NBT Bancorp 10-Q 6-30-2006


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 June 30, 2006.
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

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 shorter periods 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.
Large Accelerated Filer  x
 
Accelerated Filer  o
 
Non-Accelerated Filer  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No x

As of July 31, 2006, there were 33,933,854 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value.
 



 
NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended June 30, 2006
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
Item 1
 
Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
Item 2
 
     
Item 3
 
     
Item 4
 
     
PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
     
Item 1
 
Item 1A
 
Item 2
 
Item 3
 
Item 4
 
Item 5
 
Item 6
 
     
     
 
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
June 30,
2006
 
December 31,
 2005
 
June 30,
2005
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
             
               
ASSETS
             
Cash and due from banks
 
$
136,005
 
$
134,501
 
$
118,358
 
Short-term interest bearing accounts
   
9,575
   
7,987
   
6,078
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
1,100,416
   
954,474
   
961,944
 
Securities held to maturity (fair value - $109,562, $93,701 and $89,465)
   
110,331
   
93,709
   
88,771
 
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
40,338
   
40,259
   
39,442
 
Loans and leases
   
3,347,876
   
3,022,657
   
2,995,964
 
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
   
50,148
   
47,455
   
46,411
 
Net loans
   
3,297,728
   
2,975,202
   
2,949,553
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
66,948
   
63,693
   
64,133
 
Goodwill
   
102,803
   
47,544
   
47,544
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
13,338
   
3,808
   
4,092
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
40,926
   
33,648
   
32,968
 
Other assets
   
77,504
   
71,948
   
68,481
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
4,995,912
 
$
4,426,773
 
$
4,381,364
 
                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                   
Deposits:
 
                 
Demand (noninterest bearing)
 
$
642,901
 
$
593,422
 
$
569,046
 
Savings, NOW, and money market
   
1,567,171
   
1,325,166
   
1,386,720
 
Time
   
1,537,829
   
1,241,608
   
1,222,293
 
Total deposits
   
3,747,901
   
3,160,196
   
3,178,059
 
Short-term borrowings
   
320,637
   
444,977
   
384,171
 
Trust preferred debentures
   
75,422
   
23,875
   
18,720
 
Long-term debt
   
421,736
   
414,330
   
419,377
 
Other liabilities
   
52,610
   
49,452
   
50,288
 
Total liabilities
   
4,618,306
   
4,092,830
   
4,050,615
 
                     
Stockholders’ equity:
                   
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005; issued 36,459,537, 34,400,925 and 34,400,961 at June 30, 2006,
   
 
   
 
     
December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, respectively
   
365
   
344
   
344
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
270,307
   
219,157
   
218,485
 
Retained earnings
   
177,808
   
163,989
   
150,364
 
Unvested stock awards
   
-
   
(457
)
 
(747
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
   
(17,114
)
 
(6,477
)
 
2,240
 
Treasury stock at cost 2,576,398, 2,101,382 and 2,030,509 shares at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, respectively
   
(53,760
)
 
(42,613
)
 
(39,937
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
377,606
   
333,943
   
330,749
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
4,995,912
 
$
4,426,773
 
$
4,381,364
 
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
         
Interest, fee and dividend income:
                 
Interest and fees on loans and leases
 
$
57,085
 
$
46,260
 
$
109,918
 
$
90,204
 
Securities available for sale
   
13,084
   
10,226
   
24,961
   
20,473
 
Securities held to maturity
   
1,043
   
831
   
2,028
   
1,634
 
Other
   
619
   
549
   
1,230
   
1,016
 
Total interest, fee and dividend income
   
71,831
   
57,866
   
138,137
   
113,327
 
                           
Interest expense:
                         
Deposits
   
20,869
   
12,018
   
38,094
   
22,738
 
Short-term borrowings
   
4,111
   
2,207
   
8,048
   
4,068
 
Long-term debt
   
4,227
   
4,032
   
8,369
   
7,840
 
Trust preferred debentures
   
1,255
   
285
   
2,138
   
543
 
Total interest expense
   
30,462
   
18,542
   
56,649
   
35,189
 
Net interest income
   
41,369
   
39,324
   
81,488
   
78,138
 
Provision for loan and lease losses
   
1,703
   
2,320
   
3,431
   
4,116
 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses
   
39,666
   
37,004
   
78,057
   
74,022
 
                           
Noninterest income:
                         
Trust
   
1,459
   
1,251
   
2,817
   
2,503
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
4,493
   
4,311
   
8,712
   
8,240
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
1,789
   
1,544
   
3,434
   
2,944
 
Broker/dealer and insurance fees
   
967
   
736
   
1,875
   
2,088
 
Net securities gains (losses)
   
22
   
51
   
(912
)
 
47
 
Bank owned life insurance income
   
392
   
333
   
773
   
666
 
Retirement plan administration fees
Other
   
1,431
2,003
   
1,156
1,673
   
2,662
4,419
   
2,019
3,259
 
Total noninterest income
   
12,556
   
11,055
   
23,780
   
21,766
 
                           
Noninterest expenses:
                         
Salaries and employee benefits
   
16,335
   
15,253
   
32,083
   
30,705
 
Office supplies and postage
   
1,456
   
1,121
   
2,637
   
2,271
 
Occupancy
   
2,747
   
2,550
   
5,735
   
5,338
 
Equipment
   
2,067
   
1.931
   
4,223
   
4,027
 
Professional fees and outside services
   
1,800
   
1,381
   
3,632
   
3,056
 
Data processing and communications
   
2,649
   
2,530
   
5,351
   
5,188
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
466
   
142
   
789
   
260
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
   
289
   
208
   
500
   
609
 
Other operating
   
3,885
   
3,580
   
7,216
   
6,123
 
Total noninterest expenses
   
31,694
   
28,696
   
62,166
   
57,577
 
Income before income tax expense
   
20,528
   
19,363
   
39,671
   
38,211
 
Income tax expense
   
6,359
   
6,235
   
11,914
   
12,294
 
Net income
 
$
14,169
 
$
13,128
 
$
27,757
 
$
25,917
 
Earnings per share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.80
 
Diluted
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.81
 
$
0.79
 
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)
 
   
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Unvested
Stock
Awards
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
                         
                               
Balance at December 31, 2004
 
$
344
 
$
218,012
 
$
137,323
 
$
(296
)
$
4,989
 
$
(28,139
)
$
332,233
 
Net income
               
25,917
                     
25,917
 
Cash dividends - $0.38 per share
               
(12,351
)
                   
(12,351
)
Purchase of 671,543 treasury shares
                                 
(15,339
)
 
(15,339
)
Issuance of 160,606 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
         
508
   
(525
)
             
2,875
   
2,858
 
Grant of 24,675 shares of restricted stock awards
         
(35
)
       
(631
)
       
666
   
-
 
Amortization of restricted stock awards
                     
180
               
180
 
Other comprehensive loss
                           
(2,749
)
       
(2,749
)
Balance at June 30, 2005
 
$
344
 
$
218,485
 
$
150,364
 
$
(747
)
$
2,240
 
$
(39,937
)
$
330,749
 
                                             
Balance at December 31, 2005
 
$
344
 
$
219,157
 
$
163,989
 
$
(457
)
$
(6,477
)
$
(42,613
)
$
333,943
 
Net income
               
27,757
                     
27,757
 
Cash dividends - $0.38 per share
               
(13,044
)
                   
(13,044
)
Purchase of 738,504 treasury shares
                                 
(16,501
)
 
(16,501
)
Issuance of 2,058,661 shares of common stock in connection with purchase business combination
   
21
   
48,604
                           
48,625
 
Issuance of 237,278 incentive stock options in purchase transaction
         
1,955
                           
1,955
 
Acquisition of 2,500 shares of company stock in purchase transaction
                                 
(55
)
 
(55
)
Issuance of 227,205 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
         
345
   
(894
)
             
4,634
   
4,085
 
Reclassification adjustment from the adoption of FAS123R
         
(457
)
       
457
               
-
 
Stock-based compensation
         
1,523
                           
1,523
 
Grant of 41,408 shares restricted stock
         
(835
)
                   
835
   
-
 
Forfeit 2,625 shares of restricted stock          
15
                       (60
) 
   (45
)
Other comprehensive loss
                           
(10,637
)
       
(10,637
)
Balance at June 30, 2006
 
$
365
 
$
270,307
 
$
177,808
 
$
-
 
$
(17,114
)
$
(53,760
)
$
377,606
 
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
         
Operating activities:
         
Net income
 
$
27,757
 
$
25,917
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Provision for loan losses
   
3,431
   
4,116
 
Depreciation of premises and equipment
   
3,114
   
3,169
 
Net amortization on securities
   
140
   
731
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
789
   
260
 
Stock-based compensation
   
1,523
   
180
 
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options     -     473  
Bank owned life insurance income
   
(773
)
 
(666
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
   
14,977
   
3,338
 
Origination of loans held for sale
   
(12,806
)
 
(3,694
)
Net gains on sale of loans
   
(167
)
 
(9
)
Net gain on sale of other real estate owned
   
(167
)
 
(160
)
Net gain on sale of branch
   
(470
)
 
-
 
Net security losses (gains)
   
912
   
(47
)
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
   
8,726
   
(1,008
)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
   
364
   
(3,776
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
47,350
   
28,824
 
Investing activities:
             
Securities available for sale:
             
Proceeds from maturities
   
89,093
   
87,872
 
Proceeds from sales
   
42,292
   
27,868
 
Purchases
   
(148,539
)
 
(130,357
)
Securities held to maturity:
             
Proceeds from maturities
   
21,206
   
25,724
 
Purchases
   
(29,636
)
 
(32,755
)
Net purchases of FRB and FHLB stock
   
(79
)
 
(2,600
)
Net cash paid for sale of branch
   
(2,307
)
 
-
 
Net cash used in CNB Bancorp, Inc. merger
   
(20,881
)
 
-
 
Cash paid for the acquisition of EPIC Advisor’s, Inc.
   
-
   
(6,129
)
Cash received for the sale of M. Griffith Inc.
   
-
   
1,016
 
Net increase in loans
   
(139,871
)
 
(128,450
)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net
   
(1,182
)
 
(3,368
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
397
   
477
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(189,507
)
 
(160,702
)
Financing activities:
             
Net increase in deposits
   
258,696
   
104,221
 
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
   
(124,340
)
 
45,348
 
Repayments of long-term debt
   
(15,149
)
 
(35,146
)
Proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred debentures
   
51,547
   
-
 
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
   
-
   
60,000
 
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options     432     -  
Proceeds from issuance of treasury shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
   
3,608
   
2,858
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(16,501
)
 
(15,339
)
Cash dividends
   
(13,044
)
 
(12,351
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
145,249
   
149,591
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
3,092
   
17,713
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
142,488
   
106,723
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
145,580
 
$
124,436
 

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
2006
 
2005
 
           
Cash paid during the period for:
         
Interest
 
$
54,888
 
$
34,785
 
Income taxes
   
9,496
   
13,262
 
Noncash investing activities:
             
Loans transferred to OREO
 
$
389
 
$
135
 
Dispositions:
             
Fair value of assets sold
 
$
3,453
 
$
2,064
 
Fair value of liabilities transferred
   
5,760
   
-
 
Acquisitions:
             
Fair value of assets acquired
 
$
432,054
 
$
6,565
 
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    360,648     435  
Net cash and cash equivalents used in merger
    20,881      -  
Fair value of equity acquired
   
50,525
   
-
 
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


           
   
Three months ended
June 30,
 
Six months ended
June 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
         
Net income
 
$
14,169
 
$
13,128
 
$
27,757
 
$
25,917
 
                           
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                         
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period [pre-tax amounts of $(8,134), $10,301, $(18,224) and $(4,526)]
   
(4,890
)
 
6,194
   
(10,955
)
 
(2,721
)
Minimum pension liability adjustment
   
-
   
-
   
(229
)
 
-
 
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income [pre-tax amounts of $(22), $(51), $912 and $(47)]
   
(13
)
 
(31
)
 
547
   
(28
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
   
(4,903
)
 
6,163
   
(10,637
)
 
(2,749
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
9,266
 
$
19,291
 
$
17,120
 
$
23,168
 
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT BANCORP INC. and Subsidiary
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2006

Note 1.
Description of Business

NBT Bancorp Inc. (the Company or 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 Company is the parent holding company of NBT Bank, N.A. (the Bank), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (NBT Financial), Hathaway Insurance Agency, Inc., CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I and NBT Statutory Trust II. Through these subsidiaries, the Company operates as one segment focused on community banking operations. The Company’s primary business consists of providing commercial banking and financial services to its customers in its market area. The principal assets of the Company 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 and NBT Financial.

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 and northeastern Pennsylvania market area. The Bank conducts business through two operating divisions, NBT Bank and Pennstar Bank.

Note 2.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NBT Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A., NBT Financial Services, Inc., Hathaway Insurance Agency, Inc., CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I and NBT Statutory Trust II. Collectively, the Registrant and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “the Company”. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.

CNBF Capital Trust I is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 1999, for the purpose of issuing $18 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company. NBT Statutory Trust I is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 2005, for the purpose of issuing $5 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company. NBT Statutory Trust II is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 2006, for the purpose of issuing $50 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company to provide funding for the acquisition of CNB Bancorp, Inc. These three statutory business trusts are collectively referred herein 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 in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (Revised December 2003 (FIN 46R)).” In accordance with FIN 46R, which was implemented in the first quarter of 2004, the accounts of the Trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3.
New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 155 - Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments (“SFAS 155”), which eliminates the exemption from applying SFAS 133 to interests in securitized financial assets so that similar instruments are accounted for similarly regardless of the form of the instruments. SFAS 155 also allows the election of fair value measurement at acquisition, at issuance, or when a previously recognized financial instrument is subject to a remeasurement event. Adoption is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of SFAS 155 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 156 - Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets (“SFAS 156”), which requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value. SFAS 156 permits, but does not require, the subsequent measurement of servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. Adoption is required as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of SFAS 156 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2006, the FASB posted the final Interpretation No. 48 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which prescribes a minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 concludes that recognition of a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, occurs when the tax position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. The tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. In addition, FIN 48 expands disclosure requirements to include a tabular roll-forward of the beginning and ending aggregate unrecognized tax benefits as well as detail regarding tax uncertainties for which it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will increase or decrease within 1 year. The Company is assessing the effect that FIN 48 will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 4.
Business Combination

On February 10, 2006, the Company completed the acquisition through merger of CNB Bancorp, Inc. (“CNB”). CNB was a bank holding company for City National Bank and Trust Company (“CNB Bank”) and Hathaway Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Hathaway”), headquartered in Gloversville, NY. CNB Bank conducted business from nine community bank offices in four upstate New York counties—Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery and Saratoga. The stockholders of CNB received approximately $39 million in cash and 2,058,661 shares of NBT common stock. The aggregate transaction value was approximately $89.0 million. The transaction was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. CNB had total assets of $399.0 million, loans of $197.6 million, deposits of $335.0 million and shareholders equity of $40.1 million. CNB was merged with and into the Company, CNB Bank was merged with and into NBT Bank and Hathaway became a direct subsidiary of the Company. The results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition, February 10, 2006.

Note 5.
Use of Estimates

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

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


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

Management believes that the allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize loan and lease losses, future additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions or changes in the values of properties securing loans in the process of foreclosure. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination which may not be currently available to management.

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

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company files consolidated tax returns on the accrual basis. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or the existence of sufficient taxable income within the available carryback period. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Based on available evidence, gross deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized and a valuation allowance was not deemed necessary at June 30, 2006 and 2005. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Note 6.
Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet 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 policy to make such commitments as it uses for on-balance-sheet items. Commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $522.0 million at June 30, 2006 and $497.1 million at December 31, 2005. 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 stand-by letters of credit to third parties. These stand-by letters of credit are frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate debt issuances, industrial revenue bonds, and municipal securities. The risk involved in issuing stand-by 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, portfolio maintenance and management procedures in effect to monitor 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 requirements. Standby letters of credit totaled $46.8 million at June 30, 2006 and $42.9 million at December 31, 2005. As of June 30, 2006, the fair value of standby letters of credit was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 7.
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).

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 June 30,
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
         
           
Basic EPS:
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
34,164
   
32,323
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
14,169
 
$
13,128
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.41
 
               
Diluted EPS:
             
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
34,164
   
32,323
 
Dilutive potential common stock
   
307
   
261
 
Weighted average common shares and common
             
Share equivalents
   
34,471
   
32,584
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
14,169
 
$
13,128
 
               
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.40
 
           
Six months ended June 30,
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
         
           
Basic EPS:
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
33,795
   
32,497
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
27,757
 
$
25,917
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.80
 
               
Diluted EPS:
             
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
33,795
   
32,497
 
Dilutive potential common stock
   
316
   
282
 
Weighted average common shares and common
             
Share equivalents
   
34,111
   
32,779
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
27,757
 
$
25,917
 
               
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.81
 
$
0.79
 


There were 690,941 stock options for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and 382,197 stock options for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.

There were 382,016 stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 357,132 stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2005 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 8.
Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, (“FAS 123R”) using the modified-prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost in 2006 includes costs for stock options granted prior to but not vested as of December 31, 2005, and options vested in 2006. Therefore, results for prior periods have not been restated.

The adoption of FAS 123R lowered income before income tax expense by approximately $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2006, respectively, compared to if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 during the period presented. For the purpose of this pro forma disclosure, the value of options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and amortized to expense over the options’ vesting periods.
 
           
   
Three months
ended June 30,
 
Six months
ended June 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2005
 
2005
 
Net income, as reported
 
$
13,128
 
$
25,917
 
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
   
98
   
164
 
Less: Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects
   
(389
)
 
(633
)
Pro forma net income
 
$
12,837
 
$
25,448
 
               
Net income per share:
             
Basic - as reported
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.80
 
Basic - Pro forma
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.78
 
               
Diluted - as reported
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.79
 
Diluted - Pro forma
 
$
0.39
 
$
0.77
 
 

As of June 30, 2006, there was approximately $2.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based stock option awards granted. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next four years.

In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123(R)-3 (“FSP 123R-3”), Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards. FSP 123R-3 provides an elective alternative transition method for calculating the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of FAS 123R. Companies may take up to one year from the effective date of FSP 123R-3 to evaluate the available transition alternatives and make a one-time election as to which method to adopt. We are currently in the process of evaluating the alternative methods.

Options are granted to certain employees and directors at prices equal to the market value of the stock on the dates the options were granted. The options granted have a term of ten years from the grant date and granted options for employees vest in the following manner: 40% in the first year and 20% per year for the subsequent three years. Generally, the fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the option and each vesting date. Options granted to retirement eligible employees are expensed in full on the date of grant. We have estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 follows:
 
 
Three months ended
June 30, 2006
Six months ended
June 30, 2006
Dividend Yield
3.27% - 3.48%
3.27% - 3.52%
Expected Volatility
28.26% - 28.28%
28.26% - 28.62%
Risk-free interest rate
4.83% - 5.04%
4.36% - 5.04%
Expected life
7 years
7 years

Historical information was the primary basis for the selection of the expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the expected lives of the options. The risk-free interest rate was selected based upon yields of the U.S. treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option being valued.
 

Stock option activity during the six month period ended June 30, 2006 is as follows:

   
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in yrs)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
                   
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
   
1,916,923
 
$
18.79
             
Granted
   
287,548
 
$
22.36
             
Assumed from CNB transaction
   
237,278
 
$
16.76
             
Exercised
   
(185,585
)
$
16.32
             
Lapsed
   
(22,641
)
$
21.82
             
Outstanding at March 31, 2006
   
2,233,223
 
$
19.21
             
Granted
   
36,800
 
$
22.18
             
Exercised
   
(37,765
)
$
14.30
             
Lapsed
   
(12,830
)
$
22.21
             
Outstanding at June 30, 2006
   
2,219,428
 
$
19.33
   
6.48
 
$
8,702,033
 
                           
Exercisable at June 30, 2006
   
1,499,990
 
$
18.08
   
5.48
 
$
7,739,882
 
 
 
The weighted-average fair market value of stock options granted for the six months ended June 30, 2006, was $5.24 million. Total stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards totaled $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Cash proceeds, tax benefits and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised is as follows:

   
Six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
   
June 30, 2006
   
June 30, 2005
 
Proceeds from stock option exercised
 
$
3,511
 
$
3,751
 
Tax benefits related to stock options exercised
   
432
   
473
 
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised
   
1,489
   
1,611
 
 
 
The Company has outstanding restricted and deferred stock awards granted from various plans at June 30, 2006. The Company recognized $0.5 million in stock-based compensation expense related to these stock awards for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards totaled $0.9 million at June 30, 2006. The following table summarizes information for unvested restricted stock awards outstanding as of June 30, 2006:


   
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
           
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards
         
Unvested at January 1, 2006
   
37,935
 
$
21.46
 
Forfeited
   
(2,625
)
$
23.04
 
Vested
   
(9,886
)
$
20.26
 
Granted
   
29,817
 
$
21.74
 
Unvested at March 31, 2006
   
55,241
 
$
21.75
 
Forfeited
   
-
 
$
-
 
Vested
   
(14,746
)
$
21.29
 
Granted
   
18,391
 
$
21.75
 
Unvested at June 30, 2006
   
58,886
 
$
21.87
 

 
Note 9.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets

A summary of goodwill by operating subsidiaries follows:

 
(in thousands)
 
January 1,
2005
 
Goodwill
Acquired
 
Goodwill
Disposed
 
June 30,
2005
 
NBT Bank, N.A.
 
$
44,520
   
-
   
-
 
$
44,520
 
NBT Financial Services, Inc.
   
1,050
   
3,024
   
1,050
   
3,024
 
Total
 
$
45,570
 
$
3,024
 
$
1,050
 
$
47,544
 

 
(in thousands)
 
January 1,
2006
 
Goodwill
Acquired
 
Goodwill
Disposed
 
June 30,
2006
 
NBT Bank, N.A.
 
$
44,520
   
55,049
   
-
 
$
99,569
 
NBT Financial Services, Inc.
   
3,024
   
-
   
-
   
3,024
 
Hathaway Agency, Inc.
   
-
   
210
   
-
   
210
 
Total
 
$
47,544
 
$
55,259
 
$
-
 
$
102,803
 
 
In February 2006, the Company acquired CNB. The acquisition resulted in increases to goodwill of $55.1 million, core deposit intangibles of $9.6 million and other intangibles of $0.5 million. The core deposit intangibles will be amortized over ten years.

In January 2005, the Company acquired EPIC Advisors, Inc., a 401(k) record keeping firm located in Rochester, NY. In that transaction, the Company recorded customer relationship intangible assets of $2.1 million and non-compete provision intangible assets of $0.2 million, which have amortization periods of 13 years and 5 years, respectively. Also in connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $3.0 million in goodwill.


In March 2005, the Company sold its broker/dealer subsidiary, M. Griffith Inc. In connection with the sale of M. Griffith Inc., goodwill was reduced by $1.1 million and was allocated against the sales price. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a $2.0 million goodwill impairment charge in connection with the above mentioned sale. A definitive agreement was signed by the Company and the acquirer in the fourth quarter of 2004. The negotiation and resolution of sale terms for M. Griffith Inc. during the fourth quarter of 2004 resulted in the goodwill impairment charge in that same quarter.

The Company has finite-lived intangible assets capitalized on its consolidated balance sheet in the form of core deposit and other intangible assets. These intangible assets continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to twenty-five years.

A summary of core deposit and other intangible assets follows:

   
June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
         
Core deposit intangibles:
         
Gross carrying amount
 
$
11,806
 
$
2,186
 
Less: accumulated amortization
   
2,537
   
1,446
 
Net Carrying amount
   
9,269
   
740
 
               
Other intangibles:
             
Gross carrying amount
   
4,609
   
3,197
 
Less: accumulated amortization
   
905
   
362
 
Net Carrying amount
   
3,704
   
2,835
 
               
Other intangibles not subject to amortization: Pension asset
   
365
   
517
 
               
Total intangibles with definite useful lives:
             
Gross carrying amount
   
16,780
   
5,900
 
Less: accumulated amortization
   
3,442
   
1,808
 
Net Carrying amount
 
$
13,338
 
$
4,092
 

Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets is expected to total $0.2 million for the remainder of 2006, $1.7 million for 2007, $1.4 million for each of 2008, 2009 and 2010, and $6.5 million thereafter.

Note 10.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Postretirement Health Plan

The Company maintains a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. Benefits paid from the plan are based on age, years of service, compensation, social security benefits, and are determined in accordance with defined formulas. The Company’s policy is to fund the pension plan in accordance with ERISA standards. In addition, 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 NBT Bank, N.A. on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to receive postretirement health care benefits. The Company funds the cost of the postretirement health plan as benefits are paid.

 
The Components of pension expense and postretirement expense are set forth below (in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
Pension plan:
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Service cost
 
$
521
 
$
469
 
$
1,023
 
$
938
 
Interest cost
   
590
   
561
   
1,129
   
1,122
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(979
)
 
(947
)
 
(1,884
)
 
(1,894
)
Net amortization
   
179
   
374
   
358
   
748
 
Total
 
$
311
 
$
457
 
$
626
 
$
914
 
 
  
Postretirement Health Plan:
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
Service cost
 
$
1
 
$
9
 
$
2
 
$
18
 
Interest cost
   
51
   
67
   
102
   
134
 
Net amortization
   
(24
)
 
(15
)
 
(48
)
 
(30
)
Total
 
$
28
 
$
61
 
$
56
 
$
122
 

Note 11.
Trust Preferred Debentures

As of June 30, 2006, the CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I and NBT Statutory Trust II (“the Trusts”), all wholly-owned unconsolidated subsidiaries of the Company, had the following Trust Preferred Securities outstanding and the Company 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
   
6.30% Fixed
   
5,155
   
December-35
 
                                 
NBT Statutory Trust II
   
February-06
   
50,000
   
6.195% Fixed
   
51,547
   
March-36
 

The Company owns all of the common stock of the three business 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. In February 2005, the Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust preferred securities in the Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies. The Board’s final rule limits the aggregate amount of restricted core capital elements (which includes trust preferred securities, among other things) that may be included in the Tier 1 capital of most bank holding companies to 25% of all core capital elements, including restricted core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Large, internationally active bank holding companies (as defined) are subject to a 15% limitation. Amounts of restricted core capital elements in excess of these limits generally may be included in Tier 2 capital. The final rule provides a five-year transition period, ending March 31, 2009, for application of the quantitative limits. The Company does not expect that the quantitative limits will preclude it from including the trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital. However, the trust preferred securities could be redeemed without penalty if they were no longer permitted to be included in Tier 1 capital.

 
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 the reader with a concise description of the financial condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc. (Bancorp) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. (NBT), and NBT Financial Services, Inc. (collectively referred to herein as the Company). This discussion will focus on Results of Operations, Financial Position, 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 2005 Form 10-K for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis.

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,” 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 possibilities: (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 effect 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 Company may fail to realize projected cost savings, revenue enhancements and the accretive effect of the CNB acquisition on our earnings; and (12) the Company’s success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including those described above, 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 the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect statements to the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.


Critical Accounting Policies

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for loan and lease 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 and lease 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 and lease losses indicates that the allowance is adequate, under adversely different conditions or assumptions, the allowance would need to be increased. For example, if historical loan and lease loss experience significantly worsened or if current economic conditions significantly deteriorated, additional provisions for loan and lease losses would be required to increase the allowance. In addition, the assumptions and estimates used in the internal reviews of the Company’s non-performing loans and potential problem loans has a significant impact on the overall analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses. While management has concluded that the current evaluation of collateral values is reasonable under the circumstances, if collateral evaluations were significantly lowered, the Company’s allowance for loan and lease policy would also require additional provisions for loan and lease losses.

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to pension accounting to be a critical accounting policy. Management is required to make various assumptions in valuing its pension assets and liabilities. These assumptions include the expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, and the rate of increase in future compensation levels. Changes to these assumptions could impact earnings in future periods. The Company takes into account the plan asset mix, funding obligations, and expert opinions in determining the various rates used to estimate pension expense. The Company also considers the Moody’s AA and AAA corporate bond yields and other market interest rates in setting the appropriate discount rate. In addition, the Company reviews expected inflationary and merit increases to compensation in determining the rate of increase in future compensation levels. While differences in these rate assumptions could alter pension expense, given not only past history, it is not expected that such estimates could adversely impact pension expense.

Overview

The Company earned net income of $14.2 million ($0.41 diluted earnings per share) for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to net income of $13.1 million ($0.40 diluted earnings per share) for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The quarter to quarter increase in net income from 2005 to 2006 was primarily the result of increases in net interest income of $2.0 million, noninterest income of $1.5 million and a decrease in provision for loan and lease losses of $0.6 million, partially offset by an increase in total noninterest expense of $3.0 million. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from 12% growth in average loans during the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 (driven by the CNB acquisition and organic loan growth). The increase in noninterest income resulted from increases in service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and debit card fees, retirement plan administration fees, broker/dealer and insurance revenue, trust administration fees, and other income. The increase in total noninterest expense was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expense, office supplies and postage, professional fees and services, amortization of intangible assets and other operating expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2006, the Company incurred $0.4 million in pre-tax salaries and benefits expense related to stock options resulting from the adoption of FAS 123R.


The Company earned net income of $27.8 million ($0.81 diluted earnings per share) for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to net income of $25.9 million ($0.79 diluted earnings per share) for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase in net income from 2005 to 2006 was primarily the result of increases in net interest income of $3.4 million, noninterest income of $2.0 million and a decrease in provision for loan and lease losses of $0.7 million, partially offset by an increase in total noninterest expense of $4.6 million. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from 11% growth in average loans during the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 (driven by the CNB acquisition and organic loan growth). Included in noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 were $0.9 million in net losses from investment securities sales. Excluding the effect of these transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2006, noninterest income increased $2.9 million or 13% compared to the same period in 2005. The increase in noninterest income resulted from increases in service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and debit card fees, retirement plan administration fees, trust administration fees, and other income. The increase in total noninterest expense was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits, office supplies and postage, occupancy expense, amortization of intangible assets, professional fees and services, data processing and communications, and other operating expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company incurred $1.1 million in pre-tax salaries and benefits expense related to stock options resulting from the adoption of FAS 123R.

Table 1 depicts several annualized measurements of performance using GAAP net income. Returns on average assets and equity measure how effectively an entity utilizes its total resources and capital, respectively. Net interest margin, which is the net federal taxable equivalent (FTE) interest income divided by average earning assets, is a measure of an entity's ability to utilize its earning assets in relation to the cost of funding. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans is adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 

Table 1
Performance Measurements
     
2006
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Six Months
Return on average assets (ROAA)
1.18%
1.15%
1.17%
Return on average equity (ROE)
15.11%
14.71%
14.93%
Net interest margin (Federal taxable equivalent)
3.86%
3.73%
3.80%
 
 
 
 
2005
 
 
 
Return on average assets (ROAA)
1.23%
1.22%
1.23%
Return on average equity (ROE)
15.74%
16.21%
15.99%
Net interest margin (Federal taxable equivalent)
4.09%
4.02%
4.06%

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 major determining factors in a financial institution’s performance as it is the principal source of earnings. Table 2 represents an analysis of net interest income on a federal taxable equivalent basis.

Federal taxable equivalent (FTE) net interest income increased $2.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period of 2005. The increase in FTE net interest income resulted primarily from 13.7% growth in average earning assets. The Company’s interest rate spread declined 42 bp during the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The Company’s net interest margin decreased 29 bp during this same period, to 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from 4.02% for the same period a year ago. The decrease in the company’s net interest margin is in part attributable to an 18% increase in average demand deposits. The yield on earning assets for the period increased 54 bp, to 6.40% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 from 5.86% for the same period in 2005. Meanwhile, the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 96 bp, to 3.14% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 from 2.18% for the same period in 2005.

 
FTE net interest income increased $3.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period of 2005. The increase in FTE net interest income resulted primarily from 11.8% growth in average earning assets. The Company’s interest rate spread declined 41 bp during the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The Company’s net interest margin decreased 26 bp during this same period, to 3.80% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 4.06% for the same period a year ago. The decrease in the company’s net interest margin is in part attributable to a 17% increase in average demand deposits. The yield on earning assets for the period increased 52 bp to 6.36% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 5.84% for the same period in 2005. Meanwhile, the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 93 bp, to 3.03% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 2.10% for the same period in 2005.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2006, total interest expense increased $11.9 million, primarily the result of the 200 bp increase in the Federal Funds rate since June 30, 2005, which impacts the Company’s short-term borrowing, money market account and time deposit rates. Additionally, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $478.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005, principally from deposits assumed from the CNB transaction and increases in short-term borrowings and trust preferred debentures. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased $382.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005. The rate paid on average interest-bearing deposits increased 94 bp from 1.81% for the three months ended June 30, 2005 to 2.75% for the same period in 2006. The increase in interest-bearing deposits resulted primarily from the previously mentioned deposits assumed from the CNB transaction, which increased average interest bearing deposits $262.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. Excluding the effects of the CNB transaction, the Company experienced a shift in its deposit mix from savings and NOW accounts to money market and time deposit accounts, as interest sensitive customers shifted funds into higher paying interest bearing accounts. Excluding the CNB transaction, savings and NOW accounts collectively decreased $109.1 million and money market and time deposit accounts collectively increased $229.9 million (time deposits was the primary driver of the increase). If short-term rates continue to rise, the Company anticipates that this trend will continue placing greater pressure on the net interest margin.

For the six month period ended June 30, 2006, total interest expense increased $21.5 million, primarily the result of the previously mentioned 200 bp increase in the Federal Funds rate since June 30, 2005, which impacts the Company’s short-term borrowing, money market account and time deposit rates. Additionally, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $394.5 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005, principally from deposits assumed from the CNB transaction and increases in short-term borrowings and trust preferred debentures. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased $294.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005. The rate paid on average interest-bearing deposits increased 88 bp from 1.75% for the six months ended June 30, 2005 to 2.63% for the same period in 2006. The increase in interest-bearing deposits resulted primarily from the previously mentioned deposits assumed from the CNB transaction, which increased average interest bearing deposits $207.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. Excluding the effects of the CNB transaction, the Company experienced a shift in its deposit mix from savings and NOW accounts to money market and time deposit accounts, as interest sensitive customers shifted funds into higher paying interest bearing accounts. Excluding the CNB transaction, savings and NOW accounts collectively decreased $104.0 million and money market and time deposit accounts collectively increased $190.5 million (time deposits was the primary driver of the increase). If short-term rates continue to rise, the Company anticipates that this trend will continue placing greater pressure on the net interest margin.


Total average borrowings, including trust preferred debentures increased $95.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, primarily from the funding of the cash portion of the CNB transaction. Average short-term borrowings increased $26.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005. Interest expense from short-term borrowings increased $1.9 million, driven by the above mentioned increase in the average balance as well as an increase in rate from 2.76% for the three months ended June 30, 2005 to 4.76% for the same period in 2006 (due to increases in short-term rates). Trust preferred debentures increased $56.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005, primarily from the issuance of $51.5 million in trust preferred debentures in February 2006 to fund the cash portion of the CNB transaction and to provide regulatory capital. The rate paid on trust preferred debentures increased to 6.67% for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with 6.10% for the same period in 2005, driven primarily by $51.5 million in trust preferred debentures issued in February 2006 with a fixed rate of 6.195% and $18.7 million in trust preferred debentures that reprice quarterly at 3-month LIBOR plus 275 bp (3-month LIBOR is up approximately 200 bp).

Total average borrowings, including trust preferred debentures increased $100.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, primarily from funding the cash portion of the CNB transaction. Average short-term borrowings increased $34.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005. Interest expense from short-term borrowings increased $4.0 million, driven by the above mentioned increase in the average balance as well as an increase in rate from 2.53% for the six months ended June 30, 2005 to 4.53% for the same period in 2006 (due to increases in short-term rates). Trust preferred debentures increased $45.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005, primarily from the issuance of $51.5 million in trust preferred debentures in February 2006 to fund the cash portion of the CNB transaction and to provide regulatory capital. The rate paid on trust preferred debentures increased to 6.69% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with 5.86% for the same period in 2005, driven primarily by $51.5 million in trust preferred debentures issued in February 2006 with a fixed rate of 6.195% and $18.7 million in trust preferred debentures that reprice quarterly at 3-month LIBOR plus 275 bp (3-month LIBOR is up approximately 200 bp).

Another important performance measurement of net interest income is the net interest margin. Despite a 42 bp decrease in the Company’s net interest spread, the net interest margin only declined by 29 bp to 3.73% for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with 4.02% for the same period in 2005. The Company thus far has mitigated some of the margin pressure by growing noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts. Average demand deposits increased $92.7 million or 18% for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. This increase was driven mainly by the CNB transaction, which accounted for $42.8 million of the increase and strong organic growth of $49.9 million (10% growth). Sustaining the growth rate for noninterest bearing demand deposits will be key factor in mitigating anticipated margin pressure from rising deposit costs.

Despite a 41 bp decrease in the Company’s net interest spread, the net interest margin only declined by 26 bp to 3.80% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with 4.06% for the same period in 2005. The Company thus far has mitigated some of the margin pressure by growing noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts. Average demand deposits are up $89.2 million or 17% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. This increase was driven mainly by the CNB transaction, which accounted for $37.4 million of the increase and strong organic growth of $55.2 million (11% growth). Sustaining the growth rate for noninterest bearing demand deposits will be key factor in mitigating anticipated margin pressure from rising deposit costs.
 
 
Table 2
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
The following table includes 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 June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rates
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rates
 
ASSETS
                         
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
7,346
 
$
89
   
4.86
%
$
6,411
 
$
45
   
2.81
%
Securities available for sale (2)
   
1,132,330
   
13,699
   
4.85
%
 
955,166
   
10,724
   
4.50
%
Securities held to maturity (2)
   
101,481
   
1,549
   
6.12
%
 
88,401
   
1,227
   
5.57
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
40,166
   
530
   
5.29
%
 
36,617
   
504
   
5.52
%
Loans (1)
   
3,302,136
   
57,275
   
6.96
%
 
2,943,631
   
46,401
   
6.32
%
Total earning assets
   
4,583,459
   
73,142
   
6.40
%
 
4,030,226
   
58,901
   
5.86
%
Other assets
   
353,548
               
276,778
             
Total assets
 
$
4,937,007
               
4,307,004
             
                                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                         
Money market deposit accounts
 
$
534,112
 
$
4,352
   
3.27
%
$
400,083
 
$
1,633
   
1.64
%
NOW deposit accounts
   
442,037
   
731
   
0.66
%
 
444,284
   
527
   
0.48
%
Savings deposits
   
553,393
   
1,184
   
0.86
%
 
572,070
   
1,007
   
0.71
%
Time deposits
   
1,510,373
   
14,602
   
3.88
%
 
1,240,760
   
8,851
   
2.86
%
Total interest bearing deposits
   
3,039,915
   
20,869
   
2.75
%
 
2,657,197
   
12,018
   
1.81
%
Short-term borrowings
   
346,585
   
4,111
   
4.76
%
 
320,151
   
2,207
   
2.76
%
Trust preferred debentures
   
75,422
   
1,255
   
6.67
%
 
18,720
   
285
   
6.10
%
Long-term debt
   
424,176
   
4,227
   
4.00
%
 
411,732
   
4,032
   
3.93
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
   
3,886,098
   
30,462
   
3.14
%
 
3,407,800
   
18,542
   
2.18
%
Demand deposits
   
614,049
               
521,348
             
Other liabilities
   
50,677
               
53,055
             
Stockholders’ equity
   
386,183
               
324,801
             
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
   
4,937,007
               
4,307,004
             
Net interest income (FTE basis)
         
42,680
               
40,359
       
Interest rate spread
               
3.26
%
             
3.68
%
Net interest margin
               
3.73
%
             
4.02
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
         
1,311
               
1,035
       
Net interest income
       
$
41,369
             
$
39,324
       

(1)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding.
(2)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
 
 
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rates
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rates
 
ASSETS
                         
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
7,543
 
$
172
   
4.61
%
$
6,569
 
$
84
   
2.58
%
Securities available for sale (2)
   
1,093,566
   
26,136
   
4.83
%
 
954,013
   
21,498
   
4.55
%
Securities held to maturity (2)
   
99,425
   
3,013
   
6.12
%
 
86,602
   
2,403
   
5.61
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
40,357
   
1,058
   
5.30
%
 
36,576
   
932
   
5.15
%
Loans (1)
   
3,225,053
   
110,291
   
6.91
%
 
2,910,426
   
90,477
   
6.28
%
Total earning assets
   
4,465,944
   
140,670
   
6.36
%
 
3,994,186
   
115,394
   
5.84
%
Other assets
   
336,389
               
278,321
             
Total assets
 
$
4,802,333
               
4,272,507
             
                                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                         
Money market deposit accounts
 
$
493,194
 
$
7,591
   
3.11
%
$
408,382
 
$
3,084
   
1.53
%
NOW deposit accounts
   
436,799
   
1,377
   
0.64
%
 
447,849
   
1,039
   
0.47
%
Savings deposits
   
549,594
   
2,260
   
0.83
%
 
572,272
   
1,983
   
0.70
%
Time deposits
   
1,445,854
   
26,866
   
3.75
%
 
1,202,462
   
16,632
   
2.79
%
Total interest bearing deposits
   
2,925,441
   
38,094
   
2.63
%
 
2,630,965
   
22,738
   
1.75
%
Short-term borrowings
   
359,039
   
8,048
   
4.53
%
 
324,912
   
4,068
   
2.53
%
Trust preferred debentures
   
64,600
   
2,138
   
6.69
%
 
18,720
   
543
   
5.86
%
Long-term debt
   
423,142
   
8,369
   
4.00
%
 
403,170
   
7,840
   
3.93
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
   
3,772,222
   
56,649
   
3.03
%
 
3,377,767
   
35,189
   
2.10
%
Demand deposits
   
602,632
               
513,447
             
Other liabilities
   
51,821
               
53,933
             
Stockholders’ equity
   
375,658
               
327,360
             
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
   
4,802,333
               
4,272,507
             
Net interest income (FTE basis)
         
84,021
               
80,205
       
Interest rate spread
               
3.33
%
             
3.74
%
Net interest margin
               
3.80
%
             
4.06
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
         
2,533
               
2,067
       
Net interest income
       
$
81,488
             
$
78,138
       

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


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.

Table 3
Analysis of Changes in Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income
Three months ended June 30,
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
2006 over 2005
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
               
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
7
 
$
37
 
$
44
 
Securities available for sale
   
2,098
   
877
   
2,975
 
Securities held to maturity
   
192
   
130
   
322
 
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
47
   
(21
)
 
26
 
Loans
   
5,962
   
4,912
   
10,874
 
Total FTE interest income
   
8,530
   
5,711
   
14,241
 
                     
Money market deposit accounts
   
684
   
2,035
   
2,719
 
NOW deposit accounts
   
(3
)
 
207
   
204
 
Savings deposits
   
(34
)
 
211
   
177
 
Time deposits
   
2,183
   
3,568
   
5,751
 
Short-term borrowings
   
196
   
1,708
   
1,904
 
Trust preferred debentures
   
941
   
29
   
970
 
Long-term debt
   
123
   
72
   
195
 
Total interest expense
   
2,879
   
9,041
   
11,920
 
                     
Change in FTE net interest income
 
$
5,651
 
$
(3,330
)
$
2,321
 

     
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
2006 over 2005
(in thousands)
   
Volume
 
 
Rate
 
 
Total
 
                     
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
14
 
$
74
 
$
88
 
Securities available for sale
   
3,279
   
1,359
   
4,638
 
Securities held to maturity
   
376
   
234
   
610
 
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
99
   
27
   
126
 
Loans
   
10,289
   
9,525
   
19,814
 
Total FTE interest income
   
14,327
   
10,949
   
25,276
 
                     
Money market deposit accounts
   
751
   
3,756
   
4,507
 
NOW deposit accounts
   
(26
)
 
364
   
338
 
Savings deposits
   
(81
)
 
358
   
277
 
Time deposits
   
3,795
   
6,439
   
10,234
 
Short-term borrowings
   
467
   
3,513
   
3,980
 
Trust preferred debentures
   
1,508
   
87
   
1,595
 
Long-term debt
   
393
   
136
   
529
 
Total interest expense
   
4,489
   
16,971
   
21,460
 
                     
Change in FTE net interest income
 
$
9,838
 
$
(6,022
)
$
3,816
 
 

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 years indicated:

   
Three months ended
June 30,
 
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
                 
Trust
 
$
1,459
 
$
1,251
 
$
2,817
 
$
2,503
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
4,493
   
4,311
   
8,712
   
8,240
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
1,789
   
1,544
   
3,434
   
2,944
 
Broker/dealer and insurance fees
   
967
   
736
   
1,875
   
2,088
 
Net securities gains (losses)
   
22
   
51
   
(912
)
 
47
 
Bank owned life insurance income
   
392
   
333
   
773
   
666
 
Retirement plan administration fees
   
1,431
   
1,156
   
2,662
   
2,019
 
Other
   
2,003
   
1,673
   
4,419
   
3,259
 
Total
 
$
12,556
 
$
11,055
 
$
23,780
 
$
21,766
 

Noninterest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $12.6 million, up $1.5 million or 13.6% from $11.1 million for the same period in 2005. Fees from service charges on deposit accounts and ATM and debit cards collectively increased $0.4 million from solid growth in demand deposit accounts and debit card base. Retirement plan administration fees for the three months ended June 30, 2006, increased $0.3 million compared with the same period in 2005 as a result of our growing client base. Trust administration income increased $0.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This increase stems from the increased market value of accounts generating greater fees, an increase in customer accounts as a result of the acquisition of CNB, and successful business development. Broker/dealer and insurance revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2006 increased $0.2 million in large part due to the addition of Hathaway Insurance Agency as part of the acquisition of CNB, as well as the planned expansion of the financial services business. Other noninterest income increased $0.3 million compared with the same period in 2005, primarily due to increases in retail and commercial banking fees.
  
Noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $23.8 million, up $2.0 million or 9.3% from $21.8 million for the same period in 2005. Included in noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 were $0.9 million in net losses from investment securities sales. Excluding the effect of these transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2006, noninterest income increased $3.0 million or 13.7% compared with the same period in 2005. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, fees from service charges on deposit accounts and ATM and debit cards collectively increased $1.0 million from solid growth in demand deposit accounts, which has led to an increase in the Company’s debit card base. Retirement plan administration fees for the six months ended June 30, 2006, increased $0.6 million compared with the same period in 2005 due to an increase in our client base. In addition, EPIC Advisors, Inc. was acquired in January 2005 and is not included in all six months of 2005 as compared to 2006. Trust administration income increased $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This increase stems from the increased market value of accounts generating greater fees, an increase in customer accounts as a result of the acquisition of CNB, and successful business development. Other noninterest income increased $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005, due to increases in retail and commercial banking fees. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, broker/dealer and insurance revenue decreased by $0.2 million as compared with the same period in 2005. While the Company experienced organic growth and acquired Hathaway Insurance Agency during the period in 2006, these increases over 2005 were offset by the sale of M. Griffith, Inc. in the first quarter of 2005.
 
 
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
June 30,
 
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
                 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
16,335
 
$
15,253
 
$
32,083
 
$
30,705
 
Occupancy
   
2,747
   
2,550
   
5,735
   
5,338
 
Equipment
   
2,067
   
1,931
   
4,223
   
4,027
 
Data processing and communications
   
2,649
   
2,530
   
5,351
   
5,188
 
Professional fees and outside services
   
1,800
   
1,381
   
3,632
   
3,056
 
Office supplies and postage
   
1,456
   
1,121
   
2,637
   
2,271
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
466
   
142
   
789
   
260
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
   
289
   
208
   
500
   
609
 
Other
   
3,885
   
3,580
   
7,216
   
6,123
 
Total noninterest expense
 
$
31,694
 
$
28,696
 
$
62,166
 
$
57,577
 

Noninterest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $31.7 million, up from $28.7 million for the same period in 2005. Salaries and employee benefits for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, increased $1.1 million over the same period in 2005, mainly from higher salaries from merit increases, the acquisition of CNB, and stock-based compensation costs associated with the adoption of FAS 123R. Office expenses such as supplies and postage, occupancy, equipment, and data processing and communications charges increased by $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 as compared with the same period in 2005. This 9.7% increase resulted primarily from the overall growth of the Company as well as the acquisition of CNB on February 10, 2006. Professional fees and services increased $0.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 as compared with the same period in 2005. This increase was due to several factors including an increase in courier service expenses due to the acquisition of CNB, as well as increasing transportation costs. In addition, legal fees incurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 increased over the same period in 2005 as the Company was reimbursed for legal fees during the second quarter of 2005 associated with prior litigation. Amortization expense increased $0.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 over the same period in 2005. This increase was due primarily to the acquisition of CNB. Other operating expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 increased $0.3 million compared with the same period in 2005, primarily due to $0.2 million in flood related losses.

Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $62.2 million, up from $57.6 million for the same period in 2005. Salaries and employee benefits for the six months ended June 30, 2006, increased $1.4 million over the same period in 2005, mainly from higher salaries from merit increases, the acquisition of CNB, and stock-based compensation costs associated with the adoption of FAS 123R. Office expenses such as supplies and postage, occupancy, equipment, and data processing and communications charges increased by $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared with the same period in 2005. This 6.7% increase resulted primarily from the overall growth of the Company as well as the acquisition of CNB on February 10, 2006. Professional fees and services increased $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared with the same period in 2005. This increase was due to several factors including an increase in courier service expenses due to the acquisition of CNB, as well as increasing transportation costs. In addition, legal fees incurred during the period increased over the same period in 2005 as the Company was reimbursed for legal fees during the second quarter of 2005 associated with prior litigation. Amortization expense increased $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 over the same period in 2005. This increase was due primarily to the acquisition of CNB. Other operating expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 increased $1.1 million compared with the same period in 2005, in large part due to merger expenses incurred as a result of the acquisition of CNB as well as flood related losses.


Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $6.4 million, up from $6.2 million for the same period in 2005. The effective rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was 31.0%, down from 32.2% for the same period in 2005. The decline in the effective tax rate during the second quarter 2006 versus the same period in 2005 is primarily a result of an increase in interest income from tax exempt sources. Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $11.9 million, down from $12.3 million for the same period in 2005. The effective rate for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was 30.0%, down from 32.2% for the same period in 2005. The decrease in tax expense and the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2006 resulted primarily from a settlement for a tax refund claim of $0.5 million during the first quarter and an increase in interest income from tax exempt sources.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Loans and Leases

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

   
June 30,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
June 30,
2005
 
(in thousands)
             
Residential real estate mortgages
 
$
736,601
 
$
701,734
 
$
706,244
 
Commercial and commercial real estate mortgages
   
1,155,548
   
1,032,977
   
1,066,280
 
Real estate construction and development
   
187,096
   
163,863
   
146,389
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
   
117,106
   
114,043
   
110,382
 
Consumer
   
539,494
   
463,955
   
450,942
 
Home equity
   
528,588
   
463,848
   
434,509
 
Lease financing
   
83,443
   
82,237
   
81,218
 
Total loans and leases
 
$
3,347,876
 
$
3,022,657
 
$
2,995,964
 


Total loans and leases were $3.3 billion, or 67.0% of assets, at June 30, 2006, $3.0 billion, or 68.3% of assets, at December 31, 2005, and $3.0 billion, or 68.4%, at June 30, 2005. Total loans and leases increased $351.9 million or 11.7% at June 30, 2006 over June 30, 2005. The year over year increase in loans and leases was driven mainly by the CNB transaction and organic loan growth. Home equity loans increased $94.1 million or 21.7%, primarily from the CNB transaction of $13.2 million and $80.9 million in organic growth from market expansion and continued success in marketing this product throughout the Company’s branch network. Consumer loans, most notably indirect installment loans, increased $88.6 million or 19.6%, from organic loan growth of $45.8 million and $42.8 million from the acquisition of CNB. Commercial loans and commercial mortgages increased $89.3 million or 8.4%, driven by the CNB transaction of $48.2 million and organic growth of $41.1 million as the Company continues to face strong competition for these loan types in its markets. Residential real estate mortgages increased $30.4 million when compared to June 30, 2005. The CNB transaction provided $54.4 million in growth offset by a decline in the core portfolio of $24.0 million. The decrease in the core residential mortgage portfolio resulted mainly from mortgage repayments exceeding originations retained for the loan portfolio as the Company began selling 20-year and 30-year residential mortgages from its pipeline in the second quarter 2005. Furthermore, long-term rates have modestly increased, leading to a softening in demand for this loan product.


Securities

The Company classifies its securities at date of purchase as available for sale, held to maturity or trading. Held to maturity debt securities are those that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Held to maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities are recorded at fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses recognized currently in income. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. A decline in the fair value of any available for sale or held to maturity security below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Securities with an other-than-temporary impairment are generally placed on nonaccrual status.

Average total earning securities increased $190.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005. The average balance of securities available for sale increased $177.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005, mainly from the CNB transaction. The average balance of securities held to maturity increased $13.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. The average total securities portfolio represents 26.9% of total average earning assets for the three months ended June 30, 2006, up from 25.9% for the same period in 2005.

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

   
At June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
           
Mortgage-backed securities:
         
With maturities 15 years or less
   
30
%
 
42
%
With maturities greater than 15 years
   
4
%
 
6
%
Collateral mortgage obligations
   
18
%
 
15
%
Municipal securities
   
17
%
 
15
%
US agency notes
   
27
%
 
18
%
Other
   
4
%
 
4
%
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%

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

The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide adequately for risk of probable losses inherent in the current loan and lease portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease 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 and lease portfolio.

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


For purposes of evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, the Company considers a number of significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio. For individually analyzed loans, these include estimates of loss exposure, which reflect the facts and circumstances that affect the likelihood of repayment of such loans as of the evaluation date. For homogeneous pools of loans and leases, estimates of the Company’s exposure to credit loss reflect a thorough current assessment of a number of factors, which could affect collectibility. These factors include: past loss experience; the size, trend, composition, and nature of the loans and leases; changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans and leases; 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 and lease 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 to the allowance for loan and lease losses are made periodically by charges to the provision for loan and lease losses. These charges 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 and leases, additions 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. The allowance for loan and lease losses to outstanding loans and leases at June 30, 2006 was 1.50% compared with 1.57% at December 31, 2005, and 1.55% at June 30, 2005. Management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate based on evaluation and analysis of the loan portfolio.


Table 4 reflects changes to the allowance for loan and lease 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 collectability of loan principal within a reasonable time is unlikely. Any recoveries of previously charged-off loans are credited directly to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Table 4
Allowance for Loan Losses
     
   
Three months ended June 30,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
 
 
2005
     
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
49,818
       
$
45,389
       
Recoveries
   
1,091
         
1,333
       
Charge-offs
   
(2,464
)
       
(2,631
)
     
Net charge-offs
   
(1,373
)
       
(1,298
)
     
Provision for loan losses
   
1,703
         
2,320
       
Balance, end of period
 
$
50,148
       
$
46,411
       
Composition of Net Charge-Offs
                         
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
(646
)
 
47
%
$
(389
)
 
30
%
Real estate mortgage
   
(64
)
 
5
%
 
149
   
(12
)%
Consumer
   
(663
)
 
48
%
 
(1,058
)
 
82
%
Net charge-offs
 
$
(1,373
)
 
100
%
$
(1,298
)
 
100
%
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans
   
0.20
%
       
0.18
%
     
                           
       
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2006
     
2005
     
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
47,455
       
$
44,932
       
Recoveries
   
2,266
         
2,412
       
Charge-offs
   
(5,414
)
       
(5,049
)
     
Net charge-offs
   
(3,148
)
       
(2,637
)
     
Allowance related to purchase acquisition
   
2,410
         
-
       
Provision for loan losses
   
3,431
         
4,116
       
Balance, end of period
 
$
50,148
       
$
46,411
       
Composition of Net Charge-Offs
                         
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
(1,504
)
 
48
%
$
(494
)
 
19
%
Real estate mortgage
   
(135
)
 
4
%
 
(177
)
 
7
%
Consumer
   
(1,509
)
 
48
%
 
(1,966
)
 
74
%
Net charge-offs
 
$
(3,148
)
 
100
%
$
(2,637
)
 
100
%
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans
   
0.20
%
       
0.18
%
     

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due, restructured loans, other real estate owned (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 market value, less any estimated disposal costs. Nonperforming securities include securities which management believes are other-than-temporarily impaired, carried at their estimated fair value and are not accruing interest.

Total nonperforming assets were $13.3 million at June 30, 2006, $14.6 million at December 31, 2005, and $13.9 million at June 30, 2005. Nonaccrual loans decreased from $13.4 million at December 31, 2005 to $12.3 million at June 30, 2006, primarily from a decrease in nonperforming commercial and agricultural loans, as well as a decrease in nonperforming consumer loans. OREO has remained at relatively low levels throughout 2006 and 2005, as the Company’s nonperforming loans have remained relatively stable and credit quality remains solid.


In addition to the nonperforming loans discussed above, the Company has also identified approximately $59.5 million in potential problem loans at June 30, 2006 as compared to $69.5 million at December 31, 2005. The decrease in potential problem loans resulted mainly from repayments of two large potential problem loans during the three months ended March 31, 2006. Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but where known information about possible credit problems of the related 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 disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future. At the Company, potential problem loans are typically loans that are performing but are classified by the Company’s loan rating system as “substandard.” At June 30, 2006, potential problem loans primarily consisted of commercial real estate and commercial and agricultural loans. 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 non-accrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses.

Net charge-offs totaled $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, up $0.1 million from the $1.3 million charged-off during the same period in 2005. The provision for loan and lease losses totaled $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the $2.3 million provided during the same period in 2005. The decrease for the provision for loan and lease losses for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005 resulted from continued improvement in credit quality (decreases in nonperforming loans and potential problem loans).

Net charge-offs totaled $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, up $0.5 million from the $2.6 million charged-off during the same period in 2005. The increase in net charge-offs resulted primarily from an increase in charge-offs for commercial and agricultural loans during the six months ended June 30, 2006, partially offset by a decrease in consumer loan charge-offs. The provision for loan and lease losses totaled $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the $4.1 million provided during the same period in 2005. The slight decrease for the provision for loan and lease losses for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005 resulted from continued improvement in credit quality (decreases in nonperforming loans and potential problem loans).
 
 
Table 5
Nonperforming Assets
             
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
June 30,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
June 30,
2005
 
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
8,440
 
$
9,373
 
$
8,971
 
Real estate mortgage
   
2,176
   
2,009
   
2,229
 
Consumer
   
1,661
   
2,037
   
1,841
 
Total nonaccrual loans
   
12,277
   
13,419
   
13,041
 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing:
                   
Commercial and agricultural
   
-
   
-
   
3
 
Real estate mortgage
   
-
   
465
   
-
 
Consumer
   
580
   
413
   
447
 
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
   
580
   
878
   
450
 
Total nonperforming loans
   
12,857
   
14,297
   
13,491
 
Other real estate owned (OREO)
   
423
   
265
   
395
 
Total nonperforming loans and OREO
   
13,280
   
14,562
   
13,886
 
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
13,280
 
$
14,562
 
$
13,886
 
Total nonperforming loans to loans and leases
   
0.38
%
 
0.47
%
 
0.45
%
Total nonperforming assets to assets
   
0.27
%
 
0.28
%
 
0.32
%
Total allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans
   
390.04
%
 
331.92
%
 
344.01
%

Deposits

Total deposits were $3.7 billion at June 30, 2006, up $587.7 million from year-end 2005, and up $569.8 million, or 17.9%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in deposits compared with June 30, 2005, was driven primarily by the CNB transaction, which provided $303.5 million in deposits and organic deposit growth of $266.3 million. Total average deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2006 increased $475.4 million, or 15%, from the same period in 2005. The Company experienced an increase in time deposits, as average time deposits increased $269.6 million or 22%, for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005, primarily from the CNB transaction, which provided $121.6 million in time deposits as well as increases in municipal, jumbo and retail time deposits, as the Company experienced a shift in its deposit mix from interest sensitive customers into higher paying time accounts. Meanwhile, excluding the effect of the CNB transaction, which provided $88.2 million in average savings and NOW accounts, these deposit categories experienced a decrease of $109.1 million, from the previously mentioned shift in deposit mix from lower cost deposit accounts to higher cost deposit accounts with more attractive interest rates (which have increased due to the rising rate environment). Average money market accounts increased $134.0 million, as organic money market account growth totaled $81.9 million and $52.1 million was attributed to the acquisition of CNB. Average demand deposit accounts increased $92.7 million, due in part to solid organic growth of $49.9 million and $42.8 million from the CNB transaction.

Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $320.6 million at June 30, 2006 compared to $445.0 million and $384.2 million at December 31, and June 30, 2005, respectively. Long-term debt was $421.7 million at June 30, 2006, and was $414.3 and $419.4 million at December 31, and June 30, 2005, respectively. For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see the section with the title caption of “Liquidity Risk” on page 38 in this discussion.
 

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $377.6 million represents 7.6% of total assets at June 30, 2006, compared with $330.7 million, or 7.5% in the comparable period of the prior year, and $333.9 million, or 7.5% at December 31, 2005. The increase in stockholders’ equity resulted mainly from the issuance of 2,058,661 shares of Company common stock in connection with the CNB transaction. Under previously announced stock repurchase plans, the Company acquired 738,504 shares of its common stock at an average price of $22.34 per share, totaling $16.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. At June 30, 2006, there were 764,647 shares available for repurchase under previously announced plans. The Company does not have a target dividend pay out ratio. The Board of Directors considers the Company's earnings position and earnings potential when making dividend decisions.

As the capital ratios in Table 6 indicate, the Company remains “well capitalized”. Capital measurements are significantly 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 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.
 
     
Table 6
 
 
Capital Measurements
2006
 
March 31
 
June 30
Tier 1 leverage ratio
7.77%
7.27%
Tier 1 capital ratio
10.30%
9.90%
Total risk-based capital ratio
11.56%
11.15%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
48.20%
46.99%
Per common share:
 
 
Book value
$ 11.22
$ 11.15
Tangible book value
$ 7.84
$ 7.72
2005
 
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
6.89%
6.91%
Tier 1 capital ratio
9.41%
9.23%
Total risk-based capital ratio
10.67%
10.48%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
48.57%
47.67%
Per common share:
 
 
Book value
$ 9.85
$ 10.22
Tangible book value
$ 8.25
$ 8.62
 

The accompanying Table 7 presents the high, low and closing sales price for the common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market, and cash dividends declared per share of common stock. The Company's price to book value ratio was 2.08 at June 30, 2006 and 2.31 in the comparable period of the prior year. The Company's price was 14.3 times trailing twelve months earnings at June 30, 2006, compared to 15.3 times for the same period last year.

Table 7
Quarterly Common Stock and Dividend Information
 
Quarter Ending
 
High
 
Low
 
Close
 
Cash
Dividends
Declared
 
2005
                 
March 31
 
$
25.66
 
$
21.48
 
$
22.41
 
$
0.190
 
June 30
   
24.15
   
20.10
   
23.64
   
0.190
 
September 30
   
25.50
   
22.79
   
23.58
   
0.190
 
December 31
   
23.79
   
20.75
   
21.59
   
0.190
 
2006
                         
March 31
 
$
23.90
 
$
21.02
 
$
23.25
 
$
0.190
 
June 30
 
$
23.24
 
$
21.03
 
$
23.23
 
$
0.190
 

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

Market Risk

Interest rate risk is among the most significant 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.


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 leases 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, (2) and a gradual decrease of 200 bp takes place over a 12 month period with a static balance sheet. 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 resultant 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/- 200 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 June 30, 2006 balance sheet position:

Table 8
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
Change in interest rates
(in basis points)
Percent change in
net interest income
+200
(4.01%)
-200
0.78%

The Company has taken several measures to mitigate net interest margin compression. The Company began originating 20-year and 30-year residential real estate mortgages with the intent to sell at the end of the second quarter of 2005. Over time, the Company has shortened the average life of its investment securities portfolio by limiting purchases of mortgage-backed securities and redirecting proceeds into short-duration CMOs and US Agency notes and bonds. Lastly, the Company will continue to focus on growing noninterest bearing demand deposits and prudently managing deposit costs.
 

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 and leases 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. 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 June 30, 2006, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 6.82% of total assets or $340 million, which was above the Company’s minimum of 5% or $244 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. At June 30, 2006, the Company Basic Surplus improved compared to December 31, 2005, Basic Surplus of 5.2%, driven primarily by the CNB transaction.

The Company’s primary source of funds is from its subsidiary, NBT Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Company’s subsidiary 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 June 30, 2006, approximately $41.2 million of the total stockholders’ equity of NBT Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC. NBT Bank’s ability to pay dividends also is subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. NBT Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the State of Delaware Business Corporation Law, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of accumulated net retained earnings or capital surplus.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Information called for by Item 3 is contained in the Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management section of the Management Discussion and Analysis.
 

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, including 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) as of June 30, 2006. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to any material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.

There were no changes made in the Company's internal controls 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 controls over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 -- Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A - Risk Factors

Management of the Company does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2006.

Item 2 -- Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a)
Not applicable

(b)
Not applicable

(c)
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by the Company (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of our common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2006:

Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
As Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
The Plans (1)
4/1/06 - 4/30/06
52,500
21.95
52,500
1,272,247
5/1/06 - 5/31/06
225,500
22.04
225,500
1,046,747
6/1/06 - 6/30/06
282,100
22.42
282,100
764,647
Total
560,100
$22.22
560,100
764,647

(1)
On January 23, 2006, NBT announced that the NBT Board of Directors approved a new repurchase program whereby NBT is authorized to repurchase up to an additional 1,000,000 shares (approximately 3%) of its outstanding common stock from time to time as market conditions warrant in open market and privately negotiated transactions. At that time, there were 503,151 shares remaining under a previous authorization that was combined with the new repurchase program.

Item 3 -- Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 -- Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
The Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 2, 2006. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders approved the following:

1)
A proposal to fix the number of directors to 15. There were 22,003,090 votes cast for the proposal, 261,969 votes cast against the proposal, and 223,007 abstentions.


2)
The following directors were elected with terms expiring at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders:

Martin A. Dietrich: 21,776,232 votes for election; 711,836 votes withheld.
Michael H. Hutcherson: 18,878,849 votes for election; 3,609,218 votes withheld.
John C. Mitchell: 21,413,435 votes for election; 1,074,633 votes withheld.
Michael M. Murphy: 21,006,229 votes for election; 1,481,839 votes withheld.
Joseph G. Nasser: 19,950,966 votes for election; 2,537,102 votes withheld.

Continuing directors with terms expiring in 2008: Richard Chojnowski, Dr. Peter B. Gregory, Joseph A Santangelo, Janet H. Ingraham, and Paul D. Horger.

Continuing directors with terms expiring in 2007: Daryl R. Forsythe, William C. Gumble, William L. Owens, Van Ness D. Robinson, and Patricia T. Civil.

3)
A Proposal to approve and adopt the 2006 NBT Bancorp Inc. Non-Executive Restricted Stock Plan. There were 14,185,956 votes cast for the proposal, 2,534,528 votes cast against the proposal, and 307,442 abstentions. There were 5,549,066 broker non-votes.

Item 5 -- Other Information

On July 24, 2006, NBT Bancorp Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share. The cash dividend will be paid on September 15, 2006 to stockholders of record as of September 1, 2006.

Item 6 -- Exhibits

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2   By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended and restated through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

4.1   Specimen common stock certificate for NBT's common stock (filed as exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 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 on FORM 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, this 9th day of August 2006.
 
 
 
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
     
 
     
 
 
By:
 
/s/ MICHAEL J. CHEWENS
 
 
 
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
 
 Senior Executive Vice President
   
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2 By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended and restated through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

4.1 Specimen common stock certificate for NBT's common stock (filed as exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 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.
 
 
43