payable on March 17, 2021, to holders of record as of March 5, 2021.  The $0.29 cash dividend represents an increase of approximately 4 percent from the $0.28 regular cash dividend paid during the fourth quarter of 2020.

"We are very pleased that our ongoing strong financial position enabled us to continue our cash dividend program," said Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile.  "Although we faced various challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which still persist, we were able to reward shareholders with competitive dividend yields throughout 2020 and into 2021 as a result of our sustained financial strength.  While we remain committed to providing our shareholders with a meaningful cash return, future dividend payments will be evaluated and adjusted as necessary to ensure our capital levels remain sufficient to meet capital management initiatives."