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NBT BANCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2013 March (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 March 31, 2013.
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 April 30, 2013, there were 43,795,888 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
 


 
 

 

NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended March 31, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
3
     
  3
     
  4
     
  5
     
  5
     
  6
     
  8
     
Item 2
37
     
Item 3
54
     
Item 4
54
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
55
Item 1A  
55
Item 2
55
Item 3
55
Item 4
55
Item 5
55
Item 6
56
     
57
     
58


Item 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 133,632     $ 157,094  
Short-term interest bearing accounts
    165,514       6,574  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    1,465,791       1,147,999  
Securities held to maturity (fair value $63,361 and $61,535, respectively)
    62,474       60,563  
Trading securities
    4,762       3,918  
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    35,918       29,920  
Loans
    5,195,033       4,277,616  
Less allowance for loan losses
    68,734       69,334  
Net loans
    5,126,299       4,208,282  
Premises and equipment, net
    88,582       77,875  
Goodwill
    263,645       152,373  
Intangible assets, net
    29,273       16,962  
Bank owned life insurance
    112,123       80,702  
Other assets
    122,818       99,997  
Total assets
  $ 7,610,831     $ 6,042,259  
Liabilities
               
Demand (noninterest bearing)
  $ 1,503,849     $ 1,242,712  
Savings, NOW, and money market
    3,345,634       2,558,376  
Time
    1,166,480       983,261  
Total deposits
    6,015,963       4,784,349  
Short-term borrowings
    185,871       162,941  
Long-term debt
    428,661       367,492  
Trust preferred debentures
    101,196       75,422  
Other liabilities
    75,845       69,782  
Total liabilities
    6,807,536       5,459,986  
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 2,500,000 shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012; issued 49,651,494 at March 31, 2013 and 39,305,131 at December 31, 2012
    497       393  
Additional paid-in-capital
    573,138       346,692  
Retained earnings
    358,449       357,558  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (7,126 )     (5,880 )
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 5,910,399 and 5,529,781 shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
    (121,663 )     (116,490 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    803,295       582,273  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 7,610,831     $ 6,042,259  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
 
2013
   
2012
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
           
Interest, fee, and dividend income
           
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 53,695     $ 50,208  
Securities available for sale
    5,746       7,366  
Securities held to maturity
    525       640  
Other
    403       392  
Total interest, fee, and dividend income
    60,369       58,606  
Interest expense
               
Deposits
    4,150       5,143  
Short-term borrowings
    42       41  
Long-term debt
    3,609       3,581  
Trust preferred debentures
    428       449  
Total interest expense
    8,229       9,214  
Net interest income
    52,140       49,392  
Provision for loan losses
    5,658       4,471  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    46,482       44,921  
Noninterest income
               
Insurance and other financial services revenue
    6,893       6,154  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    4,323       4,341  
ATM and debit card fees
    3,242       2,962  
Retirement plan administration fees
    2,682       2,333  
Trust
    2,913       2,129  
Bank owned life insurance
    849       971  
Net securities gains
    1,145       455  
Other
    3,182       3,711  
Total noninterest income
    25,229       23,056  
Noninterest expense
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    27,047       26,725  
Occupancy
    4,977       4,491  
Data processing and communications
    3,455       3,258  
Professional fees and outside services
    2,901       2,725  
Equipment
    2,582       2,380  
Office supplies and postage
    1,590       1,671  
FDIC expenses
    1,130       931  
Advertising
    723       802  
Amortization of intangible assets
    851       819  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    718       638  
Merger related expenses
    10,681       511  
Other
    4,050       3,523  
Total noninterest expense
    60,705       48,474  
Income before income tax expense
    11,006       19,503  
Income tax expense
    3,357       5,853  
Net income
  $ 7,649     $ 13,650  
Earnings per share
               
Basic
  $ 0.21     $ 0.41  
Diluted
  $ 0.21     $ 0.41  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


   
Three months ended March 31,
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
2013
   
2012
 
(In thousands)
           
Net income
  $ 7,649     $ 13,650  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
               
Unrealized net holding (losses) gains arising during the period (pre-tax amounts of ($1,752) and $644)
    (1,058 )     386  
Reclassification adjustment for net gains related to securities available for sale included in net income (pre-tax amounts of $1,145 and $455)
    (691 )     (273 )
Pension and other benefits:
               
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains (pre-tax amounts of $826 and $857)
    503       516  
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    (1,246 )     629  
Comprehensive income
  $ 6,403     $ 14,279  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
                                   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)
                               
         
 
         
Accumulated
             
         
Additional
         
Other
   
Common
       
   
Common
   
Paid-in-
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Stock
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Loss
   
in Treasury
   
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
                                   
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 380     $ 317,329     $ 329,981     $ (6,104 )   $ (103,476 )   $ 538,110  
Net income
    -       -       13,650       -       -       13,650  
Cash dividends - $0.20 per share
    -       -       (6,648 )     -       -       (6,648 )
Net issuance of 83,850 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    -       (561 )     (196 )     -       1,742       985  
Stock-based compensation
    -       2,007       -       -       -       2,007  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       629       -       629  
Balance at March 31, 2012
  $ 380     $ 318,775     $ 336,787     $ (5,475 )   $ (101,734 )   $ 548,733  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 393     $ 346,692     $ 357,558     $ (5,880 )   $ (116,490 )   $ 582,273  
Net income
    -       -       7,649       -       -       7,649  
Cash dividends - $0.20 per share
    -       -       (6,758 )     -       -       (6,758 )
Issuance of 10,346,363 shares, net of 408,957 treasury shares, for Alliance acquisition
    104       225,447       -       -       (5,779 )     219,772  
Net issuance of 28,339 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    -       (965 )     -       -       606       (359 )
Stock-based compensation
    -       1,964       -       -       -       1,964  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       (1,246 )     -       (1,246 )
Balance at March 31, 2013
  $ 497     $ 573,138     $ 358,449     $ (7,126 )   $ (121,663 )   $ 803,295  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
2013
   
2012
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
           
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 7,649     $ 13,650  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Provision for loan losses
    5,658       4,471  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    1,791       1,489  
Net accretion on securities
    1,091       644  
Amortization of intangible assets
    851       819  
Stock based compensation
    1,964       2,007  
Bank owned life insurance income
    (849 )     (971 )
Purchases of trading securities
    (744 )     (496 )
Unrealized gains on trading securities
    (100 )     (178 )
Deferred income tax benefit
    (309 )     (1,706 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    15,417       14,026  
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
    (17,307 )     (15,239 )
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
    (480 )     (441 )
Net security gains
    (1,145 )     (455 )
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned
    (151 )     (247 )
Net decrease in other assets
    915       5,032  
Net decrease in other liabilities
    (9,336 )     (7,836 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,915       14,569  
Investing activities
               
Net cash provided by acquisitions
    81,049       48,340  
Securities available for sale:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    109,986       100,340  
Proceeds from sales
    2,607       1,791  
Purchases
    (119,749 )     (100,624 )
Securities held to maturity:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    6,940       6,406  
Purchases
    (3,131 )     (6,010 )
Proceeds from FHLB stock redemption
    1,989       -  
Net increase in loans
    (17,791 )     (18,940 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (1,006 )     (1,502 )
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    1,023       637  
Net cash provided by investing activities
    61,917       30,438  
Financing activities
               
Net increase in deposits
    118,194       146,348  
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
    1,326       (15,615 )
Repayments of long-term debt
    (43,757 )     (4 )
Issuance of long-term debt
    -       150  
Excess tax (provision) benefit from exercise of stock options
    (17 )     70  
Issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
    (342 )     915  
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares
    (6,758 )     (6,648 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    68,646       125,216  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    135,478       170,223  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    163,668       129,381  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 299,146     $ 299,604  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.



Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
     
Cash paid during the period for:
           
Interest
  $ 8,000     $ 8,976  
Income taxes paid
    344       1,970  
Noncash investing activities:
               
Loans transferred to OREO
  $ 959     $ 184  
Acquisitions:
               
Fair value of assets acquired
  $ 1,503,448     $ 5,976  
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    1,283,676       54,316  
Fair value of debt issued in purchase combination
    -       150  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT BANCORP INC. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2013

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, NBT Statutory Trust II, Alliance Financial Capital Trust I and Alliance Financial Capital 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 central and 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.”  The interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.  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

Alliance Financial Corporation
On March 8, 2013, the Company acquired Alliance Financial Corporation (“Alliance”), the parent company of Alliance Bank, N.A., for total consideration of $226 million.  As part of the acquisition, Alliance was merged with and into the Company and Alliance Bank, with 26 branch locations in the central New York counties of Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida and Oswego, was merged with and into the Bank.  The merger with Alliance enabled the Company to expand its footprint into demographically attractive and contiguous markets located in the aforementioned New York counties.  The results of Alliance’s operations are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition.


Under the terms of the merger agreement, each outstanding share of Alliance common stock was converted into the right to receive 2.1779 shares of the Company’s common stock.  As a result, Alliance shareholders received 10.3 million shares of Company common stock valued at $226 million.

In connection with the merger, the consideration paid and the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition are as summarized in the following table, in thousands:

Consideration paid:
     
NBT Bancorp common stock issued to Alliance common shareholders
  $ 225,551  
Cash in lieu of fractional shares paid to Alliance common shareholders
    11  
Less treasury shares
    5,779  
         
Net consideration paid
  $ 219,783  
         
Recognized Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and (Liabilities Assumed) At Fair Value:
       
Cash and short term investments
  $ 81,060  
Securities
    320,618  
Loans and Leases
    904,473  
Intangible assets
    13,161  
Other assets
    71,900  
Deposits
    (1,113,420 )
Borrowings
    (126,530 )
Trust preferred debentures
    (25,774 )
Other liabilities
    (17,952 )
Total identifiable net assets
  $ 107,536  
         
Goodwill
  $ 112,247  

The above recognized amounts of loans, other assets and other liabilities, at fair value, are preliminary estimates and are subject to adjustment but actual amounts are not expected to differ materially from those shown.

The estimated fair value of loans acquired from Alliance was determined by utilizing a methodology wherein similar loans were aggregated into pools.  Cash flows for each pool were determined by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments.  Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value based on a current market rate for similar loans. There was no carryover of Alliance’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans acquired as loans were initially recorded at fair value.

Information about the acquired loan portfolio as of March 8, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition
  $ 908,614  
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected
    (15,466 )
Expected cash flows at acquisition
    893,148  
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable premium)
    11,325  
Fair value of acquired loans
  $ 904,473  


The core deposit and trust intangible assets recognized as part of the Alliance merger are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 10 and 15 years, respectively, utilizing an accelerated method.  The goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, is not deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of savings and transaction deposit accounts acquired from Alliance 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 projecting the expected cash flows based on the contractual terms of the certificates of deposit.  These cash flows were discounted based on a current market rate for a certificate of deposit with a corresponding maturity.

The fair value of borrowings, which was comprised of FHLB advances, was determined by obtaining settlement quotes from the FHLB.

Direct costs related to the Alliance acquisition were expensed as incurred and amounted to $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

The following table presents unaudited pro forma information as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2012 under the “Pro forma” columns.  This pro forma information gives the effect to certain adjustments, including purchase accounting fair value adjustments, amortization of core deposit and other intangibles and related income tax effects.  Merger and acquisition integration costs related to the Alliance acquisition are excluded from the periods in which they were incurred.  The pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred had the Company merged with Alliance at the beginning of 2012.  Cost savings are also not reflected in the unaudited pro forma amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

   
Pro forma
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
Net interest income
  $ 59,052     $ 59,544  
Noninterest income
    29,908       27,532  
Net income
    16,509       16,158  

Supplemental financial information regarding the former Alliance operations included in our Consolidated Statement of Income from the date of acquisition through March 31, 2013 has not been provided as it would be impracticable to do so.  The operations of Alliance have been integrated into the Bank’s operations and therefore financial information specific to revenues and expense associated with the Alliance operations is not accessible.

Note 4.
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 $1.1 billion at March 31, 2013 and $841.7 million at December 31, 2012.  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 $45.0 million at March 31, 2013 and $37.5 million at December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, 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 $37.4 million at March 31, 2013 and $16.6 million at December 31, 2012.  As of March 31, 2013, the fair value of commercial letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 5.
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 segments, each with different risk characteristics and methodologies for assessing risk.  Those segments are further segregated between our loans accounted for under the amortized cost method (referred to as “originated” loans) and loans acquired in a business combination (referred to as “acquired” loans).  Prior to 2013, separate disclosures for acquired loans were not significant and were included with originated loans in the Company’s asset quality disclosures.  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
 

Commercial Loans
 
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 needs 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 $0.5 million 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.

Consumer 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 Mortgages
 
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. 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.

For purposes of evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, the Company considers a number of significant factors that affect the collectability 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 collectability.  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 our originated portfolio segments for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
               
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
             
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2012
  $ 35,624     $ 27,162     $ 6,252     $ 296     $ 69,334  
Charge-offs
    (3,322 )     (3,723 )     (671 )     -       (7,716 )
Recoveries
    467       977       14       -       1,458  
Provision
    2,589       1,869       1,113       87       5,658  
Ending Balance as of March 31, 2013
  $ 35,358     $ 26,285     $ 6,708     $ 383     $ 68,734  
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 38,831     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,334  
Charge-offs
    (1,130 )     (4,052 )     (358 )     -       (5,540 )
Recoveries
    385       675       9       -       1,069  
Provision
    (299     4,118       620       32       4,471  
Ending Balance as of March 31, 2012
  $ 37,787     $ 26,790     $ 6,520     $ 237     $ 71,334  

For acquired loans, to the extent that we experience deterioration in borrower credit quality resulting in a decrease in our expected cash flows subsequent to acquisition of the loans, an allowance for loan losses would be established based on our estimate of future credit losses over the remaining life of the loans.  As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, there was no allowance for loan losses for the acquired loan portfolio. Net charge-offs related to acquired loans totaled $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and is included in the table above.


The following tables illustrate the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment by portfolio segments as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
(in thousands)
 
         
 
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
   
 
   
 
 
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
As of March 31, 2013
                             
                               
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 35,358     $ 26,285     $ 6,708     $ 383     $ 68,734  
                                         
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 607     $ -     $ -             $ 607  
                                         
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 34,751     $ 26,285     $ 6,708     $ 383     $ 68,127  
                                         
Ending balance of loans
  $ 2,306,954     $ 1,891,154     $ 996,925             $ 5,195,033  
                                         
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 9,690     $ -     $ -             $ 9,690  
                                         
Ending balance of acquired loans
  $ 466,673     $ 294,780     $ 361,680             $ 1,123,133  
                                         
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,830,591     $ 1,596,374     $ 635,245             $ 4,062,210  
                                         
As of December 31, 2012
                                       
                                         
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 35,624     $ 27,162     $ 6,252     $ 296     $ 69,334  
                                         
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 2,848     $ -     $ -             $ 2,848  
                                         
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 32,776     $ 27,162     $ 6,252     $ 296     $ 66,486  
                                         
Ending balance of loans
  $ 2,003,371     $ 1,623,138     $ 651,107             $ 4,277,616  
                                         
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 11,972     $ -     $ -             $ 11,972  
                                         
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,991,399     $ 1,623,138     $ 651,107             $ 4,265,644  


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:

(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
ORIGINATED
           
Commercial Loans
           
Commercial
  $ 3,098     $ 4,985  
Commercial Real Estate
    7,766       7,977  
Agricultural
    728       699  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,164       1,038  
Business Banking
    6,843       6,738  
      19,599       21,437  
                 
Consumer Loans
               
Indirect
    1,782       1,557  
Home Equity
    7,241       7,247  
Direct
    270       266  
      9,293       9,070  
                 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    8,061       9,169  
                 
    $ 36,953     $ 39,676  
                 
ACQUIRED
               
Commercial Loans
               
Commercial
  $ 76          
Business Banking
    1,266          
      1,342          
                 
Consumer Loans
               
Indirect
    168          
Home Equity
    465          
Direct
    85          
      718          
                 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    2,713          
                 
    $ 4,773          
                 
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 41,726     $ 39,676  


The following tables set forth information with regard to past due and nonperforming loans by loan class as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of March 31, 2013
(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
 
ORIGINATED
                                         
Commercial Loans
                                         
Commercial
  $ 549     $ -     $ -     $ 549     $ 3,098     $ 545,847     $ 549,494  
Commercial Real Estate
    1,753       -       -       1,753       7,766       849,715       859,234  
Agricultural
    111       49       -       160       728       60,297       61,185  
Agricultural Real Estate
    39       -       -       39       1,164       33,136       34,339  
Business Banking
    2,817       717       -       3,534       6,843       325,652       336,029  
      5,269       766       -       6,035       19,599       1,814,647       1,840,281  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    8,783       1,667       863       11,313       1,782       981,043       994,138  
Home Equity
    4,811       1,450       533       6,794       7,241       525,902       539,937  
Direct
    449       87       52       588       270       61,441       62,299  
      14,043       3,204       1,448       18,695       9,293       1,568,386       1,596,374  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    3,249       471       79       3,799       8,061       623,385       635,245  
    $ 22,561     $ 4,441     $ 1,527     $ 28,529     $ 36,953     $ 4,006,418     $ 4,071,900  
                                                         
ACQUIRED
                                                       
Commercial Loans
                                                       
Commercial
  $ 1,037     $ 124     $ -     $ 1,161     $ 76     $ 132,082     $ 133,319  
Commercial Real Estate
    1,484       456       -       1,940       -       242,561       244,501  
Business Banking
    1,663       241       6       1,910       1,266       85,677       88,853  
      4,184       821       6       5,011       1,342       460,320       466,673  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    833       18       41       892       168       186,677       187,737  
Home Equity
    961       273       67       1,301       465       95,806       97,572  
Direct
    63       2       10       75       85       9,311       9,471  
      1,857       293       118       2,268       718       291,794       294,780  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    5,980       170       -       6,150       2,713       352,817       361,680  
    $ 12,021     $ 1,284     $ 124     $ 13,429     $ 4,773     $ 1,104,931     $ 1,123,133  


As of December 31, 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
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,985     $ 556,496     $ 561,481  
Commercial Real Estate
    126       -       -       126       7,977       966,692       974,795  
Agricultural
    22       -       -       22       699       63,037       63,758  
Agricultural Real Estate
    108       -       103       211       1,038       36,128       37,377  
Business Banking
    3,019       708       45       3,772       6,738       355,450       365,960  
      3,275       708       148       4,131       21,437       1,977,803       2,003,371  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    10,956       2,477       1,205       14,638       1,557       964,802       980,997  
Home Equity
    6,065       1,223       681       7,969       7,247       560,066       575,282  
Direct
    717       144       84       945       266       65,648       66,859  
      17,738       3,844       1,970       23,552       9,070       1,590,516       1,623,138  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,839       725       330       2,894       9,169       639,044       651,107  
    $ 22,852     $ 5,277     $ 2,448     $ 30,577     $ 39,676     $ 4,207,363     $ 4,277,616  
 
There were no material commitments to extend further credit to borrowers with nonperforming loans.

Impaired Loans
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 $0.5 million 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.


The following table provides information on impaired loans and specific reserve allocations as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
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
  $ 5,106     $ 7,374             $ 1,651     $ 1,710          
Commercial Real Estate
    8,461       9,156               8,709       9,553          
Agricultural
    873       1,269               940       1,286          
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,833       2,163               1,713       2,026          
Business Banking
    8,385       11,429               7,048       9,579          
Total Commercial Loans
    24,658       31,391               20,061       24,154          
                                                 
Consumer Loans
                                               
Home Equity
    2,910       3,084               2,553       2,657          
                                                 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    2,022       2,407               2,011       2,308          
      29,590       36,882               24,625       28,967          
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,335     $ 4,340     $ 2,241  
Commercial Real Estate
    4,068       5,689       607       4,068       5,689       607  
      4,068       5,689       607       8,403       10,029       2,848  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 33,658     $ 42,571     $ 607     $ 33,028     $ 39,148     $ 2,848  


The following table summarizes the average recorded investments on impaired loans and the interest income recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
   
For the three months ended
 
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
   
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
  $ 6,038     $ 15     $ 15     $ 1,974     $ 14     $ 14  
Commercial Real Estate
    8,545       61       61       5,821       15       15  
Agricultural
    1,004       11       11       3,117       45       45  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,841       17       17       1,977       17       17  
Business Banking
    8,189       54       54       7,730       60       60  
Consumer Loans
                                               
Home Equity
    2,643       39       39       1,909       31       31  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,988       25       25       1,031       13       13  
    $ 30,248     $ 222     $ 222     $ 23,559     $ 195     $ 195  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
    -       -       -       1,432       47       47  
Commercial Real Estate
    4,068       -       -       -       -       -  
    $ 4,068     $ -     $ -     $ 1,432     $ 47     $ 47  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 34,316     $ 222     $ 222     $ 24,991     $ 242     $ 242  

Credit Quality Indicators
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.  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 those loans 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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

Credit Quality Indicators
As of March 31, 2013

ORIGINATED
                             
Commercial Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Agricultural
Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
  $ 525,022     $ 819,736     $ 55,091     $ 30,515     $ 1,430,364  
Special Mention
    14,810       19,972       13       3       34,798  
Substandard
    9,159       19,526       6,050       3,821       38,556  
Doubtful
    503       -       31       -       534  
Total
  $ 549,494     $ 859,234     $ 61,185     $ 34,339     $ 1,504,252  
                                         
Business Banking Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Small Business
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 315,645                             $ 315,645  
Classified
    20,384                               20,384  
Total
  $ 336,029                             $ 336,029  
                                         
Consumer Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 991,493     $ 532,163     $ 61,977             $ 1,585,633  
Nonperforming
    2,645       7,774       322               10,741  
Total
  $ 994,138     $ 539,937     $ 62,299             $ 1,596,374  
                                         
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Residential
Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 627,105                             $ 627,105  
Nonperforming
    8,140                               8,140  
Total
  $ 635,245                             $ 635,245  


Credit Quality Indicators
As of March 31, 2013

ACQUIRED
                       
Commercial Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
         
Total
 
Pass
  $ 122,178     $ 225,825           $ 348,003  
Special Mention
    3,013       6,368             9,381  
Substandard
    8,128       12,308             20,436  
Doubtful
    -       -             -  
Total
  $ 133,319     $ 244,501           $ 377,820  
                               
Business Banking Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Small Business
                 
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 83,990                   $ 83,990  
Classified
    4,863                     4,863  
Total
  $ 88,853                   $ 88,853  
                               
Consumer Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Performing
  $ 187,528     $ 97,040     $ 9,376     $ 293,944  
Nonperforming
    209       532       95       836  
Total
  $ 187,737     $ 97,572     $ 9,471     $ 294,780  
                                 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Residential
Mortgage
                   
Total
 
Performing
  $ 358,967                     $ 358,967  
Nonperforming
    2,713                       2,713  
Total
  $ 361,680                     $ 361,680  


Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2012

Commercial Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Agricultural
Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
  $ 522,985     $ 901,928     $ 57,347     $ 33,472     $ 1,515,732  
Special Mention
    18,401       32,135       13       3       50,552  
Substandard
    17,351       40,732       6,362       3,902       68,347  
Doubtful
    2,744       -       36       -       2,780  
Total
  $ 561,481     $ 974,795     $ 63,758     $ 37,377     $ 1,637,411  
                                         
Business Banking. Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Small Business
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 342,528                             $ 342,528  
Classified
    23,432                               23,432  
Total
  $ 365,960                             $ 365,960  
                                         
Consumer Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 978,235     $ 567,354     $ 66,509             $ 1,612,098  
Nonperforming
    2,762       7,928       350               11,040  
Total
  $ 980,997     $ 575,282     $ 66,859             $ 1,623,138  
                                         
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
 
Residential
Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 641,608                             $ 641,608  
Nonperforming
    9,499                               9,499  
Total
  $ 651,107                             $ 651,107  

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
The Company’s loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified 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 troubled debt restructured loans (“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.
 
TDRs that occurred during the three month period ending March 31, 2013 consisted of 10 home equity loans and one residential real estate mortgage totaling $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the three month period ending March 31, 2013 there were no defaults on previously modified loans.


There were no new TDRs made during the three month period ending March 31, 2012.  During the three month period ending March 31, 2012 there were no defaults on loans modified within the previous 12 months.

Note 6.
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 March 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
Basic EPS:
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    36,410       33,063  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 7,649     $ 13,650  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.21     $ 0.41  
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    36,410       33,063  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
  $ 384     $ 379  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
  $ 36,794     $ 33,442  
Net income available to common shareholders
    7,649       13,650  
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.21     $ 0.41  

There were 1,171,825 stock options for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 and 810,088 stock options for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 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 7.
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans

The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees at March 31, 2013 including eligible Alliance employees.  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.

The Company assumed a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan in the Alliance acquisition.  The plan covers certain Alliance full-time employees who met eligibility requirements on October 6, 2006, at which time all benefits were frozen.  Under the plan, retirement benefits are primarily a function of both the years of service and the level of compensation.


In addition to the pension plans, the Company also provides supplemental employee retirement plans to certain current and former executives.  These supplemental employee retirement plans and the defined benefit pension plans 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.  In addition, the Company assumed post-retirement medical life insurance benefits for certain Alliance employees, retirees and their spouses, if applicable, in the Alliance acquisition. 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 March 31,
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Service cost
  $ 604     $ 756     $ 6     $ 5  
Interest cost
    722       774       34       39  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,825 )     (1,675 )     -       -  
Net amortization
    603       859       223       (2 )
Total cost
  $ 104     $ 714     $ 263     $ 42  

The Company is not required to make contributions to the plans in 2013, and did not do so during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

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 8. 
Trust Preferred Debentures

The Company sponsors five business trusts, CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust II, Alliance Financial Capital Trust I and Alliance Financial Capital Trust II.  The trusts were formed for the purpose of issuing company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities to third-party investors and investing in the proceeds from the sale of such preferred securities solely in junior subordinated debt securities of the Company.  The debentures held by each trust are the sole assets of that trust.  These five 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 March 31, 2013, 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
August-99
  $ 18,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 2.75%
  $ 18,720  
August-29
                       
NBT Statutory Trust I
November-05
    5,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 1.40%
    5,155  
December-35
                       
NBT Statutory Trust II
February-06
    50,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 1.40%
    51,547  
March-36
                       
Alliance Financial Capital Trust I
December-03
    10,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 2.85%
    10,310  
January-34
                       
Alliance Financial Capital Trust II
September-06
    15,000  
3-month LIBOR plus 1.65%
    15,464  
September-36

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 month period ending March 31, 2013, 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):

March 31, 2013:
 
   
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
       
   
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
Balance
 
   
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
as of
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
March 31, 2013
 
Assets:
                       
Securities Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 69,225     $ -     $ -     $ 69,225  
Federal Agency
    -       297,373       -       297,373  
State & municipal
    -       146,252       -       146,252  
Mortgage-backed
    -       345,348       -       345,348  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       591,738       -       591,738  
Other securities
    10,643       5,212       -       15,855  
Total Securities Available for Sale
  $ 79,868     $ 1,385,923     $ -     $ 1,465,791  
Trading Securities
    4,762       -       -       4,762  
Interest Rate Swaps
    -       1,594       -       1,594  
Total
  $ 84,630     $ 1,387,517     $ -     $ 1,472,147  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
  $ -     $ 1,594     $ -     $ 1,594  
Total
  $ -     $ 1,594     $ -     $ 1,594  
 
December 31, 2012:

   
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant
   
Significant
       
   
Active Markets for
   
Other
   
Unobservable
   
Balance
 
   
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Inputs
   
as of
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
December 31, 2012
 
Assets:
                       
Securities Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 64,425     $ -     $ -     $ 64,425  
Federal Agency
    -       282,814       -       282,814  
State & municipal
    -       86,802       -       86,802  
Mortgage-backed
    -       250,281       -       250,281  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       449,723       -       449,723  
Other securities
    11,866       2,088       -       13,954  
Total Securities Available for Sale
  $ 76,291     $ 1,071,708     $ -     $ 1,147,999  
Trading Securities
    3,918       -       -       3,918  
Interest Rate Swaps
    -       1,490       -       1,490  
Total
  $ 80,209     $ 1,073,198     $ -     $ 1,153,407  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
  $ -     $ 1,490     $ -     $ 1,490  
Total
  $ -     $ 1,490     $ -     $ 1,490  


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, collateral-dependent impaired loans, mortgage servicing rights, and held-to-maturity securities.  The only nonrecurring fair value measurement recorded during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was related to impaired loans.  The Company had collateral dependent impaired loans with a carrying value of approximately $4.1 million which had specific reserves included in the allowance for loan losses of $0.6 million at March 31, 2013.  The Company had collateral dependent impaired loans with a carrying value of approximately $8.4 million which had specific reserves included in the allowance for loan losses of $2.8 million at December 31, 2012.  The Company uses the fair value of underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to estimate the specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans.  The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses ranging from 10% to 35%.  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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  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.
 
         
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
(In thousands)
 
Fair Value Heirarchy
   
Carrying amount
   
Estimated fair value
   
Carrying amount
   
Estimated fair value
 
Financial assets
                             
Securities held to maturity
  2     $ 62,474     $ 63,361     $ 60,563     $ 61,535  
Net loans
  3       5,126,299       5,226,708       4,208,282       4,313,244  
Financial liabilities
                                     
Time deposits
  2     $ 1,166,480     $ 1,178,242     $ 983,261     $ 994,376  
Long-term debt
  2       428,661       468,095       367,492       407,404  
Trust preferred debentures
  2       101,196       100,460       75,422       74,147  

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
 
March 31, 2013
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 68,557     $ 668     $ -     $ 69,225  
Federal Agency
    296,135       1,343       105       297,373  
State & municipal
    142,714       3,579       41       146,252  
Mortgage-backed:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
    304,955       10,130       25       315,060  
U.S. government securities
    28,649       1,641       2       30,288  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Government-sponsored   enterprises
    526,545       4,247       339       530,453  
U.S. government securities
    60,093       1,193       1       61,285  
Other securities
    13,425       2,492       62       15,855  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,441,073     $ 25,293     $ 575     $ 1,465,791  
December 31, 2012
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 63,668     $ 757     $ -     $ 64,425  
Federal Agency
    281,398       1,507       91       282,814  
State & municipal
    82,675       4,127       -       86,802  
Mortgage-backed:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
    221,110       11,175       -       232,285  
U.S. government securities
    16,351       1,645       -       17,996  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
    399,147       4,418       -       403,565  
U.S. government securities
    44,825       1,333       -       46,158  
Other securities
    11,210       2,832       88       13,954  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,120,384     $ 27,794     $ 179     $ 1,147,999  

Others securities primarily represent marketable equity securities.

Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were $2.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, and gains on the sales were $1.1 million.  Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, and gains on the sales were $0.5 million.
 
Securities with amortized costs totaling $1.5 billion at March 31, 2013 and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2012, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.  Additionally, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, securities available for sale with an amortized cost of $236.6 million and $209.0 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
 
March 31, 2013
                       
Mortgage-backed
  $ 1,127     $ 183     $ -     $ 1,310  
State & municipal
    61,347       704       -       62,051  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 62,474     $ 887     $ -     $ 63,361  
December 31, 2012
                               
Mortgage-backed
  $ 1,168     $ 184     $ -     $ 1,352  
State & municipal
    59,395       788       -       60,183  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 60,563     $ 972     $ -     $ 61,535  

The following table sets forth information with regard to investment securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

   
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
 
                                                       
March 31, 2013
                                                     
U.S. Treasury
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
Federal agency
    39,955       (105 )     6       -       -       -       39,955       (105 )     6  
State & municipal
    20,335       (41 )     68       -       -       -       20,335       (41 )     68  
Mortgage-backed
    15,977       (27 )     11       -       -       -       15,977       (27 )     11  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    149,359       (340 )     18       -       -       -       149,359       (340 )     18  
Other securities
    -       -       -       186       (62 )     1       186       (62 )     1  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  $ 225,626     $ (513 )     103     $ 186     $ (62 )     1     $ 225,812     $ (575 )     104  
                                                                         
December 31, 2012
                                                                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
Federal agency
    39,906       (91 )     4       -       -       -       39,906       (91 )     4  
Collaterized mortgage obligations
     23        -       2        -        -        -        23        -        2  
Other securities
    468       (6 )     1       167       (82 )     1       635       (88 )     2  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  $ 40,397     $ (97 )     7     $ 167     $ (82 )     1     $ 40,564     $ (179 )     8  

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 March 31, 2013, 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 March 31, 2013, 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 March 31, 2013:
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Estimated fair value
 
Debt securities classified as available for sale
           
Within one year
  $ 45,889     $ 46,070  
From one to five years
    184,744       187,836  
From five to ten years
    382,001       388,831  
After ten years
    815,014       827,199  
    $ 1,427,648     $ 1,449,936  
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
               
Within one year
  $ 24,547     $ 24,598  
From one to five years
    28,732       29,380  
From five to ten years
    6,125       6,130  
After ten years
    3,070       3,253  
    $ 62,474     $ 63,361  

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 March 31, 2013.


Note 13.  Reclassification Adjustments Out of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following table summarizes the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands):

Detail About Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
   
Three months ended
   
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
 
Available for sale securities:
             
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
  $ 1,145     $ 455  
Net securities gains
Tax expense
    (454 )     (182 )
Income tax expense
Net of tax
  $ 691     $ 273    
                   
Pension and other benefits:
                 
Amortization of net gains
  $ 882     $ 911  
Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs
    (56 )     (54 )
Salaries and employee benefits
Tax benefit
    323       341  
Income tax expense
Net of tax
  $ 503     $ 516    
                   
Total reclassifications during the period, net of tax
  $ 1,194     $ 789    


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, 2012 for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis.  Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the full year ending December 31, 2013 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.

Non-GAAP Measures
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).  These measures adjust GAAP measures to exclude the effects of sales of securities and certain non-recurring and merger-related expenses.  Where non-GAAP disclosures are used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the comparable GAAP measure, as well as a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure, is provided in the accompanying tables.  Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provided useful information that is important to an understanding of the operating results of the Company’s core business due to the non-recurring nature of the excluded items.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP and investors should consider the Company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company.


Critical Accounting Policies
The Company has identified policies as being critical because they require management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These policies relate to the allowance for loan losses, pension accounting, other-than-temporary impairment, provision for income taxes and intangible assets.

Management  of  the  Company  considers  the  accounting  policy relating to the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy given the uncertainty  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 adversely different conditions or assumptions, the allowance may need to be increased. For example, if historical loan loss experience significantly worsened or if current economic conditions significantly deteriorated, additional provision for loan losses would be required to increase the allowance. In addition, the assumptions and estimates used in the internal reviews of the Company’s nonperforming loans and potential problem loans have 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 values were significantly lower, the Company’s allowance for loan policy would also require additional provision for loan losses.

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 the Citigroup Pension Liability Index, market interest rates and discounted cash flows 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 generally recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

The Company is subject to examinations from various taxing authorities.  Such examinations may result in challenges to the tax return treatment applied by the Company to specific transactions.  Management believes that the assumptions and judgments used to record tax-related assets or liabilities have been appropriate.  Should tax laws change or the taxing authorities determine that management’s assumptions were inappropriate, an adjustment may be required which could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.
 
Another critical accounting policy is the policy for acquired loans. Acquired loans are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The carryover of allowance for loan losses is prohibited as any credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate. Subsequent to the acquisition of acquired impaired loans, applicable accounting guidance requires the continued estimation of expected cash flows to be received. This estimation involves the use of key assumptions and estimates, similar to those used in the initial estimate of fair value. Changes in expected cash flows could result in the recognition of impairment through provision for credit losses. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for the non-impaired acquired loans is similar to originated loans.


As a result of acquisitions, the Company has acquired goodwill and identifiable intangible assets.  Goodwill represents the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at the acquisition date.  Goodwill is evaluated at least annually or when business conditions suggest that an impairment may have occurred.  Goodwill will be reduced to its carrying value through a charge to earnings if impairment exists.  Core deposits and other identifiable intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives.  The determination of whether or not impairment exists is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows.  It also requires them to select a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity market premiums and Company-specific risk indicators, all of which are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors.  Future events or changes in the estimates used to determine the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

 
The Company’s policies on the allowance for loan losses, pension accounting, provision for income taxes and intangible assets are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All accounting policies are important, and as such, the Company encourages the reader to review each of the policies included in Note 1 to obtain a better understanding of how the Company’s financial performance is reported.

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, tangible common 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 three months of 2013:
 
 
·
Completed the previously announced acquisition of Alliance Financial Corporation (“Alliance”) on March 8, 2013, a $1.4 billion financial holding company headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y.
 
 
·
Core earnings were $14.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, up 8.5% from $13.2 million for the same period in 2012. Core diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $0.39, equivalent to the same period last year.  Core annualized return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.90% and 9.01%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with 0.94% and 9.76%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
 
·
Reported results from the first quarter of 2013 include the impact of the acquisition of Alliance Financial Corporation (“Alliance”) since March 8, 2013, including approximately $10.7 million in merger related expenses.  Reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $7.6 million, down from $13.7 million for the same period in 2012.  Reported earnings per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $0.21 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to $0.41 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
 
·
Net interest margin (on a fully taxable equivalent basis (“FTE”)) was 3.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to 3.90% for the same period in 2012.
 
 
·
Past due loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.81% at March 31, 2013, as compared with 0.71% at December 31, 2012.
 
 
·
Net charge-offs were 0.56% of average loans for the first three months of 2013, compared to 0.55% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
 
·
The provision for loan losses was $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, up from $4.5 million for the same period in 2012.
 
 
The following table depicts several annualized measurements of performance using Core and 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 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%.
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
 
             
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
Reported net income (GAAP)
  $ 7,649     $ 13,650  
Adj: Gain on sale of securities, net
    (1,145 )     (455 )
Adj: Prepayment penalty fee
    -       (750 )
Plus: Merger related expenses
    10,681       511  
Total Adjustments
    9,536       (694 )
Income tax effect on adjustments
    2,908       (208 )
Core net income
  $ 14,277     $ 13,164  
             
    2013     2012  
Core return on average assets
    0.90 %     0.94 %
Core return on average equity
    9.01 %     9.76 %
Core Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (1)
    13.58 %     14.01 %

(1)  Excludes amortization of intangible assets (net of tax) from net income and average tangible common equity is calculated as follows:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Average stockholders' equity
  $ 642,693     $ 542,628  
Less: average goodwill and other intangibles
    200,779       150,478  
Average tangible common equity
  $ 441,914     $ 392,150  

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 $2.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period of 2012.  The Company’s FTE net interest margin was 3.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, down from 3.90% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Average interest earning assets were $5.8 billion for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of 12.5% compared to the same period in 2012. The growth in earning assets was due to strong organic loan growth in 2012 as well as the acquisition of Alliance in March 2013.  The increase in average earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of 2012 offset the decline in rates, resulting in the increase in net interest income over the same period last year.


For the three months ended March 31, 2013, total FTE interest income increased $1.6 million, or 2.6%, from the same period in 2012 as a result of the increase in average earning assets, attributed to aforementioned acquisition activity and strong organic loan growth in the previous year.  The average balance of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $4.5 billion, up approximately $682.6 million, or 17.9%, from the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The average balance of securities available for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $1.2 billion, down slightly from the three months ended March 31, 2012.  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 52 bp to 2.09% for the first quarter of 2013 from 2.61% for same period in 2012.  In addition, the yield on loans decreased 46 bp to 4.87% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 5.33% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decreases in the yield on securities and loans was due to the reinvestment of cash flows from loan principal payments and maturing of securities into the current low interest rate environment combined with the acquisition of Alliance interest earning assets at a lower average yield.

The reduction in yields on earning assets was partially offset by a reduction in rates paid on interest bearing liabilities.  The cost of interest bearing liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was down 17 bps to 0.76%.  The rate on time deposits was 1.26% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with 1.63% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The rate on money market deposit accounts was 0.14% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with 0.23% for the three months ended March 31, 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 $418.1 million, or 10.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012, which partially offset the decrease in total interest expense attributed to the decrease in the rates on interest bearing liabilities.  The increase in average interest bearing liabilities is primarily due to seasonal municipal deposits and the Alliance acquisition at the end of the quarter.


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 March 31,
                                   
   
 
   
2013
   
 
   
 
   
2012
   
 
 
   
Average
   
 
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
 
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ 75,110     $ 39       0.21 %   $ 80,127     $ 35       0.18 %
Securities available for sale (1)(2)
    1,197,238       6,179       2.09 %     1,212,766       7,855       2.61 %
Securities held to maturity (1)
    52,905       790       6.06 %     70,542       965       5.50 %
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    31,312       367       4.75 %     27,020       357       5.31 %
Loans (3)
    4,492,106       53,904       4.87 %     3,809,461       50,445       5.33 %
Total interest earning assets
  $ 5,848,671     $ 61,279       4.25 %   $ 5,199,916     $ 59,657       4.61 %
Other assets
    554,355                       459,542                  
Total assets
  $ 6,403,026                     $ 5,659,458                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Money market deposit accounts
  $ 1,190,555       410       0.14 %   $ 1,089,347     $ 612       0.23 %
NOW deposit accounts
    799,219       447       0.23 %     694,937       530       0.31 %
Savings deposits
    770,559       145       0.08 %     641,969       114       0.07 %
Time deposits
    1,015,711       3,148       1.26 %     956,350       3,887       1.63 %
Total interest bearing deposits
  $ 3,776,044     $ 4,150       0.45 %   $ 3,382,603     $ 5,143       0.61 %
Short-term borrowings
    168,783       42       0.10 %     162,806       41       0.10 %
Trust preferred debentures
    82,295       428       2.11 %     75,422       449       2.40 %
Long-term debt
    382,177       3,609       3.83 %     370,395       3,581       3.89 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 4,409,299     $ 8,229       0.76 %   $ 3,991,226     $ 9,214       0.93 %
Demand deposits
    1,283,737                       1,062,557                  
Other liabilities
    67,297                       63,047                  
Stockholders' equity
    642,693                       542,628                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 6,403,026                     $ 5,659,458                  
Net interest income (FTE)
            53,050                       50,443          
Interest rate spread
                    3.49 %                     3.68 %
Net interest margin
                    3.68 %                     3.90 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
            910                       1,051          
Net interest income
          $ 52,140                     $ 49,392          

(1) Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2) Excluding unrealized gains or losses
(3) 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.
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
 
2013 over 2012
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ (12 )   $ 16     $ 4  
Securities available for sale
    (103 )     (1,573 )     (1,676 )
Securities held to maturity
    (682 )     507       (175 )
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    188       (178 )     10  
Loans
    25,962       (22,503 )     3,459  
Total interest income
    25,353       (23,731 )     1,622  
                         
Money market deposit accounts
    328       (530 )     (202 )
NOW deposit accounts
    376       (459 )     (83 )
Savings deposits
    23       8       31  
Time deposits
    1,373       (2,112 )     (739 )
Short-term borrowings
    2       (1 )     1  
Trust preferred debentures
    181       (202 )     (21 )
Long-term debt
    314       (286 )     28  
Total interest expense
    2,597       (3,582 )     (985 )
                         
Change in FTE net interest income
  $ 22,756     $ (20,149 )   $ 2,607  
 
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 March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
(in thousands)
           
Insurance and other financial services revenue
  $ 6,893     $ 6,154  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    4,323       4,341  
ATM and debit card fees
    3,242       2,962  
Retirement plan administration fees
    2,682       2,333  
Trust
    2,913       2,129  
Bank owned life insurance
    849       971  
Net securities gains
    1,145       455  
Other
    3,182       3,711  
Total noninterest income
  $ 25,229     $ 23,056  

Noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $25.2 million, up 9.4% or $2.1 million, compared with $23.1 million for the same period in 2012.  Insurance and other financial services revenue increased approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012, due primarily to an increase in insurance revenue in 2013.  Trust revenue increased approximately $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012.  This increase was due primarily to trust business obtained from the Alliance acquisition.  Alliance had approximately $1 billion in assets under management at the time of the acquisition. Securities gains totaled approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2012.  Retirement plan administration fees increased approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012, due primarily to the addition of two large clients during the third quarter of 2012.


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 March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
(in thousands)
           
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 27,047     $ 26,725  
Occupancy
    4,977       4,491  
Data processing and communications
    3,455       3,258  
Professional fees and outside services
    2,901       2,725  
Equipment
    2,582       2,380  
Office supplies and postage
    1,590       1,671  
FDIC expenses
    1,130       931  
Advertising
    723       802  
Amortization of intangible assets
    851       819  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    718       638  
Merger
    10,681       511  
Other
    4,050       3,523  
Total noninterest expense
  $ 60,705     $ 48,474  

Noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $60.7 million, up $12.2 million or 25.2%, for the same period in 2012.  Excluding merger expenses totaling $10.7 million during the first quarter of 2013 and $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2012, noninterest expense was up $2.1 million, or 4.3%, for the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the first quarter of 2012.  Occupancy expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased $0.5 million, or 10.8%, over the same period in 2012 primarily due to 2012 acquisitions.  In addition, other operating expenses increased $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 was $3.4 million, down from $5.9 million for the same period in 2012.  The effective tax rate was 30.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 30.0% for the same period in 2012.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities
Average total earning securities decreased $33.2 million, or 2.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012.  The average balance of securities available for sale decreased $15.5 million, or 1.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012.  The average balance of securities held to maturity decreased $17.6 million, or 25.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012.  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 21.4% of total average earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2013, down from 24.7% for the same period in 2012.


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

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
With maturities 15 years or less
    21 %     18 %
With maturities greater than 15 years
    1 %     2 %
Collateral mortgage obligations
    38 %     36 %
Municipal securities
    13 %     12 %
US agency notes
    24 %     28 %
Other
    3 %     4 %
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)
 
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Residential real estate mortgages
  $ 996,925     $ 651,107  
Commercial
    829,766       694,799  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    1,233,763       1,072,807  
Real estate construction and development
    136,402       123,078  
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
    107,023       112,687  
Consumer
    1,253,645       1,047,856  
Home equity
    637,509       575,282  
Total loans
  $ 5,195,033     $ 4,277,616  

Total loans increased by $917.4 million, or 21.4%, at March 31, 2013 from December 31, 2012, and represent approximately 68.3% of assets, as compared to 70.8% of total assets at December 31, 2012.  The increase in loan is primarily due to the loans acquired in the Alliance acquisition.  The following table summarizes the Alliance acquired loan balances at fair value of as of March 8, 2013 (in thousands):


   
Acquired
 
   
Balances
 
Residential real estate mortgages
  $ 333,105  
Commercial
    179,672  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    117,752  
Consumer
    200,470  
Home equity
    73,474  
Total loans
  $ 904,473  


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 collectability 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 collectability. 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 Losses
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Three months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
   
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 69,334           $ 71,334        
Recoveries
    1,458             1,069        
Chargeoffs
    (7,716 )  
 
      (5,540 )  
 
 
Net chargeoffs
    (6,258 )           (4,471 )      
Provision for loan losses
    5,658    
 
      4,471    
 
 
Balance, end of period
  $ 68,734    
 
    $ 71,334    
 
 
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
         
 
           
 
 
Commercial and agricultural
  $ (2,855 )     46 %   $ (745 )     17 %
Real estate mortgage
    (657 )     10 %     (349 )     8 %
Consumer
    (2,746 )     44 %     (3,377 )     75 %
Net chargeoffs
  $ (6,258 )     100 %   $ (4,471 )     100 %
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
    0.56 %             0.47 %        

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
                       
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
  $ 20,462       50 %   $ 20,923       53 %
Real estate mortgages
    9,583       23 %     8,083       20 %
Consumer
    8,961       21 %     8,440       21 %
Troubled debt restructured loans
    2,720       7 %     2,230       6 %
Total nonaccrual loans
    41,726       100 %     39,676       100 %
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
                               
Commercial and agricultural loans and  real estate
    6       0 %     148       6 %
Real estate mortgages
    79       5 %     330       13 %
Consumer
    1,566       95 %     1,970       79 %
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
    1,651       100 %     2,448       100 %
                                 
Total nonperforming loans
    43,377               42,124          
Other real estate owned (OREO)
    2,864               2,276          
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 46,241             $ 44,400          
Total nonperforming loans to total loans
    0.83 %             0.98 %        
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.61 %             0.73 %        
Total allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
    158.46 %             164.60 %        


Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.81% at March 31, 2013, up from 0.71% at December 31, 2012.  In addition to nonperforming loans, the Company has also identified approximately $83.4 million in potential problem loans at March 31, 2013 as compared to $79.6 million at December 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2013, 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 $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Net charge-offs were $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, up from $4.5 million for the same period in 2012, due primarily to the charge-off of one large commercial loan that was previously reserved for.  Net charge-offs to average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was 0.56%, compared to 0.47% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $68.7 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $69.3 million at December 31, 2012.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans was 1.32% (1.69% excluding acquired loans with no related allowance recorded) at March 31, 2013, compared to 1.62% (1.72% excluding acquired loans with no related allowance recorded) at December 31, 2012.

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 $6.0 billion at March 31, 2013, up $1.2 billion, or 25.7%, from December 31, 2012, due primarily to the acquisition of Alliance on March 8, 2013.  Savings, NOW and money market accounts increased to $3.3 billion as of March 31, 2013 as compared with $2.6 billion at December 31, 2012.  Time deposits increased $183.2 million, or 18.6%, from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013.  Demand deposits increased by $261.1 million, or 21.0%, from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes the Alliance acquired deposit balances at fair value of as of March 8, 2013 (in thousands):
 
   
Acquired
 
   
Balances
 
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 222,843  
Savings, NOW and money market
    660,412  
Time
    230,165  
Total
  $ 1,113,420  

Total average deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased $614.6 million, or 13.8%, from the same period in 2012, due primarily to the acquisitions of Hampshire First Bank and Alliance.  Average savings accounts increased to $770.6 million for the first quarter of 2013 from $642.0 million for the same period in 2012.  Average time deposits increased $59.4 million, or 6.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from the same period in 2012.  Average demand deposit accounts increased $221.2 million, or 20.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012.

Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $185.9 million at March 31, 2013 compared to $162.9 million at December 31, 2012.   Long-term debt was $428.7 million at March 31, 2013, as compared to $367.5 million at December 31, 2012.  The increase long-term borrowed funds was due to the Alliance acquisition.  The Company assumed $21.6 million in short-term customer sweep accounts and $100.0 million in long-term FHLB advances from Alliance on March 8, 2013. Prior to March 31, 2013, the Company paid down $40.0 million of the FHLB advances assumed from Alliance.  For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see “Liquidity Risk” below.

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $803.3 million represented 10.55% of total assets at March 31, 2013, compared with $582.3 million, or 9.64% as of December 31, 2012.  The Company issued 10.3 million shares at a value of $226 million for the acquisition of Alliance on March 8, 2013. The Company held a 0.8% equity interest in Alliance prior to acquisition with an acquisition date fair value of $1.9 million.  The Company realized a $1.0 million gain as a result of measuring the equity interest to fair value in accordance with step acquisition accounting.

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock under previously disclosed stock repurchase plans.  At March 31, 2013, 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 March 31, 2013 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.  The Tier 1 capital ratio is calculated by dividing period end Tier 1 Capital by quarter to date average assets.   The Tier 1 leverage ratio increased to 10.25% during the quarter as the issuance of stock for the Alliance acquisition increased Tier 1 Capital while the assets acquired were only included in the Company’s assets since the acquisition date which had a lesser impact on average assets for the quarter.  In future reporting periods, the Tier 1 leverage ratio to be will reflect a full period of acquired assets.

Capital Measurements
 
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
    10.25 %     8.54 %
Tier 1 capital ratio
    11.33 %     11.00 %
Total risk-based capital ratio
    12.58 %     12.25 %
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
    88.35 %     48.96 %
Per common share:
               
Book value
  $ 18.36     $ 17.24  
Tangible book value (1)
  $ 11.67     $ 12.23  

(1) Stockholders' equity less goodwill and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding

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 March 31, 2013 balance sheet position:

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
Change in interest rates
(in bp points)
Percent change in
net interest income
+200
(2.23%)
-100
(1.41%)

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 March 31, 2013, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 10.5% of total assets or $793 million as compared to the December 31, 2012 Basic Surplus of 9.0% or $540 million, and was above the Company’s minimum of 5% or $379 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 March 31, 2013, approximately $10.5 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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, FHLB advances outstanding totaled $475 million and $339 million, respectively.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and had additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB of approximately $602 million at March 31, 2013 and $418 million at December 31, 2012.  In addition, unpledged securities could have been used to increase borrowing capacity at the FHLB by an additional $232 million at March 31, 2013, or used to collateralize other borrowings, such as repurchase agreements.  At March 31, 2013 the Bank also had additional borrowing capacity from unused collateral at the Federal Reserve of $687 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, “Balance Sheet” (Topic 210) - Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” amends Topic 210, “Balance Sheet,” to require an entity to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments, such as sales and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing/lending arrangements, and derivative instruments that are eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and/or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. In October 2012, the FASB limited the scope to derivatives, repurchase and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending agreements subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. ASU 2011-11 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2013, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.


ASU 2012-02 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” gives entities the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity must perform the quantitative impairment test. If, under the quantitative impairment test, the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity should recognize an impairment loss in the amount of that excess. Permitting an entity to assess qualitative factors when testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment results in guidance that is similar to the goodwill impairment testing guidance in ASU 2011-08. ASU 2012-02 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2013 (early adoption permitted) and did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU 2013-01 “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” was issued in January 2013 and clarifies that the scope of ASU 2011-11 would apply to derivatives including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or are subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2013-01 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2013, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU 2013-02 “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Other Comprehensive Income” was issued in February 2013 and amends, supersedes and replaces the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASUs 2011-05 (issued in June 2011) and 2011-12 (issued in December 2011) for all public and private organizations. The amendments would require an entity to provide additional information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2013 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s 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 March 31, 2013, 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

There are no 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, except as described in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A – RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the risk factors as previously discussed in Item 1A, to Part 1 of our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a)
Not applicable
 
(b)
Not applicable
 
(c)
None

Item 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

Item 5 OTHER INFORMATION

None


Item 6 EXHIBITS

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through May 2, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2   Amended and Restated By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc., effective May 7, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K, filed on May 7, 2013 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 Registrant’s Form 8-K, 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 the Registrant's Form 8-K, file number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein).

10.1   Form of Amendment to Three-Year Change in Control Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2013, by and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and certain executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on January 29, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2   Form of Amendment to Two-Year Change in Control Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2013, by and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and certain executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on January 29, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

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 10th day of May 2013.


NBT BANCORP INC.
         
         
 
By:
/s/ Michael J. Chewens
   
   
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
   
   
Senior Executive Vice President
   
   
Chief Financial Officer
   


EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through May 2, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2   Amended and Restated By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc., effective May 7, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K, filed on May 7, 2013 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 Registrant’s Form 8-K, 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 the Registrant's Form 8-K, file number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein).

10.1   Form of Amendment to Three-Year Change in Control Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2013, by and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and certain executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on January 29, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2   Form of Amendment to Two-Year Change in Control Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2013, by and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and certain executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on January 29, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

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.