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NBT BANCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012.
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________.

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-14703
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
DELAWARE   16-1268674
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
52 SOUTH BROAD STREET, NORWICH, NEW YORK 13815
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (607) 337-2265

None
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x  No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
 
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
 
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   o   No   x
 
As of October 31, 2012, there were 33,745,327 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value per share.



 
 

 

NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
Financial Statements
 
     
  3
     
  4
     
  5
     
  5
     
  6
     
  8
     
Item 2
39
     
Item 3
58
     
Item 4
58
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
59
Item 1A
59
Item 2
60
Item 3
60
Item 4
60
Item 5
60
Item 6
61
     
62
     
63


Item 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
           
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 137,747     $ 128,517  
Short-term interest bearing accounts
    2,693       864  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    1,191,107       1,244,619  
Securities held to maturity (fair value $62,401 and $72,198, respectively)
    61,302       70,811  
Trading securities
    3,851       3,062  
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    28,706       27,020  
Loans and leases
    4,251,119       3,800,203  
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
    70,734       71,334  
Net loans and leases
    4,180,385       3,728,869  
Premises and equipment, net
    77,326       74,541  
Goodwill
    152,251       132,029  
Intangible assets, net
    17,346       18,194  
Bank owned life insurance
    79,854       77,626  
Other assets
    96,348       92,254  
Total assets
  $ 6,028,916     $ 5,598,406  
                 
Liabilities
               
Demand (noninterest bearing)
  $ 1,187,502     $ 1,052,906  
Savings, NOW, and money market
    2,599,556       2,381,116  
Time
    1,018,957       933,127  
Total deposits
    4,806,015       4,367,149  
Short-term borrowings
    137,365       181,592  
Long-term debt
    367,144       370,344  
Trust preferred debentures
    75,422       75,422  
Other liabilities
    66,309       65,789  
Total liabilities
    5,452,255       5,060,296  
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 2,500,000 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares at September 30, 2012 and 50,000,000 December 31, 2011; issued 39,305,131 at September 30, 2012 and 38,035,539 at December 31, 2011
    393       380  
Additional paid-in-capital
    345,934       317,329  
Retained earnings
    351,261       329,981  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,746 )     (6,104 )
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 5,562,454 and 4,878,829 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    (117,181 )     (103,476 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    576,661       538,110  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 6,028,916     $ 5,598,406  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
                       
Interest, fee, and dividend income
                       
Interest and fees on loans and leases
  $ 53,817     $ 50,991     $ 154,534     $ 152,977  
Securities available for sale
    6,550       7,771       21,024       23,622  
Securities held to maturity
    572       680       1,829       2,225  
Other
    348       342       1,153       1,275  
Total interest, fee, and dividend income
    61,287       59,784       178,540       180,099  
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    4,544       5,352       14,521       17,690  
Short-term borrowings
    60       56       149       166  
Long-term debt
    3,640       3,621       10,801       10,783  
Trust preferred debentures
    436       394       1,319       1,683  
Total interest expense
    8,680       9,423       26,790       30,322  
Net interest income
    52,607       50,361       151,750       149,777  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    4,755       5,175       13,329       15,161  
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses
    47,852       45,186       138,421       134,616  
Noninterest income
                               
Insurance and other financial services revenue
    5,591       5,127       17,024       15,925  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    4,626       5,532       13,538       16,059  
ATM and debit card fees
    3,378       3,135       9,403       8,731  
Retirement plan administration fees
    2,718       2,295       7,462       6,734  
Trust
    2,242       2,090       6,683       6,384  
Bank owned life insurance
    639       674       2,228       2,369  
Net securities gains
    26       12       578       98  
Other
    2,407       1,329       8,449       3,881  
Total noninterest income
    21,627       20,194       65,365       60,181  
Noninterest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    26,641       25,068       78,358       74,107  
Occupancy
    4,437       3,887       13,150       12,396  
Data processing and communications
    3,352       3,054       10,041       9,085  
Professional fees and outside services
    2,735       2,215       7,848       6,369  
Equipment
    2,435       2,288       7,224       6,658  
Office supplies and postage
    1,597       1,531       4,842       4,418  
FDIC expenses
    939       920       2,812       3,381  
Advertising
    701       685       2,308       2,286  
Amortization of intangible assets
    870       782       2,530       2,286  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    614       676       2,051       1,838  
Merger expenses
    558       155       1,895       155  
Other
    4,552       3,785       12,236       10,285  
Total noninterest expense
    49,431       45,046       145,295       133,264  
Income before income tax expense
    20,048       20,334       58,491       61,533  
Income tax expense
    5,513       5,117       17,049       17,354  
Net income
  $ 14,535     $ 15,217     $ 41,442     $ 44,179  
Earnings per share
                               
Basic
  $ 0.43     $ 0.46     $ 1.24     $ 1.30  
Diluted
  $ 0.43     $ 0.45     $ 1.23     $ 1.29  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(In thousands)
                       
Net income
  $ 14,535     $ 15,217     $ 41,442     $ 44,179  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                               
Unrealized net holding gains arising during the period (pre-tax amounts of $1,463,$5,978, $1,798 and $13,719)
    878       3,609       1,079       8,284  
Reclassification adjustment for net gains related to securities available for sale included in net income (pre-tax amounts of $26, $12, $578 and $98)
    (16 )     (7 )     (347 )     (59 )
Pension and other benefits:
                               
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains (pre-tax amounts of $989, $417, $2,702 and $1,248)
    599       250       1,626       749  
Total other comprehensive income
    1,461       3,852       2,358       8,974  
Comprehensive income
  $ 15,996     $ 19,069     $ 43,800     $ 53,153  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
                                   
                         
         
 
         
Accumulated
             
         
Additional
         
Other
   
Common
       
   
Common
   
Paid-in-
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Stock
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
in Treasury
   
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 380     $ 314,023     $ 299,797     $ (5,335 )   $ (75,293 )   $ 533,572  
Net income
    -       -       44,179       -       -       44,179  
Cash dividends - $0.60 per share
    -       -       (20,439 )     -       -       (20,439 )
Purchase of 1,458,609 treasury shares
    -       -       -       -       (30,502 )     (30,502 )
Net issuance of 59,128 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    -       (420 )     (137 )     -       1,185       628  
Stock-based compensation
    -       2,436       -       -       -       2,436  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       8,974       -       8,974  
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 380     $ 316,039     $ 323,400     $ 3,639     $ (104,610 )   $ 538,848  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 380     $ 317,329     $ 329,981     $ (6,104 )   $ (103,476 )   $ 538,110  
Net income
    -       -       41,442       -       -       41,442  
Cash dividends - $0.60 per share
    -       -       (19,966 )     -       -       (19,966 )
Purchase of 769,568 treasury shares
    -       -       -       -       (15,490 )     (15,490 )
Net issuance of 1,269,592 shares for acquisition
    13       25,811       -       -       -       25,824  
Net issuance of 85,943 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    -       (764 )     (196 )     -       1,785       825  
Stock-based compensation
    -       3,558       -       -       -       3,558  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       2,358       -       2,358  
Balance at September 30, 2012
  $ 393     $ 345,934     $ 351,261     $ (3,746 )   $ (117,181 )   $ 576,661  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
           
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 41,442     $ 44,179  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Provision for loan and lease losses
    13,329       15,161  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    4,636       4,023  
Net accretion on securities
    1,766       939  
Amortization of intangible assets
    2,530       2,286  
Stock based compensation
    3,558       2,436  
Bank owned life insurance income
    (2,228 )     (2,369 )
Purchases of trading securities
    (705 )     (404 )
Unrealized (gains) losses in trading securities
    (84 )     247  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (2,735 )     (4,003 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    37,922       3,257  
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
    (47,263 )     (2,445 )
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
    (1,352 )     (2 )
Net security gains
    (578 )     (98 )
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned
    (602 )     (712 )
Net decrease in other assets
    9,316       3,499  
Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities
    (1,213 )     1,532  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    57,739       67,526  
Investing activities
               
Net cash provided by (used in) acquisitions
    53,121       (1,000 )
Securities available for sale:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    381,160       360,358  
Proceeds from sales
    1,791       118  
Purchases
    (329,378 )     (387,855 )
Securities held to maturity:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    24,428       39,766  
Purchases
    (14,959 )     (14,580 )
Net increase in loans
    (234,330 )     (115,065 )
Net (increase) decrease in Federal Reserve and FHLB stock
    (672 )     226  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (4,805 )     (5,677 )
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    2,411       2,073  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (121,233 )     (121,636 )
Financing activities
               
Net increase in deposits
    156,761       130,712  
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    (44,227 )     (1,149 )
Repayments of long-term debt
    (3,350 )     (2,143 )
Issuance of long-term debt
    -       156  
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    (13 )     (95 )
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
    838       723  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (15,490 )     (30,502 )
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares
    (19,966 )     (20,439 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    74,553       77,263  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    11,059       23,153  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    129,381       168,792  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 140,440     $ 191,945  

 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
     
Cash paid during the period for:
           
Interest
  $ 26,951     $ 30,774  
Income taxes paid
    18,457       22,537  
Noncash investing activities:
               
Loans transferred to OREO
  $ 1,503     $ 1,110  
Acquisitions:
               
Fair value of assets acquired
  $ 257,865     $ 3,460  
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    285,012       3,426  
Fair value of debt issued in purchase combination
    150       2,460  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 

NBT BANCORP INC. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2012

Note 1.
Description of Business

NBT Bancorp Inc. (the “Registrant”) is a registered financial holding company incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1986, with its principal headquarters located in Norwich, New York. The Registrant is the parent holding company of NBT Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”), NBT Holdings, Inc. (“NBT Holdings”), CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I and NBT Statutory Trust II (the “Trusts”).  Through the Bank, the Company is focused on community banking operations.  Through NBT Financial, the Company operates EPIC Advisors, Inc. (“EPIC”), a retirement plan administrator.  Through NBT Holdings, the Company operates Mang Insurance Agency, LLC (“Mang”), a full-service insurance agency.  The Trusts were organized to raise additional regulatory capital and to provide funding for certain acquisitions. The Registrant’s primary business consists of providing commercial banking and financial services to customers in its market area. The principal assets of the Registrant are all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its direct subsidiaries, and its principal sources of revenue are the management fees and dividends it receives from the Bank, NBT Financial, and NBT Holdings.

The Bank is a full service commercial bank formed in 1856, which provides a broad range of financial products to individuals, corporations and municipalities throughout the upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, northwestern Vermont, western Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire market areas.

Note 2.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Registrant and its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Bank, NBT Financial and NBT Holdings.  Collectively, the Registrant and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “the Company.”  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure and there were none identified.
 
Note 3.
Acquisition

On June 8, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Hampshire First Bank ("Hampshire First").  The five banking centers operated by Hampshire First located in Manchester, Londonderry, Nashua, Keene and Portsmouth, New Hampshire will continue to do business under the Hampshire First name as a division of the Bank.  This business combination is a strategic extension of the Company’s franchise and the combination was negotiated between the companies and was approved unanimously by their boards of directors.

Hampshire First shareholders received approximately 1.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock and $17.2 million in cash.  On the acquisition date, Hampshire First had approximately 2.8 million outstanding common shares.  Under the terms of the merger agreement between the Company, the Bank and Hampshire First, the Company paid $15.00 per share for 35% of the outstanding Hampshire First common shares and the remaining 65% of outstanding Hampshire First shares received 0.7019 shares of the Company’s common stock for each share.  Approximately 1.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock issued in this exchange were valued at $20.34 per share based on the average of the daily closing price of the Company’s stock for the ten trading days immediately prior to June 8, 2012.  The Company paid $2.6 million in cash to retire outstanding Hampshire First stock options and warrants.

 
The results of Hampshire First’s operations are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition. In connection with the merger, the consideration paid, the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, as summarized in the following tables, in thousands, as of June 8, 2012:

Consideration Paid:
 
 
 
NBT Bancorp common stock issued to Hampshire First common stockholders
  $ 25,824  
Cash consideration paid to Hampshire First common stockholders
    14,616  
Cash consideration paid for Hampshire First employee stock options and warrants
    2,583  
Total consideration paid
  $ 43,023  
         
Recognized Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and (Liabilities Assumed), At Fair Value:
       
Cash and short term investments
  $ 22,149  
Loans
    218,801  
Federal Home Loan Bank common stock
    1,014  
Core deposit intangibles
    797  
Other assets
    12,926  
Deposits
    (228,198 )
Borrowings
    (41 )
Other liabilities
    (2,848 )
Total identifiable net assets
  $ 24,600  
         
Goodwill
  $ 18,423  

The fair values for most loans acquired from Hampshire were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms.  Cash flows were adjusted by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments.  Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans.  To estimate the fair value of collateral dependent problem loans, we analyzed the value of the underlying collateral of the loans, assuming the fair values of the loans were derived from the eventual sale of the collateral.  We discounted those values using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral.  There was no carryover of Hampshire First’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans we acquired as the loans were initially recorded at fair value.

Information about the acquired loan portfolio as of June 8, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition
  $ 226,631  
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected
    (7,985 )
Expected cash flows at acquisition
    218,646  
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable premium)
    155  
Fair value of acquired loans
  $ 218,801  

The core deposit intangible asset recognized as part of the Hampshire First merger is being amortized over its estimated useful life of approximately ten years utilizing an accelerated method.

The goodwill is not amortized for book purposes and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of savings and transaction deposit accounts acquired from Hampshire was assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand.  Certificates of deposit were valued by comparing the contractual cost of the portfolio to an identical portfolio bearing current market rates.  The projected cash was calculated by discounting their contractual cash flows at a market rate for a certificate of deposit with a corresponding maturity.

 
Note 4.
Subsequent Event

On October 7, 2012, the Company and Alliance Financial Corporation (“Alliance”) entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which Alliance will merge with and into NBT Bancorp, with NBT Bancorp continuing as the surviving corporation.  The agreement also provides for Alliance Bank, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, to be merged with and into the Bank following completion of the merger.  Alliance, with assets of approximately $1.4 billion at June 30, 2012, is headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y.  Its primary subsidiary, Alliance Bank, N.A., is a nationally-chartered community bank with 28 banking locations in central New York.  The transaction is valued at approximately $233.4 million, to be paid in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock.  Subject to the required approvals of NBT Bancorp and Alliance shareholders, requisite regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the merger is expected to be completed in the early 2013.

Note 5.
Use of Estimates

Preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the disclosures provided. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates associated with the allowance for loan losses, other real estate owned (“OREO”), income taxes, pension expense, fair values of financial instruments and status of contingencies are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term.

The allowance for loan losses is the amount which, in the opinion of management, is necessary to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is determined based upon numerous considerations, including local and national economic conditions, the growth and composition of the loan portfolio with respect to the mix between the various types of loans and their related risk characteristics, a review of the value of collateral supporting the loans, comprehensive reviews of the loan portfolio by the independent loan review staff and management, as well as consideration of volume and trends of delinquencies, nonperforming loans, and loan charge-offs.  As a result of the review of these factors and historical and current indicators, required additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans is based on discounted cash flows using the loan’s initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for certain loans where repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral (collateral dependent loans). The Company’s impaired loans are generally collateral dependent loans. The Company considers the estimated cost to sell, on a discounted basis, when determining the fair value of collateral in the measurement of impairment if those costs are expected to reduce the cash flows available to repay or otherwise satisfy the loans.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize loan losses, future additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions or changes in the values of properties securing loans in the process of foreclosure. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination which may not be currently available to management.  In determining that we will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreements, we consider factors such as payment history and changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, local economic conditions, historical loss experience and the conditions of the various markets in which the collateral may be liquidated.

 
OREO consists of properties acquired through foreclosure or by acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These assets are recorded at the lower of fair value of the asset acquired less estimated costs to sell or “cost” (cost is defined as the fair value less costs to sell at initial foreclosure). At the time of foreclosure, or when foreclosure occurs in-substance, the excess, if any, of the loan over the fair value of the assets received, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the allowance for loan losses and any subsequent valuation write-downs are charged to other expense. Operating costs associated with the properties are charged to expense as incurred. Gains on the sale of OREO are included in income when title has passed and the sale has met the minimum down payment requirements prescribed by U.S. GAAP.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company files consolidated tax returns on the accrual basis. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences and benefits attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or the existence of sufficient taxable income within the available carryback period. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Based on available carrybacks and expected future income, gross deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized and a valuation allowance was not deemed necessary at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Uncertain tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not (likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.  Tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold are measured using a probability-weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.

Management is required to make various assumptions in valuing its pension assets and liabilities. These assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, and the rate of increase in future compensation levels. Changes to these assumptions could impact earnings in future periods. The Company takes into account the plan asset mix, funding obligations, and expert opinions in determining the various assumptions used to compute pension expense. The Company also considers relevant indices and market interest rates in selecting an appropriate discount rate. A cash flow analysis for expected benefit payments from the plan is performed each year to assist in selecting the discount rate.  In addition, the Company reviews expected inflationary and merit increases to compensation in determining the expected rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Management is required to make various assumptions in determining the fair values of financial instruments.  Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Management is required to make various assumptions in determining the credit risk involved in issuing contingent obligations such as standby letters of credit, commercial letters of credit, and other lines of credit.  Since commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon, this amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments.  Based on historical experience and economic factors, the Company makes estimates of future cash commitments from these contingent obligations to determine their fair value and establish an allowance if necessary.

 
Beginning in June 2012 with the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank, the Bank offers interest rate swap agreements to its customers.  These agreements allow the Bank’s customers to effectively fix the interest rate on a variable rate loan by entering into a separate agreement.  Simultaneous with the execution of such an agreement with a customer, the Bank enters into a matching interest rate swap agreement with an unrelated third party provider, which allows the Bank to continue to receive the historical variable rate under the loan agreement with the customer.  The agreement with the third party is not a hedge contract therefore changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.  Assets and liabilities associated with the agreements are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the balance sheet.  Gains and losses are recorded as other noninterest income.  The Bank is not subject to any fee or penalty should the customer elect to terminate the interest rate swap agreement prior to maturity.  The Bank is exposed to credit loss equal to the fair value of the derivatives (not the notional amount of the derivatives) in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the interest rate swap agreements. Additionally, the Bank receives a fee from the customer that is recognized when the Bank has fulfilled its obligations under each agreement, which is generally upon execution of the agreement with the Bank's customer. Since the terms of the two interest rate swap agreements are identical, the income statement impact to the Bank is limited to the fees it receives from the customer. The Bank recognized minimal fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2012, the Bank maintained a $1.6 million deposit with the counterparty to collateralize the swap agreements.
 
Note 6.
Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuating interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $861.7 million at September 30, 2012 and $764.9 million at December 31, 2011.  Since commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon, this amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management’s credit evaluation of the borrower and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, land and other items.

The Company guarantees the obligations or performance of customers by issuing standby letters of credit to third parties. These standby letters of credit are frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate debt issuances, industrial revenue bonds and municipal securities. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products. Typically, these instruments have terms of five years or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Standby letters of credit totaled $33.0 million at September 30, 2012 and $26.8 million at December 31, 2011. As of September 30, 2012, the fair value of standby letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company has also entered into commercial letter of credit agreements on behalf of its customers.  Under these agreements, the Company, on the request of its customer, opens the letter of credit and makes a commitment to honor draws made under the agreement, whereby the beneficiary is normally the provider of goods and/or services and the Company essentially replaces the customer as the payee.  The credit risk involved in issuing commercial letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Typically, these agreements vary in terms and the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments.  Commercial letters of credit totaled $8.3 million at September 30, 2012 and $15.2 million at December 31, 2011.  As of September 30, 2012, the fair value of commercial letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Note 7. 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality of Loans

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide adequately for risk of probable losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is continuously monitored.  It is assessed for adequacy using a methodology designed to ensure the level of the allowance reasonably reflects the loan portfolio’s risk profile. It is evaluated to ensure that it is sufficient to absorb all reasonably estimable credit losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.

To develop and document a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses, the Company has divided the loan portfolio into three portfolio segments, each with different risk characteristics and methodologies for assessing risk.  Each portfolio segment is broken down into class segments where appropriate.  Class segments contain unique measurement attributes, risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk that are necessary to develop the allowance for loan losses.  Unique characteristics such as borrower type, loan type, collateral type, and risk characteristics define each class segment.  The following table illustrates the portfolio and class segments for the Company’s loan portfolio:

Portfolio
Class
Commercial Loans
Commercial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Agricultural Real Estate
 
Business banking
   
Consumer Loans
Indirect
 
Home Equity
 
Direct
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
 

CommercialThe Company offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our commercial customers including term loans, time notes and lines of credit.  Such loans are made available to businesses for working capital such as inventory and receivables, business expansion and equipment purchases. Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment or other assets owned by the borrower.  These loans carry a higher risk than commercial real estate loans due to the nature of the underlying collateral, which can be business assets such as equipment and accounts receivable and is generally less liquid than real estate. To reduce the risk, management also attempts to secure real estate as collateral and obtain personal guarantees of the borrowers.

Commercial Real Estate – The Company offers commercial real estate loans to finance real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions and improvements to commercial properties.  Commercial real estate loans are made to finance the purchases of real property which generally consists of real estate with completed structures. These commercial real estate loans are secured by first liens on the real estate, which may include apartments, commercial structures, housing businesses, healthcare facilities, and other non owner-occupied facilities.  These loans are typically less risky than commercial loans, since they are secured by real estate and buildings. The Company’s underwriting analysis includes credit verification, independent appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and a detailed analysis of the borrower’s underlying cash flows. These loans are typically originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the appraised value of the property.

 
Agricultural – The Company offers a variety of agricultural loans to meet the needs of our agricultural customers including term loans, time notes, and lines of credit.  These loans are made to purchase livestock, purchase and modernize equipment, and finance seasonal crop expenses.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on the livestock, equipment, produce inventories, and/or receivables owned by the borrower.  These loans may carry a higher risk than commercial and agricultural real estate loans due to the industry price volatility, and in some cases, the perishable nature of the underlying collateral.  To reduce these risks, management may attempt to secure these loans with additional real estate collateral, obtain personal guarantees of the borrowers, or obtain government loan guarantees to provide further support.

Agricultural Real Estate – The Company offers real estate loans to our agricultural customers to finance farm related real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions, and improvements to agricultural properties such as barns, production facilities, and land.  The agricultural real estate loans are secured by first liens on the farm real estate.  Because they are secured by land and buildings, these loans may be less risky than agricultural loans.  The Company's underwriting analysis includes credit verification, independent appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and a detailed analysis of the borrower’s underlying cash flows.  These loans are typically originated in amounts of no more than 75% of the appraised value of the property.  Government loan guarantees may be obtained to provide further support.

Business Banking - The Company offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our business banking customers including term loans, business banking mortgages and lines of credit.  Such loans are generally less than $350 thousand and are made available to businesses for working capital such as inventory and receivables, business expansion, equipment purchases, and agricultural needs.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment or other assets owned by the borrower such as inventory and/or receivables.  These loans carry a higher risk than commercial loans due to the smaller size of the borrower and lower levels of capital.  To reduce the risk, the Company obtains personal guarantees of the owners for a majority of the loans.

Indirect – The Company maintains relationships with many dealers primarily in the communities that we serve.  Through these relationships, the company finances the purchases of automobiles and recreational vehicles (such as campers, boats, etc.) indirectly through dealer relationships.  Approximately 70% of the indirect relationships represent automobile financing.  Most of these loans carry a fixed rate of interest with principal repayment terms typically ranging from three to six years, based upon the nature of the collateral and the size of the loan. The majority of indirect consumer loans are underwritten on a secured basis using the underlying collateral being financed.
 
Home Equity The Company offers fixed home equity loans as well as home equity lines of credit to consumers to finance home improvements, debt consolidation, education and other uses.  Consumers are able to borrower up to 85% of the equity in their homes.  The Company originates home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans (loans secured by a second [junior] lien position on one-to-four-family residential real estate).  These loans carry a higher risk than first mortgage residential loans as they are in a second position with respect to collateral.  Risk is reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows.  A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate.

Direct – The Company offers a variety of consumer installment loans to finance vehicle purchases, mobile home purchases and personal expenditures.  Most of these loans carry a fixed rate of interest with principal repayment terms typically ranging from one to ten years, based upon the nature of the collateral and the size of the loan. The majority of consumer loans are underwritten on a secured basis using the underlying collateral being financed or a customer's deposit account. In addition to installment loans, the Company also offers personal lines of credit and overdraft protection.  A minimal amount of loans are unsecured, which carry a higher risk of loss.

 
Residential Real Estate – Residential real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first or second deeds of trust on primary residences.  We originate adjustable-rate and fixed-rate, one-to-four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase or refinancing of a mortgage.  These loans are collateralized by owner-occupied properties located in the Company’s market area. When market conditions are favorable, for longer term, fixed-rate residential mortgages without escrow, the Company retains the servicing, but sells the right to receive principal and interest to Freddie Mac.   This practice allows the Company to manage interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk.  Loans on one-to-four-family residential real estate are generally originated in amounts of no more than 85% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower), or have private mortgage insurance.  Mortgage title insurance and hazard insurance are normally required. Construction loans have a unique risk, because they are secured by an incomplete dwelling. This risk is reduced through periodic site inspections, including one at each loan draw period.

Allowance for Loan Loss Calculation
Management considers the accounting policy related to the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy given the inherent uncertainty in evaluating the levels of the allowance required to cover credit losses in the portfolio and the material effect that such judgments can have on the consolidated results of operations.

For purposes of evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, the Company considers a number of significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio.  For individually analyzed loans, these include estimates of loss exposure, which reflect the facts and circumstances that affect the likelihood of repayment of such loans as of the evaluation date. For homogeneous pools of loans, estimates of the Company’s exposure to credit loss reflect a current assessment of a number of factors, which could affect collectibility.  These factors include:  past loss experience;  size, trend, composition, and nature of loans;  changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection,  charge-offs  and  recoveries; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; current economic conditions in the Company’s market;  portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experienced across one or more components of the portfolio; the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements; and the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral component of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Company to make loan grade changes as well as recognize additions to the allowance based on their examinations.

After a thorough consideration of the factors discussed above, any required additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses. These charges or credits are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of overall inherent risk of probable loss in the portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additions and reductions of the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another.  These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above.  The following table illustrates the changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011:


Allowance for Loan Losses
(in thousands)
 
 
             
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
             
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of June 30, 2012
  $ 37,495     $ 27,235     $ 5,943     $ 61     $ 70,734  
Charge-offs
    (1,904 )     (3,446 )     (480 )     -       (5,830 )
Recoveries
    492       574       9       -       1,075  
Provision
    1,734       2,213       809       (1 )     4,755  
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2012
  $ 37,817     $ 26,576     $ 6,281     $ 60     $ 70,734  
                                         
Balance as of June 30, 2011
  $ 39,147     $ 25,718     $ 5,373     $ 246     $ 70,484  
Charge-offs
    (1,694 )     (3,526 )     (45 )     -       (5,265 )
Recoveries
    367       571       2       -       940  
Provision
    1,073       3,533       588       (19 )     5,175  
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2011
  $ 38,893     $ 26,296     $ 5,918     $ 227     $ 71,334  

         
 
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
   
 
   
 
 
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 38,831     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,334  
Charge-offs
    (4,685 )     (11,237 )     (1,130 )     -       (17,052 )
Recoveries
    1,180       1,918       25       -       3,123  
Provision
    2,491       9,846       1,137       (145 )     13,329  
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2012
  $ 37,817     $ 26,576     $ 6,281     $ 60     $ 70,734  
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 40,101     $ 26,126     $ 4,627     $ 380     $ 71,234  
Charge-offs
    (7,153 )     (10,420 )     (558 )     -       (18,131 )
Recoveries
    1,262       1,803       5       -       3,070  
Provision
    4,683       8,787       1,844       (153 )     15,161  
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2011
  $ 38,893     $ 26,296     $ 5,918     $ 227     $ 71,334  


The following tables illustrate the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment by portfolio segment as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
(in thousands)
 
         
 
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
   
 
   
 
 
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
As of September 30, 2012
                             
                               
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 37,817     $ 26,576     $ 6,281     $ 60     $ 70,734  
                                         
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
    2,720       -       -               2,720  
                                         
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 35,097     $ 26,576     $ 6,281     $ 60     $ 68,014  
                                         
Ending balance of loans
  $ 1,992,891     $ 1,607,780     $ 650,448             $ 4,251,119  
                                         
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment
    13,017       -       -               13,017  
                                         
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,979,874     $ 1,607,780     $ 650,448             $ 4,238,102  
                                         
As of December 31, 2011
                                       
                                         
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 38,831     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,334  
                                         
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
    175       -       -               175  
                                         
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 38,656     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,159  
                                         
Ending balance of loans
  $ 1,702,577     $ 1,516,115     $ 581,511             $ 3,800,203  
                                         
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment
    6,219       -       -               6,219  
                                         
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,696,358     $ 1,516,115     $ 581,511             $ 3,793,984  
 
 
Credit Quality of Loans
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when timely collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. Loans are transferred to nonaccrual status generally when principal or interest payments become ninety days delinquent, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection, or sooner when management concludes or circumstances indicate that borrowers may be unable to meet contractual principal or interest payments.  When a loan is transferred to a nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued in the current period but not collected is reversed against interest income in that period. Interest accrued in a prior period and not collected is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.  The Company’s nonaccrual policies are the same for all classes of financing receivable.

If ultimate repayment of a nonaccrual loan is expected, any payments received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment of principal is not expected, any payment received on a nonaccrual loan is applied to principal until ultimate repayment becomes expected.  Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to principal and interest and demonstrate a period of performance under the contractual terms and, in the opinion of management, are fully collectible as to principal and interest.  When in the opinion of management the collection of principal appears unlikely, the loan balance is charged-off in total or in part.  For loans in all portfolios, the principal amount is charged off in full or in part as soon as management determines, based on available facts, that the collection of principal in full is improbable.  For commercial loans, management considers specific facts and circumstances relative to individual credits in making such a determination.  For consumer and residential loan classes, management uses specific guidance and thresholds from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy.
 
The following table illustrates the Company’s nonaccrual loans by loan class:
 
Loans on Nonaccrual Status
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
             
(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Commercial Loans
           
Commercial
  $ 6,915     $ 1,699  
Commercial Real Estate
    6,432       4,868  
Agricultural
    2,587       3,307  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,195       2,067  
Business Banking
    5,921       7,446  
      23,050       19,387  
Consumer Loans
               
Indirect
    1,703       1,550  
Home Equity
    8,126       7,931  
Direct
    257       378  
      10,086       9,859  
                 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    9,525       9,044  
                 
Total Nonaccrual
  $ 42,661     $ 38,290  

The increase in nonaccrual commercial and commercial real estate loans from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 was due primarily to one commercial relationship which moved to nonaccrual status during the first quarter.  This relationship has been reviewed quarterly and as a result was specifically reserved for by the Company during the first and second quarters of 2012.
 
 
The following tables set forth information with regard to past due and nonperforming loans by loan class as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of September 30, 2012
(in thousands)
 
 
             
Greater Than
                     
 
 
   
31-60 Days
   
61-90 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total
               
Recorded
 
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
               
Total
 
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Loans
 
Commercial Loans
                                         
Commercial
  $ 707     $ 149     $ -     $ 856     $ 6,915     $ 594,775     $ 602,546  
Commercial Real Estate
    1,455       138       -       1,593       6,432       1,012,695       1,020,720  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       -       2,587       64,187       66,774  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       1,195       35,348       36,543  
Business Banking
    1,114       555       80       1,749       5,921       258,638       266,308  
      3,276       842       80       4,198       23,050       1,965,643       1,992,891  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    9,406       1,729       978       12,113       1,703       948,803       962,619  
Home Equity
    5,478       888       573       6,939       8,126       561,143       576,208  
Direct
    705       130       47       882       257       67,814       68,953  
      15,589       2,747       1,598       19,934       10,086       1,577,760       1,607,780  
                                                         
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    2,240       170       1,285       3,695       9,525       637,228       650,448  
    $ 21,105     $ 3,759     $ 2,963     $ 27,827     $ 42,661     $ 4,180,631     $ 4,251,119  
 
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of December 31, 2011
(in thousands)

 
             
Greater Than
                         
   
31-60 Days
   
61-90 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total
               
Recorded
 
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
               
Total
 
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Loans
 
Commercial Loans
                                         
Commercial
  $ 663     $ 50     $ -     $ 713     $ 1,699     $ 508,662     $ 511,074  
Commercial Real Estate
    1,942       -       -       1,942       4,868       828,089       834,899  
Agricultural
    77       13       -       90       3,307       63,140       66,537  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       50       50       2,067       31,809       33,926  
Business Banking
    1,871       1,024       -       2,895       7,446       245,800       256,141  
      4,553       1,087       50       5,690       19,387       1,677,500       1,702,577  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    12,141       2,584       1,283       16,008       1,550       855,545       873,103  
Home Equity
    5,823       1,277       954       8,054       7,931       553,660       569,645  
Direct
    831       191       140       1,162       378       71,827       73,367  
      18,795       4,052       2,377       25,224       9,859       1,481,032       1,516,115  
                                                         
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    2,003       139       763       2,905       9,044       569,562       581,511  
    $ 25,351     $ 5,278     $ 3,190     $ 33,819     $ 38,290     $ 3,728,094     $ 3,800,203  

There were no material commitments to extend further credit to borrowers with nonperforming loans. Within nonaccrual loans, there are approximately $2.3 million and $4.0 million of troubled debt restructured loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  This decrease was due primarily to the migration of certain commercial loans to accruing status during the first nine months of 2012.

Impaired loans, which primarily consist of nonaccruing commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural, agricultural real estate and business banking loans were $25.9 million at September 30, 2012 and $22.4 million at December 31, 2011.

The methodology used to establish the allowance for loan losses on impaired loans incorporates specific allocations on loans analyzed individually.  Classified loans with outstanding balances of $500 thousand or more are evaluated for impairment through the Company’s quarterly status review process.  In determining that we will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreements, we consider factors such as payment history and changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, local economic conditions, historical loss experience and the conditions of the various markets in which the collateral may be liquidated.  For loans that are impaired as defined by accounting standards, impairment is measured by one of three methods: 1) the fair value of collateral less cost to sell, 2) present value of expected future cash flows or 3) the loan’s observable market price.  All impaired loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis for changes in the measurement of impairment.  Any change to the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized as a change to the allowance account and recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a component of the provision for credit losses.  At September 30, 2012, $6.1 million of the total impaired loans had a specific reserve allocation of $2.7 million compared to $.5 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2011 which had a specific reserve allocation of $0.2 million.


The following table provides additional information on impaired loans and specific reserve allocations as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

   
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Recorded
   
Unpaid
         
Recorded
   
Unpaid
       
   
Investment
   
Principal
         
Investment
   
Principal
       
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Related
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Related
 
(in thousands)
 
(Book)
   
(Legal)
   
Allowance
   
(Book)
   
(Legal)
   
Allowance
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial Loans
                                   
Commercial
  $ 851     $ 1,257           $ 1,243     $ 2,723        
Commercial Real Estate
    6,432       8,396             4,868       7,165        
Agricultural
    2,587       3,567             3,307       4,166        
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,195       1,382             2,067       2,288        
Business Banking
    5,921       8,078             7,446       9,976        
Total Commercial Loans
    16,986       22,680             18,931       26,318        
                                             
Consumer Loans
                                           
Home Equity
    1,777       1,879             2,000       2,103        
                                             
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,105       1,275             1,040       1,125        
    $ 19,868     $ 25,834           $ 21,971     $ 29,546        
                                             
With an allowance recorded:
                                           
Commercial Loans
                                           
Commercial
  $ 6,064     $ 6,113     $ 2,720     $ 456     $ 808     $ 175  
Commercial Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
      6,064       6,113       2,720       456       808       175  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 25,932     $ 31,947     $ 2,720     $ 22,427     $ 30,354     $ 175  

The increase in commercial loans with a related allowance recorded from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 is primarily due to the impairment of two commercial relationships during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 
The following table summarizes the average recorded investments on impaired loans and the interest income recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011:

   
For the three months ended
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Average
   
Interest Income
   
Average
   
Interest Income
 
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
 
(in thousands)
 
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
   
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial Loans
                                   
Commercial
  $ 854     $ 9     $ 9     $ 1,794     $ 3     $ 3  
Commercial Real Estate
    6,732       16       16       6,106       14       14  
Agricultural
    2,627       51       51       3,516       59       59  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,348       3       3       1,874       34       34  
Business Banking
    6,169       70       70       7,655       101       101  
Consumer Loans
                                               
Home Equity
    1,783       18       18       2,312       26       26  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,111       17       17       1,059       26       26  
    $ 20,624     $ 184     $ 184     $ 24,316     $ 263     $ 263  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
  $ 6,091     $ 34     $ 34     $ 520     $ 19     $ 19  
Commercial Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       23       1       1  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
    $ 6,091     $ 34     $ 34     $ 543     $ 20     $ 20  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 26,715     $ 218     $ 218     $ 24,859     $ 283     $ 283  

 
The following table summarizes the average recorded investments on impaired loans and the interest income recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011:

   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Average
   
Interest Income
   
Average
   
Interest Income
 
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
 
(in thousands)
 
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
   
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial Loans
                                   
Commercial
  $ 1,319     $ 23     $ 23     $ 2,625     $ 76     $ 76  
Commercial Real Estate
    6,564       48       48       4,728       59       59  
Agricultural
    2,873       159       159       2,903       104       104  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,734       13       13       1,622       72       72  
Business Banking
    6,824       166       166       5,662       203       203  
Consumer Loans
                                               
Home Equity
    1,840       66       66       1,851       84       84  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,066       73       73       887       53       53  
    $ 22,220     $ 548     $ 548     $ 20,278     $ 651     $ 651  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
  $ 4,178     $ 43     $ 43     $ 991     $ 68     $ 68  
Commercial Real Estate
    -       -       -       382       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       1,055       68       68  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       475       18       18  
    $ 4,178     $ 43     $ 43     $ 2,903     $ 154     $ 154  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 26,397     $ 591     $ 591     $ 23,181     $ 805     $ 805  

There has been significant disruption and volatility in the financial and capital markets since the second half of 2008.  Turmoil in the mortgage industry adversely impacted both domestic and global economies and led to a significant credit and liquidity crisis in many domestic markets.  These conditions were attributable to a variety of factors, in particular the fallout associated with subprime mortgage loans (a type of lending we have never actively pursued).  The disruption was exacerbated by the decline of the real estate and housing market.  However, in the markets in which the Company does business, the disruption has been somewhat delayed and less significant than in the national market.  For example, our real estate market has not suffered the extreme declines seen nationally and our unemployment rate, while notably higher than in prior periods, is still below the national average.

While we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards, as a lender we may be adversely impacted by general economic weaknesses and, in particular, a sharp downturn in the housing market nationally.  Decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral for our loans.  Adverse changes in the economy may have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely loan payments, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings.  An adverse impact on loan delinquencies would decrease our net interest income and adversely impact our loan loss experience, causing increases in our provision and allowance for loan losses.

The Company has developed an internal loan grading system to evaluate and quantify the Bank’s loan portfolio with respect to quality and risk.  The system focuses on, among other things, financial strength of borrowers, experience and depth of borrower’s management, primary and secondary sources of repayment, payment history, nature of the business, and outlook on particular industries.  The internal grading system enables the Company to monitor the quality of the entire loan portfolio on a consistent basis and provide management with an early warning system, enabling recognition and response to problem loans and potential problem loans.
 
 
Commercial Grading System
 
For commercial and agricultural loans, the Company uses a grading system that relies on quantifiable and measurable characteristics when available.  This would include comparison of financial strength to available industry averages, comparison of transaction factors (loan terms and conditions) to loan policy, and comparison of credit history to stated repayment terms and industry averages. Some grading factors are necessarily more subjective such as economic and industry factors, regulatory environment, and management.  Classified commercial loans consist of loans graded substandard and below.  All classified loans with outstanding balances of $500 thousand or more are evaluated individually for impairment through the quarterly review process.  The grading system for commercial and agricultural loans is as follows:
 
 
·
Doubtful
 
A doubtful loan has a high probability of total or substantial loss, but because of specific pending events that may strengthen the asset, its classification as a loss is deferred. Doubtful borrowers are usually in default, lack adequate liquidity or capital, and lack the resources necessary to remain an operating entity. Pending events can include mergers, acquisitions, liquidations, capital injections, the perfection of liens on additional collateral, the valuation of collateral, and refinancing. Generally, pending events should be resolved within a relatively short period and the ratings will be adjusted based on the new information. Nonaccrual treatment is required for doubtful assets because of the high probability of loss.
 
 
·
Substandard
 
Substandard loans have a high probability of payment default, or they have other well-defined weaknesses. They require more intensive supervision by bank management. Substandard loans are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization. Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants. For some Substandard loans, the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt and should be placed on nonaccrual. Although Substandard assets in the aggregate will have a distinct potential for loss, an individual asset’s loss potential does not have to be distinct for the asset to be rated Substandard.
 
 
·
Special Mention
 
Special Mention loans have potential weaknesses that may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date. These loans pose elevated risk, but their weakness does not yet justify a Substandard classification. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends (declining revenues or margins) or may be struggling with an ill-proportioned balance sheet (e.g., increasing inventory without an increase in sales, high leverage, tight liquidity). Adverse economic or market conditions, such as interest rate increases or the entry of a new competitor, may also support a Special Mention rating. Although a Special Mention loan has a higher probability of default than a pass asset, its default is not imminent.
 
 
 
·
Pass
 
Loans graded as Pass encompass all loans not graded as Doubtful, Substandard, or Special Mention.  Pass loans are in compliance with loan covenants, and payments are generally made as agreed.  Pass loans range from superior quality to fair quality.
 
Business banking Grading System
 
Business banking loans are graded as either Classified or Non-classified:
 
 
·
Classified
 
Classified loans are inadequately protected by the current worth and paying capacity of the obligor or, if applicable, the collateral pledged.   These loans have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, or in some cases make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.   Classified loans have a high probability of payment default, or a high probability of total or substantial loss.  These loans require more intensive supervision by management and are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization.  Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants.  When the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt; classified loans are considered to have a nonaccrual status.   In some cases, Classified loans are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted.
 
 
·
Non-classified
 
Loans graded as Non-classified encompass all loans not graded as Classified.  Non-classified loans are in compliance with loan covenants, and payments are generally made as agreed.
 
Consumer and Residential Mortgage Grading System
 
Consumer and Residential Mortgage loans are graded as either Performing or Nonperforming.   Nonperforming loans are loans that are 1) over 90 days past due and interest is still accruing, 2) on nonaccrual status or 3) restructured.  All loans not meeting any of these three criteria are considered Performing.

 
The following tables illustrate the Company’s credit quality by loan class as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Credit Quality Indicators
As of September 30, 2012

   
 
         
 
             
Commercial Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Agricultural
Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
  $ 565,546     $ 948,966     $ 59,545     $ 32,213     $ 1,606,270  
Special Mention
    11,371       23,967       13       3       35,354  
Substandard
    22,656       47,787       7,168       4,327       81,938  
Doubtful
    2,973       -       48       -       3,021  
Total
  $ 602,546     $ 1,020,720     $ 66,774     $ 36,543     $ 1,726,583  
                                         
Business Banking Credit Exposure
                                       
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Business
 Banking
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 251,284                             $ 251,284  
Classified
    15,024                               15,024  
Total
  $ 266,308                             $ 266,308  
 
Consumer Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 959,938     $ 567,509     $ 68,649             $ 1,596,096  
Nonperforming
    2,681       8,699       304               11,684  
Total
  $ 962,619     $ 576,208     $ 68,953             $ 1,607,780  
 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
 
Residential
                                 
By Payment Activity:
 
Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 639,638                             $ 639,638  
Nonperforming
    10,810                               10,810  
Total
  $ 650,448                             $ 650,448  
 

Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2011

Commercial Credit Exposure
 
 
   
Commercial
   
 
   
Agricultural
       
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
  $ 470,332     $ 758,673     $ 58,481     $ 28,927     $ 1,316,413  
Special Mention
    10,346       24,478       42       10       34,876  
Substandard
    29,940       51,748       7,945       4,989       94,622  
Doubtful
    456       -       69       -       525  
Total
  $ 511,074     $ 834,899     $ 66,537     $ 33,926     $ 1,446,436  
 
Business Banking Credit Exposure
 
Business
                                 
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Banking
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 237,887                             $ 237,887  
Classified
    18,254                               18,254  
Total
  $ 256,141                             $ 256,141  
 
Consumer Credit Exposure
                                       
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 870,270     $ 560,760     $ 72,849             $ 1,503,879  
Nonperforming
    2,833       8,885       518               12,236  
Total
  $ 873,103     $ 569,645     $ 73,367             $ 1,516,115  
 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
 
Residential
                                 
By Payment Activity:
 
Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 571,704                             $ 571,704  
Nonperforming
    9,807                               9,807  
Total
  $ 581,511                             $ 581,511  
 
Modifications
 
The Company’s loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified in a TDR, where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties.  These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions.  Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.
 
When the Company modifies a loan, management evaluates any possible impairment based on the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the collateral.  In these cases, management uses the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows.  If management determines that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized by segment or class of loan as applicable, through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.  Segment and class status is determined by the loan’s classification at origination.
 
 
There were no new modifications made during the three month period ending September 30, 2012.  During the three month period ending September 30, 2012 there were no defaults on loans modified within the previous 12 months.

Modifications made during the three month period ending September 30, 2011 consisted of three commercial loans totaling $0.8 million.   For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the three month period ending September 30, 2011 there were no defaults on previously modified loans.

Modifications made during the nine month period ending September 30, 2012 consisted of one commercial loan totaling $1.0 million and one residential real estate mortgage totaling $0.2 million.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged.  During the nine month period ending September 30, 2012 there were no defaults on loans modified within the previous 12 months.

Modifications during the nine month period ending September 30, 2011 consisted of twenty-five home equity modifications totaling $2.3 million and four residential real estate mortgages totaling $0.8 million, in addition to the three aforementioned commercial loan modifications.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were six home equity loans classified as TDRs totaling $0.6 million and two residential real estate loans classified as TDRs totaling $0.4 million that defaulted on their renegotiated terms.

Note 8.
Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as the Company’s dilutive stock options and restricted stock units).


The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented in the consolidated statements of income.

Three months ended September 30,
 
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
Basic EPS:
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,619       33,324  
Net income available to common shareholders
    14,535       15,217  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.43     $ 0.46  
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,619       33,324  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
    342       243  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    33,961       33,567  
Net income available to common shareholders
    14,535       15,217  
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.43     $ 0.45  
 
Nine months ended September 30,
    2012       2011  
(in thousands, except per share data)
               
Basic EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,293       33,897  
Net income available to common shareholders
    41,442       44,179  
Basic EPS
  $ 1.24     $ 1.30  
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,293       33,897  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
    333       262  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    33,626       34,159  
Net income available to common shareholders
    41,442       44,179  
Diluted EPS
  $ 1.23     $ 1.29  

There were 1,176,670 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and 1,651,159 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.

There were 1,197,417 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 1,239,021 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.


Note 9.
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans

The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees at September 30, 2012.  Benefits paid from the plan are based on age, years of service, compensation and social security benefits, and are determined in accordance with defined formulas. The Company’s policy is to fund the pension plan in accordance with Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) standards. Assets of the plan are invested in publicly traded stocks and bonds. Prior to January 1, 2000, the Company’s plan was a traditional defined benefit plan based on final average compensation.  On January 1, 2000, the plan was converted to a cash balance plan with grandfathering provisions for existing participants.

In addition to the pension plan, the Company also provides supplemental employee retirement plans to certain current and former executives.  These supplemental employee retirement plans and the defined benefit pension plan are collectively referred to herein as “Pension Benefits.”

Also, the Company provides certain health care benefits for retired employees.  Benefits are accrued over the employees’ active service period. Only employees that were employed by the Company on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to receive postretirement health care benefits.  The plan is contributory for participating retirees, requiring participants to absorb certain deductibles and coinsurance amounts with contributions adjusted annually to reflect cost sharing provisions and benefit limitations called for in the plan.  Eligibility is contingent upon the direct transition from active employment status to retirement without any break in employment from the Company.  Employees also must be participants in the Company’s medical plan prior to their retirement.  The Company funds the cost of postretirement health care as benefits are paid. The Company elected to recognize the transition obligation on a delayed basis over twenty years.  These postretirement benefits are referred to herein as “Other Benefits.”

The components of expense for Pension Benefits and Other Benefits are set forth below (in thousands):

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Three months ended September 30,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
  $ 757     $ 668     $ 6     $ 5  
Interest cost
    774       874       40       57  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,676 )     (1,914 )     -       -  
Net amortization
    992       408       (3 )     9  
Total cost
  $ 847     $ 36     $ 43     $ 71  

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
Nine months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
  $ 2,270     $ 2,003     $ 16     $ 15  
Interest cost
    2,322       2,621       119       171  
Expected return on plan assets
    (5,026 )     (5,742 )     -       -  
Net amortization
    2,710       1,221       (8 )     27  
Total cost
  $ 2,276     $ 103     $ 127     $ 213  

The Company is not required to make contributions to the plans in 2012, and did not do so during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 
Market conditions can result in an unusually high degree of volatility and increase the risks and short term liquidity associated with certain investments held by the Company’s defined benefit pension plan (“the Plan”) which could impact the value of these investments.

Note 10.
Trust Preferred Debentures

CNBF Capital Trust I is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 1999, for the purpose of issuing $18 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company. NBT Statutory Trust I is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 2005, for the purpose of issuing $5 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company.  NBT Statutory Trust II is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 2006, for the purpose of issuing $50 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company to provide funding for the acquisition of CNB Bancorp, Inc. These three statutory business trusts are collectively referred herein to as “the Trusts.”  The Company guarantees, on a limited basis, payments of distributions on the trust preferred securities and payments on redemption of the trust preferred securities.  The Trusts are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, as defined by U.S. GAAP.  In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the accounts of the Trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As of September 30, 2012, the Trusts had the following issues of trust preferred debentures, all held by the Trusts, outstanding (dollars in thousands):

Description
Issuance Date
 
Trust
 Preferred
 Securities
 Outstanding
 
Interest Rate
 
Trust
 Preferred
 Debt
 Owed To
 Trust
 
Final Maturity
 date
CNBF Capital Trust I
June 1999
    18,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 2.75%
  $ 18,720  
August 2029
                       
NBT Statutory Trust I
November 2005
    5,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 1.40%
    5,155  
December 2035
                       
NBT Statutory Trust II
February 2006
    50,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 1.40%
    51,547  
March 2036

The Company owns all of the common stock of the Trusts, which have issued trust preferred securities in conjunction with the Company issuing trust preferred debentures to the Trusts. The terms of the trust preferred debentures are substantially the same as the terms of the trust preferred securities.

Note 11.
Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP states that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.  A fair value hierarchy exists within U.S. GAAP that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 -  Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities, many other sovereign government obligations, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations, and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate will be used. Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, management only changes level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.

For the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2012, the Company has made no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2, and has had no Level 3 activity.


The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis that were accounted for at fair value.  Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):

September 30, 2012:

   
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
       
   
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
Balance
 
   
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
as of
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
September 30, 2012
 
Assets:
                       
Securities Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 64,662     $ -     $ -     $ 64,662  
Federal Agency
    -       296,158       -       296,158  
State & municipal
    -       92,504       -       92,504  
Mortgage-backed
    -       279,596       -       279,596  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       446,887       -       446,887  
Other securities
    9,210       2,090       -       11,300  
Total Securities Available for Sale
  $ 73,872     $ 1,117,235     $ -     $ 1,191,107  
Trading Securities
    3,851       -       -       3,851  
Interest Rate Swaps
    -       1,490       -       1,490  
Total
  $ 77,723     $ 1,118,725     $ -     $ 1,196,448  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
  $ -     $ 1,490     $ -     $ 1,490  
Total
  $ -     $ 1,490     $ -     $ 1,490  

December 31, 2011:

   
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
       
   
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
Balance
 
   
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
as of
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
December 31, 2011
 
Assets:
                       
Securities Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 82,233     $ -     $ -     $ 82,233  
Federal Agency
    -       255,846       -       255,846  
State & municipal
    -       104,789       -       104,789  
Mortgage-backed
    -       325,397       -       325,397  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       465,475       -       465,475  
Other securities
    8,825       2,054       -       10,879  
Total Securities Available for Sale
  $ 91,058     $ 1,153,561     $ -     $ 1,244,619  
Trading Securities
    3,062       -       -       3,062  
Total
  $ 94,120     $ 1,153,561     $ -     $ 1,247,681  

Certain common equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs (exchange quoted prices).  The majority of the other investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities.  Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.  Management reviews the methodologies used in pricing the securities by its third party providers.

 
U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis such as goodwill, loans held for sale, other real estate owned, lease residuals, collateral-dependent impaired loans, mortgage servicing rights, and held-to-maturity securities.  The only nonrecurring fair value measurement recorded during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 was related to impaired loans.  The Company uses the fair value of underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to estimate the specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans.  Based on the valuation techniques used, the fair value measurements for collateral dependent impaired loans are classified as Level 3.

The following table sets forth information with regard to estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value.  Financial instruments for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, trading securities, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings, accrued interest payable, and interest rate swaps.
 
         
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 Hierarchy
   
Carrying
amount
   
Estimated
fair value
   
Carrying
amount
   
Estimated
fair value
 
Financial assets
                             
Securities held to maturity
    2       61,302       62,401       70,811       72,198  
Net loans
    3       4,180,385       4,298,990       3,728,869       3,821,640  
Financial liabilities
                                       
Time deposits
    2       1,018,957       1,028,110       933,127       942,437  
Long-term debt
    2       367,144       418,349       370,344       427,107  
Trust Preferred Debentures      3        75,422        57,123        75,422        55,980  

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For example, the Company has a substantial trust and investment management operation that contributes net fee income annually. The trust and investment management operation is not considered a financial instrument, and its value has not been incorporated into the fair value estimates. Other significant assets and liabilities include the benefits resulting from the low-cost funding of deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market, and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimate of fair value.


Securities Held to Maturity
The fair value of the Company’s investment securities held to maturity is primarily measured using information from a third party pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Net Loans
The fair value of the Company’s loans was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans would be made for the same remaining maturities.  Loans were first segregated by type, and then further segmented into fixed and variable rate and loan quality categories.  Expected future cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.

Time Deposits
The fair value of time deposits was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.  The fair values of the Company’s time deposit liabilities do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.

Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.
 
Trust Preferred Debentures
The fair value of trust preferred debentures has been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.


Note 12.
Securities

The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities available for sale are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Unrealized
gains
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Estimated fair
value
 
September 30, 2012
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 63,747     $ 915     $ -     $ 64,662  
Federal Agency
    294,503       1,655       -       296,158  
State & municipal
    87,786       4,718       -       92,504  
Mortgage-backed
    264,073       15,523       -       279,596  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    440,383       6,504       -       446,887  
Other securities
    8,711       2,668       79       11,300  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,159,203     $ 31,983     $ 79     $ 1,191,107  
December 31, 2011
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 81,006     $ 1,228     $ -     $ 82,234  
Federal Agency
    254,983       879       16       255,846  
State & municipal
    99,176       5,624       11       104,789  
Mortgage-backed
    310,767       14,629       -       325,396  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    459,067       6,458       51       465,474  
Other securities
    8,935       2,021       76       10,880  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,213,934     $ 30,839     $ 154     $ 1,244,619  

In the available for sale category at September 30, 2012, federal agency securities were comprised of Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) securities; mortgaged-backed securities were comprised of GSE securities with an amortized cost of $246.6 million and a fair value of $260.3 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $17.5 million and a fair value of $19.3 million; collateralized mortgage obligations were comprised of GSE securities with an amortized cost of $387.5 million and a fair value of $394.2 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $50.9 million and a fair value of $52.7 million.

In the available for sale category at December 31, 2011, federal agency securities were comprised of GSE securities; mortgaged-backed securities were comprised of GSEs with an amortized cost of $290.2 million and a fair value of $303.0 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $20.5 million and a fair value of $22.4 million; CMOs were comprised of GSEs with an amortized cost of $398.3 million and a fair value of $402.4 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $60.8 million and a fair value of $63.1 million. At December 31, 2011, all of the mortgaged-backed securities held to maturity were comprised of US Government Agency securities

Others securities primarily represent marketable equity securities.

Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and gains on the sales were $0.4 million.  Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were nominal during the nine month period ending September 30, 2011, and gains on these sales were negligible.
 
Securities with amortized costs totaling $1.2 billion at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.  Additionally, at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, securities available for sale with an amortized cost of $210.4 million and $141.7 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for securities sold under repurchase agreements.

 
The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities held to maturity are as follows:

   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Estimated
 
(In thousands)
 
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
fair value
 
September 30, 2012
                       
Mortgage-backed
  $ 1,252     $ 203     $ -     $ 1,455  
State & municipal
    60,050       896       -       60,946  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 61,302     $ 1,099     $ -     $ 62,401  
December 31, 2011
                               
Mortgage-backed
  $ 1,447     $ 213     $ -     $ 1,660  
State & municipal
    69,364       1,174       -       70,538  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 70,811     $ 1,387     $ -     $ 72,198  

The following table sets forth information with regard to investment securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
Security Type:
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Number
of
Positions
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
   
Number
 of
 Positions
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
   
Number
 of
 Positions
 
                                                       
September 30, 2012
                                                     
U.S. Treasury
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
Federal agency
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
State & municipal
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Mortgage-backed
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other securities
    -       -       -       169       (79 )     1       169       (79 )     1  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  $ -     $ -       -     $ 169     $ (79 )     1     $ 169     $ (79 )     1  
                                                                         
December 31, 2011
                                                                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
Federal agency
    34,996       (16 )     3       -       -       -       34,996       (16 )     3  
State & municipal
    957       (10 )     3       377       (1 )     2       1,334       (11 )     5  
Mortgage-backed
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    27,368       (51 )     3       -       -       -       27,368       (51 )     3  
Other securities
    645       (76 )     2       -       -       -       645       (76 )     2  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  $ 63,966     $ (153 )     11     $ 377     $ (1 )     2     $ 64,343     $ (154 )     13  

 
Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses or in other comprehensive income, depending on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss.  If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.  If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security.

Management has the intent to hold the securities classified as held to maturity until they mature, at which time it is believed the Company will receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of September 30, 2012, management also had the intent to hold, and will not be required to sell, the securities classified as available for sale for a period of time sufficient for a recovery of cost, which may be until maturity.  The unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. When necessary, the Company has performed a discounted cash flow analysis to determine whether or not it will receive the contractual principal and interest on certain securities.  The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline.  As of September 30, 2012, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary and no other-than-temporary impairment losses have been realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

The following tables set forth information with regard to contractual maturities of debt securities at September 30, 2012:

(In thousands)
 
Amortized
 cost
   
Estimated
 fair value
 
Debt securities classified as available for sale
           
Within one year
  $ 26,616     $ 26,807  
From one to five years
    262,685       265,541  
From five to ten years
    273,272       282,328  
After ten years
    587,919       605,131  
    $ 1,150,492     $ 1,179,807  
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
               
Within one year
  $ 24,501     $ 24,577  
From one to five years
    27,735       28,476  
From five to ten years
    6,380       6,459  
After ten years
    2,686       2,889  
    $ 61,302     $ 62,401  

Maturities of mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities are stated based on their estimated average lives.  Actual maturities may differ from estimated average lives or contractual maturities because, in certain cases, borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 
Except for U.S. Government securities, there were no holdings, when taken in the aggregate, of any single issuer that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2012.

NBT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 2 -- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to provide a concise description of the financial condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”), and NBT Holdings, Inc. (“NBT Holdings”) (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”). This discussion will focus on results of operations, financial condition, capital resources and asset/liability management. Reference should be made to the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in this Form 10-Q as well as to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis.  Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the full year ending December 31, 2012 or any future period.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this filing and future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, contain forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements may be identified by the use of phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “could,” or other similar terms.   There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: (1) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly; (2) revenues may be lower than expected; (3) changes in the interest rate environment may affect interest margins; (4) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and/or a reduced demand for credit; (5) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards or tax laws, may adversely affect the businesses in which the Company is engaged; (6) competitors may have greater financial resources and develop products that enable such competitors to compete more successfully than the Company; (7) adverse changes may occur in the securities markets or with respect to inflation; (8) acts of war or terrorism; (9) the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation; (10) internal control failures; (11) the successful completion and integration of acquisitions; and (12) the Company’s success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advises readers that various factors, including those described above and other factors discussed in the Company’s annual and quarterly reports previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.

Unless required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligations to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

 
Critical Accounting Policies

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy given the judgment in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the material effect that such judgments can have on the results of operations. While management’s current evaluation of the allowance for loan losses indicates that the allowance is adequate, under different conditions or assumptions, the allowance may need to be increased or decreased. For example, if historical loan loss experience significantly changed or if current economic conditions deteriorated or improved, particularly in the Company’s primary market area, provisions for loan losses may be increased or decreased to adjust the allowance. In addition, the assumptions and estimates relating to loss experience, ability to collect and economic conditions used in the internal reviews of the Company’s nonperforming loans and potential problem loans has a significant impact on the overall analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. While management has concluded that the current evaluation of collateral values is reasonable under the circumstances, if collateral valuations were significantly changed, the Company’s allowance for loan policy may require increases or decreases in the provision for loan losses.

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to pension accounting to be a critical accounting policy. Management is required to make various assumptions in valuing its pension assets and liabilities. These assumptions include the expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, and the rate of increase in future compensation levels. Changes to these assumptions could impact earnings in future periods. The Company takes into account the plan asset mix, funding obligations, and expert opinions in determining the various rates used to estimate pension expense. The Company also considers relevant indices and market interest rates in setting the appropriate discount rate. In addition, the Company reviews expected inflationary and merit increases to compensation in determining the rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to other-than-temporary impairment to be a critical accounting policy.  Management systematically evaluates certain assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, primarily investment securities.  Management considers historical values and current market conditions as a part of the assessment.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings and the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Pending Acquisition

On October 7, 2012, the Company and Alliance Financial Corporation (“Alliance”) entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which Alliance will merge with and into NBT Bancorp, with NBT Bancorp continuing as the surviving corporation.  The agreement also provides for Alliance Bank, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, to be merged with and into the Bank following completion of the merger.  Alliance, with assets of approximately $1.4 billion at June 30, 2012, is headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y.  Its primary subsidiary, Alliance Bank, N.A., is a nationally-chartered community bank with 28 banking locations in central New York.  The transaction is valued at approximately $233.4 million, to be paid in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock.  Subject to the required approvals of NBT Bancorp and Alliance shareholders, requisite regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the merger is expected to be completed in the early 2013.

Overview

Significant factors management reviews to evaluate the Company’s operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to:  net income and earnings per share, return on assets and equity, net interest margin, noninterest income, operating expenses, asset quality indicators, loan and deposit growth, capital management, liquidity and interest rate sensitivity, enhancements to customer products and services, technology advancements, market share and peer comparisons.  The following information should be considered in connection with the Company's results for the first nine months of 2012:
 
 
 
·
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $41.4 million, down $2.7 million, or 6.2%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Net income per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.23 per share, down from $1.29 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
·
Net interest margin (on a fully taxable equivalent basis (“FTE”)) was 3.87% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to 4.13% for the same period in 2011.
 
 
·
Capital ratios at September 30, 2012 declined slightly when compared to December 31, 2011:
 
 
o
Tier 1 Leverage ratio decreased from 8.74% to 8.51%
 
 
o
Tier 1 Capital ratio decreased from 11.56% to 10.82%
 
 
o
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio decreased from 12.81% to 12.07%
 
 
·
Past due loans as a percentage of total loans showed significant improvement to 0.65% at September 30, 2012, as compared with 0.89% at December 31, 2011.
 
 
·
Net charge-offs improved to 0.47% of average loans for the first nine months of 2012, down 9 bps from 0.56% for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
·
The provision for loan losses was $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, down from $15.2 million for the same period in 2011.
 
 
·
Annualized return on average assets was 0.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, down from 1.09% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
·
Annualized return on average equity was 9.97% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, down from 10.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
·
Continued strategic expansion in the first nine months of 2012:
 
 
o
In New York: Completed the acquisition of three branches in Greene County and customer balances of a branch in Schoharie County on January 21, 2012.
 
 
o
In Massachusetts: Opened a fifth Massachusetts branch in Lenox on February 7, 2012.
 
 
o
Successfully completed the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank on June 8, 2012.
 
 
o
Announced the planned acquisition of Alliance Financial Corporation, a $1.4 billion financial holding company headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y., expected to close in early 2013.
 
 
The following table depicts several annualized measurements of performance using U.S. GAAP net income that management reviews in analyzing the Company’s performance. Returns on average assets and average equity measure how effectively an entity utilizes its total resources and capital, respectively. Net interest margin, which is the net federal taxable equivalent (FTE) interest income divided by average earning assets, is a measure of an entity's ability to utilize its earning assets in relation to the cost of funding. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans is adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
2012
 
First
 Quarter
   
Second
 Quarter
   
Third
 Quarter
   
Nine
 Months
 
Return on average assets (ROAA)
    0.97 %     0.92 %     0.97 %     0.95 %
Return on average equity (ROAE)
    10.12 %     9.66 %     10.13 %     9.97 %
Net Interest Margin
    3.90 %     3.82 %     3.90 %     3.87 %
                                 
2011
                               
Return on average assets (ROAA)
    1.08 %     1.09 %     1.12 %     1.09 %
Return on average equity (ROAE)
    10.78 %     10.86 %     11.21 %     10.95 %
Net Interest Margin
    4.11 %     4.13 %     4.14 %     4.13 %
 
Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets, primarily loans and securities, and interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and borrowings.  Net interest income is affected by the interest rate spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and cost of interest bearing liabilities, as well as the volumes of such assets and liabilities. Net interest income is one of the key determining factors in a financial institution’s performance as it is the principal source of earnings.

FTE net interest income increased $2.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011.  The Company experienced a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets of 37 bp to 4.53% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from 4.90% for the same period in 2011.  This decrease was partially offset by a decrease of 16 bp on the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The interest rate spread decreased to 3.70% during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 3.91% for the same period in 2011.  The net interest margin decreased by 24 bp to 3.90% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared with 4.14% for the same period in 2011.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, total interest income increased $1.5 million, or 2.5%, from the same period in 2011 as a result of the increase in average earning assets, attributed to aforementioned acquisition activity and strong organic loan growth.  Average interest earning assets increased approximately $533.8 million, or 10.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  The growth in average earning assets was partially offset by a decrease in the yield earned on earning assets.  The yield on securities available for sale decreased 56 bp to 2.39% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from 2.95% for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  This decrease was due to the decreasing rate environment from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012 resulting in reinvestment of cash flows from maturing securities and cash received from branch acquisitions in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 into lower yielding securities.  In addition, the yield on loans decreased 39 bp to 5.12% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from 5.51% for the three months ended September 30, 2011.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, total interest expense decreased $0.7 million, or 7.9%, from the three months ended September 30, 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities from 0.99% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 0.83% for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average interest bearing deposits decreased 16 bp from 0.67% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 0.51% for the same period in 2012.  The rate paid on average time deposits decreased from 1.75% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 1.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average money market deposit accounts decreased from 0.31% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 0.18% for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  Going forward, additional rate reductions on deposits could be more difficult as deposit rates are at or near their floors.

 
Average interest bearing liabilities increased approximately $378.0 million, or 10.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest expense attributed to the decrease in the rates on interest bearing liabilities.  The primary driver of this offset was an increase in average time deposits and savings deposits due to the aforementioned acquisition as well as organic deposit growth for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2011.

FTE net interest income increased $1.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011.  The Company experienced a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets of 40 bp to 4.54% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 4.94% for the same period in 2011.  This decrease was partially offset by a decrease of 17 bp on the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The interest rate spread decreased to 3.67% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 3.89% for the same period in 2011.  The net interest margin decreased by 26 bp to 3.87% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared with 4.13% for the same period in 2011.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, total interest income decreased $1.6 million, or 0.9%, from the same period in 2011 as a result of the decrease in the yield earned on earning assets.  The yield on securities available for sale decreased 55 bp to 2.51% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 3.06% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This decrease was due to the decreasing rate environment from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012 resulting in reinvestment of cash flows from maturing securities and cash received from branch acquisitions in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 into lower yielding securities.  In addition, the yield on loans decreased 42 bp to 5.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 5.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Average interest earning assets increased approximately $371.8 million, or 7.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest income attributed to the decrease in the yields on earning assets.  This increase in average earning assets was attributed to aforementioned acquisition activity, as well as strong organic loan growth.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, total interest expense decreased $3.5 million, or 11.6%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities from 1.05% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 0.88% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average interest bearing deposits decreased 17 bp from 0.73% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 0.56% for the same period in 2012.  The rate paid on average time deposits decreased from 1.83% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 1.50% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average money market deposit accounts decreased from 0.37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 0.20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Going forward, additional rate reductions on deposits could be more difficult as deposit rates are at or near their floors.

Average interest bearing liabilities increased approximately $232.5 million, or 6.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest expense attributed to the decrease in the rates on interest bearing liabilities.  The primary driver of this offset was an increase in average time deposits and savings deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
The following tables include the condensed consolidated average balance sheet, an analysis of interest income/expense and average yield/rate for each major category of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities on a taxable equivalent basis. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.

Three Months ended September 30,
                                   
         
2012
               
2011
       
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ 10,392     $ 11       0.43 %   $ 25,088     $ 11       0.17 %
Securities available for sale (1)(excluding unrealized gains or losses)
    1,168,326       7,023       2.39 %     1,120,083       8,317       2.95 %
Securities held to maturity (1)
    62,746       861       5.46 %     74,482       1,026       5.46 %
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    28,706       337       4.67 %     27,022       329       4.84 %
Loans and leases (2)
    4,197,046       54,046       5.12 %     3,686,693       51,227       5.51 %
Total interest earning assets
  $ 5,467,216     $ 62,278       4.53 %   $ 4,933,368     $ 60,910       4.90 %
Other assets
    504,194                       442,275                  
Total assets
  $ 5,971,410                     $ 5,375,643                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Money market deposit accounts
  $ 1,111,624       495       0.18 %   $ 1,036,572     $ 811       0.31 %
NOW deposit accounts
    686,768       377       0.22 %     631,284       483       0.30 %
Savings deposits
    706,927       149       0.08 %     615,168       170       0.11 %
Time deposits
    1,035,868       3,523       1.35 %     882,896       3,888       1.75 %
Total interest bearing deposits
  $ 3,541,187     $ 4,544       0.51 %   $ 3,165,920     $ 5,352       0.67 %
Short-term borrowings
    178,277       60       0.13 %     172,370       56       0.13 %
Trust preferred debentures
    75,422       436       2.30 %     75,422       394       2.07 %
Long-term debt
    367,146       3,640       3.94 %     370,349       3,621       3.88 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 4,162,032     $ 8,680       0.83 %   $ 3,784,061     $ 9,423       0.99 %
Demand deposits
    1,173,638                       983,318                  
Other liabilities
    64,860                       69,860                  
Stockholders' equity
    570,880                       538,404                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,971,410                     $ 5,375,643                  
Net interest income (FTE)
            53,598                       51,487          
Interest rate spread
                    3.70 %                     3.91 %
Net interest margin
                    3.90 %                     4.14 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
            991                       1,126          
Net interest income
          $ 52,607                     $ 50,361          

(1)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding


Nine Months ended September 30,
                                   
         
2012
               
2011
       
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ 64,040     $ 131       0.27 %   $ 97,973     $ 191       0.26 %
Securities available for sale (1)(excluding unrealized gains or losses)
    1,196,389       22,483       2.51 %     1,105,777       25,330       3.06 %
Securities held to maturity (1)
    67,237       2,757       5.48 %     84,660       3,353       5.29 %
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    27,874       1,022       4.90 %     27,112       1,084       5.34 %
Loans and leases (2)
    3,982,486       155,230       5.21 %     3,650,667       153,678       5.63 %
Total interest earning assets
  $ 5,338,026     $ 181,623       4.54 %   $ 4,966,189     $ 183,636       4.94 %
Other assets
    476,575                       428,959                  
Total assets
  $ 5,814,601                     $ 5,395,148                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Money market deposit accounts
  $ 1,105,616       1,646       0.20 %   $ 1,070,971     $ 2,937       0.37 %
NOW deposit accounts
    695,502       1,387       0.27 %     667,012       1,745       0.35 %
Savings deposits
    675,346       391       0.08 %     599,173       517       0.12 %
Time deposits
    988,596       11,097       1.50 %     911,161       12,491       1.83 %
Total interest bearing deposits
  $ 3,465,060     $ 14,521       0.56 %   $ 3,248,317     $ 17,690       0.73 %
Short-term borrowings
    170,903       149       0.12 %     153,857       166       0.14 %
Trust preferred debentures
    75,422       1,319       2.34 %     75,422       1,683       2.98 %
Long-term debt
    368,592       10,801       3.91 %     369,930       10,783       3.90 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 4,079,977     $ 26,790       0.88 %   $ 3,847,526     $ 30,322       1.05 %
Demand deposits
    1,116,210                       940,332                  
Other liabilities
    63,232                       67,968                  
Stockholders' equity
    555,182                       539,322                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,814,601                     $ 5,395,148                  
Net interest income (FTE)
            154,833                       153,314          
Interest rate spread
                    3.67 %                     3.89 %
Net interest margin
                    3.87 %                     4.13 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
            3,083                       3,537          
Net interest income
          $ 151,750                     $ 149,777          

(1)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding

 
The following table presents changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume (change in average balance multiplied by prior year rate), changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), and the net change in net interest income. The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.
 
Analysis of Changes in Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income
 
Three months ended September 30,
                 
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2012 over 2011
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ (36 )   $ 36     $ -  
Securities available for sale
    2,072       (3,366 )     (1,294 )
Securities held to maturity
    (164 )     (1 )     (165 )
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    62       (54 )     8  
Loans and leases
    20,892       (18,073 )     2,819  
Total interest income
    22,826       (21,458 )     1,368  
                         
Money market deposit accounts
    353       (669 )     (316 )
NOW deposit accounts
    231       (337 )     (106 )
Savings deposits
    115       (136 )     (21 )
Time deposits
    2,865       (3,230 )     (365 )
Short-term borrowings
    2       2       4  
Trust preferred debentures
    -       42       42  
Long-term debt
    (158 )     177       19  
Total interest expense
    3,408       (4,151 )     (743 )
                         
Change in FTE net interest income
  $ 19,418     $ (17,307 )   $ 2,111  

Nine months ended September 30,
                 
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2012 over 2011
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ (74 )   $ 14     $ (60 )
Securities available for sale
    2,927       (5,774 )     (2,847 )
Securities held to maturity
    (775 )     179       (596 )
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    45       (107 )     (62 )
Loans and leases
    17,726       (16,174 )     1,552  
Total interest income
    19,849       (21,862 )     (2,013 )
                         
Money market deposit accounts
    152       (1,443 )     (1,291 )
NOW deposit accounts
    115       (473 )     (358 )
Savings deposits
    92       (218 )     (126 )
Time deposits
    1,491       (2,885 )     (1,394 )
Short-term borrowings
    25       (42 )     (17 )
Trust preferred debentures
    -       (364 )     (364 )
Long-term debt
    (49 )     67       18  
Total interest expense
    1,826       (5,358 )     (3,532 )
                         
Change in FTE net interest income
  $ 18,023     $ (16,504 )   $ 1,519  
 
 
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is a significant source of revenue for the Company and an important factor in the Company’s results of operations.  The following table sets forth information by category of noninterest income for the periods indicated:

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands)
                       
Insurance and other financial services revenue
  $ 5,591     $ 5,127     $ 17,024     $ 15,925  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    4,626       5,532       13,538       16,059  
ATM and debit card fees
    3,378       3,135       9,403       8,731  
Retirement plan administration fees
    2,718       2,295       7,462       6,734  
Trust
    2,242       2,090       6,683       6,384  
Bank owned life insurance
    639       674       2,228       2,369  
Net securities gains
    26       12       578       98  
Other
    2,407       1,329       8,449       3,881  
Total noninterest income
  $ 21,627     $ 20,194     $ 65,365     $ 60,181  

Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $21.6 million, up 7.1% or $1.4 million, compared with $20.2 million for the same period in 2011.  Insurance and other financial services revenue increased approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.  This increase was due primarily to organic growth in commercial product lines.  Retirement plan administration fees increased approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to an increase in customer base.  Other noninterest income increased approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This increase was due primarily to an increase in mortgage banking activity during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The Company sold approximately $6.8 million residential mortgages during the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to no sales during the same period in 2011.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in service charges on deposit accounts of approximately $0.9 million, or 16.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in overdraft fee income.

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $65.4 million, up 8.6% or $5.2 million, compared with $60.2 million for the same period in 2011.  Insurance and other financial services revenue increased approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the acquisition of an insurance agency during the second quarter of 2011 as well as organic growth in commercial product lines.  ATM and debit card fees increased approximately $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to an increase in card usage and customer base. Retirement plan administration fees increased approximately $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to an increase in customer base.  Other noninterest income increased approximately $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to September 30, 2011. This increase was due in part to a $1.1 million payoff gain on a purchased commercial real estate loan, as well as a prepayment penalty fee collected of $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to a previously disclosed loss of a retirement plan client.  In addition, mortgage banking revenue increased approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 as the Company sold certain residential mortgages as market conditions warranted.  The Company sold approximately $39.3 million residential mortgages during the first nine months of 2012, as compared to no sales during the first nine months of 2011.  The Company also realized net securities gains of approximately $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $0.1 million for the same period in 2011. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in service charges on deposit accounts of approximately $2.5 million, or 15.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in overdraft fee income.

 
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expenses are also an important factor in the Company’s results of operations.  The following table sets forth the major components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands)
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 26,641     $ 25,068     $ 78,358     $ 74,107  
Occupancy
    4,437       3,887       13,150       12,396  
Data processing and communications
    3,352       3,054       10,041       9,085  
Professional fees and outside services
    2,735       2,215       7,848       6,369  
Equipment
    2,435       2,288       7,224       6,658  
Office supplies and postage
    1,597       1,531       4,842       4,418  
FDIC expenses
    939       920       2,812       3,381  
Advertising
    701       685       2,308       2,286  
Amortization of intangible assets
    870       782       2,530       2,286  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    614       676       2,051       1,838  
Merger
    558       155       1,895       155  
Other
    4,552       3,785       12,236       10,285  
Total noninterest expense
  $ 49,431     $ 45,046     $ 145,295     $ 133,264  

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $49.4 million, up $4.4 million or 9.7%, for the same period in 2011.  Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.6 million, or 6.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due primarily to increases in full-time-equivalent employees from acquisitions, merit increases, and increased pension expenses. Occupancy expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $0.6 million, or 14.1%, over the same period in 2011 primarily due to aforementioned expansion.  Professional fees and outside services increased approximately $0.5 million, or 23.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, due primarily to a nonrecurring consulting fee incurred during the period.  Merger related expenses totaled $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with $0.2 for the same period in 2011, which also contributed to the increase in noninterest expense for the period.  Other operating expenses increased $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $145.3 million, up $12.0 million or 9.0%, for the same period in 2011. Salaries and employee benefits increased $4.3 million, or 5.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due primarily to increases in full-time-equivalent employees from acquisitions, merit increases, and increased pension expenses.  Professional fees and outside services increased $1.5 million, or 23.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. Data processing and communications expenses increased approximately $1.0 million, or 10.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, due primarily to expansion into new markets.  Merger related expenses totaled $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2012, as compared to $0.2 million for the same period in 2011.  Other operating expenses increased $2.0 million in the first nine months of 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) expenses of approximately $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease was due to the FDIC redefining the deposit insurance assessment base effective the second quarter of 2011.

 
Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three month period ended September 30, 2012 was $5.5 million, up from $5.1 million for the same period in 2011. The effective tax rate was 27.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 25.2% for the same period in 2011.  Income tax expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 was $17.0 million, down from $17.4 million for the same period in 2011. The effective tax rate was 29.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 28.2% for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the effective tax rate was due primarily to a decrease in tax exempt income from municipal securities in 2012.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities

Average total earning securities increased $36.5 million, or 3.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  The average balance of securities available for sale increased $48.2 million, or 4.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the increase in liquidity provided by deposits acquired in the aforementioned acquisitions.  The average balance of securities held to maturity decreased $11.7 million, or 15.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to the scheduled run-off of municipal securities in the held to maturity portfolio.  The average total securities portfolio represents 22.5% of total average earning assets for the three months ended September 30, 2012, down from 24.2% for the same period in 2011.

Average total earning securities increased $73.2 million, or 6.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  The average balance of securities available for sale increased $90.6 million, or 8.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the increase in liquidity provided by deposits acquired in the aforementioned acquisitions.  The average balance of securities held to maturity decreased $17.4 million, or 20.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to the scheduled run-off of municipal securities in the held to maturity portfolio.  The average total securities portfolio represents 23.7% of total average earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, down from 24.0% for the same period in 2011.

The following table details the composition of securities available for sale, securities held to maturity and regulatory investments for the periods indicated:

   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
With maturities 15 years or less
    20 %     21 %
With maturities greater than 15 years
    2 %     3 %
Collateral mortgage obligations
    35 %     35 %
Municipal securities
    12 %     13 %
US agency notes
    28 %     25 %
Other
    3 %     3 %
Total
    100 %     100 %

 
The Company’s mortgage backed securities, U.S. agency notes, and collateralized mortgage obligations are all “prime/conforming” and are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Farm Credit Banks, or Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”).  GNMA securities are considered equivalent to U.S. Treasury securities, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  Currently, there are no subprime mortgages in our investment portfolio.

Loans

A summary of loans, net of deferred fees and origination costs, by category for the periods indicated follows:

(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Residential real estate mortgages
  $ 650,448     $ 581,511  
Commercial
    697,213       611,298  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    1,083,675       888,879  
Real estate construction and development
    99,181       93,977  
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
    112,822       108,423  
Consumer
    1,031,572       946,470  
Home equity
    576,208       569,645  
Total loans and leases
  $ 4,251,119     $ 3,800,203  

Total loans increased by $450.9 million, or 11.9%, at September 30, 2012 from December 31, 2011, and represent approximately 70.5% of assets, as compared to 67.9% of total assets at December 31, 2011.  Commercial real estate loans increased approximately $194.8 million from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012, primarily from the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank in June 2012.  Commercial loans increased approximately $85.9 million, or 14.1%, from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012, primarily from strong organic loan growth.  Residential real estate loans increased by approximately $68.9 million, or 11.9%, from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012, due primarily organic loan growth, as well as the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank.  Consumer loans increased approximately $85.1 million, or 9.0%, due primarily to strong organic growth.

Allowance for Loan Losses, Provision for Loan Losses, and Nonperforming Assets

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide adequately for risk of probable losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.  The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is continuously monitored using a methodology designed to ensure that the level of the allowance reasonably reflects the loan portfolio’s risk profile. It is evaluated to ensure that it is sufficient to absorb all reasonably estimable credit losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.

Management considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy given the degree of judgment exercised in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover credit losses in the portfolio and the material effect that such judgments can have on the consolidated results of operations.

 
For purposes of evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, the Company considers a number of significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio.  For individually analyzed loans, these factors include estimates of loss exposure, which reflect the facts and circumstances that affect the likelihood of repayment of such loans as of the evaluation date.  For homogeneous pools of loans, estimates of the Company’s exposure to credit loss reflect a thorough current assessment of a number of factors, which could affect collectibility. These factors include: past loss experience; the size, trend, composition, and nature of the loans; changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting  standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices;  trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; current economic conditions in the Company’s market; portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experienced across one or more components of the portfolio; the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements; and the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff.  In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral component of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management.

After a thorough consideration and validation of the factors discussed above, required additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses.  These charges are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of the overall inherent risk of probable loss in the portfolio.  While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additions or reductions to the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another.  These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above.  Management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate based on evaluation and analysis of the loan portfolio.

 
The following table reflects changes to the allowance for loan losses for the periods presented. The allowance is increased by provisions for losses charged to operations and is reduced by net charge-offs. Charge-offs are made when the ability to collect loan principal within a reasonable time becomes unlikely. Any recoveries of previously charged-off loans are credited directly to the allowance for loan losses.
 
Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses
     
   
Three months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2012
         
September 30,
2011
       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 70,734           $ 70,484        
Recoveries
    1,075             940        
Chargeoffs
    (5,830 )           (5,265 )      
Net chargeoffs
    (4,755 )           (4,325 )      
Provision for loan losses
    4,755             5,175        
Balance, end of period
  $ 70,734           $ 71,334    
 
 
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
                           
Commercial and agricultural
  $ (1,412 )     30 %   $ (1,327 )     31 %
Real estate mortgage
    (471 )     10 %     (43 )     1 %
Consumer
    (2,872 )     60 %     (2,955 )     68 %
Net chargeoffs
  $ (4,755 )     100 %   $ (4,325 )     100 %
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans and leases
    0.45 %             0.47 %        
 
Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses
     
   
Nine months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2012
         
September 30, 2011
       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 71,334           $ 71,234        
Recoveries
    3,123             3,070        
Chargeoffs
    (17,052 )           (18,131 )      
Net chargeoffs
    (13,929 )           (15,061 )      
Provision for loan losses
    13,329             15,161        
Balance, end of period
  $ 70,734           $ 71,334    
 
 
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
                           
Commercial and agricultural
  $ (3,505 )     25 %   $ (5,891 )     39 %
Real estate mortgage
    (1,105 )     8 %     (553 )     4 %
Consumer
    (9,319 )     67 %     (8,617 )     57 %
Net chargeoffs
  $ (13,929 )     100 %   $ (15,061 )     100 %
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans and leases
    0.47 %             0.55 %        

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing, restructured loans, OREO, and nonperforming securities. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when principal or interest payments become ninety days past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans may also be placed on nonaccrual when circumstances indicate that the borrower may be unable to meet the contractual principal or interest payments. OREO represents property acquired through foreclosure and is valued at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less any estimated disposal costs.  Nonperforming securities include securities which management believes are other-than-temporarily impaired, are carried at their estimated fair value and are not accruing interest.
 

Nonperforming Assets
                       
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
  $ 22,572       53 %   $ 17,506       46 %
Real estate mortgages
    8,505       20 %     8,090       21 %
Consumer
    9,325       22 %     8,724       23 %
Troubled debt restructured loans
    2,259       5 %     3,970       10 %
Total nonaccrual loans
    42,661       100 %     38,290       100 %
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
                               
Commercial and agricultural loans and  real estate
    80       3 %     50       2 %
Real estate mortgages
    1,285       43 %     763       24 %
Consumer
    1,598       54 %     2,377       75 %
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
    2,963       100 %     3,190       100 %
                                 
Total nonperforming loans
    45,624               41,480          
Other real estate owned (OREO)
    1,863               2,160          
Total nonperforming assets
    47,487               43,640          
Total nonperforming loans to total loans and leases
    1.07 %             1.09 %        
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.79 %             0.78 %        
Total allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans
    155.04 %             171.97 %        

Loans over 60 days past due but not over 90 days past due were 0.09% of total loans as of September 30, 2012, compared to 0.14% of total loans as of December 31, 2011.  In addition to nonperforming loans, the Company has also identified approximately $81.6 million in potential problem loans at September 30, 2012 as compared to $96.9 million at December 31, 2011.  At September 30, 2012, potential problem loans primarily consisted of commercial real estate and commercial and agricultural loans.  Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but known information about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in classification of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future.  Potential problem loans are typically defined as loans that are performing but are classified by the Company’s loan rating system as “substandard.”  Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions may worsen or other factors which may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses.

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $4.8 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared with $5.2 million during the third quarter of 2011.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were 0.45%, compared with 0.47% for three months ended September 30, 2011.  The Company’s allowance for loan losses decreased to 1.66% of loans at September 30, 2012, compared with 1.88% at December 31, 2011.  This reduction reflects the improved asset quality indicators noted above, as well as the addition of the Hampshire First loans that were recorded at fair value at acquisition.  As acquired loans do not have a related allowance recorded, this resulted in a decrease of 9 basis points in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans as of September 30, 2012.  Specific reserves on impaired loans totaled $2.7 million at September 30, 2012 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2011.  General allocations decreased to $68.0 million at September 30, 2012 from $71.1 million at December 31, 2011.

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $13.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with $15.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were 0.47%, compared with 0.55% for nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 
Subprime mortgage lending, which has been the riskiest sector of the residential housing market, is not a market that the Company has ever actively pursued.  The market does not apply a uniform definition of what constitutes “subprime” lending.  Our reference to subprime lending relies upon the “Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending” issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the other federal bank regulatory agencies, or the Agencies, on September 29, 2007, which further referenced the “Expanded Guidance for Subprime Lending Programs,” or the Expanded Guidance, issued by the Agencies by press release dated January 31, 2001.  In the Expanded Guidance, the Agencies indicated that subprime lending does not refer to individual subprime loans originated and managed, in the ordinary course of business, as exceptions to prime risk selection standards.  The Agencies recognize that many prime loan portfolios will contain such accounts.  The Agencies also excluded prime loans that develop credit problems after acquisition and community development loans from the subprime arena.  According to the Expanded Guidance, subprime loans are other loans to borrowers which display one or more characteristics of reduced payment capacity.  Five specific criteria, which are not intended to be exhaustive and are not meant to define specific parameters for all subprime borrowers and may not match all markets or institutions’ specific subprime definitions, are set forth, including having a FICO score of 660 or below.  Based upon the definition and exclusions described above, management believes that the Company is a prime lender.  Within the loan portfolio, there are loans that, at the time of origination, had FICO scores of 660 or below.  However, since the Company is a portfolio lender, it reviews all data contained in borrower credit reports and does not base underwriting decisions solely on FICO scores.  We believe the aforementioned loans, when made, were amply collateralized and otherwise conformed to our prime lending standards.  The Company has not originated Alt A loans or no interest loans.

Deposits

Total deposits were $4.8 billion at September 30, 2012, up $438.9 million, or 10.0%, from December 31, 2011, due primarily to the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank in June 2012 as well as strong organic deposit growth.  Savings, NOW and money market accounts increased to $2.6 billion as of September 30, 2012 as compared with $2.4 billion at December 31, 2011.  Time deposits increased $85.8 million, or 9.2%, from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.  Demand deposits increased by $134.6 million, or 12.8%, from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

Total average deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $565.6 million, or 13.6%, from the same period in 2011, due primarily to recent branch acquisitions as well as the aforementioned acquisition.  Average savings accounts increased $91.8 million, or 14.9%, for the three month period ending September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase in average savings accounts was primarily due to recent branch acquisitions, the aforementioned acquisition, and a run-off of time deposit accounts into savings accounts, due to a decline in interest rates offered on time deposits.  Average time deposits increased $153.0 million, or 17.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, due to recent branch acquisitions as well as the aforementioned acquisition, partially offset by a run-off to savings accounts.  Average demand deposit accounts increased $190.3 million, or 19.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This was due primarily to an increasing customer base, as the Company continues to expand into new markets.

Total average deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $392.6 million, or 9.4%, from the same period in 2011, due primarily to recent branch acquisitions as well as the aforementioned acquisition.  Average savings accounts increased $76.2 million, or 12.7%, for the nine month period ending September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase in average savings accounts was primarily due to recent branch acquisitions as well as a run-off of time deposit accounts into savings accounts, due to a decline in interest rates offered on time deposits.  Average time deposits increased $77.4 million, or 8.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, due to recent branch acquisitions partially offset by a run-off to savings accounts.  Average demand deposit accounts increased $175.9 million, or 18.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This was due primarily to an increasing customer base, as the Company continues to expand into new markets.

 
Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $137.4 million at September 30, 2012 compared to $181.6 million at December 31, 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in retail repurchase account balances.  Long-term debt was $367.1 million at September 30, 2012, as compared to $370.3 million at December 31, 2011.  For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see “Liquidity Risk” below.

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $576.7 million represented 9.56% of total assets at September 30, 2012, compared with $538.1 million, or 9.61% as of December 31, 2011.  Under previously disclosed stock repurchase plans, the Company purchased 769,568 shares of its common stock during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, for a total of $15.5 million at an average price of $20.13 per share.  At September 30, 2012, there were 748,013 shares available for repurchase under a previously disclosed repurchase plan, which expires on December 31, 2013.

The Board of Directors considers the Company's earnings position and earnings potential when making dividend decisions.  The Company does not have a target dividend pay out ratio.

As the capital ratios in the following table indicate, the Company remained “well capitalized” at September 30, 2012 under applicable bank regulatory requirements.  Capital measurements are well in excess of regulatory minimum guidelines and meet the requirements to be considered well capitalized for all periods presented. Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 capital and Total risk-based capital ratios have regulatory minimum guidelines of 3%, 4% and 8% respectively, with requirements to be considered well capitalized of 5%, 6% and 10%, respectively.

Capital Measurements
 
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
    8.51 %     8.74 %
Tier 1 capital ratio
    10.82 %     11.56 %
Total risk-based capital ratio
    12.07 %     12.81 %
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
    48.18 %     46.74 %
Per common share:
               
Book value
  $ 17.09     $ 16.23  
Tangible book value
  $ 12.06     $ 11.70  

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

Market Risk

Interest rate risk is the primary market risk affecting the Company.  Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, do not arise in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.  Interest rate risk is defined as an exposure to a movement in interest rates that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s net interest income.  Net interest income is susceptible to interest rate risk to the degree that interest bearing liabilities mature or reprice on a different basis than earning assets.  When interest bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than earning assets in a given period, a significant increase in market rates of interest could adversely affect net interest income.  Similarly, when earning assets mature or reprice more quickly than interest bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could result in a decrease in net interest income.

 
In an attempt to manage the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates, management monitors the Company’s interest rate risk.  Management’s Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”) meets monthly to review the Company’s interest rate risk position and profitability, and to recommend strategies for consideration by the Board of Directors.  Management also reviews loan and deposit pricing and the Company’s securities portfolio, formulates investment and funding strategies, and oversees the timing and implementation of transactions to assure attainment of the Board’s objectives in the most effective manner. Notwithstanding the Company’s interest rate risk management activities, the potential for changing interest rates is an uncertainty that can have an adverse effect on net income.

In adjusting the Company’s asset/liability position, the Board and management attempt to manage the Company’s interest rate risk while minimizing net interest margin compression.  At times, depending on the level of general interest rates, the relationship between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, the Board and management may determine to increase the Company’s interest rate risk position somewhat in order to increase its net interest margin.  The Company’s results of operations and net portfolio values remain vulnerable to changes in interest rates and fluctuations in the difference between long- and short-term interest rates.  Assuming interest rates remain at or near current historical lows, net interest margin will continue to experience compression.  Additional rate reductions on deposits are becoming more difficult as deposit rates are at or near their floors, and with asset yields continuing to reprice at lower rates, this could result in additional margin pressure as well as a decrease in net interest income.

The primary tool utilized by ALCO to manage interest rate risk is a balance sheet/income statement simulation model (interest rate sensitivity analysis).  Information such as principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, cash flows, next repricing date (if needed), and current rates is uploaded into the model to create an ending balance sheet.  In addition, ALCO makes certain assumptions regarding prepayment speeds for loans and mortgage related investment securities along with any optionality within the deposits and borrowings.

The model is first run under an assumption of a flat rate scenario (i.e. no change in current interest rates) with a static balance sheet over a 12-month period.  Two additional models are run with static balance sheets: (1) a gradual increase of 200 bp, and (2) a gradual decrease of 100 bp taking place over a 12-month period. Under these scenarios, assets subject to prepayments are adjusted to account for faster or slower prepayment assumptions.  Any investment securities or borrowings that have callable options embedded into them are handled accordingly based on the interest rate scenario. The resulting changes in net interest income are then measured against the flat rate scenario.

In the declining rate scenario, net interest income is projected to decrease when compared to the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario through the simulation period. The decrease in net interest income is a result of earning assets repricing downward at a faster rate than interest bearing liabilities. The inability to effectively lower deposit rates will likely reduce or eliminate the benefit of lower interest rates. In the rising rate scenarios, net interest income is projected to experience a decline from the flat rate scenario. Net interest income is projected to remain at lower levels than in a flat rate scenario through the simulation period primarily due to a lag in assets repricing while funding costs increase. The potential impact on earnings is dependent on the ability to lag deposit repricing. If short-term rates continue to increase, the Company expects competitive pressures will likely lead to core deposit pricing increases, which will likely continue compression of the net interest margin.

 
Net interest income for the next 12 months in the + 200/- 100 bp scenarios, as described above, is within the internal policy risk limits of not more than a 7.5% change in net interest income. The following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income in the rising and declining rate scenarios over a 12-month period from the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario using the September 30, 2012 balance sheet position:

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
       
Change in interest rates
   
Percent change in
 
(in bp points)
   
net interest income
 
+200       (1.92%)  
-100       (1.16%)  

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of customers who may be depositors wanting to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. The ALCO is responsible for liquidity management and has developed guidelines which cover all assets and liabilities, as well as off balance sheet items that are potential sources or uses of liquidity.  Liquidity policies must also provide the flexibility to implement appropriate strategies and tactical actions. Requirements change as loans grow, deposits and securities mature, and payments on borrowings are made. Liquidity management includes a focus on interest rate sensitivity management with a goal of avoiding widely fluctuating net interest margins through periods of changing economic conditions.

The primary liquidity measurement the Company utilizes is called the Basic Surplus, which captures the adequacy of its access to reliable sources of cash relative to the stability of its funding mix of average liabilities.  Basic Surplus is calculated by subtracting short-term liabilities from liquid assets.  This approach recognizes the importance of balancing levels of cash flow liquidity from short- and long-term securities with the availability of dependable borrowing sources which can be accessed when necessary.  At September 30, 2012, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 9.7% of total assets or $585 million as compared to the December 31, 2011 Basic Surplus of 11.7% or $654 million, and was above the Company’s minimum of 5% or $301 million set forth in its liquidity policies.

This Basic Surplus approach enables the Company to adequately manage liquidity from both operational and contingency perspectives. By tempering the need for cash flow liquidity with reliable borrowing facilities, the Company is able to operate with a more fully invested and, therefore, higher interest income generating securities portfolio. The makeup and term structure of the securities portfolio is, in part, impacted by the overall interest rate sensitivity of the balance sheet. Investment decisions and deposit pricing strategies are impacted by the liquidity position.

The Company’s primary source of funds is the Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is required to pay dividends when a bank fails to meet certain minimum regulatory capital standards or when such dividends are in excess of a subsidiary bank’s earnings retained in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (as defined in the regulations). At September 30, 2012, approximately $30.7 million of the total stockholders’ equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC.  The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of its surplus or, in case there is no surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

 
At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, FHLB advances outstanding totaled $339 million.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and had additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB of approximately $394 million at September 30, 2012 and $323 million at December 31, 2011.  In addition, unpledged securities could have been used to increase borrowing capacity at the FHLB by an additional $326 million at September 30, 2012, or used to collateralize other borrowings, such as repurchase agreements.  At September 30, 2012 the Bank also had additional borrowing capacity from unused collateral at the Federal Reserve of $522 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08 "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Testing Goodwill for Impairment".  ASU 2011-08 is intended to reduce complexity and costs of performing goodwill impairment tests by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 also improve previous guidance by expanding upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Also, the amendments improve the examples of events and circumstances that an entity having a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should consider in determining whether to measure an impairment loss, if any, under the second step of the goodwill impairment test.  The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs."  ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements.  Consequently, the amendments in this update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and IFRSs (International Financial Reporting Standards).  ASU 2011-04 is effective prospectively during interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03 "Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) - Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreement."  ASU 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion relating to the transferor's ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee.  ASU 2011-03 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  The guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date.  The adoption of the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information called for by Item 3 is contained in the Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The  Company's  management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of  the  Company's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2012, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 
There  were  no changes made in the Company's internal control over financial  reporting  that  occurred  during  the  Company's  most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Bank has been named as a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit arising from its assessment and collection of overdraft fees on its checking account customers. The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Delaware, on September 12, 2011 and alleges that the Bank engaged in certain unfair practices and failed to make adequate disclosure to customers concerning its overdraft fee assessment practices.  The complaint seeks certification of a class of national checking account holders who have incurred overdraft fees and a subclass of such customers who reside in New York.  In addition, the complaint seeks actual and punitive damages, disgorgement, interest and costs including attorneys' fees.  On May 15, 2012, Acting Supreme Court Judge for Delaware County, New York, John F. Lambert, dismissed in its entirety the plaintiff`s case.  On June 20, 2012, the plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Appellate Division, Third Department.  The Company believes the claims to be without merit and intends to defend the action vigorously.

There are no other material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is subject.

Item 1A – RISK FACTORS

Management of the Company urges the reader to understand and consider the following updated risk factor in addition to those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2012.

The risks presented by acquisitions could adversely affect our financial condition and result of operations.

The business strategy of the Company has included and may continue to include growth through acquisition from time to time.  Any acquisitions, including our recently completed acquisition of Hampshire First and pending acquisition of Alliance, will be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in acquisitions including, among other things: our ability to realize anticipated cost savings and avoid unanticipated costs relating to the merger, the difficulty of integrating operations and personnel, the potential disruption of our or the acquired company’s ongoing business, the inability of our management to maximize our financial and strategic position, the inability to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, and the impairment of relationships with the acquired company’s employees and customers as a result of changes in ownership and management.   These risks may prevent the Company from fully realizing the anticipated benefits of an acquisition or cause the realization of such benefits to take longer than expected. 

 
2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a)
Not applicable
 
(b)
Not applicable
 
(c)
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by the Company (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of our common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2012:

Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid
Per Share
   
Total Number of
 Shares Purchased as
 Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
   
Maximum Number of
 Shares That May Yet
 be Purchased Under
The Plans (1)
 
1/1/12 - 1/31/12
    -     $ -       -       1,517,581  
2/1/12 - 2/29/12
    -       -       -       1,517,581  
3/1/12 - 3/31/12
    -       -       -       1,517,581  
4/1/12 - 4/30/12
    -       -       -       1,517,581  
5/1/12 - 5/31/12
    423,026       20.17       423,026       1,094,555  
6/1/12 - 6/30/12
    346,542       20.08       346,542       748,013  
7/1/12 - 7/31/12
    -       -       -       748,013  
8/1/12 - 8/31/12
    -       -       -       748,013  
9/1/12 - 9/30/12
    -       -       -       748,013  
Total
    769,568     $ 20.13       769,568       748,013  

 
1.
Under previously disclosed stock repurchase plans, the Company purchased 769,568 shares of its common stock during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, for a total of $15.5 million at an average price of $20.13 per share.  At September 30, 2012, there were 748,013 shares available for repurchase under a previously disclosed repurchase plan, which expires on December 31, 2013.

Item 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

Item 5 OTHER INFORMATION

None


Item 6 EXHIBITS

2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 7, 2012, by and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Alliance Financial Corporation (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through May 2, 2012.

3.2   By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended and restated through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3   Certificate of Designation of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration's Form 8-K, file Number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.1   Specimen common stock certificate for NBT's common stock (filed as exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2   Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K, file number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein).

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, this 9th day of November 2012.
 
   
NBT BANCORP INC.
 
       
       
       
 
By:
/s/ Michael J. Chewens
 
   
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
 
   
Senior Executive Vice President
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
       

 
EXHIBIT INDEX

2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 7, 2012, by and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Alliance Financial Corporation (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through May 2, 2012.

3.2   By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended and restated through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3   Certificate of Designation of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration's Form 8-K, file Number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.1  Specimen common stock certificate for NBT's common stock (filed as exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2   Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K, file number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein).

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
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