On April 25, 2024, Macatawa Bank Corp (MCBC, Financial) released its 8-K filing, announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. The company reported a net income of $9.8 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, falling short of the estimated earnings per share of $0.30 and net income of $10.20 million projected by analysts. This represents a decrease from the $12.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, reported in the first quarter of 2023. The results were notably impacted by approximately $300,000 in expenses related to its definitive merger agreement with Wintrust Financial Corporation, announced on April 15, 2024.
Based in Holland, Michigan, Macatawa Bank Corp operates as the holding company for Macatawa Bank. The bank serves its customers through 26 full-service branches across Kent, Ottawa, and northern Allegan counties in Michigan. It offers a comprehensive range of banking services including commercial and consumer banking, trust, and other financial services, focusing on both commercial and retail customers.
Financial Performance Analysis
Macatawa Bank's first quarter saw a decrease in net interest income to $20.7 million, down from $22.6 million in the same period last year, influenced by higher deposit rates and a shift in deposit types due to rising federal funds rates. The net interest margin slightly decreased to 3.26% from 3.44% in the first quarter of 2023. Non-interest income showed a modest year-over-year increase of $132,000, despite lower gains on sales of mortgage loans, reflecting the challenging higher rate environment.
Non-interest expenses were $13.2 million for the quarter, a slight increase from $12.2 million in the first quarter of 2023. The bank managed to reduce expenses related to salaries and benefits due to changes in executive retirement costs and other compensation adjustments. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 19.35%, slightly down from 19.86% in the previous year.
Strategic Developments and Asset Quality
President and CEO Jon Swets highlighted the strategic positioning of the bank's balance sheet and the potential benefits from the pending merger with Wintrust, emphasizing the alignment in community banking philosophies and the opportunities for growth and enhanced service delivery. The bank reported strong asset quality with no provision for credit losses required in the first quarter, continuing a trend of net loan recoveries and maintaining a robust allowance for credit losses at 1.30% of total loans.
The total loan portfolio showed healthy growth, particularly in commercial loans, which increased by $72.5 million year-over-year. Total deposits, however, decreased by 2.0% from the first quarter of 2023, reflecting shifts in customer deposit behavior and preferences in a changing interest rate environment.
Looking Ahead
As Macatawa Bank Corp navigates through 2024, the focus remains on integrating strategic initiatives such as the merger with Wintrust, optimizing its loan portfolio, and managing shifts in its deposit base. The bank's well-capitalized status and conservative management approach are expected to support its operations and strategic goals amidst ongoing economic fluctuations and competitive pressures in the banking sector.
For more detailed information and updates, investors and stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the full 8-K filing and monitor developments related to the Macatawa-Wintrust merger.
Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Macatawa Bank Corp for further details.
