form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012.
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________.
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-14703
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

DELAWARE
 
16-1268674
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

52 SOUTH BROAD STREET, NORWICH, NEW YORK 13815
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨

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

As of July 31, 2012, there were 33,735,779 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
 


 
 

 
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
Financial Statements
 
     
  3
     
  4
     
  5
     
  6
     
  5
     
  8
     
Item 2
39
     
Item 3
58
     
Item 4
58
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
59
Item 1A
59
Item 2
59
Item 3
60
Item 4
60
Item 5
60
Item 6
60
     
61
     
62

 
2


Item 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
 
 
   
 
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
 
             
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 114,441     $ 128,517  
Short-term interest bearing accounts
    24,723       864  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    1,221,706       1,244,619  
Securities held to maturity (fair value $65,556 and $72,198, respectively)
    64,387       70,811  
Trading securities
    3,641       3,062  
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    28,706       27,020  
Loans
    4,161,214       3,800,203  
Less allowance for loan losses
    70,734       71,334  
Net loans
    4,090,480       3,728,869  
Premises and equipment, net
    76,906       74,541  
Goodwill
    151,628       132,029  
Intangible assets, net
    18,191       18,194  
Bank owned life insurance
    79,215       77,626  
Other assets
    93,544       92,254  
Total assets
  $ 5,967,568     $ 5,598,406  
                 
Liabilities
               
Demand (noninterest bearing)
  $ 1,152,646     $ 1,052,906  
Savings, NOW, and money market
    2,483,683       2,381,116  
Time
    1,052,578       933,127  
Total deposits
    4,688,907       4,367,149  
Short-term borrowings
    212,203       181,592  
Long-term debt
    367,147       370,344  
Trust preferred debentures
    75,422       75,422  
Other liabilities
    57,384       65,789  
Total liabilities
    5,401,063       5,060,296  
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 2,500,000 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares at June 30, 2012 and 50,000,000 December 31, 2011; issued 39,305,131 at June 30, 2012 and 38,035,539 at December 31, 2011
    393       380  
Additional paid-in-capital
    345,184       317,329  
Retained earnings
    343,460       329,981  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (5,207 )     (6,104 )
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 5,569,345 and 4,878,829 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    (117,325 )     (103,476 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    566,505       538,110  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,967,568     $ 5,598,406  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
                       
Interest, fee, and dividend income
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 50,509     $ 51,126     $ 100,717     $ 101,986  
Securities available for sale
    7,108       7,947       14,474       15,851  
Securities held to maturity
    617       745       1,257       1,545  
Other
    413       440       805       933  
Total interest, fee, and dividend income
    58,647       60,258       117,253       120,315  
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    4,834       6,051       9,977       12,338  
Short-term borrowings
    48       52       89       110  
Long-term debt
    3,580       3,591       7,161       7,162  
Trust preferred debentures
    434       400       883       1,289  
Total interest expense
    8,896       10,094       18,110       20,899  
Net interest income
    49,751       50,164       99,143       99,416  
Provision for loan losses
    4,103       6,021       8,574       9,986  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    45,648       44,143       90,569       89,430  
Noninterest income
                               
Insurance and other financial services revenue
    5,279       5,025       11,433       10,798  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    4,571       5,455       8,912       10,527  
ATM and debit card fees
    3,063       2,928       6,025       5,596  
Retirement plan administration fees
    2,411       2,268       4,744       4,439  
Trust
    2,312       2,258       4,441       4,294  
Bank owned life insurance
    618       660       1,589       1,695  
Net securities gains
    97       59       552       86  
Other
    2,331       1,208       6,042       2,552  
Total noninterest income
    20,682       19,861       43,738       39,987  
Noninterest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    24,992       24,035       51,717       49,039  
Occupancy
    4,222       3,987       8,713       8,509  
Data processing and communications
    3,431       3,117       6,689       6,031  
Professional fees and outside services
    2,388       2,088       5,113       4,154  
Equipment
    2,409       2,180       4,789       4,370  
Office supplies and postage
    1,574       1,342       3,245       2,887  
FDIC expenses
    942       965       1,873       2,461  
Advertising
    805       1,033       1,607       1,601  
Amortization of intangible assets
    841       771       1,660       1,504  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    799       443       1,437       1,162  
Merger expenses
    826       -       1,337       -  
Other
    4,161       3,196       7,684       6,500  
Total noninterest expense
    47,390       43,157       95,864       88,218  
Income before income tax expense
    18,940       20,847       38,443       41,199  
Income tax expense
    5,683       6,192       11,536       12,237  
Net income
  $ 13,257     $ 14,655     $ 26,907     $ 28,962  
Earnings per share
                               
Basic
  $ 0.40     $ 0.43     $ 0.81     $ 0.85  
Diluted
  $ 0.40     $ 0.43     $ 0.80     $ 0.84  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(In thousands)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income
  $ 13,257     $ 14,655     $ 26,907     $ 28,962  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                               
Unrealized net holding (losses) gains arising during the period (pre-tax amounts of ($309), $10,392, $335 and $7,741)
    (185 )     6,274       201       4,672  
Reclassification adjustment for net gains related to securities available for sale included in net income (pre-tax amounts of $98, $59, $552 and $86)
    (58 )     (36 )     (331 )     (52 )
Pension and other benefits:
                               
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains (pre-tax amounts of $856, $416, $1,713 and $831)
    511       251       1,027       502  
Total other comprehensive income
    268       6,489       897       5,122  
Comprehensive income
  $ 13,525     $ 21,144     $ 27,804     $ 34,084  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
                                   
                   
         
 
         
Accumulated
             
         
Additional
         
Other
   
Common
       
   
Common
   
Paid-in-
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Stock
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
in Treasury
   
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
                               
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 380     $ 314,023     $ 299,797     $ (5,335 )   $ (75,293 )   $ 533,572  
Net income
    -       -       28,962       -       -       28,962  
Cash dividends - $0.40 per share
    -       -       (13,752 )     -       -       (13,752 )
Purchase of 976,190 treasury shares
    -       -       -       -       (21,164 )     (21,164 )
Net issuance of 61,432 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    -       (291 )     (134 )     -       1,225       800  
Stock-based compensation
    -       1,723       -       -       -       1,723  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       5,122       -       5,122  
Balance at June 30, 2011
  $ 380     $ 315,455     $ 314,873     $ (213 )   $ (95,232 )   $ 535,263  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 380     $ 317,329     $ 329,981     $ (6,104 )   $ (103,476 )   $ 538,110  
Net income
    -       -       26,907       -       -       26,907  
Cash dividends - $0.40 per share
    -       -       (13,232 )     -       -       (13,232 )
Purchase of 769,568 treasury shares
    -       -       -       -       (15,490 )     (15,490 )
Net issuance of 1,269,592 shares for acquisition
    13       25,811       -       -       -       25,824  
Net issuance of 79,052 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    -       (753 )     (196 )     -       1,641       692  
Stock-based compensation
    -       2,797       -       -       -       2,797  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       897       -       897  
Balance at June 30, 2012
  $ 393     $ 345,184     $ 343,460     $ (5,207 )   $ (117,325 )   $ 566,505  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
           
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 26,907     $ 28,962  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Provision for loan and lease losses
    8,574       9,986  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    3,020       2,652  
Net accretion on securities
    1,197       512  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,660       1,504  
Stock based compensation
    2,797       1,723  
Bank owned life insurance income
    (1,589 )     (1,695 )
Purchases of trading securities
    (657 )     (353 )
Unrealized losses (gains) in trading securities
    78       (115 )
Deferred income tax benefit
    (1,794 )     (4,003 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    28,774       2,477  
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
    (34,182 )     (875 )
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
    (894 )     -  
Net security gains
    (552 )     (86 )
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned
    (417 )     (461 )
Net decrease in other assets
    11,099       2,696  
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (10,899 )     158  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    33,122       43,082  
Investing activities
               
Net cash provided by (used in) acquisitions
    53,121       (1,000 )
Securities available for sale:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    205,390       247,959  
Proceeds from sales
    1,791       118  
Purchases
    (185,112 )     (268,154 )
Securities held to maturity:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    16,655       29,288  
Purchases
    (9,858 )     (9,192 )
Net increase in loans
    (142,433 )     (67,474 )
Net increase in Federal Reserve and FHLB stock
    (672 )     (179 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (2,769 )     (2,112 )
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    1,661       953  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (62,226 )     (69,793 )
Financing activities
               
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
    39,653       (19,739 )
Net increase in short-term borrowings
    30,611       16,524  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (3,347 )     (2,140 )
Issuance of long-term debt
    -       156  
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    2       33  
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
    690       767  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (15,490 )     (21,164 )
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares
    (13,232 )     (13,752 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    38,887       (39,315 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    9,783       (66,026 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    129,381       168,792  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 139,164     $ 102,766  

 
6

 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
     
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
   
 
 
Interest
  $ 18,245     $ 21,120  
Income taxes paid
    14,122       14,834  
Noncash investing activities:
               
Loans transferred to OREO
  $ 889     $ 625  
Acquisitions:
               
Fair value of assets acquired
  $ 258,256     $ 3,460  
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    285,403       3,426  
Fair value of debt issued in purchase combination
    150       2,460  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

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

Note 1.
Description of Business

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

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

Note 2.
Basis of Presentation

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

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

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

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

 
Consideration Paid:
 
 
 
NBT Bancorp common stock issued to Hampshire First common stockholders
  $ 25,824  
Cash consideration paid to Hampshire First common stockholders
    14,616  
Cash consideration paid for Hampshire First employee stock options and warrants
    2,583  
Total consideration paid
  $ 43,023  
         
Recognized Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and (Liabilities Assumed), At Fair Value:
       
Cash and short term investments
  $ 22,149  
Loans
    219,815  
Federal Home Loan Bank common stock
    1,014  
Core deposit intangibles
    797  
Other assets
    12,535  
Deposits
    (228,198 )
Borrowings
    (41 )
Other liabilities
    (2,848 )
Total identifiable net assets
  $ 25,223  
         
Goodwill
  $ 17,800  

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

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

Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition
  $ 226,631  
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)
    (6,971 )
Expected cash flows at acquisition
    219,660  
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)
    155  
Fair value of acquired loans
  $ 219,815  

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

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

The fair value of savings and transaction deposit accounts acquired from Hampshire was assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand.  Certificates of deposit were valued by comparing the contractual cost of the portfolio to an identical portfolio bearing current market rates.  The projected cash was calculated by discounting their contractual cash flows at a market rate for a certificate of deposit with a corresponding maturity.
 
 
9

 
Note 4.
Use of Estimates

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

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

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

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

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

 
10


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

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

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

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

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

 
11


Note 5.
Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuating interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $873.6 million at June 30, 2012 and $764.9 million at December 31, 2011.  Since commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon, this amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management’s credit evaluation of the borrower and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, land and other items.

The Company guarantees the obligations or performance of customers by issuing standby letters of credit to third parties. These standby letters of credit are frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate debt issuances, industrial revenue bonds and municipal securities. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products. Typically, these instruments have terms of five years or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Standby letters of credit totaled $31.2 million at June 30, 2012 and $26.8 million at December 31, 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the fair value of standby letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company has also entered into commercial letter of credit agreements on behalf of its customers.  Under these agreements, the Company, on the request of its customer, opens the letter of credit and makes a commitment to honor draws made under the agreement, whereby the beneficiary is normally the provider of goods and/or services and the Company essentially replaces the customer as the payee.  The credit risk involved in issuing commercial letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Typically, these agreements vary in terms and the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments.  Commercial letters of credit totaled $9.2 million at June 30, 2012 and $15.2 million at December 31, 2011.  As of June 30, 2012, the fair value of commercial letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note  6.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality of Loans

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

 
12


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

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

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

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

Agricultural – The Company offers a variety of agricultural loans to meet the needs of our agricultural customers including term loans, time notes, and lines of credit.  These loans are made to purchase livestock, purchase and modernize equipment, and finance seasonal crop expenses.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on the livestock, equipment, produce inventories, and/or receivables owned by the borrower.  These loans may carry a higher risk than commercial and agricultural real estate loans due to the industry price volatility, and in some cases, the perishable nature of the underlying collateral.  To reduce these risks, management may attempt to secure these loans with additional real estate collateral, obtain personal guarantees of the borrowers, or obtain government loan guarantees to provide further support.
 
 
13

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

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

Indirect – The Company maintains relationships with many dealers primarily in the communities that we serve.  Through these relationships, the company finances the purchases of automobiles and recreational vehicles (such as campers, boats, etc.) indirectly through dealer relationships.  Approximately 69% of the indirect relationships represent automobile financing.  Most of these loans carry a fixed rate of interest with principal repayment terms typically ranging from three to six years, based upon the nature of the collateral and the size of the loan. The majority of indirect consumer loans are underwritten on a secured basis using the underlying collateral being financed.
 
Home Equity The Company offers fixed home equity loans as well as home equity lines of credit to consumers to finance home improvements, debt consolidation, education and other uses.  Consumers are able to borrower up to 85% of the equity in their homes.  The Company originates home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans (loans secured by a second [junior] lien position on one-to-four-family residential real estate).  These loans carry a higher risk than first mortgage residential loans as they are in a second position with respect to collateral.  Risk is reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows.  A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate.

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

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

 
14


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

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

After a thorough consideration of the factors discussed above, any required additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses. These charges or credits are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of overall inherent risk of probable loss in the portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additions and reductions of the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another.  These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above.  The following table illustrates the changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended June 30
             
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
             
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of March 31, 2012
  $ 37,787     $ 26,790     $ 6,520     $ 237     $ 71,334  
Charge-offs
    (1,653 )     (3,735 )     (292 )     -       (5,680 )
Recoveries
    303       667       7       -       977  
Provision
    1,058       3,513       (292 )     (176 )     4,103  
Ending Balance as of June 30, 2012
  $ 37,495     $ 27,235     $ 5,943     $ 61     $ 70,734  
                                         
Balance as of March 31, 2011
  $ 37,937     $ 26,219     $ 5,338     $ 440     $ 69,934  
Charge-offs
    (2,588 )     (3,600 )     (414 )     -       (6,602 )
Recoveries
    474       654       3       -       1,131  
Provision
    3,324       2,445       446       (194 )     6,021  
Ending Balance as of June 30, 2011
  $ 39,147     $ 25,718     $ 5,373     $ 246     $ 70,484  
 
 
15

 
                               
         
 
   
Residential
             
Six months ended June 30
 
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real Estate
   
 
   
 
 
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 38,831     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,334  
Charge-offs
    (2,783 )     (7,787 )     (650 )     -       (11,220 )
Recoveries
    688       1,342       16       -       2,046  
Provision
    759       7,631       328       (144 )     8,574  
Ending Balance as of June 30, 2012
  $ 37,495     $ 27,235     $ 5,943     $ 61     $ 70,734  
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 40,101     $ 26,126     $ 4,627     $ 380     $ 71,234  
Charge-offs
    (5,458 )     (6,893 )     (513 )     -       (12,864 )
Recoveries
    894       1,230       4       -       2,128  
Provision
    3,610       5,255       1,255       (134 )     9,986  
Ending Balance as of June 30, 2011
  $ 39,147     $ 25,718     $ 5,373     $ 246     $ 70,484  
 
 
16

 
The following tables illustrate the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment by portfolio segment as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
(in thousands)

         
 
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Real b   Estate
   
 
   
 
 
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
As of June 30, 2012
                             
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 37,495     $ 27,235     $ 5,943     $ 61     $ 70,734  
                                         
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 2,724     $ -     $ -             $ 2,724  
                                         
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 34,771     $ 27,235     $ 5,943     $ 61     $ 68,010  
                                         
Ending balance of loans
  $ 1,963,667     $ 1,566,756     $ 630,791             $ 4,161,214  
                                         
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 13,412     $ -     $ -             $ 13,412  
                                         
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,950,255     $ 1,566,756     $ 630,791             $ 4,147,802  
                                         
As of December 31, 2011
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 38,831     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,334  
                                         
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 175     $ -     $ -             $ 175  
                                         
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 38,656     $ 26,049     $ 6,249     $ 205     $ 71,159  
                                         
Ending balance of loans
  $ 1,702,577     $ 1,516,115     $ 581,511             $ 3,800,203  
                                         
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 6,219     $ -     $ -             $ 6,219  
                                         
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,696,358     $ 1,516,115     $ 581,511             $ 3,793,984  

 
17

 
Credit Quality of Loans
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when timely collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. Loans are transferred to nonaccrual status generally when principal or interest payments become ninety days delinquent, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection, or sooner when management concludes or circumstances indicate that borrowers may be unable to meet contractual principal or interest payments.  When a loan is transferred to a nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued in the current period but not collected is reversed against interest income in that period. Interest accrued in a prior period and not collected is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.  The Company’s nonaccrual policies are the same for all classes of financing receivable.

If ultimate repayment of a nonaccrual loan is expected, any payments received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment of principal is not expected, any payment received on a nonaccrual loan is applied to principal until ultimate repayment becomes expected.  Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to principal and interest and demonstrate a period of performance under the contractual terms and, in the opinion of management, are fully collectible as to principal and interest.  When in the opinion of management the collection of principal appears unlikely, the loan balance is charged-off in total or in part.  For loans in all portfolios, the principal amount is charged off in full or in part as soon as management determines, based on available facts, that the collection of principal in full is improbable.  For commercial loans, management considers specific facts and circumstances relative to individual credits in making such a determination.  For consumer and residential loan classes, management uses specific guidance and thresholds from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy.
 
The following table illustrates the Company’s nonaccrual loans by loan class:
 
Loans on Nonaccrual Status
As of June 30, 2012
 
             
(In thousands)
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Commercial Loans
           
Commercial
  $ 7,134     $ 1,699  
Commercial Real Estate
    7,364       4,868  
Agricultural
    2,818       3,307  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,428       2,067  
Business Banking
    6,384       7,446  
      25,128       19,387  
                 
Consumer Loans
               
Indirect
    1,770       1,550  
Home Equity
    7,848       7,931  
Direct
    296       378  
      9,914       9,859  
                 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    8,882       9,044  
                 
Total Nonaccrual
  $ 43,924     $ 38,290  

 
18

 
The increase in nonaccrual commercial and commercial real estate loans from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012 was due primarily to one commercial relationship which moved to nonaccrual status during the first quarter.  This relationship has been reviewed and was specifically reserved for by the Company during the first quarter of 2012.
 
The following tables set forth information with regard to past due and nonperforming loans by loan class as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of June 30, 2012
(in thousands)
 
               
Greater Than
                     
 
 
   
31-60 Days
   
61-90 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total
               
Recorded
 
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
               
Total
 
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Loans
 
Commercial Loans
                                         
Commercial
  $ 268     $ 49     $ -     $ 317     $ 7,134     $ 589,200     $ 596,651  
Commercial Real Estate
    506       -       -       506       7,364       1,009,260     $ 1,017,130  
Agricultural
    71       -       -       71       2,818       60,576     $ 63,465  
Agricultural Real Estate
    60       -       -       60       1,428       32,525     $ 34,013  
Business Banking
    1,759       360       -       2,119       6,384       243,905     $ 252,408  
      2,664       409       -       3,073       25,128       1,935,466     $ 1,963,667  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    7,138       1,525       285       8,948       1,770       913,057     $ 923,775  
Home Equity
    4,311       1,186       1,215       6,712       7,848       558,610     $ 573,170  
Direct
    559       115       32       706       296       68,809     $ 69,811  
      12,008       2,826       1,532       16,366       9,914       1,540,476     $ 1,566,756  
                                                         
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,945       965       97       3,007       8,882       618,902     $ 630,791  
    $ 16,617     $ 4,200     $ 1,629     $ 22,446     $ 43,924     $ 4,094,844     $ 4,161,214  

 
19

 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
 
               
Greater Than
                         
   
31-60 Days
   
61-90 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total
               
Recorded
 
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
               
Total
 
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Loans
 
Commercial Loans
                                         
Commercial
  $ 663     $ 50     $ -     $ 713     $ 1,699     $ 508,662     $ 511,074  
Commercial Real Estate
    1,942       -       -       1,942       4,868       828,089       834,899  
Agricultural
    77       13       -       90       3,307       63,140       66,537  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       50       50       2,067       31,809       33,926  
Business Banking
    1,871       1,024       -       2,895       7,446       245,800       256,141  
      4,553       1,087       50       5,690       19,387       1,677,500       1,702,577  
                                                         
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
    12,141       2,584       1,283       16,008       1,550       855,545       873,103  
Home Equity
    5,823       1,277       954       8,054       7,931       553,660       569,645  
Direct
    831       191       140       1,162       378       71,827       73,367  
      18,795       4,052       2,377       25,224       9,859       1,481,032       1,516,115  
                                                         
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    2,003       139       763       2,905       9,044       569,562       581,511  
    $ 25,351     $ 5,278     $ 3,190     $ 33,819     $ 38,290     $ 3,728,094     $ 3,800,203  
 
There were no material commitments to extend further credit to borrowers with nonperforming loans. Within nonaccrual loans, there are approximately $2.3 million and $4.0 million of troubled debt restructured loans at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Impaired loans, which primarily consist of nonaccruing commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural, agricultural real estate and business banking loans were $26.9 million at June 30, 2012 and $22.4 million at December 31, 2011.

The methodology used to establish the allowance for loan losses on impaired loans incorporates specific allocations on loans analyzed individually.  Classified loans with outstanding balances of $500 thousand or more are evaluated for impairment through the Company’s quarterly status review process.  In determining that we will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreements, we consider factors such as payment history and changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, local economic conditions, historical loss experience and the conditions of the various markets in which the collateral may be liquidated.  For loans that are impaired as defined by accounting standards, impairment is measured by one of three methods: 1) the fair value of collateral less cost to sell, 2) present value of expected future cash flows or 3) the loan’s observable market price.  All impaired loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis for changes in the measurement of impairment.  For impaired loans measured using the present value of expected cash flow method, any change to the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized as a change to the allowance account and recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a component of the provision for credit losses.  At June 30, 2012, $6.2 million of the total impaired loans had a specific reserve allocation of $2.7 million compared to $.5 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2011 which had a specific reserve allocation of $0.2 million.
 
 
20

 
The following table provides additional information on impaired loans and specific reserve allocations as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Impaired Loans
                                   
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Recorded
   
Unpaid
         
Recorded
   
Unpaid
       
   
Investment
   
Principal
         
Investment
   
Principal
       
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Related
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Related
 
(in thousands)
 
(Book)
   
(Legal)
   
Allowance
   
(Book)
   
(Legal)
   
Allowance
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial Loans
                                   
Commercial
  $ 961     $ 1,261           $ 1,243     $ 2,723        
Commercial Real Estate
    7,364       9,163             4,868       7,165        
Agricultural
    2,818       3,754             3,307       4,166        
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,428       1,502             2,067       2,288        
Business Banking
    6,384       8,696             7,446       9,976        
Total Commercial Loans
    18,955       24,376             18,931       26,318        
                                             
Consumer Loans
                                           
Home Equity
    1,801       1,899             2,000       2,103        
                                             
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,121       1,275             1,040       1,125        
    $ 21,877     $ 27,550           $ 21,971     $ 29,546        
                                             
With an allowance recorded:
                                           
Commercial Loans
                                           
Commercial
  $ 6,173     $ 6,181     $ 2,724     $ 456     $ 808     $ 175  
Commercial Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
      6,173       6,181       2,724       456       808       175  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 28,050     $ 33,731     $ 2,724     $ 22,427     $ 30,354     $ 175  

The increase in commercial loans with a related allowance recorded from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012 is primarily due to the impairment of two commercial relationships during the six months ended June 30, 2012.
 
 
21

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

   
For the three months ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Average
   
Interest Income
   
Average
   
Interest Income
 
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
 
(in thousands)
 
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
   
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial Loans
                                   
Commercial
  $ 1,128     $ 1     $ 1     $ 3,349     $ 26     $ 26  
Commercial Real Estate
    7,140       39       39       4,315       24       24  
Agricultural
    2,876       64       64       2,485       18       18  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,876       5       5       1,720       21       21  
Business Banking
    6,572       41       41       7,930       89       89  
Consumer Loans
                                               
Home Equity
    1,828       17       17       2,437       24       24  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,055       43       43       1,058       13       13  
    $ 22,475     $ 210     $ 210     $ 23,294     $ 215     $ 215  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
  $ 5,010     $ 9     $ 9     $ 558     $ 19     $ 19  
Commercial Real Estate
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       1,521       67       67  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       706       13       13  
    $ 5,010     $ -     $ -     $ 2,785     $ 99     $ 99  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 27,485     $ 219     $ 219     $ 26,079     $ 314     $ 314  
 
 
22

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

   
For the six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Average
   
Interest Income
   
Average
   
Interest Income
 
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
   
Recorded
   
Recognized
 
(in thousands)
 
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
   
Investment
   
Accrual
   
Cash
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial Loans
                                   
Commercial
  $ 1,551     $ 15     $ 15     $ 3,041     $ 73     $ 73  
Commercial Real Estate
    6,481       54       54       4,039       45       45  
Agricultural
    2,997       108       108       2,597       45       45  
Agricultural Real Estate
    1,926       10       10       1,496       38       38  
Business Banking
    7,151       97       97       4,666       102       102  
Consumer Loans
                                               
Home Equity
    1,869       48       48       1,620       58       58  
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
    1,043       56       66       801       27       27  
    $ 23,018     $ 388     $ 388     $ 18,260     $ 388     $ 388  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
  $ 3,221     $ 9     $ 9     $ 1,226     $ 49     $ 49  
Commercial Real Estate
    -       -       -       573       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       1,571       67       67  
Agricultural Real Estate
    -       -       -       713       18       18  
    $ 3,221     $ 9     $ 9     $ 4,083     $ 134     $ 134  
                                                 
Total:
  $ 26,239     $ 397     $ 1,008     $ 22,343     $ 522     $ 522  

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

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

The Company has developed an internal loan grading system to evaluate and quantify the Bank’s loan portfolio with respect to quality and risk.  The system focuses on, among other things, financial strength of borrowers, experience and depth of borrower’s management, primary and secondary sources of repayment, payment history, nature of the business, and outlook on particular industries.  The internal grading system enables the Company to monitor the quality of the entire loan portfolio on a consistent basis and provide management with an early warning system, enabling recognition and response to problem loans and potential problem loans.

 
23

 
Commercial Grading System
 
For commercial and agricultural loans, the Company uses a grading system that relies on quantifiable and measurable characteristics when available.  This would include comparison of financial strength to available industry averages, comparison of transaction factors (loan terms and conditions) to loan policy, and comparison of credit history to stated repayment terms and industry averages. Some grading factors are necessarily more subjective such as economic and industry factors, regulatory environment, and management.  Classified commercial loans consist of loans graded substandard and below.  All classified loans with outstanding balances of $500 thousand or more are evaluated individually for impairment through the quarterly review process.  The grading system for commercial and agricultural loans is as follows:
 
 
·
Doubtful
 
A doubtful loan has a high probability of total or substantial loss, but because of specific pending events that may strengthen the asset, its classification as a loss is deferred. Doubtful borrowers are usually in default, lack adequate liquidity or capital, and lack the resources necessary to remain an operating entity. Pending events can include mergers, acquisitions, liquidations, capital injections, the perfection of liens on additional collateral, the valuation of collateral, and refinancing. Generally, pending events should be resolved within a relatively short period and the ratings will be adjusted based on the new information. Nonaccrual treatment is required for doubtful assets because of the high probability of loss.
 
 
·
Substandard
 
Substandard loans have a high probability of payment default, or they have other well-defined weaknesses. They require more intensive supervision by bank management. Substandard loans are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization. Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants. For some Substandard loans, the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt and should be placed on nonaccrual. Although Substandard assets in the aggregate will have a distinct potential for loss, an individual asset’s loss potential does not have to be distinct for the asset to be rated Substandard.
 
 
·
Special Mention
 
Special Mention loans have potential weaknesses that may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date. These loans pose elevated risk, but their weakness does not yet justify a Substandard classification. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends (declining revenues or margins) or may be struggling with an ill-proportioned balance sheet (e.g., increasing inventory without an increase in sales, high leverage, tight liquidity). Adverse economic or market conditions, such as interest rate increases or the entry of a new competitor, may also support a Special Mention rating. Although a Special Mention loan has a higher probability of default than a pass asset, its default is not imminent.
 
 
24

 
 
·
Pass
 
Loans graded as Pass encompass all loans not graded as Doubtful, Substandard, or Special Mention.  Pass loans are in compliance with loan covenants, and payments are generally made as agreed.  Pass loans range from superior quality to fair quality.
 
Business banking Grading System
 
Business banking loans are graded as either Classified or Non-classified:
 
 
·
Classified
 
Classified loans are inadequately protected by the current worth and paying capacity of the obligor or, if applicable, the collateral pledged.   These loans have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, or in some cases make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.   Classified loans have a high probability of payment default, or a high probability of total or substantial loss.  These loans require more intensive supervision by management and are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization.  Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants.  When the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt; classified loans are considered to have a nonaccrual status.   In some cases, Classified loans are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted.
 
 
·
Non-classified
 
Loans graded as Non-classified encompass all loans not graded as Classified.  Non-classified loans are in compliance with loan covenants, and payments are generally made as agreed.
 
Consumer and Residential Mortgage Grading System
 
Consumer and Residential Mortgage loans are graded as either Performing or Nonperforming.   Nonperforming loans are loans that are 1) over 90 days past due and interest is still accruing, 2) on nonaccrual status or 3) restructured.  All loans not meeting any of these three criteria are considered Performing.
 
 
25

 
The following tables illustrate the Company’s credit quality by loan class as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Credit Quality Indicators
As of June 30, 2012
 
Commercial Credit Exposure
 
 
   
Commercial
   
 
   
Agricultural
       
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
  $ 555,876     $ 950,168     $ 55,860     $ 29,348     $ 1,591,252  
Special Mention
    15,045       23,693       13       3       38,754  
Substandard
    22,752       43,269       7,534       4,662       78,217  
Doubtful
    2,978       -       58       -       3,036  
Total
  $ 596,651     $ 1,017,130     $ 63,465     $ 34,013     $ 1,711,259  
                                         
Business Banking Credit Exposure
  Business                                   
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Banking
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 235,403                             $ 235,403  
Classified
    17,005                               17,005  
Total
  $ 252,408                             $ 252,408  
                                         
Consumer Credit Exposure
                                       
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 921,720     $ 564,107     $ 69,483             $ 1,555,310  
Nonperforming
    2,055       9,063       328               11,446  
Total
  $ 923,775     $ 573,170     $ 69,811             $ 1,566,756  
                                         
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
 
Residential
                                 
By Payment Activity:
 
Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 621,812                             $ 621,812  
Nonperforming
    8,979                               8,979  
Total
  $ 630,791                             $ 630,791  
 
 
26

 
Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2011

Commercial Credit Exposure
 
 
   
Commercial
   
 
   
Agricultural
       
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
  $ 470,332     $ 758,673     $ 58,481     $ 28,927     $ 1,316,413  
Special Mention
    10,346       24,478       42       10       34,876  
Substandard
    29,940       51,748       7,945       4,989       94,622  
Doubtful
    456       -       69       -       525  
Total
  $ 511,074     $ 834,899     $ 66,537     $ 33,926     $ 1,446,436  
                                         
Business Banking Credit Exposure
 
Business
                                 
By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Banking
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
  $ 237,887                             $ 237,887  
Classified
    18,254                               18,254  
Total
  $ 256,141                             $ 256,141  
                                         
Consumer Credit Exposure
                                       
By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 870,270     $ 560,760     $ 72,849             $ 1,503,879  
Nonperforming
    2,833       8,885       518               12,236  
Total
  $ 873,103     $ 569,645     $ 73,367             $ 1,516,115  
                                         
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
 
Residential
                                 
By Payment Activity:
 
Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
  $ 571,704                             $ 571,704  
Nonperforming
    9,807                               9,807  
Total
  $ 581,511                             $ 581,511  
 
Modifications
 
The Company’s loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified in a TDR, where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties.  These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions.  Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.
 
When the Company modifies a loan, management evaluates any possible impairment based on the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the collateral.  In these cases, management uses the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows.  If management determines that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized by segment or class of loan as applicable, through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.  Segment and class status is determined by the loan’s classification at origination.
 
 
27

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

Modifications made during the three month period ending June 30, 2011 consisted of four home equity loans totaling $0.1 million and one residential real estate mortgage totaling $0.1 million.   For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the three month period ending June 30, 2011, there were six subsequent home equity loan defaults which were modified within the previous 12 months and three subsequent residential real estate mortgage defaults which were modified within the previous 12 months.

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

Modifications made during the six month period ending June 30, 2011 consisted of twenty-five home equity loans totaling $2.3 million and four residential real estate mortgages totaling $0.8 million.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged.  During the six month period ending June 30, 2011, there were seven subsequent home equity loan defaults which were modified within the previous 12 months and three subsequent residential real estate mortgage defaults which were modified within the previous 12 months.

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 and restricted stock units).
 
 
28

 
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,
 
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
Basic EPS:
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,191       34,044  
Net income available to common shareholders
    13,257       14,655  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.40     $ 0.43  
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,191       34,044  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
    301       276  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    33,492       34,320  
Net income available to common shareholders
    13,257       14,655  
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.40     $ 0.43  
                 
Six months ended June 30,
    2012       2011  
(in thousands, except per share data)
               
Basic EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,128       34,189  
Net income available to common shareholders
    26,907       28,962  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.81     $ 0.85  
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,128       34,189  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
    325       303  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    33,453       34,492  
Net income available to common shareholders
    26,907       28,962  
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.80     $ 0.84  

There were 1,271,116 stock options for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 and 1,240,099 stock options for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.

There were 1,209,201 stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 867,397 stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2011 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.
 
 
29

 
Note 8.
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans

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

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

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

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

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Three months ended June 30,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
  $ 757     $ 668     $ 5     $ 5  
Interest cost
    774       874       40       57  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,675 )     (1,914 )     -       -  
Net amortization
    859       407       (3 )     9  
Total cost (benefit)
  $ 715     $ 35     $ 42     $ 71  
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
Six months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
  2012     2011     2012     2011  
Service cost
  $ 1,513     $ 1,335     $ 10     $ 10  
Interest cost
    1,548       1,747       79       114  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,350 )     (3,828 )     -       -  
Net amortization
    1,718       813       (5 )     18  
Total cost (benefit)
  $ 1,429     $ 67     $ 84     $ 142  

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

Market conditions can result in an unusually high degree of volatility and increase the risks and short term liquidity associated with certain investments held by the Company’s defined benefit pension plan (“the Plan”) which could impact the value of these investments.
 
 
30

 
Note 9.
Trust Preferred Debentures

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

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

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

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

Note  10.
Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
 
 
31

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2012, the Company has made no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2, and has had no Level 3 activity.
 
 
32

 
The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis that were accounted for at fair value.  Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):
 
   
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
       
   
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
Balance
 
   
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
as of
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
June 30, 2012
 
Assets:
                       
Securities Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 74,763     $ -     $ -     $ 74,763  
Federal Agency
    -       301,075       -       301,075  
State & municipal
    -       98,682       -       98,682  
Mortgage-backed
    -       303,763       -       303,763  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       432,478       -       432,478  
Other securities
    8,863       2,082       -       10,945  
Total Securities Available for Sale
  $ 83,626     $ 1,138,080     $ -     $ 1,221,706  
Trading Securities
    3,641       -       -       3,641  
Interest Rate Swaps
    -       1,404       -       1,404  
Total
  $ 87,267     $ 1,139,484     $ -     $ 1,226,751  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
  $ -     $ 1,404     $ -     $ 1,404  
Total
  $ -     $ 1,404     $ -     $ 1,404  
 
   
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
       
   
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
Balance
 
   
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
as of
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
December 31, 2011
 
Assets:
                       
Securities Available for Sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 82,233     $ -     $ -     $ 82,233  
Federal Agency
    -       255,846       -       255,846  
State & municipal
    -       104,789       -       104,789  
Mortgage-backed
    -       325,397       -       325,397  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       465,475       -       465,475  
Other securities
    8,825       2,054       -       10,879  
Total Securities Available for Sale
  $ 91,058     $ 1,153,561     $ -     $ 1,244,619  
Trading Securities
    3,062       -       -       3,062  
Total
  $ 94,120     $ 1,153,561     $ -     $ 1,247,681  

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

 
33


U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis such as goodwill, loans held for sale, other real estate owned, lease residuals, collateral-dependent impaired loans, mortgage servicing rights, and held-to-maturity securities.  The only nonrecurring fair value measurement recorded during the six month period ended June 30, 2012 was related to impaired loans.  The Company uses the fair value of underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to estimate the specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans.  Based on the valuation techniques used, the fair value measurements for collateral dependent impaired loans are classified as Level 3.
 
The following table sets forth information with regard to estimated fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value.  Financial instruments for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, trading securities, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings, accrued interest payable, trust preferred debentures, and interest rate swaps.
 
         
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Fair
Value
Hierarchy
   
Carrying
amount
   
Estimated
fair value
   
Carrying
amount
   
Estimated
fair value
 
Financial assets
                             
Securities held to maturity
    2       64,387       65,556       70,811       72,198  
Net loans
    3       4,090,480       4,182,171       3,728,869       3,821,640  
Financial liabilities
                                       
Time deposits
    2       1,052,578       1,064,503       933,127       942,436  
Long-term debt
    2       367,147       419,373       370,344       427,107  
 
1. Lease receivables, although excluded from the scope of SFAS No. 107, are included in the estimated fair value amounts at their carrying amounts.
 
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For example, the Company has a substantial trust and investment management operation that contributes net fee income annually. The trust and investment management operation is not considered a financial instrument, and its value has not been incorporated into the fair value estimates. Other significant assets and liabilities include the benefits resulting from the low-cost funding of deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market, and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimate of fair value.
 
 
34

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

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

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

Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.
 
Note 10. 
Securities

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

(In thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Unrealized
gains
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Estimated fair
 value
 
June 30, 2012
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 73,828     $ 937     $ 2     $ 74,763  
Federal Agency
    300,041       1,072       38       301,075  
State & municipal
    94,049       4,633       -       98,682  
Mortgage-backed
    288,902       14,861       -       303,763  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    425,714       6,772       8       432,478  
Other securities
    8,704       2,328       87       10,945  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,191,238     $ 30,603     $ 135     $ 1,221,706  
December 31, 2011
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 81,006     $ 1,228     $ -     $ 82,234  
Federal Agency
    254,983       879       16       255,846  
State & municipal
    99,176       5,624       11       104,789  
Mortgage-backed
    310,767       14,629       -       325,396  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    459,067       6,458       51       465,474  
Other securities
    8,935       2,021       76       10,880  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,213,934     $ 30,839     $ 154     $ 1,244,619  
 
 
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In the available for sale category at June 30, 2012, federal agency securities were comprised of Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) securities; mortgaged-backed securities were comprised of GSE securities with an amortized cost of $270.4 million and a fair value of $283.5 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $18.5 million and a fair value of $20.3 million; collateralized mortgage obligations were comprised of GSE securities with an amortized cost of $378.5 million and a fair value of $383.5 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $47.2 million and a fair value of $49.0 million.

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

Others securities primarily represent marketable equity securities.

Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were $1.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012, and gains on the sales were $0.4 million.  Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were nominal during the six month period ending June 30, 2011, and gains on these sales were negligible.
 
Securities available for sale with amortized costs totaling $1.2 billion at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.  Additionally, at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, securities available for sale with an amortized cost of $229.0 million and $141.7 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for securities sold under repurchase agreements.

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

   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Estimated
 
(In thousands)
 
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
fair value
 
June 30, 2012
                       
Mortgage-backed
  $ 1,319     $ 205     $ -     $ 1,524  
State & municipal
    63,068       964       -       64,032  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 64,387     $ 1,169     $ -     $ 65,556  
December 31, 2011
                               
Mortgage-backed
  $ 1,447     $ 213     $ -     $ 1,660  
State & municipal
    69,364       1,174       -       70,538  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 70,811     $ 1,387     $ -     $ 72,198  

 
36

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

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
Security Type:
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Number
of
Positions
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Number
of
Positions
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Number
of
Positions
 
                                                       
June 30, 2012
                                                     
U.S. Treasury
  $ 2,987     $ (2 )     1     $ -     $ -       -     $ 2,987     $ (2 )     1  
Federal agency
    9,961       (38 )     1       -       -       -       9,961       (38 )     1  
State & municipal
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Mortgage-backed
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    14,105       (8 )     1       -       -       -       14,105       (8 )     1  
Other securities
    161       (87 )     1       -       -       -       161       (87 )     1  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  $ 27,214     $ (135 )     4     $ -     $ -       -     $ 27,214     $ (135 )     4  
                                                                         
December 31, 2011
                                                                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
Federal agency
    34,996       (16 )     3       -       -       -       34,996       (16 )     3  
State & municipal
    957       (10 )     3       377       (1 )     2       1,334       (11 )     5  
Mortgage-backed
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    27,368       (51 )     3       -       -       -       27,368       (51 )     3  
Other securities
    645       (76 )     2       -       -       -       645       (76 )     2  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  $ 63,966     $ (153 )     11     $ 377     $ (1 )     2     $ 64,343     $ (154 )     13  
 
Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses or in other comprehensive income, depending on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss.  If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.  If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security.
 
 
37

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

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

(In thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated
fair value
 
Debt securities classified as available for sale
           
Within one year
  $ 26,241     $ 26,417  
From one to five years
    305,807       308,517  
From five to ten years
    267,862       276,625  
After ten years
    582,624       599,202  
    $ 1,182,534     $ 1,210,761  
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
               
Within one year
  $ 26,283     $ 26,345  
From one to five years
    28,567       29,396  
From five to ten years
    6,634       6,706  
After ten years
    2,903       3,109  
    $ 64,387     $ 65,556  

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

Except for U.S. Government securities, there were no holdings, when taken in the aggregate, of any single issuer that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2012.
 
 
38

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

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

Forward-looking Statements

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

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

Unless required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligations to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
 
 
39

 
Critical Accounting Policies

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

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

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

Overview

Significant factors management reviews to evaluate the Company’s operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to:  net income and earnings per share, return on assets and equity, net interest margin, noninterest income, operating expenses, asset quality indicators, loan and deposit growth, capital management, liquidity and interest rate sensitivity, enhancements to customer products and services, technology advancements, market share and peer comparisons.  The following information should be considered in connection with the Company's results for the first six months of 2012:
 
 
·
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $26.9 million, down $2.1 million, or 7.1%, from the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Net income per diluted share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $0.80 per share, down from $0.84 for the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
 
·
Net interest margin (on a fully taxable equivalent basis (“FTE”)) was 3.86% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to 4.12% for the same period in 2011.
 
 
·
Capital ratios at June 30, 2012 declined slightly when compared to December 31, 2011:
 
 
40

 
 
o
Tier 1 Leverage ratio decreased from 8.74% to 8.59%
 
 
o
Tier 1 Capital ratio decreased from 11.56% to 10.78%
 
 
o
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio decreased from 12.81% to 12.03%
 
 
·
Past due loans as a percentage of total loans showed significant improvement to 0.54% at June 30, 2012, as compared with 0.89% at December 31, 2011.
 
 
·
Net charge-offs improved to 0.48% of average loans for the first six months of 2012, down 8 bps from 0.56% for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
·
The provision for loan losses was $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, down from $10.0 million for the same period in 2011.
 
 
·
Annualized return on average assets was 0.94% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, down from 1.08% for the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
 
·
Annualized return on average equity was 9.89% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, down from 10.82% for the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
 
·
Continued strategic expansion in the first half of 2012:
 
 
o
In New York: Completed the acquisition of three branches in Greene County and customer balances of a branch in Schoharie County on January 21, 2012.
 
 
o
In Massachusetts: Opened a fifth Massachusetts branch in Lenox on February 7, 2012.
 
 
o
Successfully completed the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank on June 8, 2012.
 
The following table depicts several annualized measurements of performance using U.S. GAAP net income that management reviews in analyzing the Company’s performance. Returns on average assets and average equity measure how effectively an entity utilizes its total resources and capital, respectively. Net interest margin, which is the net federal taxable equivalent (FTE) interest income divided by average earning assets, is a measure of an entity's ability to utilize its earning assets in relation to the cost of funding. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans is adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
2012
 
First
Quarter
   
Second
Quarter
   
Six
Months
 
Return on average assets (ROAA)
    0.97 %     0.92 %     0.94 %
Return on average equity (ROAE)
    10.12 %     9.66 %     9.89 %
Net Interest Margin
    3.90 %     3.82 %     3.86 %
                         
2011
                       
Return on average assets (ROAA)
    1.08 %     1.09 %     1.08 %
Return on average equity (ROAE)
    10.78 %     10.86 %     10.82 %
Net Interest Margin
    4.11 %     4.13 %     4.12 %
 
Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets, primarily loans and securities, and interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and borrowings.  Net interest income is affected by the interest rate spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and cost of interest bearing liabilities, as well as the volumes of such assets and liabilities. Net interest income is one of the key determining factors in a financial institution’s performance as it is the principal source of earnings.
 
 
41

 
FTE net interest income decreased $0.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011.  The Company experienced a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets of 45 bp to 4.49% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from 4.94% for the same period in 2011.  This decrease was partially offset by a decrease of 17 bp on the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The interest rate spread decreased to 3.61% during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 3.89% for the same period in 2011.  The net interest margin decreased by 31 bp to 3.82% for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared with 4.13% for the same period in 2011.

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, total interest income decreased $1.6 million, or 2.7%, from the same period in 2011 as a result of the decrease in the yield earned on earning assets.  The yield on securities available for sale decreased 58 bp to 2.53% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from 3.11% for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  This decrease was due to the decreasing rate environment from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012 resulting in reinvestment of cash flows from maturing securities into lower yielding securities.  In addition, the yield on loans decreased 47 bp to 5.18% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from 5.65% for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Average interest earning assets increased approximately $356.7 million, or 7.2%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest income attributed to the decrease in the yields on earning assets.  This increase in average earning assets was attributed to aforementioned acquisition activity, as well as strong organic loan growth.

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, total interest expense decreased $1.2 million, or 11.9%, from the three months ended June 30, 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities from 1.05% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.88% for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average interest bearing deposits decreased 18 bp from 0.74% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.56% for the same period in 2012.  The rate paid on average time deposits decreased from 1.85% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to 1.52% for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average money market deposit accounts decreased from 0.37% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.19% for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Going forward, additional rate reductions on deposits could be more difficult as deposit rates are at or near their floors.

Average interest bearing liabilities increased approximately $214.8 million, or 5.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest expense attributed to the decrease in the rates on interest bearing liabilities.  The primary driver of this offset was an increase in average time deposits and savings deposits due to the aforementioned acquisition for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011.

FTE net interest income decreased $0.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011.  The Company experienced a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets of 42 bp to 4.55% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 4.97% for the same period in 2011.  This decrease was partially offset by a decrease of 19 bp on the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The interest rate spread decreased to 3.65% during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 3.88% for the same period in 2011.  The net interest margin decreased by 26 bp to 3.86% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared with 4.12% for the same period in 2011.

 
42


For the six months ended June 30, 2012, total interest income decreased $3.1 million, or 2.5%, from the same period in 2011 as a result of the decrease in the yield earned on earning assets.  The yield on securities available for sale decreased 55 bp to 2.57% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 3.12% for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  This decrease was due to the decreasing rate environment from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012 resulting in reinvestment of cash flows from maturing securities into lower yielding securities.  In addition, the yield on loans decreased 44 bp to 5.25% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 5.69% for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Average interest earning assets increased approximately $289.9 million, or 5.8%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest income attributed to the decrease in the yields on earning assets.  This increase in average earning assets was attributed to aforementioned acquisition activity, as well as strong organic loan growth.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, total interest expense decreased $2.8 million, or 13.3%, from the six months ended June 30, 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities from 1.09% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.90% for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average interest bearing deposits decreased 17 bp from 0.76% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.59% for the same period in 2012.  The rate paid on average time deposits decreased from 1.87% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 1.58% for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The rate paid on average money market deposit accounts decreased from 0.39% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.21% for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Going forward, additional rate reductions on deposits could be more difficult as deposit rates are at or near their floors.

Average interest bearing liabilities increased approximately $158.7 million, or 4.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, which partially offset the decrease in total interest expense attributed to the decrease in the rates on interest bearing liabilities.  The primary driver of this offset was an increase in average time deposits and savings deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
 
43

 
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
The following tables include the condensed consolidated average balance sheet, an analysis of interest income/expense and average yield/rate for each major category of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities on a taxable equivalent basis. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
Three Months ended June 30,

          2012                
2011
       
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
   
 
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ 102,192     $ 84       0.33 %   $ 128,799     $ 111       0.35 %
Securities available for sale (1)(excluding unrealized gains or losses)
    1,208,384       7,605       2.53 %     1,098,964       8,512       3.11 %
Securities held to maturity (1)
    68,472       931       5.47 %     85,615       1,125       5.27 %
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    27,886       328       4.73 %     27,071       329       4.87 %
Loans (2)
    3,938,592       50,741       5.18 %     3,648,343       51,359       5.65 %
Total interest earning assets
  $ 5,345,526     $ 59,689       4.49 %   $ 4,988,792     $ 61,436       4.94 %
Other assets
    465,058                       424,187                  
Total assets
  $ 5,810,584                     $ 5,412,979                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Money market deposit accounts
  $ 1,115,812       539       0.19 %   $ 1,091,001     $ 1,009       0.37 %
NOW deposit accounts
    704,896       480       0.27 %     672,345       627       0.37 %
Savings deposits
    676,794       127       0.08 %     607,533       182       0.12 %
Time deposits
    973,051       3,688       1.52 %     919,590       4,233       1.85 %
Total interest bearing deposits
  $ 3,470,553     $ 4,834       0.56 %   $ 3,290,469     $ 6,051       0.74 %
Short-term borrowings
    171,545       48       0.11 %     135,618       52       0.15 %
Trust preferred debentures
    75,422       434       2.31 %     75,422       400       2.13 %
Long-term debt
    368,251       3,580       3.91 %     369,459       3,591       3.90 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 4,085,771     $ 8,896       0.88 %   $ 3,870,968     $ 10,094       1.05 %
Demand deposits
    1,111,804                       932,066                  
Other liabilities
    61,144                       68,596                  
Stockholders' equity
    551,865                       541,349                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,810,584                     $ 5,412,979                  
Net interest income (FTE)
            50,793                       51,342          
Interest rate spread
                    3.61 %                     3.89 %
Net interest margin
                    3.82 %                     4.13 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
            1,042                       1,178          
Net interest income
          $ 49,751                     $ 50,164          
 
(1) Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2) For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances
 
 
44

 
Six Months ended June 30,
 
   
 
   
2012
   
 
   
 
   
2011
   
 
 
   
Average
   
 
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
 
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ 91,159     $ 120       0.26 %   $ 135,019     $ 180       0.27 %
Securities available for sale (1)(excluding unrealized gains or losses)
    1,210,575       15,460       2.57 %     1,098,506       17,013       3.12 %
Securities held to maturity (1)
    69,507       1,896       5.48 %     89,833       2,327       5.22 %
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    27,453       685       5.02 %     27,158       754       5.60 %
Loans (2)
    3,874,027       101,184       5.25 %     3,632,355       102,451       5.69 %
Total interest earning assets
  $ 5,272,721     $ 119,345       4.55 %   $ 4,982,871     $ 122,725       4.97 %
Other assets
    462,300                       422,191                  
Total assets
  $ 5,735,021                     $ 5,405,062                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Money market deposit accounts
  $ 1,102,579       1,151       0.21 %   $ 1,088,456     $ 2,125       0.39 %
NOW deposit accounts
    699,917       1,010       0.29 %     685,171       1,261       0.37 %
Savings deposits
    659,381       242       0.07 %     591,043       347       0.12 %
Time deposits
    964,701       7,574       1.58 %     925,528       8,605       1.87 %
Total interest bearing deposits
  $ 3,426,578     $ 9,977       0.59 %   $ 3,290,198     $ 12,338       0.76 %
Short-term borrowings
    167,176       89       0.11 %     144,447       110       0.15 %
Trust preferred debentures
    75,422       883       2.35 %     75,422       1,289       3.45 %
Long-term debt
    369,323       7,161       3.90 %     369,717       7,162       3.91 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
  $ 4,038,499     $ 18,110       0.90 %   $ 3,879,784     $ 20,899       1.09 %
Demand deposits
    1,087,180                       918,483                  
Other liabilities
    62,096                       67,006                  
Stockholders' equity
    547,246                       539,789                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,735,021                     $ 5,405,062                  
Net interest income (FTE)
            101,235                       101,826          
Interest rate spread
                    3.65 %                     3.88 %
Net interest margin
                    3.86 %                     4.12 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
            2,092                       2,410          
Net interest income
          $ 99,143                     $ 99,416          
 
(1) Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2) For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding

 
45

 
The following table presents changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume (change in average balance multiplied by prior year rate), changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), and the net change in net interest income. The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.
 
Analysis of Changes in Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income

Three months ended June 30,
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2012 over 2011
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                   
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ (22 )   $ (5 )   $ (27 )
Securities available for sale
    4,105       (5,012 )     (907 )
Securities held to maturity
    (449 )     255       (194 )
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    39       (40 )     (1 )
Loans
    16,366       (16,984 )     (618 )
Total interest income
    20,039       (21,786 )     (1,747 )
                         
Money market deposit accounts
    154       (624 )     (470 )
NOW deposit accounts
    184       (331 )     (147 )
Savings deposits
    114       (169 )     (55 )
Time deposits
    1,344       (1,889 )     (545 )
Short-term borrowings
    54       (58 )     (4 )
Trust preferred debentures
    -       34       34  
Long-term debt
    (50 )     39       (11 )
Total interest expense
    1,800       (2,998 )     (1,198 )
                         
Change in FTE net interest income
  $ 18,239     $ (18,788 )   $ (549 )
 
Six months ended June 30,
     
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2012 over 2011
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                         
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  $ (57 )   $ (3 )   $ (60 )
Securities available for sale
    3,881       (5,434 )     (1,553 )
Securities held to maturity
    (728 )     297       (431 )
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    23       (92 )     (69 )
Loans
    14,118       (15,385 )     (1,267 )
Total interest income
    17,237       (20,617 )     (3,380 )
                         
Money market deposit accounts
    82       (1,056 )     (974 )
NOW deposit accounts
    77       (328 )     (251 )
Savings deposits
    99       (204 )     (105 )
Time deposits
    940       (1,971 )     (1,031 )
Short-term borrowings
    39       (60 )     (21 )
Trust preferred debentures
    -       (406 )     (406 )
Long-term debt
    -       (1 )     (1 )
Total interest expense
    1,237       (4,026 )     (2,789 )
                         
Change in FTE net interest income
  $ 16,000     $ (16,591 )   $ (591 )
 
 
46

 
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is a significant source of revenue for the Company and an important factor in the Company’s results of operations.  The following table sets forth information by category of noninterest income for the periods indicated:

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands)
                       
Insurance and other financial services revenue
  $ 5,279     $ 5,025     $ 11,433     $ 10,798  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    4,571       5,455       8,912       10,527  
ATM and debit card fees
    3,063       2,928       6,025       5,596  
Retirement plan administration fees
    2,411       2,268       4,744       4,439  
Trust
    2,312       2,258       4,441       4,294  
Bank owned life insurance
    618       660       1,589       1,695  
Net securities gains
    97       59       552       86  
Other
    2,331       1,208       6,042       2,552  
Total noninterest income
  $ 20,682     $ 19,861     $ 43,738     $ 39,987  

Noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $20.7 million, up 4.1% or $0.8 million, compared with $19.9 million for the same period in 2011.  Insurance and other financial services revenue increased approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the acquisition of an insurance agency in May 2011.  Other noninterest income increased approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. This increase was due primarily to an increase in mortgage banking activity during the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in service charges on deposit accounts of approximately $0.9 million, or 16.2%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in overdraft fee income.

Noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $43.7 million, up 9.4% or $3.7 million, compared with $40.0 million for the same period in 2011.  Insurance and other financial services revenue increased approximately $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the acquisition of an insurance agency during the second quarter of 2011 and an increase in brokerage commission revenue from new business.  ATM and debit card fees increased approximately $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011, due primarily to an increase in card usage. Other noninterest income increased approximately $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to June 30, 2011. This increase was due primarily to a $1.1 million payoff gain on a purchased commercial real estate loan, as well as a prepayment penalty fee collected of $0.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 related to a previously disclosed loss of a retirement plan client.  In addition, mortgage banking revenue increased approximately $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 as the Company sold certain residential mortgages as market conditions warranted.  The Company also realized net securities gains of approximately $0.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in service charges on deposit accounts of approximately $1.6 million, or 15.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in overdraft fee income.

 
47


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,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands)
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 24,992     $ 24,035     $ 51,717     $ 49,039  
Occupancy
    4,222       3,987       8,713       8,509  
Data processing and communications
    3,431       3,117       6,689       6,031  
Professional fees and outside services
    2,388       2,088       5,113       4,154  
Equipment
    2,409       2,180       4,789       4,370  
Office supplies and postage
    1,574       1,342       3,245       2,887  
FDIC expenses
    942       965       1,873       2,461  
Advertising
    805       1,033       1,607       1,601  
Amortization of intangible assets
    841       771       1,660       1,504  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    799       443       1,437       1,162  
Merger expenses
    826       -       1,337       -  
Other
    4,161       3,196       7,684       6,500  
Total noninterest expense
  $ 47,390     $ 43,157     $ 95,864     $ 88,218  

Noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $47.4 million, up $4.2 million or 9.8%, for the same period in 2011.  Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.0 million, or 4.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due primarily to increases in full-time-equivalent employees from acquisitions, merit increases, and increased pension expenses. Data processing and communications expenses increased approximately $0.3 million, or 10.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, due primarily to expansion into the new markets.  Loan collection and other real estate owned expenses increased $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  Merger related expenses totaled $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, which also contributed to the increase in noninterest expense for the period.

Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $95.9 million, up $7.6 million or 8.7%, for the same period in 2011. Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.7 million, or 5.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due primarily to increases in full-time-equivalent employees from acquisitions, merit increases, and increased pension expenses. Professional fees and outside services increased $1.0 million, or 23.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. Data processing and communications expenses increased approximately $0.7 million, or 10.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, due primarily to expansion into the new markets.  Merger related expenses totaled $1.3 million in the first six months of 2012, which also contributed to the increase in noninterest expense for the period.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) expenses of approximately $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. This decrease was due to the FDIC redefining the deposit insurance assessment base effective the second quarter of 2011.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 was $5.7 million, down from $6.2 million for the same period in 2011. The effective tax rate was 30.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to 29.7% for the same period in 2011.  Income tax expense for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 was $11.5 million, down from $12.2 million for the same period in 2011. The effective tax rate was 30.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to 29.7% for the same period in 2011.

 
48

 
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities

Average total earning securities increased $92.3 million, or 7.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  The average balance of securities available for sale increased $109.4 million, or 10.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the increase in liquidity provided by deposits acquired in the aforementioned acquisitions.  The average balance of securities held to maturity decreased $17.1 million, or 20.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to the scheduled run-off of municipal securities in the held to maturity portfolio.  The average total securities portfolio represents 23.9% of total average earning assets for the three months ended June 30, 2012, up from 23.7% for the same period in 2011.

Average total earning securities increased $91.7 million, or 7.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  The average balance of securities available for sale increased $112.1 million, or 10.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase was due primarily to the increase in liquidity provided by deposits acquired in the aforementioned acquisitions.  The average balance of securities held to maturity decreased $20.3 million, or 22.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  This decrease was due primarily to the scheduled run-off of municipal securities in the held to maturity portfolio.  The average total securities portfolio represents 24.3% of total average earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2012, up from 23.8% for the same period in 2011.

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

   
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
With maturities 15 years or less
    21 %     21 %
With maturities greater than 15 years
    2 %     3 %
Collateral mortgage obligations
    33 %     35 %
Municipal securities
    12 %     13 %
US agency notes
    29 %     25 %
Other
    3 %     3 %
Total
    100 %     100 %

The Company’s mortgage backed securities, U.S. agency notes, and collateralized mortgage obligations are all “prime/conforming” and are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Farm Credit Banks, or Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”).  GNMA securities are considered equivalent to U.S. Treasury securities, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  Currently, there are no subprime mortgages in our investment portfolio.
 
 
49

 
Loans

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

(In thousands)
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Residential real estate mortgages
  $ 630,791     $ 581,511  
Commercial
    691,055       611,298  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    1,066,039       888,879  
Real estate construction and development
    99,236       93,977  
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
    107,337       108,423  
Consumer
    993,586       946,470  
Home equity
    573,170       569,645  
Total loans
  $ 4,161,214     $ 3,800,203  

Total loans increased by $361.0 million, or 9.5%, at June 30, 2012 from December 31, 2011, and represent approximately 69.7% of assets, as compared to 67.9% of total assets at December 31, 2011.  Commercial real estate loans increased approximately $177.2 million from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012, primarily from the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank in June 2012.  Commercial loans increased approximately $79.8 million, or 13.0%, from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012, primarily from strong organic loan growth.  Residential real estate loans increased by approximately $49.3 million, or 8.5%, from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012, due primarily the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank.  Consumer loans increased approximately $47.1 million, or 5.0%, due primarily to strong organic growth.

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

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

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

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

 
50


After a thorough consideration and validation of the factors discussed above, required additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses.  These charges are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of the overall inherent risk of probable loss in the portfolio.  While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additions or reductions to the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another.  These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans was 1.70% at June 30, 2012, compared to 1.88% at December 31, 2012.  This reduction was due primarily to the addition of the Hampshire First loans that were recorded at fair value at acquisition.  As acquired loans do not have a related allowance recorded, this resulted in a decrease of 11 basis points in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans as of June 30, 2012.  Management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate based on evaluation and analysis of the loan portfolio.
 
 
51

 
The following table reflects changes to the allowance for loan losses for the periods presented. The allowance is increased by provisions for losses charged to operations and is reduced by net charge-offs. Charge-offs are made when the ability to collect loan principal within a reasonable time becomes unlikely. Any recoveries of previously charged-off loans are credited directly to the allowance for loan losses.
 
Allowance For Loan Losses
     
   
Three months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
June 30, 2012
   
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 71,334           $ 69,934        
Recoveries
    977             1,131        
Chargeoffs
    (5,680 )  
 
      (6,602 )  
 
 
Net chargeoffs
    (4,703 )           (5,471 )      
Provision for loan losses
    4,103    
 
      6,021    
 
 
Balance, end of period
  $ 70,734    
 
    $ 70,484    
 
 
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
         
 
           
 
 
Commercial and agricultural
  $ (1,350 )     29 %   $ (2,114 )     39 %
Real estate mortgage
    (285 )     6 %     (411 )     8 %
Consumer
    (3,068 )     65 %     (2,946 )     53 %
Net chargeoffs
  $ (4,703 )     100 %   $ (5,471 )     100 %
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
    0.48 %             0.60 %        
 
Allowance For Loan Losses
     
   
Six months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
June 30, 2012
   
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 71,334           $ 71,234        
Recoveries
    2,046             2,128        
Chargeoffs
    (11,220 )  
 
      (12,864 )  
 
 
Net chargeoffs
    (9,174 )           (10,736 )      
Provision for loan losses
    8,574    
 
      9,986    
 
 
Balance, end of period
  $ 70,734    
 
    $ 70,484    
 
 
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
         
 
           
 
 
Commercial and agricultural
  $ (2,095 )     23 %   $ (4,564 )     43 %
Real estate mortgage
    (634 )     7 %     (509 )     5 %
Consumer
    (6,445 )     70 %     (5,663 )     52 %
Net chargeoffs
  $ (9,174 )     100 %   $ (10,736 )     100 %
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
    0.48 %             0.60 %        

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing, restructured loans, OREO, and nonperforming securities. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when principal or interest payments become ninety days past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans may also be placed on nonaccrual when circumstances indicate that the borrower may be unable to meet the contractual principal or interest payments. OREO represents property acquired through foreclosure and is valued at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less any estimated disposal costs.  Nonperforming securities include securities which management believes are other-than-temporarily impaired, are carried at their estimated fair value and are not accruing interest.
 
 
52

 
Nonperforming Assets
                       
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
  $ 24,646       56 %   $ 17,506       46 %
Real estate mortgages
    7,845       18 %     8,090       21 %
Consumer
    9,141       21 %     8,724       23 %
Troubled debt restructured loans
    2,292       5 %     3,970       10 %
Total nonaccrual loans
    43,924       100 %     38,290       100 %
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
                               
Commercial and agricultural loans and  real estate
    -       0 %     50       2 %
Real estate mortgages
    97       6 %     763       24 %
Consumer
    1,532       94 %     2,377       74 %
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
    1,629       100 %     3,190       100 %
                                 
Total nonperforming loans
    45,553               41,480          
Other real estate owned (OREO)
    1,815               2,160          
Total nonperforming assets
    47,368               43,640          
Total nonperforming loans to total loans
    1.09 %             1.09 %        
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.79 %             0.78 %        
Total allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
    155.28 %             171.97 %        

Loans over 60 days past due but not over 90 days past due were 0.10% of total loans as of June 30, 2012, compared to 0.14% of total loans as of December 31, 2011.  In addition to nonperforming loans, the Company has also identified approximately $79.2 million in potential problem loans at June 30, 2012 as compared to $96.9 million at December 31, 2011.  At June 30, 2012, potential problem loans primarily consisted of commercial real estate and commercial and agricultural loans.  Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but known information about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in classification of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future.  Potential problem loans are typically defined as loans that are performing but are classified by the Company’s loan rating system as “substandard.”  Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions may worsen or other factors which may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses.

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $4.1 million during the second quarter of 2012 compared with $6.0 million during the second quarter of 2011.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were 0.48%, compared with 0.60% for three months ended June 30, 2011.  The Company’s allowance for loan losses decreased to 1.70% of loans at June 30, 2012, compared with 1.88% at December 31, 2011.  This reduction was due primarily to the addition of the Hampshire First loans that were recorded at fair value at acquisition.  As acquired loans do not have a related allowance recorded, this resulted in a decrease of 11 basis points in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans as of June 30, 2012.  Specific reserves on impaired loans totaled $2.7 million at June 30, 2012 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2011.  General allocations decreased to $67.9 million at June 30, 2012 from $71.1 million at December 31, 2011.

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $8.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared with $10.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were 0.48%, compared with 0.60% for six months ended June 30, 2011.

 
53


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

Deposits

Total deposits were $4.7 billion at June 30, 2012, up $321.8 million, or 7.4%, from December 31, 2011, due primarily to the acquisition of Hampshire First Bank in June 2012.  Savings, NOW and money market accounts increased to $2.5 billion as of June 30, 2012 as compared with $2.4 billion at December 31, 2011.  Time deposits increased $119.5 million, or 12.8%, from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012.  Demand deposits increased by $99.7 million, or 9.5%, from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

Total average deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2012 increased $359.8 million, or 8.5%, from the same period in 2011, due primarily to recent branch acquisitions as well as the aforementioned acquisition.  Average savings accounts increased $69.3 million, or 11.4%, for the three month period ending June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase in average savings accounts was primarily due to recent branch acquisitions, the aforementioned acquisition, and a run-off of time deposit accounts into savings accounts, due to a decline in interest rates offered on time deposits.  Average time deposits increased $53.5 million, or 5.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, due to recent branch acquisitions as well as the aforementioned acquisition, partially offset by a run-off to savings accounts.  Average demand deposit accounts increased $179.7 million, or 19.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This was due primarily to an increasing customer base, as the Company continues to expand into new markets.

Total average deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2012 increased $305.1 million, or 7.2%, from the same period in 2011, due primarily to recent branch acquisitions.  Average savings accounts increased $68.3 million, or 11.6%, for the six month period ending June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase in average savings accounts was primarily due to recent branch acquisitions as well as a run-off of time deposit accounts into savings accounts, due to a decline in interest rates offered on time deposits.  Average time deposits increased $39.2 million, or 4.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, due to recent branch acquisitions partially offset by a run-off to savings accounts.  Average demand deposit accounts increased $168.7 million, or 18.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  This was due primarily to an increasing customer base, as the Company continues to expand into new markets.
 
 
54

 
Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $212.2 million at June 30, 2012 compared to $181.6 million at December 31, 2011.  Long-term debt was $367.1 million at June 30, 2012, as compared to $370.3 million at December 31, 2011.  For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see “Liquidity Risk” below.

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $566.5 million represented 9.49% of total assets at June 30, 2012, compared with $538.1 million, or 9.61% as of December 31, 2011.  Under previously disclosed stock repurchase plans, the Company purchased 769,568 shares of its common stock during the six month period ended June 30, 2012, for a total of $15.5 million at an average price of $20.13 per share.  At June 30, 2012, there were 748,013 shares available for repurchase under a previously disclosed repurchase plan, which expires on December 31, 2013.

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

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

Capital Measurements
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
    8.59 %     8.74 %
Tier 1 capital ratio
    10.78 %     11.56 %
Total risk-based capital ratio
    12.03 %     12.81 %
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
    49.18 %     46.74 %
Per common share:
               
Book value
  $ 16.79     $ 16.23  
Tangible book value
  $ 11.76     $ 11.70  

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

Market Risk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
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Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
Change in interest rates
Percent change in
(in bp points)
net interest income
+200
(1.84%)
-100
(1.30%)

Liquidity Risk

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

The primary liquidity measurement the Company utilizes is called the Basic Surplus, which captures the adequacy of its access to reliable sources of cash relative to the stability of its funding mix of average liabilities.  Basic Surplus is calculated by subtracting short-term liabilities from liquid assets.  This approach recognizes the importance of balancing levels of cash flow liquidity from short- and long-term securities with the availability of dependable borrowing sources which can be accessed when necessary.  At June 30, 2012, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 11.2% of total assets or $668 million as compared to the December 31, 2011 Basic Surplus of 11.7% or $654 million, and was above the Company’s minimum of 5% or $298 million set forth in its liquidity policies.

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

The Company’s primary source of funds is the Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is required to pay dividends when a bank fails to meet certain minimum regulatory capital standards or when such dividends are in excess of a subsidiary bank’s earnings retained in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (as defined in the regulations). At June 30, 2012, approximately $23.8 million of the total stockholders’ equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC.  The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of its surplus or, in case there is no surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, FHLB advances outstanding totaled $339 million.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and had additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB of approximately $376 million at June 30, 2012 and $323 million at December 31, 2011.  In addition, unpledged securities could have been used to increase borrowing capacity at the FHLB by an additional $415 million at June 30, 2012, or used to collateralize other borrowings, such as repurchase agreements.  At June 30, 2012 the Bank also had additional borrowing capacity from unused collateral at the Federal Reserve of $506 million.

 
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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

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

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

Item 3.

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

Item 4.

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

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

 
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PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Bank has been named as a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit arising from its assessment and collection of overdraft fees on its checking account customers. The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Delaware, on September 12, 2011 and alleges that the Bank engaged in certain unfair practices and failed to make adequate disclosure to customers concerning its overdraft fee assessment practices.  The complaint seeks certification of a class of national checking account holders who have incurred overdraft fees and a subclass of such customers who reside in New York.  In addition, the complaint seeks actual and punitive damages, disgorgement, interest and costs including attorneys' fees.  The Company believes the claims to be without merit and intends to defend the action vigorously.

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

Item 1A – RISK FACTORS

Management of the Company does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2012.

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

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

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

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

 
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Item 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

Item 5 OTHER INFORMATION

None

Item 6 EXHIBITS

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009 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, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, this 9th day of August 2012.
 
 
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
 
     
     
By:    
/s/ Mich ael J. Chewens
 
 
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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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, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009 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, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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