Corporation" or "Chemical") operates in a single operating segment — commercial banking. The Corporation is a financial holding company, headquartered in Midland, Michigan, that operates through one commercial bank, Chemical Bank. Chemical Bank operates within Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as a state-chartered commercial bank. Chemical Bank operates through an internal organizational structure of seven regional banking units and offers a full range of traditional banking and fiduciary products and services to the residents and business customers in the bank's geographical market areas. The products and services offered by the regional banking units, through branch banking offices, are generally consistent throughout the Corporation, as is the pricing of those products and services. The marketing of products and services throughout the Corporation's regional banking units is generally uniform, as many of the markets served by the regional banking units overlap. The distribution of products and services is uniform throughout the Corporation's regional banking units and is achieved primarily through retail branch banking offices, automated teller machines and electronically accessed banking products.

The Corporation's primary sources of revenue are interest from its loan products and investment securities, service charges and fees from customer deposit accounts, wealth management revenue and mortgage banking revenue.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S.generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and interpretive releases and prevailing practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation include the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the determination of the allowance for loan losses, expected cash flows from acquired loans, fair value amounts related to business combinations, pension expense, income taxes, goodwill impairment and those assets that require fair value measurement. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Business Combinations

Pursuant to the guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), the Corporation recognizes assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and the liabilities assumed in acquisitions at their fair values as of the acquisition date, with the acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs expensed in the period incurred.

On August 31, 2016, the Corporation acquired all the outstanding stock of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. ("Talmer") for total consideration of $1.61 billion, which included stock consideration of $1.50 billion and cash consideration of $107.6 million. The Corporation recorded $846.7 million of goodwill in conjunction with the merger, which represented the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Additionally, the Corporation recorded $19.1 million of core deposit intangible assets in conjunction with the acquisition related to total deposits acquired of $5.29 billion.

ASC 805 affords a measurement period beyond the acquisition date that allows the Corporation the opportunity to finalize the acquisition accounting in the event that new information is identified that existed as of the acquisition date but was not known by the Corporation at that time. The Corporation anticipates that measurement period adjustments may arise from adjustments to the fair values of assets and liabilities recognized at the acquisition date for its August 31, 2016 merger with Talmer, as additional information is obtained, such as appraisals of collateral securing loans and other borrower information. In the event that a measurement period adjustment is identified, the Corporation will recognize the adjustment as part of its acquisition accounting, which may result in an adjustment to goodwill being recorded in the period the adjustment was identified.

See Note 2 for further information regarding the Corporation's mergers and acquisitions.     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and interest-bearing deposits held at the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB").

Investment Securities

Investment securities include investments in debt, trust preferred and preferred stock securities. Investment securities are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320"), which requires investments to be classified within one of three categories (trading, held-to-maturity or available-for-sale). The Corporation held no trading investment securities at December 31, 2016 or 2015.

Designation as an investment security held-to-maturity is based on the Corporation's intent and ability to hold the security to maturity. Investment securities held-to-maturity are stated at cost, adjusted for purchase price premiums and discounts. Investment securities that are not held-to-maturity are accounted for as securities available-for-sale, and are stated at estimated fair value, with the aggregate unrealized gains and losses, not deemed other-than-temporary, classified as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities and other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges are determined using the specific identification method and are included within noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized over the estimated lives of the related investment securities based on the effective interest yield method and are included in interest income in the consolidated statements of income.

The Corporation assesses equity and debt securities that have fair values below amortized cost basis to determine whether declines (impairment) are other-than-temporary. If the Corporation intends to sell an impaired security or it is more-likely-than-not that the Corporation will be required to sell an impaired security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost, an OTTI write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value. If the Corporation does not intend to sell an impaired security and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Corporation would be required to sell an impaired security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the recognition of the impairment is bifurcated if a credit loss is deemed to have occurred. For a security where the impairment is bifurcated, the impairment is separated into an amount representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. In assessing whether OTTI exists, 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, (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry or sub-sector and (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographical locations.

Nonmarketable Equity Securities

The Corporation is required to hold non-marketable equity securities, comprised of Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLB") and FRB stock, as a condition of membership. These securities are accounted for at cost, which equals par or redemption value. These securities do not have a readily determinable fair value as their ownership is restricted and there is no market for these securities. These securities can only be redeemed or sold at their par value and only to the respective issuing government supported institution or to another member institution. FHLB stock can only be redeemed upon giving five-years written notice and FRB stock can only be redeemed upon giving six months written notice, with no more than 25.0% eligible for redemption in any calendar year. The Corporation records these non-marketable equity securities as a component of other assets and they are periodically evaluated for impairment. Management considers these non-marketable equity securities to be long-term investments. Accordingly, when evaluating these securities for impairment, management considers the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than recognizing temporary declines in value, if applicable. The Corporation's ownership of FHLB stock totaled $58.0 million at December 31, 2016 and $23.9 million at December 31, 2015. The Corporation's ownership of FRB stock totaled $39.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $13.0 million at December 31, 2015.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage and construction loans intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value based on the Corporation's election of the fair value option. The fair value includes the servicing value of the loans as well as any accrued interest. These loans are sold both with servicing rights retained and with servicing rights released.

Originated Loans

Originated loans include all of the Corporation's portfolio loans, excluding loans acquired in business combinations, as further discussed below. Originated loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income, charge-offs and unamortized deferred fees and costs. Loan interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Deferred loan fees and costs are amortized over the loan term based on the level-yield method. Net loan commitment fees are deferred and amortized into fee income on a straight-line basis over the commitment period.

The past due status of a loan is based on the loan's contractual terms. A loan is placed in nonaccrual status (accrual of interest is discontinued) when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection, or earlier when, in the opinion of management, there is sufficient reason to doubt the collectibility of principal or interest. Interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed and charged against interest income at the time the loan is placed in nonaccrual status. Subsequent receipts of interest while a loan is in nonaccrual status are recorded as a reduction of principal. Loans are returned to accrual status when principal and interest payments are brought current, payments have been received consistently for a period of time (generally six months) and collectibility is no longer in doubt.

Loans Acquired in a Business Combination

Loans acquired in a business combination ("acquired loans") consist of loans acquired on August 31, 2016 in the merger with Talmer, on May 31, 2015 in the acquisition of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation ("Lake Michigan"), on April 1, 2015 in the acquisition of Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. ("Monarch"), on October 31, 2014 in the acquisition of Northwestern Bancorp, Inc. ("Northwestern"), and on April 30, 2010 in the acquisition of O.A.K. Financial Corporation ("OAK"). Acquired loans were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, without a carryover of the associated allowance for loan losses related to these loans.

The Corporation accounts for acquired loans, which are recorded at fair value at acquisition, in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality ("ASC 310-30"). ASC 310-30 allows investors to aggregate loans acquired into loan pools that have common risk characteristics and thereby use a composite interest rate and expectation of cash flows expected to be collected for the loan pools. Under the provisions of ASC 310-30, the Corporation aggregated acquired loans into pools within each merger or acquisition based upon common risk characteristics, including types of loans, commercial type loans with similar risk grades and whether loans were performing or nonperforming. A pool is considered a single unit of accounting for the purposes of applying the guidance prescribed in ASC 310-30. A loan will be removed from a pool of acquired loans only if the loan is sold, foreclosed, paid off or written off, and will be removed from the pool at the carrying value. If an individual loan is removed from a pool of loans, the difference between its relative carrying amount and the cash, fair value of the collateral, or other assets received would not affect the effective yield used to recognize the accretable difference on the remaining pool. The estimate of expected credit losses was determined based on due diligence performed by executive and senior officers of the Corporation, with assistance from third-party consultants. The Corporation estimated the cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the pools of loans at acquisition and estimates expected cash flows quarterly thereafter, based on a set of assumptions including expectations as to default rates, prepayment rates and loss severities. The Corporation must make numerous assumptions, interpretations and judgments using internal and third-party credit quality information to determine whether it is probable that the Corporation will be able to collect all contractually required payments. This is a point in time assessment and inherently subjective due to the nature of the available information and judgment involved.

The calculation of the fair value of the acquired loan pools entails estimating the amount and timing of cash flows attributable to both principal and interest expected to be collected on such loan pools and then discounting those cash flows at market interest rates. The excess of a loan pool's expected cash flows at the acquisition date over its estimated fair value is referred to as the "accretable yield," which is recognized into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loan pool on a level-yield basis. The difference between a loan pool's contractually required principal and interest payments at the acquisition date and the cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date is referred to as the "nonaccretable difference," which includes an estimate of future credit losses expected to be incurred over the estimated life of the loan pool and interest payments that are not expected to be collected. Decreases to the expected cash flows in each loan pool in subsequent periods will require the Corporation to record a provision for loan losses and establish an allowance for loan loss. Improvements in expected cash flows in each loan pool in subsequent periods will result in reversing a portion of the nonaccretable difference, which is then classified as part of the accretable yield and subsequently recognized into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loan pool.

Loans Modified Under Troubled Debt Restructurings

Loans modified under TDRs involve granting a concession to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions generally include modifications to original loan terms, including changes to a loan's payment schedule or interest rate, which generally would not otherwise be considered. The Corporation's TDRs include accruing TDRs, which consist of originated loans that continue to accrue interest as the Corporation expects to collect the remaining principal and interest on the loan, and nonaccrual TDRs, which include originated loans that are in a nonaccrual status and are no longer accruing interest, as the Corporation does not expect to collect the full amount of principal and interest owed from the borrower on these loans. All TDRs are accounted for as impaired loans and are included in the Corporation's analysis of the allowance for loan losses. A TDR that has been renewed by a borrower who is no longer experiencing financial difficulty and which yields a market rate of interest at the time of a renewal is no longer reported as a TDR.

Loans in the Corporation's commercial loan portfolio (comprised of commercial, commercial real estate, real estate construction and land development loans) that meet the definition of a TDR generally consist of loans where the Corporation has allowed borrowers to defer scheduled principal payments and make interest-only payments for a specified period of time at the stated interest rate of the original loan agreement or reduced payments due to a moderate extension of the loan's contractual term. If the Corporation does not expect to collect all principal and interest on the loan, the modified loan is classified as a nonaccrual TDR. If the Corporation does not expect to incur a loss on the loan based on its assessment of the borrowers' expected cash flows, as the pre- and post-modification effective yields are approximately the same, the loan is current and a six-month payment history has been sustained, the loan is classified as an accruing TDR. Since no loss is expected to be incurred on these loans, no additional provision for loan losses has been recognized for these loans and they continue to accrue interest at their contractual interest rate. Accruing TDRs are transferred to nonaccrual status if they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments or if it is probable that any remaining principal and interest payments due on the loan will not be collected in accordance with the modified terms of the loan.

Loans in the Corporation's consumer loan portfolio (comprised of residential mortgage, consumer installment and home equity loans) that meet the definition of a TDR generally consist of residential mortgage loans that include a concession that reduces a borrower's monthly payments by decreasing the interest rate charged on the loan for a specified period of time (generally 24 months) under a formal modification agreement. The Corporation recognizes an additional provision for loan losses related to impairment on these loans on an individual basis based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate. These loans continue to accrue interest at their effective interest rate, which consists of contractual interest under the terms of the modification agreement in addition to an adjustment for the accretion of computed impairment. TDRs are placed on nonaccrual status if they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments, or sooner if conditions warrant.

Impaired Loans

Impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and TDRs. Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreements. Impaired loans are accounted for at the lower of the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate or the estimated fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. When the present value of expected cash flows or the fair value of collateral of an impaired loan in the originated loan portfolio is less than the amount of unpaid principal outstanding on the loan, the principal balance of the loan is reduced to its carrying value through either a specific allowance for loan losses or a partial charge-off of the loan balance.

Nonperforming Loans

Nonperforming loans are comprised of loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued (nonaccrual loans, including nonaccrual TDRs).

Acquired loans that were classified as nonperforming loans prior to being acquired and acquired loans that are not performing in accordance with contractual terms subsequent to acquisition are not classified as nonperforming loans subsequent to acquisition because the loans are recorded in pools at net realizable value based on the principal and interest the Corporation expects to collect on such loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses ("allowance") is presented as a reserve against loans. The allowance represents management's assessment of probable loan losses inherent in the Corporation's originated loan portfolio.

Management's evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on a continuing review of the originated loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, the underlying value of the collateral, risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, the level and composition of nonperforming loans, the financial condition of the borrowers, the balance of the loan portfolio, loan growth, economic conditions, employment levels in the Corporation's local markets, and special factors affecting specific business sectors. The Corporation maintains formal policies and procedures to monitor and control credit risk. Management evaluates the allowance on a quarterly basis in an effort to ensure the level is appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

The allowance provides for probable losses that have been identified with specific customer relationships and for probable losses believed to be incurred in the remainder of the originated loan portfolio, but that have not been specifically identified. The Corporation utilizes its own loss experience to estimate inherent losses on originated loans. Internal risk ratings are assigned to each loan in the commercial loan portfolio (commercial, commercial real estate, real estate construction and land development loans) at the time of origination and are subject to subsequent periodic reviews by senior management. The Corporation performs a credit quality review quarterly on impaired loans, and may establish a specific portion of the allowance to such loans based upon this review. A portion of the allowance is allocated to the remaining loans by applying projected loss ratios based on historical experience and other factors. Projected loss ratios incorporate factors such as charge-off experience, trends with respect to adversely risk-rated loans in the commercial loan portfolio, trends with respect to past due and nonaccrual loans, changes in economic conditions and trends, changes in the value of underlying collateral and other credit risk factors. This evaluation involves a high degree of uncertainty.

In determining the allowance and the related provision for loan losses, the Corporation considers four principal elements: (i) valuation allowances based upon probable losses identified during the review of impaired loans in the commercial loan portfolio, (ii) reserves established for adversely-rated loans in the commercial loan portfolio and nonaccrual consumer loans based on loan loss experience of other adversely-rated loans, (iii) reserves, by loan classes, on all other loans based principally on a five-year historical loan loss look-back period, with equal weighting placed on all of the years and giving consideration to estimated loss emergence periods, and (iv) a reserve for qualitative factors that take into consideration risks inherent in the originated loan portfolio that differ from historical loan loss experience.

The first element reflects the Corporation's estimate of probable losses based upon the systematic review of individually impaired loans in the originated loan portfolio. These estimates are based upon a number of objective factors, such as payment history, financial condition of the borrower and discounted collateral exposure. The Corporation measures the investment in an impaired loan based on one of three methods: the loan's observable market price; the fair value of the collateral; or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. Loans in the commercial loan portfolio that were in nonaccrual status (including nonaccrual TDRs) were valued based on the fair value of the collateral securing the loan, while accruing TDRs in the commercial loan portfolio and consumer loans were valued based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. It is the Corporation's general policy to obtain new appraisals at least annually on nonaccrual loans in the commercial loan portfolio. Appraisals on nonaccrual loans in the consumer loan portfolio are generally updated annually where there is a delay in the foreclosure process. When the Corporation determines that the fair value of the collateral is less than the carrying value of an impaired loan and a portion is deemed not collectible, the portion of the impairment that is deemed not collectible is charged off (confirmed loss) and deducted from the allowance. The remaining carrying value of the impaired loan is classified as a nonperforming loan. When the Corporation determines that the fair value of the collateral is less than the carrying value of an impaired loan but believes it is probable it will recover this impairment, the Corporation establishes a valuation allowance for such impairment.

The second element reflects the application of the Corporation's loan grade risk rating system. This risk rating system is similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulators. Loans in the commercial loan portfolio that are risk rated below a certain predetermined risk grade are assigned a loss allocation factor that is based upon a historical analysis of actual loan losses incurred and a valuation of the type of collateral securing the loans.

The third element is determined by assigning allocations based principally upon a five-year average of loss experience for each class of loan. Average losses may be adjusted based on current loan loss experience, delinquency trends, estimated loss emergence periods and other industry specific environmental factors. This component considers the lagging impact of historical charge-off ratios in periods where future loan charge-offs are expected to increase or decrease, trends in delinquencies and nonaccrual loans, the changing portfolio mix in terms of collateral, average loan balance, loan growth and the degree of seasoning in the various loan portfolios. Loan loss analyses are performed quarterly and certain inputs and parameters are updated as necessary to reflect the current credit environment.

The fourth element is based on qualitative factors that cannot be associated with a specific credit or loan class and reflects an attempt to ensure that the overall allowance appropriately reflects additional losses that are inherent in the Corporation's loan portfolio. Determination of the probable losses inherent in the portfolio, which are not necessarily captured by the allocation methodology discussed above, involves the exercise of judgment. This qualitative portion of the allowance is judgmentally determined and generally serves to compensate for the uncertainty in estimating inherent losses, particularly in times of changing economic conditions, and also considers the inherent judgment associated with risk rating commercial loans. The qualitative portion of the allowance also takes into consideration, among other things, economic conditions within our geographic areas and nationwide, including unemployment levels, industry-wide and Corporation specific loan delinquency rates, changes in composition of and growth in the Corporation's loan portfolio and changing commercial and residential real estate values.

Although the Corporation allocates portions of the allowance to specific loans and loan types, the entire allowance attributable to originated loans is available for any loan losses that occur in the originated portfolio. Loans that are deemed not collectible are charged off and reduce the allowance. The provision for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off increase the allowance. Collection efforts may continue and recoveries may occur after a loan is charged off.

Acquired loans are aggregated into pools based upon common risk characteristics. An allowance may be recorded related to an acquired loan pool if it experiences a decrease in expected cash flows, as compared to those projected at the acquisition date. On a quarterly basis, the expected future cash flow of each pool is estimated based on various factors, including changes in property values of collateral dependent loans, default rates, loss severities and prepayment speeds. Decreases in estimates of expected cash flows within a pool generally result in a charge to the provision for loan losses and a corresponding increase in the allowance allocated to acquired loans for the particular pool. Increases in estimates of expected cash flows within a pool generally result in a reduction in the allowance allocated to acquired loans for the particular pool, if applicable, and then an adjustment to the accretable yield for the pool, which will increase amounts recognized in interest income in subsequent periods.

Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the allowance. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance, based on their judgment, reflecting information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Mortgage Banking Operations

The origination of residential mortgage loans is a large component of the business of the Corporation. The Corporation generally sells conforming long-term fixed interest rate mortgage loans it originates in the secondary market. Gains on the sales of these loans are determined using the specific identification method. The Corporation sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market on either a servicing retained or released basis.

The Corporation elected the fair value measurement option, as prescribed by ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), for all residential mortgage loans held-for-sale originated on or after July 1, 2012. This election allows for a more effective offset of the changes in fair value of residential mortgage loans held-for-sale and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Residential mortgage loans held-for-sale are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through earnings. Residential mortgage loan commitments, forward commitments, are generally entered into at the time customer applications are accepted to protect the value of the mortgage loans from increases in market interest rates during the period held and are generally settled with the investor in the secondary market within 90 days after entering into the forward commitment.

Forward loan commitments are accounted for as derivatives and recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The Corporation recognizes revenue associated with the expected future cash flows of servicing loans for loans held-for-sale at the time a forward loan commitment is made to originate a held-for-sale loan, as required under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings.

The Corporation accounts for loan servicing rights ("LSRs") by separately recognizing servicing assets at the date of sale. An asset is recognized for the rights to service mortgage loans that are created by the origination of mortgage loans that are sold with the servicing retained by the Corporation. The Corporation elected to account for LSRs acquired related to the merger with Talmer under the fair value measurement method. Loan servicing rights are established and recorded at the estimated fair value by calculating the present fair value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration actual and expected mortgage loan prepayment rates, discount rates, servicing costs, and other economic factors, which are determined based on current market conditions. The Corporation continues to account for all other LSRs at the lower of amortized cost or fair value ("Amortized LSRs") and amortizes LSRs in proportion to and over the period of net servicing income. Unexpected prepayments of mortgage loans result in increased amortization of Amortized LSRs, as the remaining book value of the LSRs is expensed at the time of prepayment. The Corporation assesses Amortized LSRs for impairment on a quarterly basis based on fair value measurements. For purposes of measuring impairment, Amortized LSRs are stratified into relatively homogeneous pools based on characteristics such as period of origination, maturity date and interest rates. Amortized LSRs are also stratified between servicing assets originated by the Corporation and those acquired in acquisitions of other institutions. Any temporary impairment of Amortized LSRs is recognized as a valuation allowance, resulting in a reduction of mortgage banking revenue. The valuation allowance is recovered when impairment that is believed to be temporary no longer exists. Other-than-temporary impairments are recognized if the recoverability of the carrying value is determined to be remote. When this occurs, the unrecoverable portion of the valuation allowance is recorded as a direct write-down to the carrying value of Amortized LSRs. This direct write-down permanently reduces the carrying value of the Amortized LSRs, precluding recognition of subsequent recoveries, and results in a reduction of mortgage banking revenue. For purposes of measuring the fair value of LSRs, the Corporation utilizes a third-party modeling software program which is periodically validated by using valuations received from third-party valuation specialists. Servicing income is recognized when earned and is offset by the amortization of LSRs.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Corporation elected to account for all previously Amortized LSRs under the fair value method. The guidance in ASC Subtopic 860-50, "Transfers and Servicing-Servicing Assets and Liabilities" provides that an entity may make an irrevocable decision to subsequently measure a class of servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value at the beginning of any fiscal year. The guidance allows for the Corporation to apply this election prospectively to all new and existing servicing assets and servicing liabilities. Management believes this election will provide more comparable results to peers as many of those within our industry group account for loans servicing rights under the fair value method. The change in accounting policy in the first quarter of 2017 results in a cumulative adjustment to increase retained earnings in the amount of approximately $5.7 million.

Customer-Initiated Derivatives

The Corporation enters into interest rate derivatives to provide a service to certain qualifying customers to help facilitate their respective risk management strategies ("customer-initiated derivatives"). Therefore, these derivatives are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Corporation's assets or liabilities. The Corporation generally takes offsetting positions with dealer counterparties to mitigate the valuation risk of the customer-initiated derivatives. Income primarily results in the spread between the customer derivatives and offsetting dealer positions. The gain or loss derived from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings during the period of change.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 25 to 40 years for buildings and three to ten years for all other depreciable assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets

Other real estate owned ("ORE") and repossessed assets represent property acquired by the Corporation as part of an acquisition or subsequently through the loan foreclosure or repossession process, or any other resolution activity that results in partial or total satisfaction of problem loans. ORE is primarily comprised of commercial and residential real estate properties, including vacant land and development properties, obtained in partial or total satisfaction of loan obligations.. The acquired properties are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Losses arising at the time of acquisition of properties not acquired as part of an acquisition are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Foreclosed properties are initially recorded at the lower of cost, or the estimated fair value of the property, less estimated costs to sell, based upon the property's appraised value at the date of transfer to ORE and management's estimate of the fair value of the collateral, establishing a new cost basis. Any difference between the net realizable value of the property and the carrying value of the loan is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequently, all other real estate owned is valued at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, based on periodic valuations performed by management, with any difference between the net realizable value of the property and the carrying value of the loan charged to the allowance for loan losses. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Subsequent write-downs, for amounts not expected to be recovered, in the carrying value of other real estate owned and repossessed asset properties that may be required are expensed as incurred. Improvements to the properties may be capitalized if the improvements contribute to the overall value of the property. Improvement amounts may not be capitalized in excess of the net realizable value of the property. Any gains or losses realized at the time of disposal are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Other real estate owned and repossessed assets totaling $16.8 million and $12.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, was included in "Interest receivable and other assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to impairment tests annually, or more frequently if triggering events occur and indicate potential impairment. The Corporation's annual goodwill impairment assessment was performed as of October 31, 2016. The Corporation elected to utilize the qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment allowed under ASC Topic 350-20, Goodwill ("ASC 350-20") that became acceptable as a result of FASB Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment. In accordance with ASC 350-20, the Corporation assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units were less than their carrying amounts.

In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Corporation assesses relevant events and circumstances, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, changes in the composition or carrying amount of assets and liabilities, the market price of the Corporation's common stock, and other relevant factors. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, the Corporation determined that no goodwill impairment was evident as of the October 31, 2016 assessment date. The Corporation also determined that no triggering events occurred that indicated impairment from the most recent assessment date through December 31, 2016 and that the Corporation's goodwill was not impaired at December 31, 2016.

Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets and non-compete intangible assets. Core deposit intangible assets arose as the result of business combinations or other acquisitions and are amortized over periods ranging from 10 to 15 years, primarily on an accelerated basis, as applicable. Non-compete intangible assets arose as the result of business combinations and are amortized over the period of the non-compete agreements. Intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis in accordance with ASC Topic 350. Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.

Share-based Compensation

The Corporation grants stock options, restricted stock service-based units, restricted stock performance units, and other stock awards to certain executive and senior management employees. The Corporation accounts for share-based compensation expense using the modified-prospective transition method. Under that method, compensation expense is recognized for stock options based on the estimated grant date fair value as computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the probability of issuance. The Corporation accounts for stock awards based on the closing stock price of the Corporation's common stock on the date the award is granted. The fair values of stock options, stock awards and restricted stock awards are recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Corporation accounts for restricted stock performance units based on the closing stock price of the Corporation's common stock on the date of grant, discounted by the present value of estimated future dividends to be declared over the requisite performance or service period. The fair value of restricted stock performance units is recognized as compensation expense over the expected requisite performance period, or requisite service period for awards with multiple performance and service conditions. The Corporation accounts for restricted stock service-based units based on the closing stock price of the Corporation's common stock on the date of grant, as these awards accrue dividend equivalents equal to the amount of any cash dividends that would have been payable to a shareholder owning the number of shares of the Corporation's common stock represented by the restricted stock service-based units. The fair value of the restricted stock service-based units is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Corporation has life insurance policies on certain key officers of Chemical Bank. The majority of the bank-owned life insurance policies of the Corporation were obtained through its acquisition of Lake Michigan and the merger with Talmer. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the cash surrender value, net of surrender charges, and is included within "Interest receivable and other assets" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and changes in the cash surrender values are recorded as "Other noninterest income" on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase with Customers

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers are collateralized financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements remain in the Corporation's investment securities portfolio. The Corporation's securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers are considered a stable source of liquidity, much like its core deposit base, and are generally only provided to customers that have an established banking relationship with Chemical Bank.

Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings are comprised of federal funds purchased and short-term FHLB advances with original scheduled maturities of one year or less. Federal funds purchased represent unsecured borrowings from nonaffiliated third-party financial institutions, generally on an overnight basis, to cover short-term liquidity needs.

Long-term Borrowings

Long-term borrowings are comprised of securities sold under agreements with an unaffiliated third-party financial institution, a secured non-revolving line-of-credit with an unaffiliated third-party financial institution, subordinated debentures and long-term FHLB advances. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements remain in the Corporation's investment securities portfolio.

FHLB advances, both short-term and long-term, are borrowings from the FHLB to fund short-term liquidity needs as well as a portion of the loan and investment securities portfolios. These advances are secured, under a blanket security agreement, by first lien residential mortgage loans with an aggregate book value equal to at least 140.0% of the FHLB advances and the FHLB stock owned by the Corporation. FHLB advances with an original maturity of one year or less are classified as short-term and FHLB advances with an original maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts such sales or transfers based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. Assumptions are developed based on prioritizing information within a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, such as the reporting entity's own data.

The Corporation may choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value measurement option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Corporation had elected the fair value option on all of its residential mortgage loans held-for-sale. In addition, the Corporation elected to account for loan servicing rights acquired in the merger with Talmer effective August 31, 2016 under the fair value method. The Corporation has not elected the fair value option for any other financial assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2016.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plan Actuarial Assumptions

The Corporation's defined benefit pension, supplemental pension and postretirement benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial concepts and measurements. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or benefit obligation measurements. Other assumptions involve employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and the rate of future compensation increases, as well as future health care costs. The Corporation evaluates all assumptions annually. Mortality assumptions at December 31, 2016 were based on the RP-2014 mortality tables, as prescribed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, using the MP-2016 mortality improvement scale. Mortality assumptions at December 31, 2015 were based on the RP-2014 mortality tables using the MP-2015 mortality improvement scale.

The discount rate enables the Corporation to state expected future benefit payments as a present value on the measurement date. The Corporation determined the discount rate at December 31, 2016 and 2015 by utilizing the results from a discount rate model that involves selecting a portfolio of bonds to settle the projected benefit payments of each plan. The selected bond portfolios are derived from a universe of corporate bonds rated at Aa quality. After a bond portfolio is selected, a single rate is determined that equates the market value of the bonds purchased to the discounted value of the plan's benefit payments which represents the discount rate. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension, supplemental pension and postretirement benefit expenses.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on defined benefit pension plan assets, the Corporation considers the current asset allocation of the defined benefit pension plan, as well as historical and expected returns on each asset class. A lower expected rate of return on defined benefit pension plan assets will increase pension expense.

The Corporation recognizes the over- or under-funded status of a plan as an other asset or other liability in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as measured by the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. Unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Corporation measures defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of December 31.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Income and Other Taxes

The Corporation is subject to the income and other tax laws of the United States, the States of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and other states where nexus has been created. These laws are complex and are subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the various taxing authorities. In determining the provision for income and other taxes, management must make judgments and estimates about the application of these inherently complex laws, related regulations and case law. In the process of preparing the Corporation's tax returns, management attempts to make reasonable interpretations of enacted tax laws. These interpretations are subject to challenge by the tax authorities upon audit or to reinterpretation based on management's ongoing assessment of facts and evolving case law.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The provision for federal income taxes is based on income and expenses, as reported in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the Corporation's federal income tax return. The difference between the federal statutory income tax rate and the Corporation's effective federal income tax rate is primarily a function of the proportion of the Corporation's interest income exempt from federal taxation, nondeductible interest expense and other nondeductible expenses relative to pretax income and tax credits. When income and expenses are recognized in different periods for tax purposes than for book purposes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Differences in the tax and book carrying amounts of assets and liabilities can also be generated when the Corporation acquires other banks or bank branches. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date of the change.

On a quarterly basis, management assesses the reasonableness of its effective federal tax rate based upon its estimate of taxable income and the applicable taxes expected for the full year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reassessed on a quarterly basis, including the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Uncertain income tax positions are evaluated to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the tax position. If a tax position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained, a tax benefit is recognized for the amount that is greater than 50.0% likely to be realized. Reserves for contingent income tax liabilities attributable to unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions are reviewed quarterly for adequacy based upon developments in tax law and the status of audits or examinations. The Corporation had no contingent income tax liabilities recorded at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, Federal Historic Projects and New Market Tax Credits

The Corporation invests in qualified affordable housing projects, federal historic projects, and new market projects for the purpose of community reinvestment and obtaining tax credits. Return on the Corporation's investment in these projects comes in the form of the tax credits and tax losses that pass through to the Corporation. The carrying value of the investments are reflected in "Interest receivable and other assets" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Corporation utilizes the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects and the equity method to account for investments in other tax credit projects.

Under the proportional amortization method, the Corporation amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits. The Corporation recognized additional income tax expense attributable to the amortization of investments in qualified affordable housing projects of $2.6 million and $1.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Corporation's remaining investment in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for under the proportional amortization method totaled $29.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $21.7 million at December 31, 2015.

Under the equity method, the Corporation's share of the earnings or losses are included in "Other operating expenses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Corporation's remaining investment in new market projects accounted for under the equity method totaled $10.9 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Corporation's unfunded equity contributions relating to investments in qualified affordable housing projects, federal historic tax projects and new market projects is recorded in "Interest payable and other liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Corporation's remaining unfunded equity contributions totaled $16.0 million at December 31, 2016.

Management analyzes these investments for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an investment exceeds its fair value. There were no impairment losses recognized as of December 31, 2016 or2015.

The Corporation is a significant limited partner in the qualified affordable housing, federal historic and new market projects it has invested in. These projects meet the definition of variable interest entities ("VIEs"). In general, a VIE is an entity that either (i) has an insufficient amount of equity to carry out its principal activities without additional subordinated financial support, (ii) has a group of equity owners that are unable to make significant decisions about its activities or (iii) has a group of equity owners that do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns as generated by its operations. If any of these characteristics are present, the entity is subject to a variable interests consolidation model, and consolidation is based on variable interests, not on ownership of the entity's outstanding voting stock. Variable interests are defined as contractual, ownership, or other monetary interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entity's net asset value. The primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE. The primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that has the power to direct the activities and absorb losses or the right to receive benefits.The Corporation is not the primary beneficiary of any of the VIEs in which it holds a limited partnership interest; therefore, the VIEs are not consolidated in the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share

The Corporation applies the two-class method of computing earnings per share as the Corporation has unvested restricted stock awards which qualify as participating securities. Under this calculation, all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities and earnings per share is determined according to dividends declared and participating right in undistributed earnings.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income of the Corporation includes net income and adjustments to shareholders' equity for changes in unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale and changes in the net actuarial gain/loss for the Corporation's defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, net of income taxes. The Corporation presents "Comprehensive income" as a component in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and the components of other comprehensive income separately in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts appearing in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. The reclassification had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). ASU 2015-02 is applicable to reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 (i) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs, (ii) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships and (iv) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 effective January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Customer's Accounting for Cloud Computing Fees

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement ("ASU 2015-05"). ASU 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU 2015-05 does not change the accounting for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. The purpose of ASU 2015-05 is to clarify which fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement should be capitalized and which fees should be expensed as incurred. The adoption of ASU 2015-05 prospectively effective January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Stock Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"), which simplifies the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory holding requirements, as well as classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for public companies for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted for any interim or annual period. If an entity early adopts the amendments, any adjustment should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year. The Corporation has elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09 during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-09, all excess tax benefits resulting from the exercise or settlement of share-based payment transactions were recognized in additional-paid-in-capital ("APIC") and accumulated in an APIC pool, while tax deficiencies were either offset against the APIC pool or recognized in the income statement if no APIC pool was available. The new guidance eliminates additions to the APIC pool and all excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recognized as an income tax benefit or expense in the income statement prospectively. Accordingly, periods prior to January 1, 2016 have not been adjusted. During the year ended December 31, 2016, $2.2 million of excess tax benefits were recognized as income tax benefit.