Mercantile Bank (MBWM)

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Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2025-05-02 12:01
Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $19.5 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, down from $21.6 million, or $1.34 per diluted share in Q1 2024[192]. - Income before federal income tax was $24,000 thousand in Q1 2025, down from $27,000 thousand in Q1 2024, a decrease of about 11.1%[251]. - Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $19.5 million, or $1.21 per share, a decrease of 9.7% compared to $21.6 million, or $1.34 per share, in the first quarter of 2024[239]. Asset and Deposit Growth - Total assets rose by $89.0 million to $6.14 billion as of March 31, 2025[202]. - Total assets increased to $6,018,158 thousand in Q1 2025, up from $5,384,675 thousand in Q1 2024, representing a growth of approximately 11.8%[247]. - Total deposits declined by $16.6 million during Q1 2025, with significant growth in sweep accounts of $121 million[198]. - The average balance of sweep accounts was $221 million during the first three months of 2025, reflecting a $121 million increase[225]. - Total deposits declined by $16.6 million during the first three months of 2025, with uninsured deposits increasing to approximately $2.5 billion, or 53% of total deposits[223][224]. Loan and Credit Quality - Commercial loans increased by $44.3 million in Q1 2025, with an annualized growth rate of approximately 5%[193]. - Residential mortgage loans decreased by $10.4 million in Q1 2025, with originations totaling $100 million, of which 80% were intended for sale[205]. - Nonperforming loans represented only 0.12% of total loans as of March 31, 2025, indicating strong loan portfolio quality[195]. - The company had $210 million in unfunded loan commitments for commercial construction and development loans expected to be drawn over the next 12 to 18 months[204]. - The company had $2.01 billion in unfunded loan commitments as of March 31, 2025, with $1.78 billion available as lines of credit[235]. Income and Expense Analysis - Noninterest income decreased to $8.7 million in Q1 2025 from $10.9 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower levels of interest rate swap income and private equity fund revenue[200]. - Noninterest expense rose to $31,100 thousand in Q1 2025, compared to $29,900 thousand in Q1 2024, marking an increase of approximately 4.0%[250]. - Interest income rose to $80.3 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 4.7%, from $76.7 million in the first quarter of 2024[241]. Capital and Equity - Shareholders' equity increased by $23.8 million to $608 million as of March 31, 2025, driven by net income of $19.5 million and a $9.2 million increase in the market value of available for sale securities[227]. - The total risk-based capital ratio as of March 31, 2025, was 14.0%, up from 13.9% as of December 31, 2024[238]. Interest Rate and Margin - The net interest margin decreased by 27 basis points compared to Q1 2024, despite a $1.2 million increase in net interest income[199]. - The net interest margin on earning assets was 3.47% in Q1 2025, compared to 3.74% in Q1 2024, reflecting a decline of 27 basis points[247]. - Interest rate risk management is critical, with potential changes in net interest income projected to vary significantly based on interest rate scenarios, including a potential decrease of 13.1% if rates drop by 400 basis points[263]. Provisions and Allowance for Credit Losses - The allowance for credit losses was increased by a provision expense of $2.1 million in Q1 2025, reflecting changes in economic forecasts and loan growth[195]. - Provisions for credit losses were $2,100 thousand in Q1 2025, up from $1,300 thousand in Q1 2024, indicating a 61.5% increase due to changes in the economic forecast[248]. - The allowance for credit losses was $56.7 million, or 1.22% of total loans, and 1,057% of nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2025[214].
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-04-22 18:41
Investor Presentation April 2025 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains statements or information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "goal," "seeks," "believes," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "indicates," "strategy," "future," "is likely," "may," "should," "will," and variations of such words and similar ...
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-22 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $19.5 million or $1.21 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $21.6 million or $1.34 per diluted share in Q1 2024, indicating a decrease in net income despite an increase in net interest income [16][18] - Average loans increased to $4.63 billion in Q1 2025 from $4.3 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting strong loan growth [16][20] - The loan to deposit ratio improved to 99% at the end of Q1 2025 from 108% at the end of Q1 2024 [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth for Q1 2025 was $44 million, with an annualized growth rate of nearly 5% [8] - Mortgage banking income increased by 13% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, driven by a greater portion of mortgage production being sold rather than retained on the balance sheet [10][13] - Total non-interest income grew by 12% in core areas such as payroll, treasury management, and mortgage banking [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 24% increase in business deposits and a 9% increase in personal deposits for the twelve months ending March 31, 2025 [7] - The average deposits totaled $4.59 billion in Q1 2025, up from $3.97 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of over 15% [18][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reduce the loan to deposit ratio into the mid-ninety percent range over time through a three-pronged approach focusing on business deposits, governmental and public unit deposits, and restructuring retail customer focus [6][7] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong capital position to support growth plans and navigate economic uncertainties [38][64] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the commercial loan pipeline remains strong, but uncertainty in the environment has shifted more discussions into the pipeline rather than committed loans [33][34] - The company expects loan growth to be in the range of 3% to 5% for the remainder of 2025, with a net interest margin projected between 3.45% and 3.55% [24] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $2.1 million in Q1 2025, reflecting an increased allocation due to changes in the economic forecast [20][21] - Non-interest expenses increased by $1.2 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher salary and benefit costs [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for loan growth and potential slowdown - Management indicated that the commercial pipeline has shifted more towards discussions due to uncertainty, leading to tempered expectations for loan growth [33][34] Question: Thoughts on capital deployment and share repurchase - Management stated that share repurchase remains a consideration, but the focus is on ensuring sufficient capital to support growth plans amid economic uncertainty [35][38] Question: Margin guidance and assumptions on rate cuts - Management provided guidance assuming no rate cuts, emphasizing a conservative approach to simulations and margin management [42][44] Question: CD repricing and loan yields - Management noted that a significant portion of CDs will mature in the next twelve months, with an average repricing expected to be around 75 basis points [48][49] Question: Credit trends and reserve levels - Management acknowledged the strong asset quality and indicated that reserve levels would be assessed based on ongoing economic uncertainty [61][64]
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-22 18:42
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $19.5 million or $1.21 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $21.6 million or $1.34 per diluted share in the same period last year, indicating a decrease in net income despite an increase in net interest income [24][25] - Interest income increased by $3.6 million during Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, driven by strong loan growth that offset a lower yield on loans [25][26] - Average loans totaled $4.63 billion in Q1 2025, up from $4.3 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 7% [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was $44 million in Q1 2025, with an annualized growth rate of nearly 5%, although customer reductions impacted total commercial loan balances [12][14] - Mortgage banking income increased by 13% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, attributed to a greater portion of mortgage production being sold rather than retained on the balance sheet [15] - Total non-interest income grew by 12% in core areas such as payroll, treasury, management, and mortgage banking during Q1 2025 compared to the previous year [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 99% at the end of Q1 2025, down from 108% at the end of Q1 2024, indicating better liquidity management [12] - The commercial loan pipeline stood at $234 million, with commitments to fund commercial construction loans totaling $210 million, reflecting a decrease from the previous quarter [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing the loan-to-deposit ratio to the low 90% range over time by broadening its focus on business deposits, dedicating resources to governmental units, and restructuring retail customer focus [10] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong capital position to support growth plans, especially in light of potential economic uncertainties [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that the current economic environment is uncertain, which has led to a tempering of loan growth expectations, although the overall commercial loan pipeline remains strong [47][48] - The company expects loan growth in the range of 3% to 5% for the remainder of 2025, with net interest margin projected between 3.45% to 3.55% [36][37] Other Important Information - The allowance for loans ratio increased by four basis points during Q1 2025, reflecting the uncertainty in the economic environment [17] - The bank's total risk-based capital ratio was reported at 10.0% at the end of Q1 2025, significantly above the minimum threshold for well-capitalized status [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for loan growth - Management indicated that the commercial loan pipeline has shifted towards more discussions rather than committed loans due to uncertainty in the environment, leading to tempered growth expectations [46][48] Question: Thoughts on capital deployment - Management stated that share buybacks are considered but emphasized the need to maintain sufficient capital for growth opportunities, especially in a potentially slowing economic environment [50][52] Question: Margin guidance assumptions - Management clarified that margin guidance is based on a scenario without rate cuts, while acknowledging the uncertainty in future rate movements [58][60] Question: CD repricing details - Management noted that approximately 90% of CDs are maturing within the next 12 months, with an average repricing expected to decrease by about 75 basis points [69][70] Question: Credit trends and reserve levels - Management explained that the reserve build was primarily due to blending base and adverse economic scenarios, reflecting the current economic uncertainty [92][93]
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-22 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $19.5 million or $1.21 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $21.6 million or $1.34 per diluted share in the same period last year, indicating a decrease in net income despite an increase in net interest income [24][25] - Interest income increased by $3.6 million during Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, driven by strong loan growth, although the yield on loans decreased by 34 basis points [25][28] - Average loans totaled $4.63 billion in Q1 2025, up from $4.3 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 7% [25][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was $44 million in Q1 2025, with a pipeline of $234 million and commitments to fund commercial construction loans totaling $210 million [12][13] - Mortgage banking income increased by 13% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with a nominal decrease in mortgage loans on the balance sheet [15] - Total non-interest income grew by 12% in core areas such as payroll, treasury management, and mortgage banking during Q1 2025 compared to the previous year [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 99% at the end of Q1 2025 from 108% at the end of Q1 2024, indicating better liquidity management [12] - Business deposits increased by 24% and personal deposits by 9% for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2025 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing the loan-to-deposit ratio to the low 90% range over time through a three-pronged approach: broadening business deposits, targeting governmental and public unit deposits, and restructuring retail customer focus [10] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong capital position to support growth plans, especially in light of potential economic uncertainties [52][100] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertainty in the economic environment and its potential impact on loan demand, leading to a tempered outlook for loan growth [47][100] - The company expects loan growth in the range of 3% to 5% for the remainder of 2025, with net interest margin projected between 3.45% to 3.55% [36][37] Other Important Information - The allowance for loans ratio increased by four basis points during Q1 2025, reflecting the uncertainty in the economic environment [17] - The bank's total risk-based capital ratio was 10.0% at the end of Q1 2025, significantly above the minimum threshold for being categorized as well-capitalized [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for loan growth - Management indicated that the commercial loan pipeline has shifted towards more discussions rather than committed loans due to economic uncertainty, leading to a tempered outlook for loan growth [46][48] Question: Thoughts on capital deployment - Management stated that while buybacks are considered, the focus remains on ensuring sufficient capital to support growth plans, especially in a potentially slower loan growth environment [50][52] Question: Margin guidance assumptions - Management clarified that the margin guidance is based on a scenario without rate cuts, although they acknowledge the bond market's expectations for potential rate cuts [58][60] Question: CD repricing details - Management noted that approximately 90% of CDs are maturing within the next 12 months, with an average repricing expected to decrease by about 75 basis points [69][70] Question: Credit trends and reserve levels - Management explained that the reserve build was primarily due to blending base and adverse economic scenarios, reflecting the current economic uncertainty [92][94]
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Results
2025-04-22 13:00
Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $19.5 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, down from $21.6 million, or $1.34 per diluted share in Q1 2024[1]. - Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $19,537 thousand, a decrease of 9.4% compared to $21,562 thousand for the same period in 2024[29]. - Basic earnings per share decreased to $1.21 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, down from $1.34 in the same period in 2024, a decline of 9.7%[29]. Revenue and Income Sources - Net revenue decreased by $1.0 million, or 1.7%, to $57.2 million in Q1 2025, with net interest income increasing by $1.2 million, or 2.5%, to $48.6 million[3]. - Noninterest income fell to $8.7 million in Q1 2025, down from $10.9 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to declines in interest rate swap income and private equity fund revenue[8]. - Total interest income rose to $80,338 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $76,724 thousand in the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 6.8%[29]. - Noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $8,702 thousand, down from $10,868 thousand in the prior year, a decrease of 19.9%[29]. Asset and Liability Management - Total assets increased by $89.0 million to $6.14 billion as of March 31, 2025, with total loans rising by $35.8 million, or an annualized 3.2%[11]. - Total assets increased to $6,141,200 thousand as of March 31, 2025, up from $6,052,161 thousand a year earlier, representing a growth of 1.5%[27]. - Total liabilities increased to $5,532,854 thousand as of March 31, 2025, compared to $5,467,635 thousand a year earlier, an increase of 1.2%[27]. - Total deposits were $4.68 billion, down $16.6 million, or 0.4%, from December 31, 2024, but up $674 million, or 16.8%, from March 31, 2024[14]. - Total deposits decreased to $4,681,785 thousand as of March 31, 2025, down from $4,698,366 thousand a year earlier, a decline of 0.4%[27]. Credit Quality and Provisions - The company recorded provisions for credit losses of $2.1 million in Q1 2025, up from $1.3 million in Q1 2024, reflecting changes in the economic forecast[7]. - The provision for credit losses increased to $2,100 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1,300 thousand in the same period last year, reflecting a rise of 61.5%[29]. - Nonperforming assets totaled $5.4 million, or less than 0.1% of total assets, showing improvement from $6.2 million, or 0.1%, a year earlier[16]. - Nonperforming loans decreased to $5,361,000 in Q1 2025 from $6,040,000 in Q1 2024, a reduction of 11.3%[31]. Capital Position - Shareholders' equity increased by $23.8 million to $608 million as of March 31, 2025, maintaining a "well-capitalized" position with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.0%[18]. - Shareholders' equity rose to $608,346 thousand as of March 31, 2025, up from $584,526 thousand a year earlier, representing a growth of 4.1%[27]. - Tier 1 capital increased to $647,795,000 in Q1 2025 from $587,888,000 in Q1 2024, representing a growth of 10.2%[31]. - The tangible equity to tangible assets ratio improved to 9.17% in Q1 2025 from 8.99% in Q1 2024, indicating stronger capital position[31]. Loan Portfolio and Growth - The commercial loan portfolio grew despite partial paydowns and full payoffs, with ample opportunities for future loan origination anticipated[15]. - Total mortgage loans originated in Q1 2025 were $100,396,000, down from $121,010,000 in Q4 2024, a decrease of 17.0%[31]. - The total commercial loan portfolio amounted to $3,751,591,000, reflecting a robust performance in the commercial sector[32]. - Retail loans totaled $884,958,893, showing a steady growth trajectory in consumer lending[32]. - The land development and construction loans reached $68,790,000, reflecting ongoing investments in real estate development[32]. Future Outlook - The company is focusing on expanding its market presence through strategic initiatives and product development[32]. - Future guidance indicates a positive outlook for loan growth and market expansion, driven by new product offerings and technological advancements[32].
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) Tops Q1 Earnings Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-04-22 12:05
Group 1 - Mercantile Bank reported quarterly earnings of $1.21 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.19 per share, but down from $1.34 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 1.68% [1][2] - The company posted revenues of $57.25 million for the quarter ended March 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.78%, compared to $58.23 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Mercantile Bank has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Group 2 - The stock has lost approximately 9.5% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has declined by 12.3% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.20 on revenues of $59.3 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.83 on revenues of $237.67 million [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Midwest is in the top 13% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8]
Mercantile Bank Corporation Announces Strong First Quarter 2025 Results
Prnewswire· 2025-04-22 09:05
Core Viewpoint - Mercantile Bank Corporation reported a net income of $19.5 million for Q1 2025, reflecting a decrease from $21.6 million in Q1 2024, indicating resilience in financial performance amid economic uncertainties [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net revenue for Q1 2025 was $57.2 million, down 1.7% from $58.2 million in Q1 2024 [2]. - Net interest income increased to $48.6 million, up 2.5% from $47.4 million in the previous year, driven by growth in earning assets [2][3]. - Noninterest income totaled $8.7 million, a decline from $10.9 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower interest rate swap income and investment revenue [2][7]. Interest Margin and Asset Quality - The net interest margin decreased to 3.47% from 3.74% year-over-year, attributed to lower yields on loans and a shift in earning asset mix [3][4]. - The yield on average earning assets was 5.74%, down from 6.06% in Q1 2024, with the yield on loans at 6.31%, down from 6.65% [3][4]. - Nonperforming assets were $5.4 million, less than 0.1% of total assets, showing improvement in asset quality metrics [15][16]. Capital Position - Shareholders' equity increased to $608 million, up $23.8 million from the end of 2024, maintaining a "well-capitalized" status with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.0% [17][18]. - The company had approximately $217 million in excess of the minimum regulatory capital requirement [17]. Loan and Deposit Trends - Total loans increased by $35.8 million, or an annualized 3.2%, with commercial loans growing by $44.3 million [10][12]. - Total deposits were $4.68 billion, down $16.6 million from the previous quarter but up 16.8% from the previous year [13]. - The loan-to-deposit ratio slightly increased to 99% from 98% at year-end 2024, compared to 108% a year ago [13][14]. Noninterest Expense and Income - Noninterest expense rose to $31.1 million from $29.9 million in Q1 2024, mainly due to higher salary and benefit costs [8]. - The increase in mortgage banking income was attributed to a higher percentage of loans originated with the intent to sell, which rose to approximately 80% in Q1 2025 [7][9]. Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to grow its local deposit base to lower the loan-to-deposit ratio while minimizing reliance on wholesale funding [14][20]. - Ongoing focus on underwriting loans in a disciplined manner and early detection of credit issues remains a priority [16].
Mercantile Bank Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call and Webcast
Prnewswire· 2025-03-31 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Mercantile Bank Corporation will announce its first quarter 2025 financial results on April 22, 2025, before market opening, followed by a conference call at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results [1][2]. Company Overview - Mercantile Bank Corporation, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the bank holding company for Mercantile Bank, offering financial products and services tailored for businesses, individuals, and governmental units [3]. - The bank is recognized for its exceptional service and knowledgeable staff, and it is one of the largest Michigan-based banks with assets of approximately $6.0 billion [3]. - Mercantile Bank Corporation's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM" [3].
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
2025-03-03 16:34
Credit Risk and Allowances - The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level deemed adequate to absorb estimated credit losses, with significant downturns potentially requiring an increased allowance in the future[50]. - The company maintains allowances for credit losses on loans, securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposures, which may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, potentially adversely affecting earnings and financial condition[73]. - The company’s credit risk may increase due to a concentration of loans to small businesses, which could lead to greater lending risks compared to other banks[73]. Competition and Market Conditions - The company faces substantial competition from various financial institutions, which may limit growth or earnings due to competitors having larger resources and established customer bases[66]. - Unfavorable economic conditions, including geopolitical conflicts, could adversely affect the company's financial condition and results of operations[63]. - Market volatility may impact the company's ability to access capital and affect overall business performance[65]. - Regulatory changes may create competitive advantages for other institutions, impacting the company's market position[94]. Interest Rate and Liquidity Risks - The company is subject to interest rate risk, with changes in interest rates potentially impacting net interest income and overall financial performance[59]. - As of December 31, 2024, approximately 54% of the company's deposits were uninsured, highlighting a reliance on these deposits for liquidity[61]. - The company's ability to engage in routine funding transactions may be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions, leading to potential liquidity problems[72]. Operational and Management Risks - The integration of future acquisitions poses risks that could impede the realization of expected benefits and affect business operations[70]. - The company is heavily reliant on its management and key personnel, and the unexpected loss of any of these individuals could negatively impact growth and performance[74]. - The company is exposed to operational risks, including fraud, unauthorized transactions, and cybersecurity threats, which could lead to significant financial losses[88][91]. Regulatory and Capital Requirements - The banking industry is subject to extensive regulation, which may adversely affect the company's operations and profitability[94]. - Minimum capital requirements could impact the company's ability to pay dividends and maintain profitability[96]. - The regulatory environment is constantly evolving, which may impose additional costs and limit business opportunities[96]. - The company may need to raise additional capital in the future, which could be challenging depending on market conditions[98]. Technological and Environmental Challenges - The company may need to adapt to evolving industry standards and market pressures, which could require substantial capital expenditures for new products and services[68]. - The company faces challenges in technological advancements due to limited resources compared to competitors, which could hinder the implementation of new technology-driven products and services[86]. - The company faces risks related to climate change, which may lead to increased expenditures for compliance with climate-related regulations and could adversely affect business operations[77]. Reputation and ESG Considerations - The company’s reputation is critical to client relationships, and any adverse publicity or operational failures could materially harm its business[87]. - The company has established ESG goals and commitments, but failure to meet evolving expectations could adversely impact business and stock price[80]. Stock and Securities Risks - The company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM," but trading volume remains relatively limited[104]. - The issuance of new debt or equity securities may dilute the value of existing common stock[97]. - The company faces risks related to its stock, including potential dilution from future securities issuances[97]. - Disruptions in securities markets could negatively affect the value of the company's investment securities portfolio, potentially leading to material losses[105]. - The company's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws may discourage hostile takeover attempts, potentially affecting stock price[101].