UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015.
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  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    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
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
 
As of October 30, 2015, there were 43,290,202 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
 


NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended September 30, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1
Financial Statements
 
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
9
     
Item 2
42
     
Item 3
60
     
Item 4
60
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
61
Item 1A
61
Item 2
61
Item 3
61
Item 4
61
Item 5
61
Item 6
62
 
63
 
64


2

Item 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
   
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
 
 
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
       
 Assets
 
   
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
175,036
   
$
139,635
 
Short-term interest bearing accounts
   
9,964
     
7,001
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
1,058,397
     
1,013,171
 
Securities held to maturity (fair value $475,436 and $454,994, respectively)
   
470,758
     
454,361
 
Trading securities
   
7,900
     
7,793
 
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
34,001
     
32,626
 
Loans
   
5,870,988
     
5,595,271
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
64,859
     
66,359
 
Net loans
   
5,806,129
     
5,528,912
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
87,763
     
89,258
 
Goodwill
   
263,634
     
263,634
 
Intangible assets, net
   
16,729
     
20,317
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
116,128
     
114,251
 
Other assets
   
115,123
     
126,967
 
Total assets
 
$
8,161,562
   
$
7,797,926
 
                 
Liabilities
               
Demand (noninterest bearing)
 
$
1,915,482
   
$
1,838,622
 
Savings, NOW, and money market
   
3,753,179
     
3,417,160
 
Time
   
931,966
     
1,043,823
 
Total deposits
   
6,600,627
     
6,299,605
 
Short-term borrowings
   
362,332
     
316,802
 
Long-term debt
   
130,635
     
130,945
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
101,196
     
101,196
 
Other liabilities
   
90,556
     
85,197
 
Total liabilities
   
7,285,346
     
6,933,745
 
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 2,500,000 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; issued 49,651,494 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
   
497
     
497
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
576,478
     
576,504
 
Retained earnings
   
452,701
     
423,956
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(13,365
)
   
(17,027
)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 6,465,233 and 5,755,040 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
   
(140,095
)
   
(119,749
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
876,216
     
864,181
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
8,161,562
   
$
7,797,926
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
3

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
   
   
 
Interest, fee, and dividend income
 
   
   
   
 
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
61,656
   
$
61,173
   
$
181,047
   
$
181,747
 
Securities available for sale
   
5,125
     
6,095
     
15,214
     
19,464
 
Securities held to maturity
   
2,318
     
1,353
     
6,916
     
2,904
 
Other
   
401
     
513
     
1,276
     
1,552
 
Total interest, fee, and dividend income
   
69,500
     
69,134
     
204,453
     
205,667
 
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
   
3,554
     
3,498
     
10,644
     
9,782
 
Short-term borrowings
   
296
     
262
     
561
     
702
 
Long-term debt
   
845
     
1,067
     
2,507
     
5,709
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
560
     
544
     
1,645
     
1,620
 
Total interest expense
   
5,255
     
5,371
     
15,357
     
17,813
 
Net interest income
   
64,245
     
63,763
     
189,096
     
187,854
 
Provision for loan losses
   
4,966
     
4,885
     
12,506
     
12,647
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
59,279
     
58,878
     
176,590
     
175,207
 
Noninterest income
                               
Insurance and other financial services revenue
   
5,862
     
6,179
     
18,072
     
18,510
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
4,349
     
4,519
     
12,706
     
13,285
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
4,780
     
4,440
     
13,707
     
12,869
 
Retirement plan administration fees
   
3,249
     
3,272
     
10,011
     
9,167
 
Trust
   
4,611
     
4,758
     
14,257
     
14,157
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
931
     
1,095
     
3,418
     
3,455
 
Net securities gains
   
3
     
38
     
43
     
59
 
Gain on the sale of equity investment
   
4,179
     
-
     
4,179
     
19,401
 
Other
   
3,297
     
2,376
     
9,617
     
8,078
 
Total noninterest income
   
31,261
     
26,677
     
86,010
     
98,981
 
Noninterest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
30,227
     
28,933
     
91,240
     
89,609
 
Occupancy
   
5,326
     
5,211
     
16,804
     
16,872
 
Data processing and communications
   
4,207
     
4,029
     
12,598
     
12,045
 
Professional fees and outside services
   
3,137
     
3,695
     
10,029
     
10,862
 
Equipment
   
3,352
     
3,199
     
9,917
     
9,447
 
Office supplies and postage
   
1,576
     
1,733
     
4,822
     
5,221
 
FDIC expenses
   
1,355
     
1,134
     
3,833
     
3,641
 
Advertising
   
421
     
403
     
1,874
     
1,868
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1,165
     
1,275
     
3,636
     
3,821
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned, net
   
699
     
705
     
1,593
     
2,546
 
Prepayment penalties on long-term debt
   
-
     
13,349
     
-
     
17,903
 
Other
   
8,426
     
5,401
     
19,211
     
15,485
 
Total noninterest expense
   
59,891
     
69,067
     
175,557
     
189,320
 
Income before income tax expense
   
30,649
     
16,488
     
87,043
     
84,868
 
Income tax expense
   
10,798
     
5,576
     
29,745
     
28,307
 
Net income
 
$
19,851
   
$
10,912
   
$
57,298
   
$
56,561
 
Earnings per share
                               
Basic
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.25
   
$
1.30
   
$
1.29
 
Diluted
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.25
   
$
1.29
   
$
1.28
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
4

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
(In thousands)
 
Net income
 
$
19,851
   
$
10,912
    $
57,298
   
$
56,561
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Unrealized net holding gains (losses) arising during the period (pre-tax amounts of $3,801, ($3,693), $3,367 and $13,199)
   
2,323
     
(2,124
)
   
2,057
     
8,075
 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains related to securities available for sale included in net income (pre-tax amounts of $3, $38, $43 and $59)
   
(2
)
   
(23
)
   
(26
)
   
(35
)
Amortization of unrealized net gains and losses related to the reclassification of available for sale investment securities to held to maturity (pre-tax amounts of $328, $(99), $999 and $(99))
   
200
     
(59
)
   
610
     
(59
)
Pension and other benefits:
                               
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains (pre-tax amounts of $551, $19, $1,673 and $57)
   
337
     
11
     
1,021
     
34
 
Total other comprehensive income(loss)
   
2,858
     
(2,195
)
   
3,662
     
8,015
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
22,709
   
$
8,717
    $
60,960
   
$
64,576
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
5

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)
 
   
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-in- Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
   
Common Stock in Treasury
   
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
497
   
$
574,152
   
$
385,787
   
$
(16,765
)
 
$
(127,102
)
 
$
816,569
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
56,561
     
-
     
-
     
56,561
 
Cash dividends - $0.63 per share
   
-
     
-
     
(27,653
)
   
-
     
-
     
(27,653
)
Purchase of 3,288 treasury shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(72
)
   
(72
)
Net issuance of 197,036 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
   
-
     
(2,312
)
   
-
     
-
     
3,515
     
1,203
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
2,817
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,817
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
8,015
     
-
     
8,015
 
Balance at September 30, 2014
 
$
497
   
$
574,657
   
$
414,695
   
$
(8,750
)
 
$
(123,659
)
 
$
857,440
 
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
497
   
$
576,504
   
$
423,956
   
$
(17,027
)
 
$
(119,749
)
 
$
864,181
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
57,298
     
-
     
-
     
57,298
 
Cash dividends - $0.65 per share
   
-
     
-
     
(28,553
)
   
-
     
-
     
(28,553
)
Purchase of 1,047,152 treasury shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(26,797
)
   
(26,797
)
Net issuance of 336,959 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
   
-
     
(3,423
)
   
-
     
-
     
6,451
     
3,028
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
3,397
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,397
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,662
     
-
     
3,662
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
497
   
$
576,478
   
$
452,701
   
$
(13,365
)
 
$
(140,095
)
 
$
876,216
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
6

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
2015
   
2014
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
 
Operating activities
 
   
 
         
Net income
 
$
57,298
   
$
56,561
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Provision for loan losses
   
12,506
     
12,647
 
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
   
6,494
     
6,172
 
Net accretion on securities
   
1,851
     
2,692
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
3,636
     
3,821
 
Stock based compensation
   
3,397
     
2,817
 
Bank owned life insurance income
   
(3,418
)
   
(3,455
)
Purchases of trading securities
   
(767
)
   
(1,618
)
Losses (gains) on trading securities
   
660
     
(225
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
   
50,998
     
4,024
 
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
   
(49,125
)
   
(6,872
)
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
   
(108
)
   
(3
)
Net security gains
   
(43
)
   
(59
)
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned
   
(1,241
)
   
(351
)
Gain on sale of equity investment
   
(4,179
)
   
(19,401
)
Prepayment penalties on long-term debt
   
-
     
17,903
 
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
   
8,846
     
(19,117
)
Net increase in other liabilities
   
6,252
     
3,239
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
93,057
     
58,775
 
Investing activities
               
Securities available for sale:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
   
229,347
     
178,430
 
Purchases
   
(272,596
)
   
(175,033
)
Securities held to maturity:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
   
61,379
     
26,830
 
Purchases
   
(74,951
)
   
(33,601
)
Other:
               
Net increase in loans
   
(294,187
)
   
(191,327
)
Proceeds from FHLB stock redemption
   
39,740
     
63,186
 
Purchases of Federal Reserve and FHLB stock
   
(41,115
)
   
(50,974
)
Proceeds from settlement of bank owned life insurance
   
1,541
     
1,319
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(4,999
)
   
(6,616
)
Proceeds from sale of equity investment
   
4,179
     
19,639
 
Proceeds from the sales of other real estate owned
   
3,049
     
2,863
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(348,613
)
   
(165,284
)
Financing activities
               
Net increase in deposits
   
301,022
     
424,715
 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
   
45,530
     
(80,405
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
-
     
120,051
 
Repayments of long-term debt
   
(310
)
   
(315,721
)
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
   
3,028
     
1,203
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(26,797
)
   
(72
)
Cash dividends
   
(28,553
)
   
(27,653
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
293,920
     
122,118
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
38,364
     
15,609
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
146,636
     
158,926
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
185,000
   
$
174,535
 
 
7

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
2015
   
2014
 
Interest
 
$
16,252
   
$
18,714
 
Income taxes paid
   
19,027
     
36,978
 
Noncash investing activities:
               
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
 
$
2,699
   
$
1,135
 
Preferred stock acquired from sale of equity investment
   
-
     
2,762
 
Transfer of available for sale securities to held to maturity portfolio
   
-
     
332,115
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 
8

NBT BANCORP INC. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2015
 
Note 1. Description of Business
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. (the “Registrant” or the “Company”) is a registered financial holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1986, with its principal headquarters located in Norwich, New York.  The principal assets of the Registrant consist of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its subsidiaries, including:  NBT Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”), NBT Holdings, Inc. (“NBT Holdings”), Hathaway Agency, Inc., and CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust II, Alliance Financial Capital Trust I, and Alliance Financial Capital Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”).  The Company’s principal sources of revenue are the management fees and dividends it receives from the Bank, NBT Financial and NBT Holdings.
 
The Company’s business, primarily conducted through the Bank but also through its other subsidiaries, consists of providing commercial banking and financial services to customers in its market area, which includes central and upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, northwestern Vermont, western Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and southern Maine.  The Company has been, and intends to continue to be, a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services.  The Company’s business philosophy is to operate as a community bank with local decision-making, principally in non-metropolitan markets, providing a broad array of banking and financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers.

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, NBT Holdings, and Hathaway Agency, Inc.  Collectively, the Registrant and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “the Company.”  The interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure and there were none identified.
 
9

Note 3. Securities
 
The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities available for sale are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
 
September 30, 2015
 
   
   
   
 
Federal Agency
 
$
342,140
   
$
1,245
   
$
(122
)
 
$
343,263
 
State & municipal
   
33,140
     
510
     
(3
)
   
33,647
 
Mortgage-backed:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
313,840
     
7,118
     
(105
)
   
320,853
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
14,293
     
728
     
(64
)
   
14,957
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
296,005
     
2,638
     
(63
)
   
298,580
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
31,302
     
485
     
(21
)
   
31,766
 
Other securities
   
12,900
     
2,531
     
(100
)
   
15,331
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,043,620
   
$
15,255
   
$
(478
)
 
$
1,058,397
 
December 31, 2014
                               
U.S. Treasury
 
$
23,041
   
$
70
   
$
-
   
$
23,111
 
Federal Agency
   
332,193
     
327
     
(2,606
)
   
329,914
 
State & municipal
   
37,035
     
587
     
(52
)
   
37,570
 
Mortgage-backed:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
339,190
     
7,597
     
(224
)
   
346,563
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
17,367
     
863
     
(66
)
   
18,164
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
199,837
     
1,828
     
(234
)
   
201,431
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
40,237
     
497
     
(36
)
   
40,698
 
Other securities
   
12,818
     
3,054
     
(152
)
   
15,720
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,001,718
   
$
14,823
   
$
(3,370
)
 
$
1,013,171
 
 
Other securities primarily represent marketable equity securities.
 
Securities with amortized costs totaling $1.1 billion at September 30, 2015 and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2014 were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, securities with an amortized cost of $174.8 million and $208.8 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for securities sold under repurchase agreements.
 
10

The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities held to maturity are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
 
September 30, 2015
 
   
   
   
 
Mortgage-backed:
               
     Government-sponsored enterprises
 
$
9,782
   
$
-
   
$
(25
)
 
$
9,757
 
     U.S. government agency securities
   
665
     
107
     
-
     
772
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
     Government-sponsored enterprises
   
282,966
     
4,081
     
(951
)
   
286,096
 
State & municipal
   
177,345
     
1,509
     
(43
)
   
178,811
 
Total securities held to maturity
 
$
470,758
   
$
5,697
   
$
(1,019
)
 
$
475,436
 
December 31, 2014
                               
Mortgage-backed:
                               
     Government-sponsored enterprises
 
$
755
   
$
113
   
$
-
   
$
868
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
     Government-sponsored enterprises
   
317,628
     
1,934
     
(1,965
)
   
317,597
 
State & municipal
   
135,978
     
674
     
(123
)
   
136,529
 
Total securities held to maturity
 
$
454,361
   
$
2,721
   
$
(2,088
)
 
$
454,994
 
 
11

The following table sets forth information with regard to investment securities with unrealized losses for the periods presented:
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
Security Type:
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Number of Positions
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Number of Positions
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Number of Positions
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
September 30, 2015
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Federal agency
 
$
19,962
   
$
(30
)
   
2
   
$
29,908
   
$
(92
)
   
3
   
$
49,870
   
$
(122
)
   
5
 
State & municipal
   
2,957
     
(3
)
   
4
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,957
     
(3
)
   
4
 
Mortgage-backed
   
11,656
     
(109
)
   
14
     
4,319
     
(60
)
   
16
     
15,975
     
(169
)
   
30
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
29,608
     
(62
)
   
5
     
4,340
     
(22
)
   
3
     
33,948
     
(84
)
   
8
 
Other securities
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,931
     
(100
)
   
3
     
3,931
     
(100
)
   
3
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
64,183
   
$
(204
)
   
25
   
$
42,498
   
$
(274
)
   
25
   
$
106,681
   
$
(478
)
   
50
 
 
                                                                       
September 30, 2015
                                                                       
Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                                       
Mortgage-backed
 
$
9,757
   
$
(25
)
   
1
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
9,757
   
$
(25
)
   
1
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
43,127
     
(951
)
   
4
     
43,127
     
(951
)
   
4
 
State & municipal
   
6,313
     
(43
)
   
11
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
6,313
     
(43
)
   
11
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
16,070
   
$
(68
)
   
12
   
$
43,127
   
$
(951
)
   
4
   
$
59,197
   
$
(1,019
)
   
16
 
                                                                         
December 31, 2014
                                                                       
Investment securities available for sale:
                                                                       
Federal agency
 
$
66,528
   
$
(226
)
   
8
   
$
198,151
   
$
(2,380
)
   
16
   
$
264,679
   
$
(2,606
)
   
24
 
State & municipal
   
8,818
     
(42
)
   
33
     
1,321
     
(10
)
   
5
     
10,139
     
(52
)
   
38
 
Mortgage-backed
   
10,400
     
(36
)
   
10
     
35,565
     
(254
)
   
31
     
45,965
     
(290
)
   
41
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
57,682
     
(196
)
   
8
     
6,598
     
(74
)
   
4
     
64,280
     
(270
)
   
12
 
Other securities
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,201
     
(152
)
   
2
     
3,201
     
(152
)
   
2
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
143,428
   
$
(500
)
   
59
   
$
244,836
   
$
(2,870
)
   
58
   
$
388,264
   
$
(3,370
)
   
117
 
 
                                                                       
December 31, 2014
                                                                       
Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                                       
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
$
26,052
   
$
(49
)
   
2
   
$
46,415
   
$
(1,916
)
   
4
   
$
72,467
   
$
(1,965
)
   
6
 
State & municipal
   
43,514
     
(116
)
   
110
     
1,619
     
(7
)
   
6
     
45,133
     
(123
)
   
116
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
69,566
   
$
(165
)
   
112
   
$
48,034
   
$
(1,923
)
   
10
   
$
117,600
   
$
(2,088
)
   
122
 
 
12

Management has the intent to hold the securities classified as held to maturity until they mature, at which time it is believed the Company will receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of September 30, 2015, management also has the intent to hold, and will not be required to sell, the securities classified as available for sale for a period of time sufficient for a recovery of cost, which may be until maturity.  The unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. When necessary, the Company has performed a discounted cash flow analysis to determine whether or not it will receive the contractual principal and interest on certain securities.  The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline.  As of September 30, 2015, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary and no other-than-temporary impairment losses have been realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
 
The following tables set forth information with regard to contractual maturities of debt securities at September 30, 2015:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Estimated fair value
 
Debt securities classified as available for sale
 
   
 
Within one year
 
$
4,031
   
$
4,058
 
From one to five years
   
369,188
     
371,294
 
From five to ten years
   
137,908
     
140,701
 
After ten years
   
519,593
     
527,013
 
 
 
$
1,030,720
   
$
1,043,066
 
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
               
Within one year
 
$
42,420
   
$
42,427
 
From one to five years
   
15,186
     
15,260
 
From five to ten years
   
107,816
     
109,043
 
After ten years
   
305,336
     
308,706
 
 
 
$
470,758
   
$
475,436
 
 
Maturities of mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligations are stated based on their estimated average lives.  Actual maturities may differ from estimated average lives or contractual maturities because, in certain cases, borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Except for U.S. Government securities, there were no holdings, when taken in the aggregate, of any single issuer that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2015.
 
13

Note  4. 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 probable incurred losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is continuously monitored.  It is assessed for adequacy using a methodology designed to ensure the level of the allowance reasonably reflects the loan portfolio’s risk profile. It is evaluated to ensure that it is sufficient to absorb all reasonably estimable credit losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.
 
To develop and document a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses, the Company has divided the loan portfolio into three segments, each with different risk characteristics and methodologies for assessing risk.  Those segments are further segregated between our loans accounted for under the amortized cost method (referred to as “originated” loans) and loans acquired in a business combination (referred to as “acquired” loans).  Each portfolio segment is broken down into class segments where appropriate.  Class segments contain unique measurement attributes, risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk that are necessary to develop the allowance for loan losses.  Unique characteristics such as borrower type, loan type, collateral type, and risk characteristics define each class segment.  The following table illustrates the portfolio and class segments for the Company’s loan portfolio:
  
Portfolio
Class
Commercial Loans
Commercial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Agricultural Real Estate
 
Business Banking
 
 
Consumer Loans
Indirect
 
Home Equity
 
Direct
 
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
 
 
Commercial Loans
 
The Company offers a variety of commercial loan products including commercial (non-real estate), commercial real estate, agricultural, agricultural real estate, and business banking loans.  The Company’s underwriting analysis for commercial loans typically includes credit verification, independent appraisals, a review of the borrower’s financial condition, and a detailed analysis of the borrower’s underlying cash flows.
 
Commercial (non-Real Estate)The Company offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our commercial customers including term loans, time notes and lines of credit.  Such loans are made available to businesses for working capital needs such as inventory and receivables, business expansion and equipment purchases. Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment or other assets owned by the borrower.  These loans carry a higher risk than commercial real estate loans due to the nature of the underlying collateral, which can be business assets such as equipment and accounts receivable. To reduce the risk, management also attempts to secure real estate as collateral and obtain personal guarantees of the borrowers.
 
14

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 estate, generally 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, and are generally originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the appraised value of the property.

Agricultural – The Company offers a variety of agricultural loans to meet the needs of our agricultural customers including term loans, time notes, and lines of credit.  These loans are made to purchase livestock, purchase and modernize equipment, and finance seasonal crop expenses.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on the livestock, equipment, produce inventories, and/or receivables owned by the borrower.  These loans may carry a higher risk than commercial and agricultural real estate loans due to the industry price volatility, and in some cases, the perishable nature of the underlying collateral.  To reduce these risks, management may attempt to secure these loans with additional real estate collateral, obtain personal guarantees of the borrowers, or obtain government loan guarantees to provide further support.
 
Agricultural Real Estate – The Company offers real estate loans to our agricultural customers to finance farm related real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions, and improvements to agricultural properties such as barns, production facilities, and land.  The agricultural real estate loans are secured by first liens on the farm real estate.  Because they are secured by land and buildings, these loans may be less risky than agricultural loans.  These loans are typically originated in amounts of no more than 75% of the appraised value of the property.  Government loan guarantees may be obtained to provide further support.
 
Business Banking - The Company offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our business banking customers including term loans, business banking mortgages and lines of credit.  Such loans are generally less than $0.5 million and are made available to businesses for working capital such as inventory and receivables, business expansion, equipment purchases, and agricultural needs.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment or other assets owned by the borrower such as inventory and/or receivables.  These loans carry a higher risk than commercial loans due to the smaller size of the borrower and lower levels of capital.  To reduce the risk, the Company obtains personal guarantees of the owners for a majority of the loans.
 
Consumer Loans
 
The Company offers a variety of consumer loan products including indirect, home equity, and direct loans.
 
Indirect – The Company maintains relationships with many dealers primarily in the communities that we serve.  Through these relationships, the Company primarily finances the purchases of automobiles and recreational vehicles (such as campers, boats, etc.) indirectly through dealer relationships.  Approximately 75% 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 home equity lines of credit to consumers to finance home improvements, debt consolidation, education and other uses.  Consumers are able to borrow 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 typically 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.
 
15

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

Residential Real Estate Mortgages
Residential real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first or second deeds of trust on primary residences.  We originate adjustable-rate and fixed-rate, one-to-four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase or refinancing of a residential mortgage.  These loans are collateralized by owner-occupied properties located in the Company’s market area.  Loans on one-to-four-family residential real estate are generally originated in amounts of no more than 85% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower), or have private mortgage insurance.  The Company’s underwriting analysis for residential mortgage loans typically includes credit verification, independent appraisals, and a review of the borrower’s financial condition.  Mortgage title insurance and hazard insurance are normally required. Construction loans have a unique risk, because they are secured by an incomplete dwelling. This risk is reduced through periodic site inspections, including one at each loan draw period.
 
For purposes of evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, the Company considers a number of significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio.  For individually analyzed loans, these include estimates of loss exposure, which reflect the facts and circumstances that affect the likelihood of repayment of such loans as of the evaluation date. For homogeneous pools of loans, estimates of the Company’s exposure to credit loss reflect a current assessment of a number of factors, which could affect collectability.  These factors include:  past loss experience;  size, trend, composition, and nature of loans;  changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection,  charge-offs  and  recoveries; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; current economic conditions in the Company’s market;  portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experienced across one or more components of the portfolio; the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements; and the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral component of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Company to make loan grade changes as well as recognize additions to the allowance based on their examinations.
 
After a thorough consideration of the factors discussed above, any required additions or reductions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses. These charges or credits are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of overall inherent risk of probable loss in the portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additions and reductions of the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another.  These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above.
 
16

The following tables illustrate the changes in the allowance for loan losses by our portfolio segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of June 30, 2015
 
$
28,326
   
$
28,314
   
$
8,281
   
$
38
   
$
64,959
 
Charge-offs
   
(1,333
)
   
(4,530
)
   
(511
)
   
-
     
(6,374
)
Recoveries
   
258
     
889
     
161
     
-
     
1,308
 
Provision
   
(2,800
)
   
7,333
     
51
     
382
     
4,966
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2015
 
$
24,451
   
$
32,006
   
$
7,982
   
$
420
   
$
64,859
 
 
                                       
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
$
35,123
   
$
27,973
   
$
6,205
   
$
233
   
$
69,534
 
Charge-offs
   
(1,517
)
   
(3,979
)
   
(481
)
   
-
     
(5,977
)
Recoveries
   
253
     
632
     
7
     
-
     
892
 
Provision
   
1,779
     
2,826
     
212
     
68
     
4,885
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2014
 
$
35,638
   
$
27,452
   
$
5,943
   
$
301
   
$
69,334
 

Nine months ended September 30,
 
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
32,433
   
$
26,720
   
$
7,130
   
$
76
   
$
66,359
 
Charge-offs
   
(2,715
)
   
(13,183
)
   
(1,524
)
   
-
     
(17,422
)
Recoveries
   
772
     
2,334
     
310
     
-
     
3,416
 
Provision
   
(6,039
)
   
16,135
     
2,066
     
344
     
12,506
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2015
 
$
24,451
   
$
32,006
   
$
7,982
   
$
420
   
$
64,859
 
 
                                       
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
35,090
   
$
27,694
   
$
6,520
   
$
130
   
$
69,434
 
Charge-offs
   
(3,423
)
   
(11,659
)
   
(965
)
   
-
     
(16,047
)
Recoveries
   
966
     
2,087
     
247
     
-
     
3,300
 
Provision
   
3,005
     
9,330
     
141
     
171
     
12,647
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2014
 
$
35,638
   
$
27,452
   
$
5,943
   
$
301
   
$
69,334
 

As of September 30, 2015, included in the above tables, there was $1.9 million in the allowance for loan losses related to acquired commercial loans.  There was $3.0 in the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2014 related to acquired loans.  Net charge-offs related to acquired loans totaled approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and approximately $1.2 million and $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in the table above. 
 
17

The following tables illustrate the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment by portfolio segments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
As of September 30, 2015
 
   
   
   
   
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
24,451
   
$
32,006
   
$
7,982
   
$
420
   
$
64,859
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
3,545
     
-
     
-
             
3,545
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
20,906
   
$
32,006
   
$
7,982
   
$
420
   
$
61,314
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of loans
 
$
2,602,385
   
$
2,091,408
   
$
1,177,195
           
$
5,870,988
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of originated loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
12,559
     
7,590
     
5,867
             
26,016
 
Ending balance of acquired loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
9,317
     
-
     
-
             
9,317
 
Ending balance of acquired loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
295,890
     
106,968
     
241,646
             
644,504
 
Ending balance of originated loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,284,619
   
$
1,976,850
   
$
929,682
           
$
5,191,151
 
 
                                       
As of December 31, 2014
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
32,433
   
$
26,720
   
$
7,130
   
$
76
   
$
66,359
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
1,100
     
-
     
-
             
1,100
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
31,333
   
$
26,720
   
$
7,130
   
$
76
   
$
65,259
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of loans
 
$
2,473,702
   
$
2,005,980
   
$
1,115,589
           
$
5,595,271
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of originated loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
11,079
     
5,498
     
3,544
             
20,121
 
Ending balance of acquired loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
5,675
     
-
     
-
             
5,675
 
Ending balance of acquired loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
327,656
     
147,256
     
266,747
             
741,659
 
Ending balance of originated loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,129,292
   
$
1,853,226
   
$
845,298
           
$
4,827,816
 
 
18

Credit Quality of Loans
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when timely collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. This generally occurs 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.  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.
 
19

The following tables set forth information with regard to past due and nonperforming loans by loan class as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of September 30, 2015
(in thousands)
 
   
31-60 Days Past Due Accruing
   
61-90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Total Past Due Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Recorded Total Loans
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
2,050
   
$
100
   
$
-
   
$
2,150
   
$
1,264
   
$
647,577
   
$
650,991
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
537
     
-
     
-
     
537
     
6,236
     
1,176,523
     
1,183,296
 
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
900
     
32,486
     
33,386
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
557
     
-
     
-
     
557
     
500
     
25,758
     
26,815
 
Business Banking
   
1,930
     
145
     
-
     
2,075
     
4,947
     
395,668
     
402,690
 
 
   
5,074
     
245
     
-
     
5,319
     
13,847
     
2,278,012
     
2,297,178
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
15,041
     
3,159
     
1,488
     
19,688
     
1,718
     
1,431,946
     
1,453,352
 
Home Equity
   
4,091
     
1,205
     
384
     
5,680
     
5,436
     
462,546
     
473,662
 
Direct
   
526
     
99
     
59
     
684
     
86
     
56,656
     
57,426
 
 
   
19,658
     
4,463
     
1,931
     
26,052
     
7,240
     
1,951,148
     
1,984,440
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
2,312
     
80
     
1,253
     
3,645
     
8,462
     
923,442
     
935,549
 
 
 
$
27,044
   
$
4,788
   
$
3,184
   
$
35,016
   
$
29,549
   
$
5,152,602
   
$
5,217,167
 
 
                                                       
ACQUIRED
                                                       
Commercial Loans
                                                       
Commercial
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,509
   
$
69,553
   
$
72,062
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
6,804
     
175,026
     
181,830
 
Business Banking
   
63
     
19
     
12
     
94
     
144
     
51,077
     
51,315
 
 
   
63
     
19
     
12
     
94
     
9,457
     
295,656
     
305,207
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
219
     
70
     
14
     
303
     
96
     
34,623
     
35,022
 
Home Equity
   
177
     
70
     
-
     
247
     
591
     
67,064
     
67,902
 
Direct
   
24
     
23
     
1
     
48
     
34
     
3,962
     
4,044
 
 
   
420
     
163
     
15
     
598
     
721
     
105,649
     
106,968
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
863
     
41
     
579
     
1,483
     
2,797
     
237,366
     
241,646
 
   
$
1,346
   
$
223
   
$
606
   
$
2,175
   
$
12,975
   
$
638,671
   
$
653,821
 
  Total Loans
 
$
28,390
   
$
5,011
   
$
3,790
   
$
37,191
   
$
42,524
   
$
5,791,273
   
$
5,870,988
 
 
20

Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
 
   
31-60 Days Past Due Accruing
   
61-90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Total Past Due Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Recorded Total Loans
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
-
   
$
735
   
$
-
   
$
735
   
$
1,012
   
$
613,400
   
$
615,147
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
     
4,127
     
1,064,549
     
1,068,868
 
Agricultural
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
817
     
32,130
     
32,947
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
19
     
-
     
-
     
19
     
565
     
24,390
     
24,974
 
Business Banking
   
799
     
235
     
84
     
1,118
     
6,910
     
390,407
     
398,435
 
 
   
1,010
     
970
     
84
     
2,064
     
13,431
     
2,124,876
     
2,140,371
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
16,434
     
3,154
     
1,991
     
21,579
     
1,964
     
1,286,507
     
1,310,050
 
Home Equity
   
4,591
     
1,428
     
821
     
6,840
     
6,596
     
479,444
     
492,880
 
Direct
   
560
     
157
     
52
     
769
     
84
     
54,941
     
55,794
 
 
   
21,585
     
4,739
     
2,864
     
29,188
     
8,644
     
1,820,892
     
1,858,724
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
2,901
     
96
     
1,256
     
4,253
     
8,770
     
835,819
     
848,842
 
 
 
$
25,496
   
$
5,805
   
$
4,204
   
$
35,505
   
$
30,845
   
$
4,781,587
   
$
4,847,937
 
                                                         
ACQUIRED
                                                       
Commercial Loans
                                                       
Commercial
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3,009
   
$
72,255
   
$
75,264
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,666
     
197,222
     
199,888
 
Business Banking
   
5
     
15
     
-
     
20
     
665
     
57,494
     
58,179
 
 
   
5
     
15
     
-
     
20
     
6,340
     
326,971
     
333,331
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
518
     
5
     
54
     
577
     
106
     
64,540
     
65,223
 
Home Equity
   
190
     
60
     
5
     
255
     
557
     
75,904
     
76,716
 
Direct
   
31
     
-
     
7
     
38
     
33
     
5,246
     
5,317
 
     
739
     
65
     
66
     
870
     
696
     
145,690
     
147,256
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
1,162
     
265
     
671
     
2,098
     
3,193
     
261,456
     
266,747
 
 
 
$
1,906
   
$
345
   
$
737
   
$
2,988
   
$
10,229
   
$
734,117
   
$
747,334
 
Total Loans
 
$
27,402
   
$
6,150
   
$
4,941
   
$
38,493
   
$
41,074
   
$
5,515,704
   
$
5,595,271
 

There were no material commitments to extend further credit to borrowers with nonperforming loans.
 
21

Impaired Loans
The methodology used to establish the allowance for loan losses on impaired loans incorporates specific allocations on loans analyzed individually.  Classified and nonperforming loans with outstanding balances of $0.5 million or more and all troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”) 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 discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate or 3) the loan’s observable market price.  All impaired loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis for changes in the level of impairment.  Any change to the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized as a change to the allowance account and recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a component of the provision for loan losses.

The following table provides information on loans specifically evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
(in thousands)
 
Recorded Investment Balance (Book)
   
Unpaid Principal Balance (Legal)
 
Related Allowance
   
Recorded Investment Balance (Book)
   
Unpaid Principal Balance (Legal)
 
Related Allowance
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,694
   
$
1,846
     
$
1,748
   
$
1,901
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,187
     
3,198
 
     
4,505
     
4,520
 
 
Agricultural
   
19
     
25
 
     
20
     
26
 
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
623
     
749
 
     
1,147
     
1,441
 
 
Business Banking
   
995
     
1,037
 
     
896
     
1,301
 
 
Total Commercial Loans
   
6,518
     
6,855
 
     
8,316
     
9,189
 
 
 
               
                 
 
Consumer Loans
               
                 
 
Indirect
   
13
     
23
       
-
     
-
   
Home Equity
   
7,577
     
8,380
 
     
5,498
     
6,033
 
 
Direct
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
-
   
Total Consumer Loans
   
7,590
     
8,403
       
5,498
     
6,033
   
 
               
                 
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
5,867
     
6,386
       
3,544
     
3,959
   
Total
   
19,975
     
21,644
 
     
17,358
     
19,181
 
 
 
                                   
With an allowance recorded:
               
                 
 
Commercial Loans
               
                 
 
Commercial
   
948
     
953
     
300
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
5,093
     
6,959
     
1,395
     
2,763
     
4,611
     
600
 
Total Commercial Loans
   
6,041
     
7,912
     
1,695
     
2,763
     
4,611
     
600
 
                                                 
ACQUIRED
                                               
With no related allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial Real Estate
   
5,488
     
5,789
             
2,666
     
3,830
         
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
   
2,508
     
4,668
     
1,000
     
3,009
     
4,668
     
500
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
1,321
     
1,321
     
850
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Commercial Loans
   
3,829
     
5,989
     
1,850
     
3,009
     
4,668
     
500
 
                                                 
Total:
 
$
35,333
   
$
41,334
   
$
3,545
   
$
25,796
   
$
32,290
   
$
1,100
 
 
22

The following tables summarize the average recorded investments on impaired loans specifically evaluated for impairment and the interest income recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
 
For the three months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
(in thousands)
 
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
2,469
   
$
42
   
$
1,957
   
$
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
8,560
     
42
     
9,619
     
43
 
Agricultural
   
19
     
-
     
102
     
-
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
626
     
11
     
1,395
     
12
 
Business Banking
   
1,003
     
3
     
677
     
10
 
Consumer Loans
                               
Indirect
   
20
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home Equity
   
7,432
     
134
     
5,435
     
85
 
Direct
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgage
   
5,564
     
37
     
2,961
     
29
 
Total Originated
 
$
25,693
   
$
269
   
$
22,146
   
$
179
 
 
                               
ACQUIRED
                               
Commercial Loans
                               
Commercial
   
2,531
     
-
     
6,161
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
6,918
     
-
     
3,398
     
-
 
Total Acquired
 
$
9,449
   
$
-
   
$
9,559
   
$
-
 
 
                               
Total Loans
 
$
35,142
   
$
269
   
$
31,705
   
$
179
 

 
 
For the nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
(in thousands)
 
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
2,026
   
$
128
   
$
2,001
   
$
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
8,884
     
124
     
10,400
     
127
 
Agricultural
   
19
     
1
     
115
     
1
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
630
     
34
     
1,410
     
35
 
Business Banking
   
952
     
9
     
509
     
33
 
Consumer Loans
                               
Indirect
   
14
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home Equity
   
6,869
     
298
     
5,099
     
188
 
Direct
   
1
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgage
   
4,857
     
100
     
2,864
     
79
 
                                 
Total Originated
 
$
24,252
   
$
694
   
$
22,398
   
$
463
 
                                 
ACQUIRED
                               
Commercial Loans
                               
Commercial
   
2,658
     
-
     
6,303
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
7,070
     
-
     
3,461
     
-
 
Total Acquired
 
$
9,728
   
$
-
   
$
9,764
   
$
-
 
                                 
Total Loans
 
$
33,980
   
$
694
   
$
32,162
   
$
463
 
 
23

Credit Quality Indicators
The Company has developed an internal loan grading system to evaluate and quantify the Company’s loan portfolio with respect to quality and risk.  The system focuses on, among other things, financial strength of borrowers, experience and depth of borrower’s management, primary and secondary sources of repayment, payment history, nature of the business, and outlook on particular industries.  The internal grading system enables the Company to monitor the quality of the entire loan portfolio on a consistent basis and provide management with an early warning system, enabling recognition and response to problem loans and potential problem loans.
 
Commercial Grading System
For commercial and agricultural loans, the Company uses a grading system that relies on quantifiable and measurable characteristics when available.  This would include comparison of financial strength to available industry averages, comparison of transaction factors (loan terms and conditions) to loan policy, and comparison of credit history to stated repayment terms and industry averages. Some grading factors are necessarily more subjective such as economic and industry factors, regulatory environment, and management.  Classified commercial loans consist of loans graded substandard and below.  The grading system for commercial and agricultural loans is as follows:

Doubtful
A doubtful loan has a high probability of total or substantial loss, but because of specific pending events that may strengthen the asset, its classification as a loss is deferred. Doubtful borrowers are usually in default, lack adequate liquidity or capital, and lack the resources necessary to remain an operating entity. Pending events can include mergers, acquisitions, liquidations, capital injections, the perfection of liens on additional collateral, the valuation of collateral, and refinancing. Generally, pending events should be resolved within a relatively short period and the ratings will be adjusted based on the new information. Nonaccrual treatment is required for doubtful assets because of the high probability of loss.
 
Substandard
Substandard loans have a high probability of payment default, or they have other well-defined weaknesses. They require more intensive supervision by bank management. Substandard loans are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization. Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants. For some Substandard loans, the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt and those loans should be placed on nonaccrual. Although Substandard assets in the aggregate will have a distinct potential for loss, an individual asset’s loss potential does not have to be distinct for the asset to be rated Substandard.
 
Special Mention
Special Mention loans have potential weaknesses that may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date. These loans pose elevated risk, but their weakness does not yet justify a Substandard classification. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends (declining revenues or margins) or may be struggling with an ill-proportioned balance sheet (e.g., increasing inventory without an increase in sales, high leverage, tight liquidity). Adverse economic or market conditions, such as interest rate increases or the entry of a new competitor, may also support a Special Mention rating. Although a Special Mention loan has a higher probability of default than a pass asset, its default is not imminent.
 
Pass
Loans graded as Pass encompass all loans not graded as Doubtful, Substandard, or Special Mention.  Pass loans are in compliance with loan covenants, and payments are generally made as agreed.  Pass loans range from superior quality to fair quality.
 
24

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 and it is expected that such timely payments of principal and interest will continue.
 
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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
Credit Quality Indicators
As of September 30, 2015
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Agricultural Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
 
$
600,507
   
$
1,127,116
   
$
32,759
   
$
25,784
   
$
1,786,166
 
Special Mention
   
18,395
     
28,718
     
1
     
6
     
47,120
 
Substandard
   
32,089
     
27,462
     
618
     
1,025
     
61,194
 
Doubtful
   
-
     
-
     
8
     
-
     
8
 
Total
 
$
650,991
   
$
1,183,296
   
$
33,386
   
$
26,815
   
$
1,894,488
 
 
                                       
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Business Banking
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
 
$
387,378
                           
$
387,378
 
Classified
   
15,312
                             
15,312
 
Total
 
$
402,690
                           
$
402,690
 
 
                                       
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
 
$
1,450,146
   
$
467,842
   
$
57,281
           
$
1,975,269
 
Nonperforming
   
3,206
     
5,820
     
145
             
9,171
 
Total
 
$
1,453,352
   
$
473,662
   
$
57,426
           
$
1,984,440
 
 
                                       
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Residential Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
 
$
925,834
                           
$
925,834
 
Nonperforming
   
9,715
                             
9,715
 
Total
 
$
935,549
                           
$
935,549
 
 
26

Credit Quality Indicators
As of September 30, 2015
 
ACQUIRED
 
   
         
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
       
Total
 
Pass
 
$
66,770
   
$
163,948
       
$
230,718
 
Special Mention
   
939
     
5,780
         
6,719
 
Substandard
   
4,353
     
12,102
         
16,455
 
Total
 
$
72,062
   
$
181,830
       
$
253,892
 
 
                           
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Business Banking
               
Total
 
Non-classified
 
$
47,310
               
$
47,310
 
Classified
   
4,005
                 
4,005
 
Total
 
$
51,315
               
$
51,315
 
 
                           
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Performing
 
$
34,912
   
$
67,311
   
$
4,009
   
$
106,232
 
Nonperforming
   
110
     
591
     
35
     
736
 
Total
 
$
35,022
   
$
67,902
   
$
4,044
   
$
106,968
 
 
                               
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Residential Mortgage
                   
Total
 
Performing
 
$
238,270
                   
$
238,270
 
Nonperforming
   
3,376
                     
3,376
 
Total
 
$
241,646
                   
$
241,646
 
 
27


Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2014
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
       
   
 
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agricultural
   
Agricultural Real Estate
   
Total
 
Pass
 
$
570,884
   
$
1,023,856
   
$
30,481
   
$
23,443
   
$
1,648,664
 
Special Mention
   
6,022
     
17,341
     
275
     
42
     
23,680
 
Substandard
   
38,241
     
27,671
     
2,183
     
1,489
     
69,584
 
Doubtful
   
-
     
-
     
8
     
-
     
8
 
Total
 
$
615,147
   
$
1,068,868
   
$
32,947
   
$
24,974
   
$
1,741,936
 
 
                                       
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Business Banking
                           
Total
 
Non-classified
 
$
379,445
                           
$
379,445
 
Classified
   
18,990
                             
18,990
 
Total
 
$
398,435
                           
$
398,435
 
                                         
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
           
Total
 
Performing
 
$
1,306,095
   
$
485,463
   
$
55,658
           
$
1,847,216
 
Nonperforming
   
3,955
     
7,417
     
136
             
11,508
 
Total
 
$
1,310,050
   
$
492,880
   
$
55,794
           
$
1,858,724
 
 
                                       
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Residential Mortgage
                           
Total
 
Performing
 
$
838,816
                           
$
838,816
 
Nonperforming
   
10,026
                             
10,026
 
Total
 
$
848,842
                           
$
848,842
 
 
28

Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2014
 
ACQUIRED
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
       
Total
 
Pass
 
$
63,630
   
$
186,036
       
$
249,666
 
Special Mention
   
2,840
     
2,646
         
5,486
 
Substandard
   
8,794
     
11,206
         
20,000
 
Total
 
$
75,264
   
$
199,888
       
$
275,152
 
 
                 
         
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
 
Business Banking
           
   
Total
 
Non-classified
 
$
53,264
           
   
$
53,264
 
Classified
   
4,915
           
     
4,915
 
Total
 
$
58,179
           
   
$
58,179
 
 
                 
         
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Indirect
   
Home Equity
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Performing
 
$
65,063
   
$
76,154
   
$
5,277
   
$
146,494
 
Nonperforming
   
160
     
562
     
40
     
762
 
Total
 
$
65,223
   
$
76,716
   
$
5,317
   
$
147,256
 
 
                               
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
 
Residential Mortgage
                   
Total
 
Performing
 
$
262,883
                   
$
262,883
 
Nonperforming
   
3,864
                     
3,864
 
Total
 
$
266,747
                   
$
266,747
 
  
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
The Company’s loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties.  These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions.  Certain 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.  Substantially all of these modifications included one or a combination of the following: an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; temporary reduction in the interest rate; or change in principal.
 
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 through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.  

29

The following tables illustrate the recorded investment and number of modifications for modified loans, including the recorded investment in the loans prior to a modification and the recorded investment in the loans after restructuring for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
   
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
  
 
Number of contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
             
Consumer
 
   
   
 
Home Equity
   
12
   
$
863
   
$
802
 
 
                       
Residential Real Estate
   
16
     
1,293
     
1,191
 
 
                       
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
   
28
   
$
2,156
   
$
1,993
 

 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2014
 
  
 
Number of contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Consumer
 
   
   
 
Home Equity
   
1
   
$
25
   
$
24
 
Direct
   
7
     
225
     
163
 
Total Consumer
   
8
     
250
     
187
 
 
                       
Residential Real Estate
   
3
     
179
     
161
 
 
                       
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
   
11
   
$
429
   
$
348
 
 
30

   
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
  
 
Number of contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Commercial
           
Commercial
   
1
   
$
1,250
   
$
186
 
Small Business
   
1
     
220
     
173
 
Total Commercial
   
2
     
1,470
     
359
 
 
                       
Consumer
                       
Home Equity
   
39
     
3,212
     
2,915
 
Direct
   
4
     
109
     
102
 
Total Consumer
   
43
     
3,321
     
3,017
 
 
                       
Residential Real Estate
   
32
     
3,066
     
2,854
 
 
                       
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
   
77
   
$
7,857
   
$
6,230
 

   
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
  
 
Number of contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Commercial
           
Small Business
   
2
   
$
570
   
$
558
 
 
                       
Consumer
                       
Indirect
   
2
     
69
     
38
 
Home Equity
   
7
     
286
     
273
 
Direct
   
40
     
2,701
     
2,043
 
Total Consumer
   
49
     
3,056
     
2,354
 
 
                       
Residential Real Estate
   
19
     
2,157
     
1,628
 
 
                       
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
   
70
   
$
5,783
   
$
4,540
 
 
31

The following table illustrates the recorded investment and number of modifications for TDRs within the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 where a concession has been made and subsequently defaulted during the period:
 
   
Three months ended September 30, 2015
   
Three months ended September 30, 2014
 
  
 
Number of contracts
   
Recorded Investment
   
Number of contracts
   
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Consumer
 
   
   
   
 
Home Equity
   
-
   
$
-
     
1
   
$
25
 
 
                               
Residential Real Estate
   
2
     
174
     
1
     
48
 
                                 
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
   
2
   
$
174
     
2
   
$
73
 

   
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
  
 
Number of contracts
   
Recorded Investment
   
Number of contracts
   
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Consumer
 
   
   
   
 
Home Equity
   
4
   
$
344
     
7
   
$
515
 
 
                               
Residential Real Estate
   
2
     
174
     
-
     
-
 
 
                               
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
   
6
   
$
518
     
7
   
$
515
 
 
32

Note 5. Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan (“the Plan”) covering substantially all of its employees at September 30, 2015.  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 of 1974 (“ERISA”) standards. Assets of the plan are invested in publicly traded stocks and bonds.  The Company is not required to make contributions to the Plan in 2015 and did not do so during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
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 Plan which could impact the value of these investments.

In addition to the Plan, the Company also provides supplemental employee retirement plans to certain current and former executives.  These supplemental employee retirement plans and the 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. 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):
 
33

 
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Three months ended September 30,
 
Components of net periodic (benefit) cost:
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Service cost
 
$
669
   
$
587
   
$
4
   
$
4
 
Interest cost
   
996
     
1,040
     
101
     
90
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(2,147
)
   
(2,175
)
   
-
     
-
 
Net amortization
   
550
     
25
     
1
     
(6
)
Total cost (benefit)
 
$
68
   
$
(523
)
 
$
106
   
$
88
 

 
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Components of net periodic (benefit) cost:
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Service cost
 
$
1,979
   
$
1,761
   
$
12
   
$
12
 
Interest cost
   
2,992
     
3,120
     
283
     
270
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(6,447
)
   
(6,525
)
   
-
     
-
 
Net amortization
   
1,642
     
75
     
31
     
(18
)
Total cost (benefit)
 
$
166
   
$
(1,569
)
 
$
326
   
$
264
 
 
34

Note 6. Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding shares issuable upon the exercise of certain contracts to issue common stock, such as in-the-money stock options. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as the Company’s dilutive stock options and restricted stock units).
 
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
2015
   
2014
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
 
Basic EPS:
 
   
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,692
     
43,882
 
Net income
   
19,851
     
10,912
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.25
 
                 
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,692
     
43,882
 
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
   
570
     
523
 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
   
44,262
     
44,405
 
Net income
   
19,851
     
10,912
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.25
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2015
   
2014
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
 
Basic EPS:
 
   
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,949
     
43,847
 
Net income
   
57,298
     
56,561
 
Basic EPS
 
$
1.30
   
$
1.29
 
                 
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,949
     
43,847
 
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
   
519
     
507
 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
   
44,468
     
44,354
 
Net income
   
57,298
     
56,561
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
1.29
   
$
1.28
 

There were 36,360 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and 501,843 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 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 334,759 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 502,836 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 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.
 
35

Note 7. Reclassification Adjustments Out of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
 
Detail About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
 
Securities:
 
   
 
     
Gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(38
)
Net securities (gains) losses
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses related to securities transfer
   
328
     
(99
)
Interest income
Tax (benefit) expense
   
(127
)
   
55
 
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
198
   
$
(82
)
 
 
               
      
Pension and other benefits:
               
     
Amortization of net gains
 
$
566
   
$
74
 
Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs
   
(15
)
   
(55
)
Salaries and employee benefits
Tax benefit
   
(214
)
   
(8
)
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
337
   
$
11
 
 
 
               
      
Total reclassifications during the period, net of tax
 
$
535
   
$
(71
)
 
  
Detail About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
 
Securities:
 
   
 
      
Gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(43
)
  $
(59
)
Net securities gains
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses related to securities transfer
   
999
     
(99
)
Interest income
Tax (benefit) expense
   
(372
)
   
64
 
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
584
   
$
(94
)
 
 
               
       
Pension and other benefits:
               
      
Amortization of net gains
 
$
1,697
   
$
222
 
Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs
   
(24
)
   
(165
)
Salaries and employee benefits
Tax benefit
   
(652
)
   
(23
)
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
1,021
   
$
34
 
 
 
               
       
Total reclassifications during the period, net of tax
 
$
1,605
   
$
(60
)
 
36

Note 8. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
U.S. GAAP states that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.  A fair value hierarchy exists within U.S. GAAP that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
 
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
 
Level 2 -  Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
 
Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
 
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities, many other sovereign government obligations, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The Company does not adjust the quoted prices 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 relies on both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. 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 nine month period ending September 30, 2015, the Company has made no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2, and has had no Level 3 activity.
 
37

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis that were accounted for at fair value.  Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015:
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Balance as of
September 30, 2015
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Securities Available for Sale:
 
   
   
   
 
Federal Agency
   
-
     
343,263
     
-
     
343,263
 
State & municipal
   
-
     
33,647
     
-
     
33,647
 
Mortgage-backed
   
-
     
335,810
     
-
     
335,810
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
-
     
330,346
     
-
     
330,346
 
Other securities
   
7,422
     
7,909
     
-
     
15,331
 
Total Securities Available for Sale
 
$
7,422
   
$
1,050,975
   
$
-
   
$
1,058,397
 
Trading Securities
   
7,900
     
-
     
-
     
7,900
 
Interest Rate Swaps
   
-
     
8,707
     
-
     
8,707
 
Total
 
$
15,322
   
$
1,059,682
   
$
-
   
$
1,075,004
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
 
$
-
   
$
8,707
   
$
-
   
$
8,707
 
Total
 
$
-
   
$
8,707
   
$
-
   
$
8,707
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Balance as of
December 31, 2014
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Securities Available for Sale:
 
   
   
   
 
U.S. Treasury
 
$
23,111
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,111
 
Federal Agency
   
-
     
329,914
     
-
     
329,914
 
State & municipal
   
-
     
37,570
     
-
     
37,570
 
Mortgage-backed
   
-
     
364,727
     
-
     
364,727
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
-
     
242,129
     
-
     
242,129
 
Other securities
   
7,612
     
8,108
     
-
     
15,720
 
Total Securities Available for Sale
 
$
30,723
   
$
982,448
   
$
-
   
$
1,013,171
 
Trading Securities
   
7,793
     
-
     
-
     
7,793
 
Interest Rate Swaps
   
-
     
4,707
     
-
     
4,707
 
Total
 
$
38,516
   
$
987,155
   
$
-
   
$
1,025,671
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
 
$
-
   
$
4,707
   
$
-
   
$
4,707
 
Total
 
$
-
   
$
4,707
   
$
-
   
$
4,707
 
 
38

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

U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis such as goodwill, loans held for sale, other real estate owned, collateral-dependent impaired loans, mortgage servicing rights, and held-to-maturity securities. The only nonrecurring fair value measurements recorded during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 were related to impaired loans and other real estate owned, which were immaterial.  For the nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Company had $9.9 million and $8.8 million, respectively, of loans recorded at fair value resulting in specific allowance reserves of $3.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively.  The Company uses the fair value of underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to estimate the specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans.  The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses ranging from 10% to 35%. Based on the valuation techniques used, the fair value measurements for collateral dependent impaired loans are classified as Level 3.

The following table sets forth information with regard to estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value.  Financial instruments for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, trading securities, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings, accrued interest payable, and interest rate swaps.
 
 
 
   
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
(In thousands)
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
   
Carrying amount
   
Estimated fair value
   
Carrying amount
   
Estimated fair value
 
Financial assets
 
   
   
   
   
 
Securities held to maturity
 
2
   
$
470,758
   
$
475,436
   
$
454,361
   
$
454,994
 
Net loans
 
3
     
5,806,129
     
5,957,554
     
5,528,912
     
5,584,777
 
Financial liabilities
                                     
Time deposits
 
2
   
$
931,966
   
$
929,477
   
$
1,043,823
   
$
1,038,877
 
Long-term debt
 
2
     
130,635
     
132,849
     
130,945
     
132,562
 
Junior subordinated debt
 
2
     
101,196
     
91,396
     
101,196
     
103,770
 

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.
 
39

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

Securities Held to Maturity
The fair value of the Company’s investment securities held to maturity is primarily measured using information from a third party pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
 
Net Loans
The fair value of the Company’s loans was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans would be made for the same remaining maturities.  Loans were first segregated by type, and then further segmented into fixed and variable rate and loan quality categories.  Expected future cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.
 
Time Deposits
The fair value of time deposits was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.  The fair values of the Company’s time deposit liabilities do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.
 
Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.
 
Junior Subordinated Debt
The fair value of junior subordinated debt has been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.
 
40

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuating interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $1.3 billion at September 30, 2015 and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2014.  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 $32.4 million at September 30, 2015 and $35.2 million at December 31, 2014.  As of September 30, 2015, 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 $5.3 million at September 30, 2015 and $22.5 million at December 31, 2014.  As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of commercial letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
41

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 10Q as well as to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis.  Operating results for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the full year ending December 31, 2015 or any future period.

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this filing and future filings by the Company with the SEC, in the Company’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, 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,”  “will,”  “can,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or other similar terms. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) local, regional, national and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers and the Company’s assessment of that impact; (2) changes in the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs; (3) changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; (4) the effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; (5) inflation, interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations; (6) political instability; (7) acts of war or terrorism; (8) the timely development and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services by users; (9) changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits; (10) changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers; (11) technological changes; (12) acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; (13) the ability to increase market share and control expenses; (14) changes in the competitive environment among financial holding companies; (15) the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply including those under the Dodd-Frank Act; (16) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; (17) changes in the Company’s organization, compensation and benefit plans; (18) the costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments including the resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews; (19) greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business; and (20) the Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.

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 SEC, 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.
 
42

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

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

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

Management  of  the  Company  considers  the  accounting  policy relating to the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy given the uncertainty  in  evaluating  the level of the allowance required to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the material effect that such judgments can have on the results of operations. While management’s current evaluation of the allowance for loan losses indicates that the allowance is adequate, under adversely different conditions or assumptions, the allowance may need to be increased. For example, if historical loan loss experience significantly worsened or if current economic conditions significantly deteriorated, additional provision for loan losses would be required to increase the allowance. In addition, the assumptions and estimates used in the internal reviews of the Company’s nonperforming loans and potential problem loans have a significant impact on the overall analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. While management has concluded that the current evaluation of collateral values is reasonable under the circumstances, if collateral values were significantly lower, the Company’s allowance for loan loss policy would also require additional provision for loan losses.

Management is required to make various assumptions in valuing the Company’s 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 market interest rates and discounted cash flows in setting the appropriate discount rate. In addition, the Company reviews expected inflationary and merit increases to compensation in determining the rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to other-than-temporary impairment to be a critical accounting policy.  Management systematically evaluates certain assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, primarily investment securities.  Management considers historical values and current market conditions as a part of the assessment.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings and the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is generally recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.
 
43

The Company is subject to examinations from various taxing authorities.  Such examinations may result in challenges to the tax return treatment applied by the Company to specific transactions.  Management believes that the assumptions and judgments used to record tax-related assets or liabilities have been appropriate.  Should tax laws change or the taxing authorities determine that management’s assumptions were inappropriate, an adjustment may be required which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Another critical accounting policy is the policy for acquired loans. Acquired loans are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values.  The carryover of allowance for loan losses is prohibited as any credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date.  Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate.  Subsequent to the acquisition of acquired impaired loans, applicable accounting guidance requires the continued estimation of expected cash flows to be received.  This estimation involves the use of key assumptions and estimates, similar to those used in the initial estimate of fair value.  Changes in expected cash flows could result in the recognition of impairment through provision for credit losses.   Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for the non-impaired acquired loans is similar to originated loans.

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

The Company’s policies on the allowance for loan losses, pension accounting, other-than-temporary impairment of investments, acquired loans, provision for income taxes and intangible assets are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All accounting policies are important, and as such, the Company encourages the reader to review each of the policies included in Note 1 to obtain a better understanding of how the Company’s financial performance is reported.

Overview
Significant factors management reviews to evaluate the Company’s operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to:  net income and earnings per share, return on average assets, equity and tangible common equity, net interest margin, noninterest income, operating expenses, certain core results, asset quality indicators, loan and deposit growth, capital management, liquidity and interest rate sensitivity, enhancements to customer products and services, technology advancements, market share and peer comparisons.  The following information should be considered in connection with the Company's results for the first nine months of 2015:

Net income for the third quarter of 2015 was $19.9 million, up from $10.9 million from the third quarter of 2014 due primarily to non-core items recorded in 2014.  Excluding items considered non-core to our operations, core net income for the third quarter of 2015 was $19.8 million, equal to the same period in 2014.

Net income for the first nine months of 2015 was $57.3 million, up from $56.6 million from the same period of 2014.  Excluding items considered non-core to our operations, core net income for the first nine months of 2015 was $57.5 million as compared to $57.3 million for the same period in 2014.

While net interest income increased modestly from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015, the Company continues to experience net interest margin compression as net interest margin decreased from 3.61% for the third quarter of 2014 to 3.48% for the third quarter of 2015.  Net interest income was also up 0.7% for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, while net interest margin decreased from 3.61% to 3.53% for the same periods.

Organic loan growth (annualized) for the third quarter of 2015 was 6.9% and 6.6% for the first nine months of 2015.

Average demand deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were up 11.4% from the same period in 2014.

Asset quality indicators remained strong:
o
Nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.79% at September 30, 2015, as compared with 0.82% at December 31, 2014.
o
Past due loans to total loans was 0.63% at September 30, 2015, as compared with 0.69% at December 31, 2014.
o
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans was 0.35% for the third quarter of 2015, as compared with 0.36% for the same period last year.
 
44

The following table depicts several annualized measurements of performance using core and 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.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the three months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
               
Reported net income (GAAP)
 
$
19,851
   
$
10,912
   
$
57,298
   
$
56,561
 
Noninterest income adjustments:
                               
Gain on sale of securities
   
(3
)
   
(38
)
   
(43
)
   
(59
)
Gain on sale of Springstone
   
(4,179
)
   
-
     
(4,179
)
   
(19,401
)
Other adjustments(1) 
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(632
)
Noninterest expense adjustments:
                               
Prepayment penalties related to debt restructuring
   
-
     
13,348
     
-
     
17,902
 
Other adjustments(2) 
   
3,290
     
126
     
3,779
     
3,418
 
Tax provision adjustment
   
753
     
-
     
753
     
-
 
Total adjustments
   
(139
)
   
13,436
     
310
     
1,228
 
Total adjustments, net of tax
 
(92
)
 
$
8,891
   
$
206
   
$
749
 
Core net income
 
$
19,759
   
$
19,803
   
$
57,504
   
$
57,310
 
                                 
Profitability:
                               
Core Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.45
   
$
1.29
   
$
1.29
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.25
   
$
1.29
   
$
1.28
 
Core Return on Average Assets (3)
   
0.97
%
   
1.01
%
   
0.97
%
   
0.99
%
Return on Average Assets (3)
   
0.97
%
   
0.55
%
   
0.96
%
   
0.98
%
Core Return on Average Equity (3)
   
8.93
%
   
9.19
%
   
8.78
%
   
9.09
%
Return on Average Equity (3)
   
8.97
%
   
5.06
%
   
8.75
%
   
8.97
%
Core Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (3)(4)
   
13.60
%
   
14.35
%
   
13.45
%
   
14.36
%
Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (3)(4)
   
13.66
%
   
8.15
%
   
13.41
%
   
14.18
%
 
(1)
Primarily settlement of litigation for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
(2)
Primarily reorganization expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015. Primarily incentive compensation related to sale of Springstone, settlement of litigation and reorganization expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and reorganization expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
(3)
Annualized
(4)
Excludes amortization of intangible assets (net of tax) from net income and average tangible common equity is calculated as follows:
 
   
For the three months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Average stockholders' equity
 
$
878,305
   
$
855,164
   
$
875,874
   
$
843,005
 
Less: average goodwill and other intangibles
   
281,048
     
285,993
     
282,267
     
287,778
 
Average tangible common equity
 
$
597,257
   
$
569,171
   
$
593,607
   
$
555,227
 


45

Results of Operations

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $19.9 million, up from $10.9 million for the third quarter of 2014.  Reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 included a contingent gain recognized from the 2014 sale of our ownership interest in Springstone LLC (“Springstone”), offset by reorganization expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2015.  Reported net income for the third quarter of 2014 included $8.8 million in prepayment penalties, net of tax, related to our long-term debt restructuring strategy.  Reported diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $0.45, as compared with $0.25 per share for the third quarter of 2014.

Core net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $19.8 million, equal to the same period last year.  Core earnings per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $0.45, equal to the third quarter of 2014.

Reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $57.3 million, up from $56.6 million for the same period last year.  Reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included a contingent gain recognized from the 2014 sale of our ownership interest in Springstone, offset by reorganization expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2015.  Reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included a gain on the sale of our ownership interest in Springstone, partially offset by prepayment penalties related to our long-term debt restructuring strategy in 2014.  Reported diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.29, as compared with $1.28 for the same period in 2014.

Core net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $57.5 million, up from $57.3 million for the same period last year.  Core earnings per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.29, equal to the same period last year.

The third quarter and year to date reported results for 2015 and 2014 contained items which the Company considers non-core, such as gains on the sale of an equity investment, long-term debt restructuring prepayment penalties, reorganization expenses, and other items not considered core to our operations.

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.

Net interest income was $64.2 million for the third quarter of 2015, up $0.5 million from the third quarter of 2014.  Fully taxable-equivalent ("FTE") net interest margin was 3.48% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, down from 3.61% for the third quarter of 2014.  Average interest earning assets were up $304.0 million, or 4.3%, from the same period in 2014.  This increase was driven primarily by organic loan production.  Annualized organic loan growth of 6.9% during the third quarter of 2015 was driven by growth in most portfolios.  Yields on earning assets decreased by 14 basis points (“bps”) from 3.91% during the third quarter of 2014 to 3.77% for the third quarter of 2015.  This decrease in yield was more than offset by the growth in earning assets, and resulted in a slight increase in interest income for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same quarter of 2014.  The yield compression was driven primarily by a 17 bp decrease in loan yields from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015.  Average interest bearing liabilities increased $78.5 million, or 1.5%, from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015, which was driven by an increase in interest-bearing deposits.  The rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased 1 bp from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015.

Net interest income was $189.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up $1.2 million from the same period in 2014.  FTE net interest margin was 3.53% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down from 3.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Average interest earning assets were up $208.2 million, or 3.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.  This increase from last year was driven primarily by 6.6% annualized organic loan growth during the first nine months of 2015.  Yields on earning assets decreased from 3.95% during the first nine months of 2014 to 3.81% for the first nine months of 2015, more than offsetting the growth in earning assets resulting in a 0.6% decrease in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.  The yield compression was driven by a 17 bp decrease in loan yields from the first nine months of 2014 to the first nine months of 2015.  Average interest bearing liabilities decreased $11.6 million, or 0.2%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Total average deposits increased $369.0 million, or 6.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period last year driven primarily by an 11.4% increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, as well as increases in money market deposit accounts and savings deposits in the first nine months of 2015.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in average long-term borrowings of $125.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period last year due to the debt restructuring strategy completed during the third quarter of 2014.  In addition, average short-term borrowings decreased $67.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period last year driven by deposit growth.  The rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased by 6 bps for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.  This decrease resulted primarily from a shift in deposits into lower cost core deposits as well as the aforementioned debt restructuring.
 
46

Average Balances and Net Interest Income

The following tables include the condensed consolidated average balance sheet, an analysis of interest income/expense and average yield/rate for each major category of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities on a taxable equivalent basis. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
Three Months ended
    September 30, 2015     September 30, 2014  
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                       
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
8,100
   
$
6
     
0.32
%
 
$
4,791
   
$
7
     
0.54
%
Securities available for sale (1)
   
1,079,206
     
5,230
     
1.92
%
   
1,263,375
     
6,403
     
2.01
%
Securities held to maturity (1) 
   
460,252
     
2,835
     
2.44
%
   
234,403
     
1,678
     
2.84
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
37,358
     
395
     
4.19
%
   
39,459
     
504
     
5.06
%
Loans (2)
   
5,824,311
     
61,848
     
4.21
%
   
5,563,206
     
61,380
     
4.38
%
Total interest earning assets
   
7,409,227
   
$
70,314
     
3.77
%
   
7,105,234
   
$
69,972
     
3.91
%
Other assets
   
690,768
                     
697,814
                 
Total assets
 
$
8,099,995
                   
$
7,803,048
                 
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      
 
Money market deposit accounts
 
$
1,557,651
   
$
859
     
0.22
%
 
$
1,452,287
   
$
682
     
0.19
%
NOW deposit accounts
   
963,744
     
126
     
0.05
%
   
927,026
     
128
     
0.05
%
Savings deposits
   
1,085,680
     
168
     
0.06
%
   
1,025,795
     
182
     
0.07
%
Time deposits
   
939,542
     
2,401
     
1.01
%
   
1,032,370
     
2,506
     
0.96
%
Total interest bearing deposits
 
$
4,546,617
   
$
3,554
     
0.31
%
 
$
4,437,478
   
$
3,498
     
0.31
%
Short-term borrowings
   
456,663
     
296
     
0.26
%
   
447,761
     
262
     
0.23
%
Junior subordinated debt
   
101,196
     
560
     
2.20
%
   
101,196
     
544
     
2.13
%
Long-term debt
   
130,680
     
845
     
2.56
%
   
170,223
     
1,067
     
2.49
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
 
$
5,235,156
   
$
5,255
     
0.40
%
 
$
5,156,658
   
$
5,371
     
0.41
%
Demand deposits
   
1,894,555
                     
1,708,632
                 
Other liabilities
   
91,979
                     
82,594
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
878,305
                     
855,164
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
8,099,995
                   
$
7,803,048
                 
Net interest income (FTE)
           
65,059
                     
64,601
         
Interest rate spread
                   
3.37
%
                   
3.50
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.48
%
                   
3.61
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment 
           
814
                     
838
         
Net interest income
         
$
64,245
                   
$
63,763
         
 
(1)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding
 
47

Nine Months ended
    September 30, 2015     September 30, 2014  
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                       
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
9,033
   
$
22
     
0.33
%
 
$
3,821
   
$
21
     
0.73
%
Securities available for sale (1)
   
1,055,456
     
15,579
     
1.97
%
   
1,340,044
     
20,614
     
2.06
%
Securities held to maturity (1) 
   
456,072
     
8,415
     
2.47
%
   
157,784
     
3,727
     
3.16
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
33,308
     
1,254
     
5.03
%
   
41,992
     
1,531
     
4.88
%
Loans (2)
   
5,700,673
     
181,619
     
4.26
%
   
5,502,656
     
182,383
     
4.43
%
Total interest earning assets
   
7,254,542
   
$
206,889
     
3.81
%
   
7,046,297
   
$
208,276
     
3.95
%
Other assets
   
690,774
                     
685,861
                 
Total assets
 
$
7,945,316
                   
$
7,732,158
                 
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Money market deposit accounts
 
$
1,567,060
   
$
2,462
     
0.21
%
 
$
1,435,155
   
$
1,748
     
0.16
%
NOW deposit accounts
   
970,139
     
375
     
0.05
%
   
940,064
     
384
     
0.05
%
Savings deposits
   
1,069,056
     
492
     
0.06
%
   
1,022,212
     
551
     
0.07
%
Time deposits
   
974,110
     
7,315
     
1.00
%
   
1,001,301
     
7,099
     
0.95
%
Total interest bearing deposits
 
$
4,580,365
   
$
10,644
     
0.31
%
 
$
4,398,732
   
$
9,782
     
0.30
%
Short-term borrowings
   
342,293
     
561
     
0.22
%
   
410,242
     
702
     
0.23
%
Junior subordinated debt
   
101,196
     
1,645
     
2.17
%
   
101,196
     
1,620
     
2.14
%
Long-term debt
   
130,767
     
2,507
     
2.56
%
   
256,084
     
5,709
     
2.98
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
 
$
5,154,621
   
$
15,357
     
0.40
%
 
$
5,166,254
   
$
17,813
     
0.46
%
Demand deposits
   
1,827,441
                     
1,640,097
                 
Other liabilities
   
87,380
                     
82,802
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
875,874
                     
843,005
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
7,945,316
                   
$
7,732,158
                 
Net interest income (FTE)
           
191,532
                     
190,463
         
Interest rate spread
                   
3.41
%
                   
3.49
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.53
%
                   
3.61
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment 
           
2,436
                     
2,609
         
Net interest income
         
$
189,096
                   
$
187,854
         
 
(1)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding
 
48

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

Three months ended September 30,
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
              
 
 
2015 over 2014
   
        
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
             
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
4
   
$
(5
)
 
$
(1
)
Securities available for sale
   
(902
)
   
(271
)
   
(1,173
)
Securities held to maturity
   
1,420
     
(263
)
   
1,157
 
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
(26
)
   
(83
)
   
(109
)
Loans
   
2,821
     
(2,353
)
   
468
 
Total interest income
   
3,317
     
(2,975
)
   
342
 
                         
Money market deposit accounts
   
52
     
125
     
177
 
NOW deposit accounts
   
5
     
(7
)
   
(2
)
Savings deposits
   
10
     
(24
)
   
(14
)
Time deposits
   
(233
)
   
128
     
(105
)
Short-term borrowings
   
5
     
29
     
34
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
-
     
16
     
16
 
Long-term debt
   
(255
)
   
33
     
(222
)
Total interest expense
   
(416
)
   
300
     
(116
)
 
                       
Change in FTE net interest income
 
$
3,733
   
$
(3,275
)
 
$
458
 
                         
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
               
 
 
2015 over 2014
                 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                         
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
18
   
$
(17
)
 
$
1
 
Securities available for sale
   
(4,229
)
   
(806
)
   
(5,035
)
Securities held to maturity
   
5,664
     
(976
)
   
4,688
 
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
(326
)
   
49
     
(277
)
Loans
   
6,441
     
(7,205
)
   
(764
)
Total interest income
   
7,568
     
(8,955
)
   
(1,387
)
                         
Money market deposit accounts
   
172
     
542
     
714
 
NOW deposit accounts
   
12
     
(21
)
   
(9
)
Savings deposits
   
24
     
(83
)
   
(59
)
Time deposits
   
(196
)
   
412
     
216
 
Short-term borrowings
   
(112
)
   
(29
)
   
(141
)
Junior subordinated debt
   
-
     
25
     
25
 
Long-term debt
   
(2,490
)
   
(712
)
   
(3,202
)
Total interest expense
   
(2,590
)
   
134
     
(2,456
)
 
                       
Change in FTE net interest income
 
$
10,158
   
$
(9,089
)
 
$
1,069
 


49

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
(in thousands)
               
Insurance and other financial services revenue
 
$
5,862
   
$
6,179
   
$
18,072
   
$
18,510
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
4,349
     
4,519
     
12,706
     
13,285
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
4,780
     
4,440
     
13,707
     
12,869
 
Retirement plan administration fees
   
3,249
     
3,272
     
10,011
     
9,167
 
Trust
   
4,611
     
4,758
     
14,257
     
14,157
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
931
     
1,095
     
3,418
     
3,455
 
Net securities gains
   
3
     
38
     
43
     
59
 
Gain on sale of equity investment 
   
4,179
     
-
     
4,179
     
19,401
 
Other
   
3,297
     
2,376
     
9,617
     
8,078
 
Total noninterest income
 
$
31,261
   
$
26,677
   
$
86,010
   
$
98,981
 

Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $31.3 million, up $4.6 million from the third quarter of 2014.  Excluding the contingent gain recognized totaling $4.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 from the sale of Springstone and securities gains, noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $27.1 million, up $0.4 million from the third quarter of 2014.  This increase was primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in other noninterest income from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015, due primarily to a recovery recognized during the third quarter of 2015 on an acquired commercial loan.

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $86.0 million, down $13.0 million from the same period last year.   Excluding the gains recorded in both periods from the 2014 sale of Springstone, securities gains, and other items not considered core to our operations, noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $81.8 million, up $2.9 million, or 3.7% from the same period last year.  The increase from the prior year was driven primarily by increases in retirement plan administration fees, ATM and debit card fees, and other noninterest income.  Retirement plan administration fees were up $0.8 million, or 9.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to new business generation.  ATM and debit card fees were up $0.8 million, or 6.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period last year due primarily to an increase in debit card activity.  Other noninterest income was up $1.5 million, or 19.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to the acquired loan charge-off recoveries recognized in 2015.
 
50

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
(in thousands)
               
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
30,227
   
$
28,933
   
$
91,240
   
$
89,609
 
Occupancy
   
5,326
     
5,211
     
16,804
     
16,872
 
Data processing and communications
   
4,207
     
4,029
     
12,598
     
12,045
 
Professional fees and outside services
   
3,137
     
3,695
     
10,029
     
10,862
 
Equipment
   
3,352
     
3,199
     
9,917
     
9,447
 
Office supplies and postage
   
1,576
     
1,733
     
4,822
     
5,221
 
FDIC expenses
   
1,355
     
1,135
     
3,833
     
3,642
 
Advertising
   
421
     
403
     
1,874
     
1,868
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1,165
     
1,275
     
3,636
     
3,821
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
   
699
     
705
     
1,593
     
2,546
 
Prepayment penalties on long term debt 
   
-
     
13,348
     
-
     
17,902
 
Other
   
8,426
     
5,401
     
19,211
     
15,485
 
Total noninterest expense
 
$
59,891
   
$
69,067
   
$
175,557
   
$
189,320
 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $59.9 million, down $9.2 million from the third quarter of 2014.  Excluding reorganization expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2015, prepayment penalties incurred in the third quarter of 2014, and other items not considered core to our operations, noninterest expense was up $1.0 million from the third quarter of 2014.  This increase was due primarily to a $1.3 million increase in salaries and employee benefits in the third quarter of 2015 driven by higher post retirement costs and higher incentive compensations costs.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in professional fees and outside services for the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014 driven by consulting costs incurred in 2014 related to contract negotiations.

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $175.6 million, down $13.8 million or 7.3% from the same period in 2014, due primarily to $17.9 million in prepayment penalties from long-term, debt restructuring in 2014.  Excluding non-core items including these prepayment penalties, reorganization expenses, and other items not considered core to our operations, noninterest expense was up $3.8 million, or 2.2%, for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period last year.  Salaries and employee benefits were up $1.6 million, or 1.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared with the same period in 2014.  Excluding incentive compensation expenses recorded in 2014 related to the Springstone sale, salaries and employee benefits were up $4.1 million, or 4.7%, from the first nine months of 2014 to the first nine months of 2015.  This increase was driven by higher retirement plan costs, higher medical expenses, and an increase in salaries expense.  This increase in salaries and employee benefits was partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in loan collection and other real estate owned expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period last year.  This decrease was due primarily to gains on sales of real estate recorded in the second quarter of 2015, which offset expenses during the period.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 was $10.8 million, up $5.2 million from the third quarter of 2014, which included the impact of the aforementioned non-core items.  The increase from the third quarter of 2014 was due primarily to a higher level of taxable income for the third quarter of 2015.  The effective tax rate was 35.2% for the third quarter of 2015 as compared with 33.8% for the third quarter of 2014.

Income tax expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was $29.7 million, up $1.4 million from the same period in 2014.  The effective tax rate was 34.2% for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to 33.4% for the first nine months of 2014.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities
Total securities increased $61.7 million, or 4.2%, from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 due to reinvestment of cash flows during the first nine months of 2015.  The securities portfolio represents 18.8% of total assets as of September 30, 2015 as compared to 18.9% as of December 31, 2014.
 
51

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

   
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
       
With maturities 15 years or less
   
22
%
   
24
%
With maturities greater than 15 years
   
1
%
   
1
%
Collateral mortgage obligations
   
40
%
   
38
%
Municipal securities
   
14
%
   
12
%
US agency notes
   
22
%
   
24
%
Other
   
1
%
   
1
%
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.  Refer to Note 3. Securities of the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to other than temporary impairment considerations.
 
Loans
A summary of loans, net of deferred fees and origination costs, by category for the periods indicated follows:

 
 
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Residential real estate mortgages
 
$
1,177,195
   
$
1,115,715
 
Commercial
   
1,167,007
     
1,144,761
 
Commercial real estate mortgages
   
1,435,378
     
1,334,984
 
Consumer
   
1,549,844
     
1,430,216
 
Home equity
   
541,564
     
569,595
 
Total loans and leases
 
$
5,870,988
   
$
5,595,271
 

Total loans increased by $275.7 million, or 4.9%, at September 30, 2015 from December 31, 2014, or 6.6% annualized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Loan growth was attributable to growth in most loan portfolios.  Loans represent approximately 71.9% of assets as of September 30, 2015, as compared to 71.8% as of December 31, 2014. 
 
52

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 probable incurred 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 incurred credit losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.

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

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

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

The following table reflects changes to the allowance for loan losses for the periods presented. The allowance is increased by provisions for losses charged to operations and is reduced by net charge-offs. Charge-offs are made when the ability to collect loan principal within a reasonable time becomes unlikely. Any recoveries of previously charged-off loans are credited directly to the allowance for loan losses.
 
53

Allowance For Loan Losses
 
   
Three months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
64,959
       
$
69,534
     
Recoveries
   
1,308
         
892
     
Chargeoffs
   
(6,374
)
 
   
     
(5,977
)
 
    
 
Net chargeoffs
   
(5,066
)
       
(5,085
)
      
Provision for loan losses
   
4,966
   
    
     
4,885
   
    
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
64,859
   
   
   
$
69,334
   
    
 
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
         
   
           
    
 
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
(1,075
)
   
21
%
 
$
(1,264
)
   
25
%
Real estate mortgage
   
(350
)
   
7
%
   
(474
)
   
9
%
Consumer
   
(3,641
)
   
72
%
   
(3,347
)
   
66
%
Net chargeoffs
 
$
(5,066
)
   
100
%
 
$
(5,085
)
   
100
%
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
   
0.35
%
              
0.36
%
          
                                 
Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses
 
   
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
66,359
           
$
69,434
         
Recoveries
   
3,416
             
3,300
         
Chargeoffs
   
(17,422
)
              
(16,047
)
           
Net chargeoffs
   
(14,006
)
           
(12,747
)
       
Provision for loan losses
   
12,506
                
12,647
             
Balance, end of period
 
$
64,859
              
$
69,334
             
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
                                       
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
(1,943
)
   
14
%
 
$
(2,457
)
   
19
%
Real estate mortgage
   
(1,214
)
   
9
%
   
(718
)
   
6
%
Consumer
   
(10,849
)
   
77
%
   
(9,572
)
   
75
%
Net chargeoffs
 
$
(14,006
)
   
100
%
 
$
(12,747
)
   
100
%
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
   
0.33
%
               
0.31
%
           

Net charge-offs were $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, equal to the third quarter of 2014.  Provision expense was $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared with $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2014.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans for the third quarter of 2015 was 0.35%, compared with 0.36% for the third quarter of 2014.

Nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.79% at September 30, 2015, down 3 bps from December 31, 2014.  Past due loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.63% at September 30, 2015 as compared to 0.69% at December 31, 2014.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $64.9 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $66.4 million at December 31, 2014.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans was 1.10% (1.21% excluding acquired loans with no related allowance recorded) at September 30, 2015, compared to 1.19% (1.36% excluding acquired loans with no related allowance recorded) at December 31, 2014.  The decrease in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans from the prior period was due primarily to continued positive trends in asset quality metrics of the originated loan portfolio including continued improvement in the level of charge-offs as well as improvement in qualitative environmental factors resulting from continued improvement in the economy.
 
54

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, which include securities which management believes are other-than-temporarily impaired, are carried at their estimated fair value and are not accruing interest.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
 
$
21,604
     
50
%
 
$
18,226
     
45
%
Real estate mortgages
   
8,799
     
21
%
   
10,867
     
26
%
Consumer
   
6,675
     
16
%
   
8,086
     
20
%
Troubled debt restructured loans
   
5,446
     
13
%
   
3,895
     
9
%
Total nonaccrual loans
   
42,524
     
100
%
   
41,074
     
100
%
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
                               
Commercial and agricultural loans and  real estate
   
12
     
0
%
   
84
     
2
%
Real estate mortgages
   
1,832
     
48
%
   
1,927
     
39
%
Consumer
   
1,946
     
52
%
   
2,930
     
59
%
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
   
3,790
     
100
%
   
4,941
     
100
%
                                 
Total nonperforming loans
   
46,314
             
46,015
         
Other real estate owned (OREO)
   
4,855
             
3,964
         
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
51,169
           
$
49,979
         
Total nonperforming loans to total loans and leases
   
0.79
%
           
0.82
%
       
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
   
0.63
%
           
0.64
%
       
Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans
   
140.04
%
           
144.21
%
       

Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.63% at September 30, 2015, down from 0.69% at December 31, 2014.  For acquired loans that are not deemed to be impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value and amortized over the life of the asset.

As a result of the application of this accounting methodology, certain credit-related ratios  may not necessarily be directly comparable with periods prior to the acquisition, or comparable with other institutions. The credit metrics most impacted by our acquisition of loans related to the Alliance Financial Corporation ("Alliance") merger were the allowance for loans losses to total loans,  and total allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans.  As of September 30, 2015, the allowance for loan losses to total originated loans and the total allowance for loan losses to originated nonperforming loans were 1.21% and 192.49%, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses to total originated loans and the total allowance for loan losses to originated nonperforming loans were 1.36% and 187.88%, respectively.

Loans acquired from Alliance that were not deemed to be impaired at acquisition and were classified as non-accrual and greater than 90 days past due and still accruing prior to acquisition, continued to be classified as non-accrual and 90 days past due and still accruing immediately after the acquisition. Loans acquired from Alliance that were classified as TDRs prior to acquisition are no longer classified as such immediately following the acquisition. Acquired credit impaired loans from the Alliance acquisition were not classified non-accrual, even though they may be contractually past due, because we expect to fully collect the recorded investment of such loans and can reasonably estimate the cash flows.

In addition to nonperforming loans, the Company has also identified approximately $73.6 million in potential problem loans at September 30, 2015 as compared to $93.6 million at December 31, 2014.  At September 30, 2015, 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 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.
 
55

Deposits

Total deposits were $6.6 billion at September 30, 2015, up $301.0 million, or 4.8%, from December 31, 2014.  This increase was driven primarily by increases in savings accounts, money market accounts, interest bearing checking accounts and demand deposit accounts.  Total average deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $369.0 million, or 6.1%, from the same period in 2014, due primarily to organic deposit growth in 2015.  This growth was driven by growth in average demand deposits of $187.3 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to the same period in 2015.  In addition, average money market deposit account balances increased $131.9 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to the same period in 2015.

Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $362.3 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $316.8 million at December 31, 2014.  Long-term debt was $130.6 million at September 30, 2015, as compared to $130.9 million at December 31, 2014. 

For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see “Liquidity Risk” below.

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $876.2 million represented 10.74% of total assets at September 30, 2015, compared with $864.2 million, or 11.08% as of December 31, 2014.  The increase in stockholders' equity resulted primarily from net income of $57.3 million for the first nine months of 2015, partially offset by dividends paid of $28.6 million and treasury share purchases totaling $26.8 million during the period.

The Company purchased 1,047,152 shares of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 at an average price of $25.59 per share under previously announced plans.  As of September 30, 2015, there were 952,848 shares available for repurchase under the repurchase plan that was announced on July 27, 2015, which expires on December 31, 2016.

The Board of Directors considers the Company's earnings position and earnings potential when making dividend decisions.  The NBT Board of Directors approved a 2015 fourth-quarter cash dividend of $0.22 per share at a meeting held on October 26, 2015. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2015 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2015.  The Company does not have a target dividend pay-out ratio.

As the capital ratios in the following table indicate, the Company remained “well capitalized” at September 30, 2015 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. To be considered well capitalized, Tier 1 leverage, Common equity tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and Total risk-based capital ratios must be 5%, 6.5%, 8% and 10%, respectively.

Capital Measurements
 
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
   
9.34
%
   
9.39
%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
   
10.04
%
 
NA
 
Tier 1 capital ratio
   
11.57
%
   
12.32
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
   
12.62
%
   
13.50
%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
   
49.83
%
   
49.16
%
Per common share:
               
Book value
 
$
20.29
   
$
19.69
 
Tangible book value (1)
 
$
13.80
   
$
13.22
 
 
(1)
Stockholders' equity less goodwill and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve and OCC published final rules establishing a new comprehensive framework for U.S. banking organizations (the "New Capital Rules"). Effective January 1, 2015, we became subject to the Standardized approach under the New Capital Rules which implemented the Basel Committee's December 2010 capital framework known as "Basel III" for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank were subject to the capital requirements of Basel I. Compared to Basel I, Basel III narrows the definition of regulatory capital and increases the capital requirements and revisions to Tier 1 common (referred to as Common Equity Tier 1 under Basel III), Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital are subject to phase-in from 2015 to 2019 and during that period, such capital amounts represent Basel III Transitional capital. In addition, Basel III establishes the Standardized approach for calculating risk weighted assets, replacing the risk weighting asset calculation framework under Basel I.
 
56

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

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

In an attempt to manage the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates, management monitors the Company’s interest rate risk.  Management’s Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”) meets monthly to review the Company’s interest rate risk position and profitability and to recommend strategies for consideration by the Board of Directors.  Management also reviews loan and deposit pricing and the Company’s securities portfolio, formulates investment and funding strategies, and oversees the timing and implementation of transactions to assure attainment of the Board’s objectives in the most effective manner. Notwithstanding the Company’s interest rate risk management activities, the potential effect of 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.
 
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The model is first run under an assumption of a flat rate scenario (i.e. no change in current interest rates) with a static balance sheet over a 12-month period.  Two additional models are run with static balance sheets: (1) a gradual increase of 200 bp, and (2) a gradual decrease of 100 bp taking place over a 12-month period. Under these scenarios, assets subject to prepayments are adjusted to account for faster or slower prepayment assumptions.  Any investment securities or borrowings that have callable options embedded into them are handled accordingly based on the interest rate scenario. The resulting changes in net interest income are then measured against the flat rate scenario.
 
In the declining rate scenario, net interest income is projected to decrease when compared to the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario through the simulation period. The decrease in net interest income is a result of earning assets repricing downward at a faster rate than interest bearing liabilities. The inability to effectively lower deposit rates will likely reduce or eliminate the benefit of lower interest rates. In the rising rate scenarios, net interest income is projected to experience a decline from the flat rate scenario. Net interest income is projected to remain at lower levels than in a flat rate scenario through the simulation period primarily due to a lag in assets repricing while funding costs increase. The potential impact on earnings is dependent on the ability to lag deposit repricing. If short-term rates continue to increase, the Company expects competitive pressures will likely lead to core deposit pricing increases, which will likely continue compression of the net interest margin.

Net interest income for the next 12 months in the + 200/- 100 bp scenarios, as described above, is within the internal policy risk limits of not more than a 7.5% change in net interest income. The following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income in the rising and declining rate scenarios over a 12-month period from the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario using the September 30, 2015 balance sheet position:
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
Change in interest rates
Percent change in
(in bp points)
net interest income
+200
(3.35%)
-100
(1.53%)
 
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of customers who may be depositors wanting to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. The ALCO is responsible for liquidity management and has developed guidelines which cover all assets and liabilities, as well as off balance sheet items that are potential sources or uses of liquidity.  Liquidity policies must also provide the flexibility to implement appropriate strategies and tactical actions. Requirements change as loans grow, deposits and securities mature, and payments on borrowings are made. Liquidity management includes a focus on interest rate sensitivity management with a goal of avoiding widely fluctuating net interest margins through periods of changing economic conditions.

The primary liquidity measurement the Company utilizes is called the Basic Surplus, which captures the adequacy of its access to reliable sources of cash relative to the stability of its funding mix of average liabilities.  Basic Surplus is calculated by subtracting short-term liabilities from liquid assets.  This approach recognizes the importance of balancing levels of cash flow liquidity from short- and long-term securities with the availability of dependable borrowing sources which can be accessed when necessary.  At September 30, 2015, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 15.5% of total assets or approximately $1.3 billion as compared to the December 31, 2014 Basic Surplus of 15.4% or $1.2 billion, and was above the Company’s minimum of 5% or $408 million set forth in its liquidity policies.
 
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This Basic Surplus approach enables the Company to adequately manage liquidity from both operational and contingency perspectives. By tempering the need for cash flow liquidity with reliable borrowing facilities, the Company is able to operate with a more fully invested and, therefore, higher interest income generating securities portfolio. The makeup and term structure of the securities portfolio is, in part, impacted by the overall interest rate sensitivity of the balance sheet. Investment decisions and deposit pricing strategies are impacted by the liquidity position.
 
The Company’s primary source of funds is the Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is required to pay dividends when a bank fails to meet certain minimum regulatory capital standards or when such dividends are in excess of a subsidiary bank’s earnings retained in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (as defined in the regulations). At September 30, 2015, approximately $83.7 million of the total stockholders’ equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC.  The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of its surplus or, in case there is no surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, FHLB advances outstanding totaled approximately $400 million and $352 million, respectively.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and had additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB of approximately $1.1 billion at September 30, 2015 and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2014.  In addition, unpledged securities could have been used to increase borrowing capacity at the FHLB by an additional $419 million at September 30, 2015, or used to collateralize other borrowings, such as repurchase agreements.  At September 30, 2015 the Bank also had additional borrowing capacity from unused collateral at the Federal Reserve of $821 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-16, Business Combinations - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (Topic 805).  The amendments in ASU 2015-16 The amendments in this Update require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this Update require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this Update require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date.  The guidance becomes effective for us on January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30).  The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are intended to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. These amendments require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU.  The guidance becomes effective for us on January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 —Consolidation (Topic 810), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.  The update amends existing standards regarding the evaluation of certain legal entities and their consolidation in the financial statements. The amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities and eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. The amendments also affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The guidance becomes effective for us on January 1, 2016 and we are evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This new guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In April 2015, the FASB approved deferral of the effective date of this guidance, which is now effective prospectively for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
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Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Information called for by Item 3 is contained in the Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
The  Company's  management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of  the  Company's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2015, 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
 
There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is subject, except as described in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 1A – RISK FACTORS
 
There are no material changes to the risk factors as previously discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
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 or any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of our common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2015:

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)
 
7/1/15 - 7/31/15
   
28,095
   
$
26.95
     
28,095
     
1,538,554
 
8/1/15 - 8/31/15
   
357,378
     
26.30
     
357,378
     
1,181,176
 
9/1/15 - 9/30/15
   
228,328
     
26.13
     
228,328
     
952,848
 
Total
   
613,801
   
$
26.27
     
613,801
     
952,848
 

(1)  The Company purchased 1,047,152 shares of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 at an average price of $25.59 per share under previously announced plans.  As of September 30, 2015, there were 952,848 shares available for repurchase under the repurchase plan that was announced on July 27, 2015, which expires on December 31, 2016.

Item 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None
 
Item 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None
 
Item 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

None
 
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Item 6 – EXHIBITS

3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through July 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q, filed on August 10, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc., effective July 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3.3
 
Certificate of Designation of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
     
4.1
 
Specimen common stock certificate for NBT's common stock (filed as exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
     
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.
     
101.INS XBRL
 
Instance Document.
     
101.SCH XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.DEF XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
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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 November 2015.
 
 
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: 
/s/ Michael J. Chewens
 
 
 
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through July 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q, filed on August 10, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc., effective July 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3.3
 
Certificate of Designation of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
     
4.1
 
Specimen common stock certificate for NBT's common stock (filed as exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS XBRL
 
Instance Document.
     
101.SCH XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.DEF XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE XBRL
 
Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 
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