CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes(collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for credit losses effective January 1, 2023 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326: Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”). The Company adopted the new credit loss standard using the modified retrospective method such that prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable generally accepted accounting principles. The subsequent application of Topic 326 is also communicated as a critical audit matter below.

Basis for Opinion

The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Qualitative Adjustment

As described in Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements, management’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses (ACL) at December 31, 2023, includes a reserve on collectively evaluated loans. The reserve on collectively evaluated loans is based on an historical average loss rates of peer banks, adjusted for current and forecasted factors, applied over the remaining life of loans. Management applies an adjustment for qualitative factors based on internal and external qualitative and credit market risk factors as described in Note 1 and 3 to the financial statements.

Significant judgment was required by management in the selection and measurement of qualitative factor adjustments. Accordingly, performing audit procedures to evaluate the Company’s estimated ACL involved a high degree of auditor judgment and required significant effort, including the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the Company’s estimate of the ACL included, but were not limited to, the following:

•

We evaluated the design of management’s controls over the determination of the qualitative factor adjustments.

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We obtained an understanding of management’s process for determining the need for qualitative factor adjustments, identifying appropriate factors, and measuring the direction and magnitude of the adjustment.

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We evaluated management's rationale for determining qualitative adjustments were relevant and warranted for each loan segment and assessed the measurement of qualitative factor adjustments applied by management.

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We assessed qualitative factors and overall reserves on collectively evaluated loans against trends in Company specific loss history.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 13, 2024

Consolidated Statementsof Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Changesin Shareholders’ Equity

(1)

The amount shown represents the number of shares issued in cashless transactions where some taxes are netted on a portion of the exercises.

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (“ChoiceOne”), its wholly-owned subsidiaries, ChoiceOne Bank (the “Bank”) and 109 Technologies, LLC, and ChoiceOne Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. (the “Insurance Agency”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

ChoiceOne owns all of the common securities of Community Shores Capital Trust I (the “Capital Trust”). Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Capital Trust is not consolidated because it is a variable interest entity and ChoiceOne is not the primary beneficiary.

Nature of Operations

The Bank is a full-service community bank that offers commercial, consumer, and real estate loans as well as traditional demand, savings and time deposits to both commercial and consumer clients within the Bank’s primary market areas in Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties in western Michigan and Lapeer, Macomb, and St. Clair counties in southeastern Michigan. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flows from operations of businesses. Real estate loans are collateralized by either residential or commercial real estate.

109 Technologies, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc. with the intent of selling a fintech product marketed to other banks and bank holding companies.

The Insurance Agency is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. The Insurance Agency sells insurance policies such as life and health for both commercial and consumer clients. The Insurance Agency also offers alternative investment products such as annuities and mutual funds through a registered broker.

Together, the Bank and ChoiceOne’s other direct and indirect subsidiaries account for substantially all of ChoiceOne’s assets, revenues and operating income.

Use of Estimates

To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ChoiceOne’s management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided. These estimates and assumptions are subject to many risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates associated with the allowance for credit losses are particularly susceptible to change.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are defined to include cash on hand, demand deposits with other banks, and federal funds sold. Cash flows are reported on a net basis for customer loan and deposit transactions, deposits with other financial institutions, and short-term borrowings with original terms of 90 days or less.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, remaining purchase accounting adjustments, and an allowance for credit losses. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market, on an aggregate basis.

Interest income on loans is reported on the interest method and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the estimated loan term. Interest on loans is accrued based upon the principal balance outstanding. The accrual of interest is discontinued at the time at which loans are 90 days past due unless the loan is secured by sufficient collateral and is in the process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Loans are placed into nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income when the loans are placed into nonaccrual status. Interest received on such loans is applied to principal until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual basis when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payment is reasonably assured.

Purchased financial assets without credit deterioration will be recorded at the acquisition date fair value. Additionally, an allowance is recorded with a corresponding charge to credit loss expense in the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs. For assets purchased with credit deterioration, an allowance is recorded with a corresponding increase to the amortized cost basis of the financial asset as of the acquisition date. No financial assets were purchased since the initiation of CECL on January 1, 2023.

Loans to Other Financial Institutions

Loans to other financial institutions are made for the purpose of providing a warehouse line of credit to facilitate funding of residential mortgage loan originations at other financial institutions. The loans are short-term in nature and are designed to provide funding for the time period between the loan origination and its subsequent sale in the secondary market. Loans to other financial institutions earn a share of interest income, determined by the contract, from when the loan is funded to when the loan is sold on the secondary market.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU (as subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19) significantly changed how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the former “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the CECL model, applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the ACL. In addition, entities need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. A reasonable and supportable economic forecast is a key component of the CECL methodology.

ChoiceOne adopted CECL effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standards. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an increase in the ACL of $7.2 million, which included a $5.5 million decrease to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $1.5 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an additional ACL on unfunded commitments of $3.3 million, which included a $2.6 million decrease to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $688,000 tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The ACL is a valuation allowance for expected credit losses. The ACL is increased by the provision for credit losses and decreased by loans charged off less any recoveries of charged off loans. As ChoiceOne has had very limited loss experience since 2011, management elected to utilize benchmark peer loss history data to estimate historical loss rates. ChoiceOne identified an appropriate peer group for each loan cohort which shared similar characteristics. Management estimates the ACL required based on the selected peer group loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, a reasonable and supportable economic forecast, and other factors. Allocations of the ACL may be made for specific loans, but the entire ACL is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Loan losses are charged against the ACL when management believes that collection of a loan balance is not possible.

The ACL consists of general and specific components. The general component covers loans collectively evaluated for credit losses and is based on peer historical loss experience adjusted for current and forecasted factors. Management’s adjustment for current and forecasted factors is based on trends in delinquencies, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in the volume of loans, changes in underwriting standards, trends in loan review findings, the experience and ability of lending staff, and a reasonable and supportable economic forecast described further below.

The discounted cash flow methodology is utilized for all loan pools. This methodology is supported by our CECL software provider and allows management to automatically calculate contractual life by factoring in all cash flows and adjusting them for behavioral and credit-related aspects.

Reasonable and supportable economic forecasts have to be incorporated in determining expected credit losses. The forecast period represents the time frame from the current period end through the point in time that we can reasonably forecast and support entity and environmental factors that are expected to impact the performance of our loan portfolio. Ideally, the economic forecast period would encompass the contractual terms of all loans; however, the ability to produce a forecast that is considered reasonable and supportable becomes more difficult or may not be possible in later periods. Subsequent to the end of the forecast period, we revert to historical loan data based on an ongoing evaluation of each economic forecast in relation to then current economic conditions as well as any developing loan loss activity and resulting historical data. As of December 31, 2023, we used a one-year reasonable and supportable economic forecast period, with a two year straight-line reversion period.

We are not required to develop and use our own economic forecast model, and we elected to utilize economic forecasts from third-party providers that analyze and develop forecasts of the economy for the entire United States at least quarterly.

Other inputs to the calculation are also updated or reviewed quarterly. Prepayment speeds are updated on a one quarter lag based on the asset liability model from the previous quarter. This model is performed at the loan level. Curtailment is updated quarterly within the ACL model based on our peer group average. The reversion period is reviewed by management quarterly with consideration of the current economic climate. Prepayment speeds and curtailment were updated during the fourth quarter of 2023; however, the effect was insignificant.

We are also required to consider expected credit losses associated with loan commitments over the contractual period in which we are exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by us. Any allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposures is reported as an other liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and is increased or decreased via the provision for credit losses account on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The calculation includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and forecasted credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated lives. The allowance is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to be funded.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are excluded from the collective evaluation. ChoiceOne has determined that any loans which have been placed on non-performing status, loans with a risk rating of 6 or higher, and loans past due more than 60 days will be assessed individually for evaluation. Management’s judgment will be used to determine if the loan should be migrated back to pool on an individual basis. Individual analysis will establish a specific reserve for loans in scope. Specific reserves on non-performing loans are typically based on management’s best estimate of the fair value of collateral securing these loans, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate or based on the present value of the expected cash flows from that loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023, management calculated the allowance for loan losses for the valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by loans charged off less any recoveries of charged off loans. Management estimates the allowance for loan losses balance required based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance for loan losses may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance for loan losses is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collection of a loan balance is not possible.

The allowance for loan losses consists of general and specific components. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component of management's estimate of the allowance for loan losses covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. Management's adjustment for current factors is based on trends in delinquencies, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in the volume of loans, changes in underwriting standards, trends in loan review findings, experience and ability of lending staff, national and economic trends and conditions, industry conditions, trends in real estate values, and other conditions.

A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Troubled debt restructuring of loans is undertaken to improve the likelihood that the loan will be repaid in full under the modified terms in accordance with a reasonable repayment schedule. All modified loans are evaluated to determine whether the loans should be reported as Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDR"). A loan is a TDR when the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower by modifying a loan. To make this determination, the Bank must determine whether (a) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (b) the Bank granted the borrower a concession. This determination requires consideration of all facts and circumstances surrounding the modification. An overall general decline in the economy or some deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition does not automatically mean the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. Commercial loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual loan basis. If a loan is considered impaired or if a loan has been classified as a TDR, a portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to the loan so that it is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as consumer and residential real estate mortgage loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. ​ Debt securities are classified as available for sale because they might be sold before maturity. Debt securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in the accumulated other comprehensive income or loss section of shareholders’ equity, net of tax effect. Restricted investments in Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock are carried at cost. Equity securities consist of investments in preferred stock and investments in common stock of other financial institutions. Equity securities are reported at their fair value with changes in market value reported through current earnings.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Gains or losses on sales are recorded on the trade date based on the amortized cost of the security sold.

Securities Available for Sale – For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, management determines whether they intend to sell or if it is more likely than not that ChoiceOne will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with an allowance being established under CECL. For securities AFS with unrealized losses not meeting these criteria, management evaluates whether any decline in fair value is due to credit loss factors. In making this assessment, management considers any changes to the rating of the security by rating agencies and adverse conditions specifically related to the issuer of the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Changes in the ACL under ASC 326-30 are recorded as provisions for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when the collectability of a debt security AFS is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. At December 31, 2023 and at adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023, there was no ACL related to debt securities AFS. Accrued interest receivable on debt securities was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Securities Held to Maturity – Since the adoption of CECL, ChoiceOne measures credit losses on HTM securities on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics, and considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ACL on securities HTM is a contra asset valuation account that is deducted from the carrying amount of HTM securities to present the net amount expected to be collected. HTM securities are charged off against the ACL when deemed uncollectible. Adjustments to the ACL are reported in ChoiceOne’s Consolidated Statements of Income in the provision for credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on HTM securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. With regard to US Treasury securities, these have an explicit government guarantee; therefore, no ACL is recorded for these securities. With regard to obligations of states and political subdivisions and other HTM securities, management considers (1) issuer bond ratings, (2) historical loss rates for given bond ratings, (3) the financial condition of the issuer, and (4) whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. A discounted cash flow method will be used to determine the reserve required for any credit losses on HTM securities. At December 31, 2023, the ACL related to securities HTM is insignificant.

Troubled Loan Modifications

FASB also issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This standard eliminated the previous accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and added additional disclosure requirements for gross chargeoffs by year of origination. It also prescribes guidance for reporting modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Land is carried at cost. Land improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 7 to 15 years. Building and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 5 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated life or the lease term. Furniture and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 7 years. Fixed assets are periodically reviewed for impairment. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired in the collection of a loan are initially recorded at the lower of the Bank’s basis in the loans or fair value at acquisition establishing a new cost basis. Any reduction to fair value from the carrying value of the related loan is accounted for as a credit loss. After acquisition, a valuation allowance reduces the reported amount to the lower of the initial amount or fair value less costs to sell. Expenses to repair or maintain properties are included within other noninterest expenses. Gains and losses upon disposition and changes in the valuation allowance are reported net within noninterest income.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank owned life insurance policies are stated at the current cash surrender value of the policy, or the policy death proceeds less any obligation to provide a death benefit to an insured’s beneficiaries if that value is less than the cash surrender value. Increases in the asset value are recorded as earnings in other income.

Loan Servicing Rights

Loan servicing rights represent the allocated value of servicing rights on loans sold with servicing retained. Servicing rights are initially recorded at estimated fair value and fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics when available or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Servicing rights are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of the rights, using groupings of the underlying loans as to interest rates and then, secondarily, as to geographic and prepayment characteristics. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed.

Core Deposit Intangible

Core deposit intangible represents the value of the acquired customer core deposit bases and is included as an asset on the consolidated balance sheets. The core deposit intangible has an estimated finite life, is amortized on an accelerated basis over a 120 month period and is subject to periodic impairment evaluation.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet financing needs of customers. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Employee Benefit Plans

ChoiceOne’s 401(k) plan allows participants to make contributions to their individual accounts under the plan in amounts up to the IRS maximum. Employer matching contributions from ChoiceOne to its 401(k) plan are discretionary.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the sum of the current year income tax due and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is based on weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS assumes issuance of any dilutive potential common shares issuable under stock options or restricted stock units granted.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income or loss includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of derivative instruments, net of tax, which are also recognized as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Accumulated other comprehensive income was as follows:

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that there are any such matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements as of December 31, 2023.

Cash Restrictions

Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was $0 at both December 31, 2023 and 2022, as the Federal Reserve revoked the reserve requirement.

Leases

Leases are classified as operating or finance leases at the lease commencement date. Lease expense for operating leases and short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term.

Stock-Based Compensation

Share based restricted stock units are valued at fair value as of the grant date. The Company values share-based stock option awards granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for its awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (straight-line attribution method), ensuring that the amount of compensation cost recognized at any date at least equals the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that time. Compensation costs related to stock options granted are disclosed in Note 15.

Dividend Restrictions

Banking regulations require the maintenance of certain capital levels and may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Bank to ChoiceOne (see Note 21).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, which are more fully documented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Derivatives

At the inception of a derivative contract, ChoiceOne designates the derivative as one of two types based on our intention and belief as to the likely effectiveness of the hedge. These two types are (1) a hedge of changes in fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), and (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”). For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects the earnings. The changes in fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in current earnings, as noninterest income.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement in the same line item as the cash flows of the item being hedged.

The initial fair value of hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in the statement of financial condition under a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging relationship and are presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Any difference between the change in the fair value of the hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and the amounts recognized in earnings are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.

ChoiceOne discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or the treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

ChoiceOne is exposed to losses if a counterparty fails to make its payments under a contract in which the Company is in the net receiving position. ChoiceOne anticipates that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligation under the agreements. All the contracts to which we are a party have cash flows that settle monthly or semiannually.

Operating Segments

While ChoiceOne’s management monitors the revenue streams of various products and services for the Bank and the Insurance Agency, operations and financial performance are evaluated on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated intoone reportable operating segment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Investment in Equity Method and Joint Ventures

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Venture (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. The amendments in this ASU permit reporting entities to account for the tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. This change in guidance effective on January 1, 2023, did not have a significant impact on the financial statements.

Improvements to Income Tax Disclosure

ASU 2023-09 enhances transparency by requiring consistent categorization, greater disaggregation, and detailed disclosure related to income taxes paid. These changes aim to help users of financial statements understand factors contributing to differences between effective and statutory tax rates. The disclosure is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024.

Note 2 – Securities

On January 1, 2022, ChoiceOne reassessed and transferred, at fair value, $428.4 million of securities classified as available for sale to the held to maturity classification. The net unrealized after-tax loss of $2.7 million as of the transfer date remained in accumulated other comprehensive income to be amortized over the remaining life of the securities, offsetting the related amortization of discount or premium on the transferred securities. No gains or losses were recognized at the time of the transfer. The remaining net unamortized unrealized loss on transferred securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income was $2.1 million after tax as of December 31, 2023.

The fair value of equity securities and the related gross unrealized gains and (losses) recognized in noninterest income at December 31 were as follows:

The fair value of securities available for sale and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

The amortized cost and fair value of securities held to maturity and the related gross unrealized gains and losses were as follows:

Information regarding sales of equity and debt securities available for sale for the year ended December 31 follows:

Contractual maturities of securities available for sale at December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Contractual maturities of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Certain securities were pledged as collateral for participation in a program that provided Community Reinvestment Act credits and for other purposes, as required or permitted by law. ChoiceOne also pledges securities to the FHLB and the FRB. The purpose of this pledging strategy is to enhance the availability of cash and other liquid assets that can be used to meet the operational needs of the organization. This strategy also allows the organization to optimize its asset allocation and diversify its funding sources. The carrying amount of the securities pledged as collateral at December 31 was as follows:

Securities with unrealized losses at year-end 2023 and 2022, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position, were as follows:

ChoiceOne evaluates all securities on a quarterly basis to determine if an ACL and corresponding impairment charge should be recorded. Consideration is given to the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of ChoiceOne to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value of amortized cost basis. ChoiceOne believes that unrealized losses on securities were temporary in nature and were caused primarily by changes in interest rates, increased credit spreads, and reduced market liquidity and were not caused by the credit status of the issuer. No ACL was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2023 andno other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 569 and 611 securities with an unrealized loss, respectively. Unrealized losses have not been recognized into income because the issuers’ bonds are of high credit quality, and management does not intend to sell prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and other market conditions. The issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments on the bonds. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach maturity.

The majority of unrealized losses at December 31, 2023, are related to U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, state and municipal bonds and mortgage backed securities. The U.S. Treasury notes are guaranteed by the U.S. government and 100% of the notes are rated AA or better. State and municipal bonds are backed by the taxing authority of the bond issuer or the revenues from the bond. On December 31, 2023,86% of state and municipal bonds held are rated AA or better,11% are A rated and 3% are not rated. Of the mortgage-backed securities held on December 31, 2023,39% were issued by US government sponsored entities and agencies, and rated AA,39% are AAA rated private issue and collateralized mortgage obligation, and 22% are unrated privately issued mortgage-backed securities with structured credit enhancement and collateralized mortgage obligation.

Following is information regarding unrealized gains and losses on equity securities for the years ending December 31:

Note 3 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

The Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31 was as follows:

The table below details the outstanding balances of the County Bank Corp. acquired portfolio and the acquisition fair value adjustments at acquisition date:

The table below presents a roll-forward of the accretable yield on County Bank Corp. acquired loans for the year ended December 31, 2022:

The table below details the outstanding balances of the Community Shores Bank Corporation acquired loan portfolio and the acquisition fair value adjustments at acquisition date:

The table below presents a roll-forward of the accretable yield on Community Shores Bank Corporation acquired loans for the year ended December 31, 2022:

ChoiceOne manages its credit risk through the use of its loan policy and its loan approval process and by monitoring of loan credit performance. The loan approval process for commercial loans involves individual and group approval authorities. Individual authority levels are based on the experience of the lender. Group authority approval levels can consist of an internal loan committee that includes the Bank’s President or Senior Lender and other loan officers for loans that exceed individual approval levels, or a loan committee of the Board of Directors for larger commercial loans. Most consumer loans are approved by individual loan officers based on standardized underwriting criteria, with larger consumer loans subject to approval by the internal loan committee.

Ongoing credit review of commercial loans is the responsibility of the loan officers. ChoiceOne’s internal credit committee meets at least monthly and reviews loans with payment issues and loans with a risk rating of 6, 7, or 8. Risk ratings of commercial loans are reviewed periodically and adjusted if needed. ChoiceOne’s consumer loan portfolio is primarily monitored on an exception basis. Loans where payments are past due are turned over to the applicable Bank’s collection department, which works with the borrower to bring payments current or take other actions when necessary. In addition to internal reviews of credit performance, ChoiceOne contracts with a third party for independent loan review that monitors the loan approval process and the credit quality of the loan portfolio.

Activity in the allowance for credit losses and balances in the loan portfolio was as follows:

The process to monitor the credit quality of ChoiceOne’s loan portfolio includes tracking (1) the risk ratings of business loans and (2) delinquent and nonperforming consumer loans. Business loans are risk rated on a scale of 1 to 9. A description of the characteristics of the ratings follows:

Risk Rating 1 through 5 or pass: These loans are considered pass credits. They exhibit acceptable credit risk and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan from normal business operations.

Risk rating 6 or special mention: Loans and other credit extensions bearing this grade are considered to be inadequately protected by the current sound worth and debt service capacity of the borrower or of any pledged collateral. These obligations, even if apparently protected by collateral value, have well-defined weaknesses related to adverse financial, managerial, economic, market, or political conditions that have clearly jeopardized repayment of principal and interest as originally intended. Furthermore, there is the possibility that ChoiceOne Bank will sustain some future loss if such weaknesses are not corrected. Clear loss potential, however, does not have to exist in any individual assets classified as substandard. Loans falling into this category should have clear action plans and timelines with benchmarks to determine which direction the relationship will move.

Risk rating 7 or substandard: Loans and other credit extensions graded “7” have all the weaknesses inherent in those graded “6”, with the added characteristic that the severity of the weaknesses makes collection or liquidation in full highly questionable or improbable based upon currently existing facts, conditions, and values. Loans in this classification should be evaluated for non-accrual status. All nonaccrual commercial and Retail loans must be at a minimum graded a risk code “7”.

Risk rating 8 or doubtful: Loans and other credit extensions bearing this grade have been determined to have the extreme probability of some loss, but because of certain important and reasonably specific factors, the amount of loss cannot be determined. Such pending factors could include merger or liquidation, additional capital injection, refinancing plans, or perfection of liens on additional collateral.

Risk rating 9 or loss: Loans in this classification are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset of ChoiceOne Bank. This classification does not mean the loan has absolutely no recovery value, but that it is neither practical nor desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be obtained in the future.

The following table reflects the amortized cost basis of loans as of December 31, 2023 based on year of origination (dollars in thousands):

Corporate Credit Exposure - Credit risk profile by credit worthiness category

Consumer Credit Exposure - Credit risk profile based on payment activity

Included within the loan categories above were loans in the process of foreclosure. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, loans in the process of foreclosure totaled $846,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.

The following table presents the amortized cost basis as of December 31, 2023 of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty disaggregated by class of financing receivable and type of concession granted during the reporting period.

The following table presents the financial effect by type of modification made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and class of financing receivable.

The following table presents the period-end amortized cost basis of financing receivables that had a payment default during the period and were modified in the 12 months before default to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

The following table presents the period-end amortized cost basis of loans that have been modified in the past 12 months to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by payment status and class of financing receivable.

The following schedule provides information on loans that were considered troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") that were modified during the years ended December 31, 2022:

There wereno TDRs as of December 31, 2022 where the borrower was past due with respect to principal and interest for 30 days or more during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Impaired loans by loan category as of December 31 were as follows:

An aging analysis of loans by loan category as of December 31 follows:

(1)

Includes nonaccrual loans

Nonaccrual loans by loan category as of December 31 as follows:

Note 4 – Mortgage Banking

Activity in secondary market loans during the year was as follows:

Net gains on sales of loans held for sale include capitalization of loan servicing rights. Loans serviced for others are not reported as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans were $495.7 million and $488.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Bank maintains custodial escrow balances in connection with these serviced loans; however, such escrows were immaterial at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Activity for loan servicing rights (included in other assets) was as follows:

The fair value of loan servicing rights was $5.6 million, $5.9 million and $5.5 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Valuation allowances of $0 were recorded at December 31, 2023, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The fair value of the Bank’s servicing rights at December 31, 2023 was determined using a discount rate of 9.5%-10.5% and prepayment speeds ranging from 5.7% to 7.5%. The fair value of the Bank’s servicing rights at December 31, 2022 was determined using a discount rate of 8.00% and prepayment speeds ranging from 5.2% to 6.7%. The fair value of the Bank’s servicing rights at December 31, 2021 was determined using a discount rate of 8.00% and prepayment speeds ranging from 5% to 27%.

Note 5 – Premises and Equipment

As of December 31, premises and equipment consisted of the following:

Depreciation expense was $2.5 million, $2.7 million, and $2.6 million in 2023,2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Bank leases certain branch properties and automated-teller machine locations in its normal course of business. Rent expense totaled $327,000, $211,000, and $153,000 for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The associated right of use assets are included in the applicable categories of fixed assets in the above table and the net book value of such assets approximates the operating lease liability. Rent commitments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows, before considering renewal options that generally are present (dollars in thousands):

Note 6 - Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The change in the balance for goodwill was as follows:

The Company acquired Valley Ridge Financial Corp. in 2006, County in 2019, and Community Shores in 2020, which resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $13.7 million, $38.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively.

ChoiceOne conducted an annual assessment of goodwill as of June 30, 2023 andno impairment was identified. ChoiceOne used a qualitative assessment to determine goodwill was not impaired.

During the prior year, ChoiceOne engaged a third party valuation firm to assist in performing a quantitative analysis of goodwill as of November 30, 2022 ("the valuation date"). In deriving the fair value of the reporting unit (the Bank), the third-party firm assessed general economic conditions and outlook; industry and market considerations and outlook; the impact of recent events to financial performance; the market price of ChoiceOne’s common stock and other relevant events. In addition, the valuation relied on financial projections through 2027 and growth rates prepared by management. Based on the valuation prepared, it was determined that ChoiceOne's estimated fair value of the reporting unit at the valuation date was greater than its book value and impairment of goodwill was not required.

Management concurred with the conclusion derived from the quantitative goodwill analysis as of the valuation date and determined that there were no material changes and that no triggering events had occurred that indicated impairment from the valuation date through December 31, 2023, and as a result that it is more likely than not that there was no goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2023.

Acquired Intangible Assets

Information for acquired intangible assets at December 31 is as follows:

The core deposit intangible from the County and Community Shores mergers is being amortized on a sum-of-the-years digits basis overten years andeight years, respectively. Amortization expense was $955,000 in 2023, $1,153,000 in 2022 and $1,307,000 in 2021. The estimated amortization expense for the next five years ending December 31 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

Note 7 – Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned represents residential and commercial properties primarily owned as a result of loan collection activities and is reported net of a valuation allowance. Activity within other real estate owned was as follows:

Included in the balances above were residential real estate mortgage loans of $122,000, $0, and $80,000 as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and $0, $0, and $114,000 of commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Note 8– Derivatives and Hedging Activities

ChoiceOne is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. ChoiceOne utilizes interest rate derivatives as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. Derivative instruments represent contracts between parties that result in one party delivering cash to the other party based on a notional amount and an underlying term (such as a rate, security price or price index) as specified in the contract. The amount of cash delivered from one party to the other is determined based on the interaction of the notional amount of the contract with the underlying term. Derivatives are also implicit in certain contracts and commitments.

ChoiceOne recognizes derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial statements at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument. ChoiceOne records derivative assets and derivative liabilities on the balance sheet within other assets and other liabilities, respectively. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized in income or in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting and, if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge.

Interest rate swaps

ChoiceOne uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy to add stability to net interest income and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. Interest rate swaps designated as hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for ChoiceOne making fixed-rate payments or the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for ChoiceOne making variable rate payments, over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount.

In the second quarter of 2022, ChoiceOne entered intotwo pay-floating/receive-fixed interest rate swaps (the “Pay Floating Swap Agreements”) for a total notional amount of $200.0 million that were designated as cash flow hedges. These derivatives hedge the variable cash flows of specifically identified available-for-sale securities, cash and loans. The Pay Floating Swap Agreements were determined to be highly effective during the periods presented and therefore no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income. The Pay Floating Swap Agreements pay a coupon rate equal to SOFR while receiving a fixed coupon rate of 2.41%. In March 2023, ChoiceOne terminated all Pay Floating Swap Agreements for a cash payment of $4.2 million. The loss will be amortized into interest income over 13 months, which was the remaining period of the swap agreements. The remaining loss to be fully amortized in 2024 was $1.1 million.

In the second quarter of 2022, ChoiceOne entered intoone forward starting pay-fixed/receive-floating interest rate swap (the “Pay Fixed Swap Agreement”) for a notional amount of $200.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge. This derivative hedges the risk of variability in cash flows attributable to forecasted payments on future deposits or floating rate borrowings indexed to the SOFR Rate. The Pay Fixed Swap Agreement is two years forward starting with aneight-year term set to expire in 2032. The Pay Fixed Swap Agreements will pay a fixed coupon rate of 2.75% while receiving the SOFR Rate.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, ChoiceOne entered into four pay-fixed/receive-floating interest rate swaps for a total notional amount of $201.0 million that were designated as fair value hedges. These derivatives hedge the risk of changes in fair value of certain available for sale securities for changes in the SOFR benchmark interest rate component of the fixed rate bonds. Allfour of these hedges were effective immediately on December 22, 2022. Of the total notional value, $101.9 million has aten-year term set to expire in 2032, with the benchmark SOFR interest rate risk component of the fixed rate bonds equal to 3.390%. Of the total notional value, $50.0 million has a nine-year term set to expire in 2031, with the benchmark SOFR interest rate risk component of the fixed rate bonds equal to 3.4015%. The remaining notional value of $49.1 million has anine-year term set to expire in 2031, with the benchmark SOFR interest rate risk component of the fixed rate bond equal to 3.4030%. ChoiceOne adopted ASC2022-01, as of December 20, 2022, to use the portfolio layer method. The fair value basis adjustment associated with available-for-sale fixed rate bonds initially results in an adjustment to AOCI. For available-for-sale securities subject to fair value hedge accounting, the changes in the fair value of the fixed rate bonds related to the hedged risk (the benchmark interest rate component and the partial term) are then reclassed from AOCI to current earnings offsetting the fair value measurement change of the interest rate swap, which is also recorded in current earnings. Net cash settlements are received/paid semi-annually, with the first starting in March 2023, and will be included in interest income.

Net settlements received on these four pay-fixed/receive-floating swaps were $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, which were included in interest income.

The table below presents the fair value of derivative financial instruments as well as the classification within the consolidated statements of financial condition:

The table below presents the effect of fair value and cash flow hedge accounting on the consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented:

The table below presents the cumulative basis adjustments on hedged items designated as fair value hedges and the related amortized cost of those items as of the periods presented:

Note 9 – Deposits

Deposit balances as of December 31 consisted of the following:

Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

The Bank had certificates of deposit issued in denominations of $250,000 or greater totaling $199.7 million and $148.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Bank held $23.4 million and $1.7 million in brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, the Bank had $36.2 million and $17.3 million of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, that had been issued through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service(“CDARS”).

Note 10 – Borrowings

Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”)

At December 31, loans from the BTFP were as follows:

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

At December 31, advances from the FHLB were as follows:

Advances from the Federal Reserve Bank were secured by securities with a carrying value of approximately $526.4 million and loans with a carrying value of approximately $433.2 million at December 31, 2023. Based on this collateral, the Bank was eligible to borrow an additional $649.0 million at year end 2023.

Advances from the FHLB were secured by residential real estate loans with a carrying value of approximately $191.1 million and securities with a carrying value of approximately $278.5 million at December 31, 2023 and residential real estate loans with a carrying value of approximately $169.7 million at December 31, 2022, respectively. Based on this collateral, the Bank was eligible to borrow an additional $284.3 million at year-end 2023.

In June 2021, ChoiceOne obtained a $20 million line of credit with an annual renewal. The line carries a floating rate of prime rate with a floor of 3.25% and current rate of 8.5% at December 31, 2023. The credit agreement includes certain financial covenants, including minimum capital ratios, asset quality ratios, and the requirements of achieving certain profitability thresholds.

ChoiceOne was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2023. The line of credit balance was $0 at December 31, 2023.

Note 11 – Subordinated Debentures

The Capital Trust sold 4,500 Cumulative Preferred Securities (“trust preferred securities”) at $1,000 persecurity in a December 2004 offering. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities were used by the Capital Trust to purchase an equivalent amount of subordinated debentures from Community Shores. The trust preferred securities and subordinated debentures carry a floating rate of 2.05% over the 3-month LIBOR and the rate was 7.6% at December 31, 2023 and 5.7% at December 31, 2022. The stated maturity is December 30, 2034. Total trust preferred securities at December 31, 2023 were $3.4 million consisting of $4.5 million in trust preferred securities less $1.1 million in merger fair value adjustments, which is being amortized over the next 10 years. The trust preferred securities are redeemable at par value on any interest payment date and are, in effect, guaranteed by ChoiceOne. Interest on the subordinated debentures is payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30. ChoiceOne is not considered the primary beneficiary of the Capital Trust (under the variable interest entity rules), therefore the Capital Trust is not consolidated in the consolidated financial statements, rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability, and the interest expense is recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

The terms of the subordinated debentures, the trust preferred securities and the agreements under which they were issued give ChoiceOne the right, from time to time, to defer payment of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarters, unless certain specified events of default have occurred and are continuing. The deferral of interest payments on the subordinated debentures results in the deferral of distributions on the trust preferred securities.

In September 2021, ChoiceOne completed a private placement of $32.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2031. The notes will initially bear interest at a fixed interest rate of 3.25% per annum until September 3, 2026, after which time the interest rate will reset quarterly to a floating rate equal to a benchmark rate, which is expected to be the then current three-month term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 255 basis points until the notes’ maturity on September 3, 2031. The notes are redeemable by ChoiceOne, in whole or in part, on or after September 3, 2026, and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events. The notes have been structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital for ChoiceOne for regulatory capital purposes. ChoiceOne used a portion of net proceeds from the private placement to redeem senior debt, fund common stock repurchases, and support bank-level capital ratios.

Note 12 – Income Taxes

Information as of December 31 and for the year follows:

As of December 31, 2023, deferred tax assets included federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2.2 million which was acquired through the merger with Community Shores. The loss carryforwards expire at various dates from 2031 to 2035. Deferred tax assets are recognized for net operating losses because the benefit is more likely than not to be realized. Under Code Section 382, ChoiceOne is limited to applying approximately $185,000 of net operating losses per year.

Note 13 – Related Party Transactions

Loans to executive officers, directors and their affiliates were as follows at December 31:

Deposits from executive officers, directors and their affiliates were $21.1 million, $30.0 million and $16.8 million at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Note 14 – Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan:

The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute to their individual accounts under the plan amounts up to the IRS maximum. Matching company contributions to the plan are discretionary. Expense for matching company contributions under the plan was $594,000 and $650,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 15 - Stock Based Compensation

Options to buy stock have been granted to key employees to provide them with additional equity interests in ChoiceOne under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, which is expired. Compensation expense in connection with stock options granted was $0 in 2023 and $4,000 in 2022. The Equity Incentive Plan of 2022 was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Annual Meeting held on May 25, 2022. The Equity Incentive Plan of 2022 provides for the issuance of up to 200,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2023, there were 142,755 shares available for future grants.

A summary of stock options activity during the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows:

The exercise prices for options outstanding and exercisable at the end of 2023 ranged from $20.86 to $27.25 per share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and exercisable at the end of 2023 was approximately 4.07 years.

The intrinsic value of all outstanding and exercisable stock options was $67,000 and $76,000 respectively, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The aggregate intrinsic values of outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2023 were calculated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2023 of $29.30 per share less the exercise price.

Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2023 was as follows:

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. ChoiceOne uses historical data to estimate the volatility of the market price of ChoiceOne stock and employee terminations within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. As of December 31, 2023, there wasno unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options.

ChoiceOne has granted restricted stock units to a select group of employees under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 and the Equity Incentive Plan of 2022. Restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2023 vest on roughly thethree year anniversary of the grant date. Certain additional vesting provisions apply. Each restricted stock unit, once vested, is settled by delivery of one share of ChoiceOne common stock. ChoiceOne recognized compensation expense of $548,000 and $503,000, in 2023 and 2022, respectively, in connection with restricted stock units for current participants during these years.

A summary of the activity for restricted stock units outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2023 is presented below:

At December 31, 2023, there were 68,183 restricted stock units outstanding with an approximate stock value of $2.0 million based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2023 stock price of $29.30 per share. At December 31, 2022, there were 53,867 restricted stock units outstanding with an approximate stock value of $1.6 million based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2022 stock price of $29.00 per share. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $574,000 and $755,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The cost isexpected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.43 years. As of December 31, 2023, there was $770,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested shares granted.

ChoiceOne has granted performance stock units to a select group of employees under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 and the Equity Incentive Plan of 2022. Performance stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2023 vest on the three year anniversary of the grant date based on earnings per share growth rate from the date of the grant. Shares can vest at a rate of 125%,100%,75%, or 0% based on the growth rate achieved over the three year time frame. Certain additional vesting provisions apply. Each performance stock unit, once vested, is settled by delivery of one share of ChoiceOne common stock. ChoiceOne recognized compensation expense of $81,000 and $47,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, in connection with performance stock units for current participants during these years.

A summary of the activity for performance stock units outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2023 is presented below:

At December 31, 2023, there were 11,521 performance stock units outstanding assuming 100% vesting with an approximate stock value of $338,000 based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2023 stock price of $29.30 per share. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $124,000 and $168,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. As of December 31, 2023, there was $165,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested shares granted.

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share

Stock options considered anti-dilutive to earnings per share were 4,500,15,000, and 15,000 as of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively. This calculation is based on the average stock price during the year.

Note 17 – Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company

Condensed Balance Sheets

Condensed Statements of Income

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Note 18 – Financial Instruments

Financial instruments as of the dates indicated were as follows:

The estimated fair values approximate the carrying amounts for all financial instruments except those described later in this paragraph. The methodology for determining the estimated fair value for securities available for sale is described in Note 18. The estimated fair value of loans involves discounting forecasted cash flows. The discounting is executed using the Treasury curve, incorporating a spread adjustment to account for factors such as liquidity, marketability, and related risks. The allowance for credit losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of discount for credit quality concerns. The estimated fair value of loans also included the mark to market adjustments related to the Company’s mergers.

The valuation of liabilities, encompassing deposits, borrowings, and others, is derived by aligning forecasted cash flows with relevant points on the SOFR Swap curve. The estimated fair values for time deposits and FHLB advances are based on the rates paid at December 31 for new deposits or FHLB advances, applied until maturity. The estimated fair values for other financial instruments and off-balance sheet loan commitments are considered nominal.

Note 19 – Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine those fair values.

In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.

In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. The Company’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these fair value measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability.

Disclosures concerning assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022 are as follows:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities classified as available for sale are generally reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. ChoiceOne’s external investment advisor obtained fair value measurements from an independent pricing service that uses 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 (Level 2 inputs). The fair value measurements considered observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows and the bonds' terms and conditions, among other things. Securities classified in Level 2 included U.S. Government and federal agency securities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, and asset backed securities. The Company classified certain state and municipal securities and corporate bonds, and equity securities as Level 3. Based on the lack of observable market data, estimated fair values were based on the observable data available and reasonable unobservable market data.

Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Of the Level 3 assets that were held by the Company at December 31, 2023, the net unrealized gain as of December 31, 2023 was $71,000, compared to $161,000 as of December 31, 2022. The change in the net unrealized gain or loss is recognized in noninterest income or other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets and income statements. Amounts recognized in noninterest income relate to changes in equity securities. A total of $143,000 and $613,000 of Level 3 securities were purchased in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for these assets and liabilities presented in the tables above may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.

The Company also has assets that under certain conditions are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not normally measured at fair value, but can be subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as impairment. Disclosures concerning assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are as follows:

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Collateral dependent loans classified as Level 3 are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The fair value of the collateral should be adjusted for estimated costs to sell if the repayment depends on the sale of the collateral. The net carrying amount of the loan should not exceed the fair value of the collateral (less costs to sell, if applicable). Impaired loans categorized as Level 3 assets consist of non-homogeneous loans classified as non-accrual, TDR, or past due. The Company estimates the fair value of the loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows using management’s best estimate of key assumptions. These assumptions include future payment ability, timing of payment streams, and estimated realizable values of available collateral (typically based on outside appraisals). The changes in fair value consisted of charge-downs of impaired loans that were posted to the allowance for credit losses and write-downs of other real estate owned that were posted to a valuation account. The fair value of other real estate owned was based on appraisals or other reviews of property values, adjusted for estimated costs to sell.

Note 20 – Off-Balance Sheet Activities

Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, letters of credit, and overdraft protection, are issued to meet customers’ financing needs. These are agreements to provide credit or to support the credit of others, as long as conditions established in the contract are met, and usually have expiration dates. Commitments may expire without being used. Off-balance sheet risk to credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated. The same credit policies are used to make such commitments as are used for loans, including obtaining collateral at exercise of the commitment.

The contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk was as follows at December 31:

Commitments to fund loans are generally made for periods of 180 days or less. The fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 6.25% to 9.50% and maturities ranging from 1 year to 30 years.

Note 21 – Regulatory Capital

ChoiceOne and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. Depending upon the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators' corrective powers include: prohibiting the acceptance of brokered deposits; requiring the submission of a capital restoration plan; placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on activities; requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or be acquired; restricting transactions with affiliates; restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election of directors of the institution; requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution. At year-end 2023 and 2022, the Bank was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

Actual capital levels and minimum required levels for ChoiceOne and the Bank were as follows:

Banking laws and regulations limit capital distributions by state-chartered banks. Generally, capital distributions are limited to undistributed net income for the current and prior two years. At December 31, 2023, approximately $53.3 million was available for the Bank to pay dividends to ChoiceOne assuming regulatory approval of any amount in excess of the applicable capital conservation buffer. ChoiceOne’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders is dependent on the payment of dividends from the Bank, which is restricted by state law and regulations.