cbna201210q2ndqtr.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
 x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012
   
   OR
   
 o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   For the transition period from                              to                                .
   Commission File Number: 001-13695
 
 
 
 COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
         Delaware                                16-1213679                 
 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
         5790 Widewaters Parkway, DeWitt, New York                                  13214-1883                  
 (Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)
   (315) 445-2282  
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
     
   NONE  
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes   x    No  o.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted to its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x    No  o.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 Large accelerated filer   x  Accelerated filer   o  Non-accelerated filer   o Smaller reporting company   o.
 
(Do not check if a 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 o. No   x.
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.        
39,474,504 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding on July 31, 2012.


 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Part I.
   Financial Information
Page
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Condition
 
 
June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011                                                                                                                                                                                                      
4
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011                                                                                                                                                                                                      
5
     
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2012                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
6
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
7
     
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
June 30, 2012                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
8
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                                                                                                                                  
25
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk                                                                                                                                                                                        
41
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
42
     
Part II.
   Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
42
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
42
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds                                                                                                                                                                                       
42
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
43
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
43
     
Item 5.
Other Information                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
43
          
Item 6.
Exhibits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
43


 
2

 

Part I.   Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
 
June 30,
December 31,
 
2012
2011
Assets:
   
   Cash and cash equivalents
$130,902
$324,878
     
   Available-for-sale investment securities (cost of $2,076,249 and $1,453,461, respectively)
2,206,147
1,538,973
     
   Held-to-maturity investment securities (fair value of $717,179 and $617,835, respectively)
647,747
553,495
     
   Other securities, at cost
78,024
58,902
     
   Loans held for sale, at fair value
0
532
     
   Loans
3,561,670
3,471,025
   Allowance for loan losses
(41,828)
(42,213)
     Net loans
3,519,842
3,428,812
     
   Goodwill, net
345,050
345,050
   Core deposit intangibles, net
9,941
11,519
   Other intangibles, net
3,444
3,995
     Intangible assets, net
358,435
360,564
     
   Premises and equipment, net
84,575
85,956
   Accrued interest receivable
32,577
28,579
   Other assets
108,082
107,584
     
        Total assets
$7,166,331
$6,488,275
     
Liabilities:
   
   Noninterest-bearing deposits
$944,695
$894,464
   Interest-bearing deposits
3,965,657
3,900,781
      Total deposits
4,910,352
4,795,245
     
  Borrowings
1,157,872
728,281
  Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
102,060
102,048
  Accrued interest and other liabilities
110,988
88,118
     Total liabilities
6,281,272
5,713,692
     
Commitments and contingencies (See Note J)
   
     
Shareholders' equity:
   
  Preferred stock $1.00 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued
-
-
  Common stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 40,273,189 and
   
    37,794,532 shares issued, respectively
40,273
37,795
  Additional paid-in capital
373,926
313,501
  Retained earnings
431,226
411,805
  Accumulated other comprehensive income
57,167
29,165
  Treasury stock, at cost (801,260 and 808,123 shares, respectively)
(17,533)
(17,683)
     Total shareholders' equity
885,059
774,583
     
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$7,166,331
$6,488,275





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Per-Share Data)

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
Interest income:
         
 
Interest and fees on loans
$47,077
$49,471
 
$94,715
$91,768
 
Interest and dividends on taxable investments
17,450
14,640
 
31,725
26,869
 
Interest and dividends on nontaxable investments
6,018
5,739
 
11,616
11,500
 
     Total interest income
70,545
69,850
 
138,056
130,137
 
 
         
Interest expense:
         
 
Interest on deposits
4,380
6,791
 
9,889
12,797
 
Interest on borrowings
7,713
7,389
 
15,113
14,680
 
Interest on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
681
1,483
 
1,374
2,950
 
     Total interest expense
12,774
15,663
 
26,376
30,427
             
Net interest income
57,771
54,187
 
111,680
99,710
Less:  provision for loan losses
2,155
1,050
 
3,799
2,100
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
55,616
53,137
 
107,881
97,610
             
Noninterest income:
         
 
Deposit service fees
11,035
10,488
 
21,404
20,173
 
Mortgage and other banking services
896
1,627
 
1,890
2,421
 
Benefit trust, administration, consulting and actuarial fees
8,664
7,854
 
17,637
16,037
 
Wealth management services
3,101
2,782
 
6,233
4,962
 
Gain on investment securities & debt extinguishments, net
0
14
 
0
14
Total noninterest income
23,696
22,765
 
47,164
43,607
             
Operating expenses:
         
 
Salaries and employee benefits
26,844
25,531
 
54,269
48,642
 
Occupancy and equipment
6,130
6,253
 
12,593
12,310
 
Data processing and communications
5,768
5,179
 
11,351
9,949
 
Amortization of intangible assets
1,045
1,189
 
2,131
2,090
 
Legal and professional fees
1,804
1,307
 
4,012
2,646
 
Office supplies and postage
1,382
1,377
 
2,850
2,573
 
Business development and marketing
1,876
2,183
 
3,048
3,438
 
FDIC insurance premiums
903
1,177
 
1,809
2,538
 
Acquisition expenses
164
3,617
 
424
4,308
 
Other
3,454
3,313
 
6,286
5,948
 
     Total operating expenses
49,370
51,126
 
98,773
94,442
             
Income before income taxes
29,942
24,776
 
56,272
46,775
Income taxes
8,871
6,790
 
16,375
12,629
Net income
$21,071
$17,986
 
$39,897
$34,146
             
Basic earnings per share
$0.53
$0.49
 
$1.02
$0.97
Diluted earnings per share
$0.53
$0.49
 
$1.01
$0.96
Dividends declared per share
$0.26
$0.24
 
$0.52
$0.48



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
4

 
 
COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)


   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
             
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
           
Change in accumulated unrealized gain or loss for pension and other post retirement obligations
 
$683
$174
 
$1,365
$349
Change in unrealized losses on derivative instruments used in cash flow hedging relationships
 
0
804
 
0
1,592
Unrealized gains on securities:
           
     Unrealized holding gains arising during period
 
51,396
19,425
 
44,386
28,402
     Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
 
0
(106)
 
0
(106)
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
 
52,079
20,297
 
45,751
30,237
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
 
(19,909)
(7,620)
 
(17,749)
(11,441)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
32,170
12,677
 
28,002
18,796
Net income
 
21,071
17,986
 
39,897
34,146
Comprehensive income
 
$53,241
$30,663
 
$67,899
$52,942

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
             
Tax Effect Allocated To Each Component Of Comprehensive Income:
           
             
Tax effect of unrealized loss for pension and other postretirement obligations
 
($266)
($67)
 
($530)
($135)
Tax effect of unrealized losses on derivative instruments used in cash flow hedging relationships
 
0
(310)
 
0
(613)
Tax effect of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities arising during period
 
(19,643)
(7,243)
 
(17,219)
(10,693)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive loss
 
($19,909)
($7,620)
 
($17,749)
($11,441)
             
   
As of
  June 30,
As of 
 December 31,
     
   
2012
2011
     
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income By Component:
           
             
Unrealized loss for pension and other postretirement obligations
 
($39,112)
($40,477)
     
Tax effect
 
15,073
15,603
     
Net unrealized loss for pension and other postretirement obligations
 
(24,039)
(24,874)
     
             
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments used in cash flow hedging relationships
 
0
0
     
Tax effect
 
0
0
     
Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments used in cash flow hedging relationships
 
0
0
     
             
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
 
129,898
85,512
     
Tax effect
 
(48,692)
(31,473)
     
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
 
81,206
54,039
     
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
$57,167
$29,165
     



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)


         
Accumulated
   
 
Common Stock
Additional
 
Other
   
 
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury
 
 
Outstanding
Issued
Capital
Earnings
Income
Stock
Total
               
Balance at December 31, 2011
          36,986,409
$37,795
$313,501
$411,805
$29,165
($17,683)
$774,583
               
Net income
     
39,897
   
39,897
               
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
       
28,002
 
28,002
               
Dividends declared:
             
Common, $0.52 per share
     
(20,476)
   
(20,476)
               
Common stock issued under employee
             
  stock plan, including tax benefits of $720
355,720
348
5,602
   
150
6,100
               
Stock-based compensation
   
2,036
     
2,036
 
             
Common stock issuance
2,129,800
2,130
52,787
     
54,917
               
Balance at June 30, 2012
39,471,929
$40,273
$373,926
$431,226
$57,167
($17,533)
$885,059































The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
2011
Operating activities:
   
  Net income
$39,897
$34,146
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
   
     Depreciation
5,551
5,659
     Amortization of intangible assets
2,131
2,090
     Net accretion of premiums & discounts on securities, loans and borrowings
(2,584)
(1,431)
     Stock-based compensation
2,036
2,292
     Provision for loan losses
3,799
2,100
     Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
365
446
 Income from bank-owned life insurance policies
(536)
(374)
     Gain on investment securities and debt extinguishments, net
0
(14)
     Net gain from sale of loans and other assets
(82)
(524)
     Net change in loans held for sale
576
3,538
     Change in other assets and liabilities
789
2,464
       Net cash provided by operating activities
51,942
50,392
Investing activities:
   
  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities
0
10,795
  Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investment securities
103,709
103,299
  Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities
12,602
18,627
  Proceeds from maturities of other investment securities
1
1,195
  Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities
(724,530)
(147,898)
  Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities
(106,226)
(5,354)
  Purchases of other securities
(19,123)
(2)
  Net (increase) decrease in loans
(94,829)
10,916
  Cash paid for acquisition
0
6,258
  Purchases of premises and equipment
(4,132)
(4,235)
       Net cash used in investing activities
(832,528)
(6,399)
Financing activities:
   
  Net increase in deposits
115,107
51,503
  Net increase (decrease) in borrowings
429,591
(19,779)
  Issuance of common stock
61,017
1,852
  Cash dividends paid
(19,825)
(15,997)
  Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
720
284
       Net cash provided by financing activities
586,610
17,863
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(193,976)
61,856
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
324,878
211,837
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$130,902
$273,693
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   
  Cash paid for interest
$26,775
$30,134
  Cash paid for income taxes
9,655
9,689
Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing and investing activities:
   
  Dividends declared and unpaid
10,260
8,831
  Transfers from loans to other real estate
1,977
3,405
  Acquisitions:
   
     Fair value of assets acquired, excluding acquired cash and intangibles
0
814,144
     Fair value of liabilities assumed
0
791,222







The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
7

 

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
June 30, 2012

NOTE A:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim financial data as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 is unaudited; however, in the opinion of Community Bank System, Inc. (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 conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  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.

NOTE B:  ACQUISITIONS

On January 19, 2012, Community Bank, N.A. (the” Bank”), the wholly-owned banking subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Assignment, Purchase and Assumption Agreement (the “HSBC Branch Agreement”) and a Purchase and Assumption Agreement (the “First Niagara Branch Agreement”) (collectively, the “Agreements”) with First Niagara Bank, N.A. (“First Niagara”).  Under the Agreements, the Bank agreed to acquire 19 branches in Central, Northern, and Western New York, consisting of three branches to be purchased directly from First Niagara and 16 branches to be purchased from HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC”). First Niagara assigned its rights to the HSBC branches in connection with its pending acquisition of HSBC’s Upstate New York banking franchise. On July 20, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of the 16 retail branches owned by HSBC, adding approximately $107 million in loans and $697 million of deposits at a blended deposit premium of 3.4%.  Upon closing, the Company repaid $430 million of overnight borrowings.  The acquisition of the three branches owned by First Niagara is expected to close later in the third quarter and will add approximately $72 million of loans and $138 million of deposits also at a blended deposit premium of 3.2%.
 
The Company completed a public stock offering in late January 2012.  The offering raised $57.5 million through the issuance of 2.13 million shares.  The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $54.9 million.  The Company intends to use the capital raised in this offering to support the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions.

On November 30, 2011, the Company, through its Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. (“BPAS”) subsidiary, acquired certain assets and liabilities of CAI Benefits, Inc. (“CAI”), a provider of actuarial, consulting and retirement plan administration services, with offices in New York City and Northern New Jersey.  The Company acquired $1.4 million of assets and $0.2 million of liabilities.  The results of CAI’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date.  The transaction adds valuable service capacity and enhances distribution prospects in support of the Company’s broader-based employee benefits business, including daily valuation plan and collective investment fund administration.

On April 8, 2011, the Company acquired The Wilber Corporation (“Wilber”), parent company of Wilber National Bank, for approximately $103 million in stock and cash, comprised of $20.4 million in cash and the issuance of 3.35 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock.  Based in Oneonta, New York, Wilber operated 22 branches in the Central, Greater Capital District, and Catskill regions of Upstate New York.  Wilber was merged into the Company and Wilber National Bank was merged into the Bank.  The Company acquired $462.3 million of loans, $297.6 million of investments, $771.6 million of deposits, and $19.7 million of borrowings.  The results of Wilber’s operations have been included in the Company’s financial statements since that date.

Direct costs related to the acquisitions were expensed as incurred.  Merger and acquisition integration-related expenses amount to $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and $3.6 million and $4.3 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and have been separately stated in the Consolidated Statements of Income.


 
8

 

NOTE C:  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies of the Company, as applied in the consolidated interim financial statements presented herein, are substantially the same as those followed on an annual basis as presented on pages 54 through 60 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2012.

Critical Accounting Policies

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, GAAP requires the continued estimation of expected cash flows to be received.  This estimation requires numerous assumptions, interpretations and judgments using internal and third-party credit quality information.  Changes in expected cash flows could result in the recognition of impairment through provision for credit losses.

For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value.  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, however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining pooled discounts for loans evaluated collectively for impairment.  For loans individually evaluated for impairment, a provision is recoded when the required allowance exceeds any remaining discount on the loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses
Management continually evaluates the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, and performs a formal review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.  The allowance reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Determination of the allowance is subjective in nature and requires significant estimates.   The Company’s allowance methodology consists of two broad components - general and specific loan loss allocations.

The general loan loss allocation is composed of two calculations that are computed on five main loan segments:  business lending, consumer installment - direct, consumer installment - indirect, home equity and consumer mortgage.  The first calculation determines an allowance level based on the latest 36 months of historical net charge-off data for each loan class (commercial loans exclude balances with specific loan loss allocations).  The second calculation is qualitative and takes into consideration eight qualitative environmental factors:  levels and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards, and other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.  These two calculations are added together to determine the general loan loss allocation.  The specific loan loss allocation relates to individual commercial loans that are both greater than $0.5 million and in a nonaccruing status with respect to interest.  Specific losses are based on discounted estimated cash flows, including any cash flows resulting from the conversion of collateral or collateral shortfalls.  The allowance levels computed from the specific and general loan loss allocation methods are combined with unallocated allowances and allowances needed for acquired loans, if any, to derive the total required allowance for loan losses to be reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Condition.

Loan losses are charged off against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance.  A provision for loan loss is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of factors previously mentioned.

Investment Securities
The Company has classified its investments in debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale.  Held-to-maturity securities are those for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity, and are reported at cost, which is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.  Securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of applicable income taxes.  None of the Company's investment securities have been classified as trading securities at June 30, 2012.  Certain equity securities are stated at cost and include restricted stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

Fair values for investment securities are based upon quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based upon quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model using market estimates of interest rates and volatility.  See Notes D and K for more information.
 
 
9

 
 
The Company conducts an assessment of all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists on a monthly basis. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis.  The OTTI assessment considers the security structure, recent security collateral performance metrics, if applicable, external credit ratings, failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, judgment and expectations of future performance, and relevant independent industry research, analysis and forecasts. The severity of the impairment and the length of time the security has been impaired is also considered in the assessment.  The assessment of whether an OTTI decline exists is performed on each security, regardless of the classification of the security as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity and involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment that is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

An OTTI loss must be recognized for a debt security in an unrealized loss position if there is intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. In this situation, the amount of loss recognized in income is equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security. Even if management does not have the intent and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities, an evaluation of the expected cash flows to be received is performed to determine if a credit loss has occurred. For debt securities, a critical component of the evaluation for OTTI is the identification of credit-impaired securities, where the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.  In the event of a credit loss, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss would be recognized in income. The portion of the unrealized loss relating to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or changes in market interest rates, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Equity securities are also evaluated to determine whether the unrealized loss is expected to be recoverable based on whether evidence exists to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis. If it is probable that the amortized cost basis will not be recovered, taking into consideration the estimated recovery period and the ability to hold the equity security until recovery, OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security.

The specific identification method is used in determining the realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities and OTTI  charges.  Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted, respectively, on the interest method basis over the period to maturity or estimated life of the related security.  Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade date basis.

Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.  Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes currently payable or refundable as well as deferred taxes that are based on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.

Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be measured at the largest amount of benefit for which the likelihood of realization upon ultimate settlement exceeds 50 percent.

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include core deposit intangibles, customer relationship intangibles, and goodwill arising from acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles are amortized on either an accelerated or straight-line basis over periods ranging from 8 to 20 years. The initial and ongoing carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets 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 use of a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, expected equity market premiums, peer volatility indicators and company-specific risk indicators.

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment.  The implied fair value of the reporting units’ goodwill is compared to its carrying amount and the impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value over fair value.  The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of that reporting unit in order to determine if impairment is indicated.

Retirement Benefits
The Company provides defined benefit pension benefits to eligible employees and post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible retirees.  The Company also provides deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans for selected current and former employees and officers.  Expense under these plans is charged to current operations and consists of several components of net periodic benefit cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plans, including discount rate, rate of future compensation increases and expected return on plan assets.
 
 
10

 
 
NOTE D:  INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
   
Gross
Gross
Estimated
   
Gross
Gross
Estimated
 
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
 
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
(000's omitted)
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
 
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$547,294
$62,053
$0
$609,347
 
$448,260
$56,800
$0
$505,060
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
69,669
5,707
0
75,376
 
69,623
5,088
0
74,711
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
27,822
1,669
0
29,491
 
35,576
2,452
0
38,028
Corporate debt securities
2,935
3
0
2,938
 
0
0
0
0
Other securities
27
0
0
27
 
36
0
0
36
     Total held-to-maturity portfolio
$647,747
$69,432
$0
$717,179
 
$553,495
$64,340
$0
$617,835
                   
Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$994,415
$94,877
$0
$1,089,292
 
$463,922
$56,626
$0
$520,548
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
685,086
29,560
1,414
713,232
 
543,527
29,721
236
573,012
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
277,971
20,364
21
298,314
 
310,541
20,840
2
331,379
Pooled trust preferred securities
64,688
0
15,902
48,786
 
68,115
0
24,269
43,846
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
38,713
1,258
61
39,910
 
45,481
1,572
110
46,943
Corporate debt securities
14,995
1,236
0
16,231
 
21,495
1,360
0
22,855
Marketable equity securities
381
80
79
382
 
380
92
82
390
     Total available-for-sale portfolio
$2,076,249
$147,375
$17,477
$2,206,147
 
$1,453,461
$110,211
$24,699
$1,538,973
                   
Other Securities:
                 
Federal Home Loan Bank common stock
$57,452
   
$57,452
 
$38,343
   
$38,343
Federal Reserve Bank common stock
15,451
   
15,451
 
15,451
   
15,451
Other equity securities
5,121
   
5,121
 
5,108
   
5,108
     Total other securities
$78,024
   
$78,024
 
$58,902
   
$58,902


 
11

 

A summary of investment securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than, or greater, than twelve months is as follows:

As of June 30, 2012
 
   
 Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
  Total
       
Gross
       Gross        Gross 
     
 Fair
 Unrealized
      Fair    Unrealized       Fair  Unrealized 
(000's omitted)
   #  Value   Losses      #   Value   Losses      #   Value   Losses 
 Available-for-Sale Portfolio:  
 
 
 
               
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
156 
$109,974
$1,413
 
1
$561
$1
 
157
$110,535
$1,414
  Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
4,826
21
 
1
23
0
 
3
4,849
21
  Pooled trust preferred securities
 
0
0
 
3
48,786
15,902
 
3
48,786
15,902
  Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
432
2
 
9
4,562
59
 
11
4,994
61
  Marketable equity securities
 
137
76
 
3
13
3
 
5
150
79
    Total available-for-sale/investment portfolio
 
162 
$115,369
$1,512
 
17
$53,945
$15,965
 
179
$169,314
$17,477

As of December 31, 2011
 
   
 Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
 Total
       
 Gross
       Gross         Gross 
     
  Fair
 Unrealized
      Fair    Unrealized        Fair    Unrealized  
(000's omitted)
 
   #
  Value
 Losses
    #    Value    Losses       #    Value    Losses  
 Available-for-Sale Portfolio:                        
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
2
$211
$0
 
6
$6,038
$236
 
8
$6,249
$236
  Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
3
2,415
2
 
0
0
0
 
3
2,415
2
  Pooled trust preferred securities
 
0
0
0
 
3
43,846
24,269
 
3
43,846
24,269
  Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
17
6,648
110
 
0
0
0
 
17
6,648
110
  Marketable equity securities
 
1
123
78
 
3
12
4
 
4
135
82
    Total available-for-sale/investment portfolio
 
23
$9,397
$190
 
12
$49,896
$24,509
 
35
$59,293
$24,699

Included in the available-for-sale portfolio are pooled trust preferred, class A-1 securities with a current total par value of $66.1 million and unrealized losses of $15.9 million at June 30, 2012.  The underlying collateral of these assets is principally trust preferred securities of smaller regional banks and insurance companies.  The Company’s securities are in the super-senior cash flow tranche of the investment pools.  All other tranches in these pools will incur losses before the super senior tranche is impacted.  As of June 30, 2012, an additional 38% - 40% of the underlying collateral in these securities would have to be in deferral or default concurrently to result in an expectation of non-receipt of contractual cash flows.

A detailed review of the pooled trust preferred securities was completed for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.  This review included an analysis of collateral reports, a cash flow analysis, including varying degrees of projected deferral/default scenarios, and a review of various financial ratios of the underlying banks and insurance companies that make up the collateral pool.  Based on the analysis performed, significant further deferral/defaults and further erosion in other underlying performance conditions would have to exist before the Company would incur a loss.  Therefore, the Company determined OTTI did not exist at June 30, 2012.  To date, the Company has received all scheduled principal and interest payments and expects to fully collect all future contractual principal and interest payments. The Company does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the underlying securities.   Subsequent changes in market or credit conditions could change those evaluations.

Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2012 represents OTTI.  The unrealized losses reported pertaining to government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities relate primarily to securities issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, which are currently rated AAA by Moody’s Investor Services, AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and are guaranteed by the U.S. government.  The obligations of state and political subdivisions are general purpose debt obligations of various states and political subdivisions.  The unrealized losses in the portfolios are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.  The Company does not intend to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost.


 
12

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at June 30, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

   
Held-to-Maturity
 
Available-for-Sale
   
Amortized
Fair
 
Amortized
Fair
(000's omitted)
 
Cost
Value
 
Cost
Value
Due in one year or less
 
$22,134
$22,631
 
$31,757
$32,476
Due after one through five years
 
270,054
299,848
 
226,808
243,177
Due after five years through ten years
 
164,044
187,712
 
979,205
1,046,438
Due after ten years
 
163,693
177,497
 
521,414
545,450
     Subtotal
 
619,925
687,688
 
1,759,184
1,867,541
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
0
0
 
38,713
39,910
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
27,822
29,491
 
277,971
298,314
     Total
 
$647,747
$717,179
 
$2,075,868
$2,205,765

NOTE E:  LOANS

The segments of the Company’s loan portfolio are disaggregated into classes that allow management to monitor risk and performance.  Consumer mortgages consist primarily of fixed rate residential instruments, typically 15 – 30 years in contractual term, secured by first liens on real property.  Business lending is comprised of general purpose commercial and industrial loans including agricultural-related and dealer floor plans, as well as mortgages on commercial property.  Consumer installment – indirect consists primarily of loans originated through selected dealerships and are secured by automobiles, marine and other recreational vehicles.  Consumer installment – direct are all other loans to consumers such as personal installment loans and lines of credit.  Home equity products are consumer purpose installment loans or lines of credit most often secured by a first or second lien position on residential real estate with terms of 15 years or less.  Loans are summarized as follows:
 
 
June 30,
December 31,
(000's omitted)
2012
2011
Consumer mortgage
$1,289,155
$1,214,621
Business lending
1,216,309
1,226,439
Consumer installment - indirect
591,249
556,955
Consumer installment - direct
154,402
149,170
Home equity
310,555
323,840
  Gross loans, including deferred origination costs
3,561,670
3,471,025
Allowance for loan losses
(41,828)
(42,213)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
$3,519,842
$3,428,812

The outstanding balance related to credit impaired acquired loans was $23.9 million and $25.9 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The changes in the accretable discount related to the credit impaired acquired loans are as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2011
$2,610
Accretion recognized, to-date
(860) 
Net reclassification to accretable from nonaccretable
261
Balance at June 30, 2012
$2,011
 
Credit Quality
Management monitors the credit quality of its loan portfolio on an ongoing basis.  Measurement of delinquency and past due status are based on the contractual terms of each loan.  Past due loans are reviewed on a monthly basis to identify loans for non-accrual status.  The following is an aged analysis of the Company’s past due loans, by class as of June 30, 2012:

Legacy Loans (excludes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)
 
(000’s omitted)
30 - 89 Days
90+ Days Past Due and
 Still Accruing
Nonaccrual
Troubled
Debt Restructure
Total
Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Consumer mortgage
$12,174
$2,516
$6,484
$0
$21,174
$1,197,920
$1,219,094
Business lending
4,473
138
12,965
1,986
19,562
962,886
982,448
Consumer installment - indirect
6,798
38
0
0
6,836
570,213
577,049
Consumer installment – direct
1,414
36
0
0
1,450
146,099
147,549
Home equity
1,578
342
960
0
2,880
277,880
280,760
Total
$26,437
$3,070
$20,409
$1,986
$51,902
$3,154,998
$3,206,900
 
 
 
13

 
 
Acquired Loans (includes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)

 
(000’s omitted)
30 - 89 Days
90+ Days Past Due and
 Still Accruing
Nonaccrual
Total
Past Due
 
Acquired Impaired(1)
Current
Total Loans
Consumer mortgage
$479
$367
$997
$1,843
$0
$68,218
$70,061
Business lending
782
0
4,795
5,577
15,168
213,116
233,861
Consumer installment - indirect
527
0
1
528
0
13,672
14,200
Consumer installment – direct
167
0
0
167
0
6,686
6,853
Home equity
335
0
383
718
0
29,077
29,795
Total
$2,290
$367
$6,176
$8,833
$15,168
$330,769
$354,770
(1)  
Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30.  As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cashflows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans.

The following is an aged analysis of the Company’s past due loans by class as of December 31, 2011:

Legacy Loans (excludes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)

(000’s omitted)
30 - 89 Days
90+ Days Past Due and
 Still Accruing
Nonaccrual
Total
Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Consumer mortgage
$16,026
$2,144
$5,755
$23,925
$1,111,795
$1,135,720
Business lending
4,799
389
10,966
16,154
953,745
969,899
Consumer installment – indirect
8,847
32
0
8,879
527,030
535,909
Consumer installment – direct
1,912
95
0
2,007
138,500
140,507
Home equity
2,269
218
864
3,351
290,093
293,444
Total
$33,853
$2,878
$17,585
$54,316
$3,021,163
$3,075,479

Acquired Loans (includes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)

 
(000’s omitted)
30 - 89 Days
90+ Days Past Due and
 Still Accruing
Nonaccrual
Total
Past Due
 
Acquired Impaired(1)
Current
Total Loans
Consumer mortgage
$985
$27
$765
$1,777
$0
$77,124
$78,901
Business lending
3,473
10
9,592
13,075
17,428
226,037
256,540
Consumer installment – indirect
737
0
2
739
0
20,307
21,046
Consumer installment – direct
167
0
0
167
0
8,496
8,663
Home equity
465
175
341
981
0
29,415
30,396
Total
$5,827
$212
$10,700
$16,739
$17,428
$361,379
$395,546
(1)  
Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30.  As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cashflows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans.

The Company uses several credit quality indicators to assess credit risk in an ongoing manner.  The Company’s primary credit quality indicator for its business lending portfolio is an internal credit risk rating system that categorizes loans as “pass”, “special mention”, or “classified”.  Credit risk ratings are applied individually to those classes of loans that have significant or unique credit characteristics that benefit from a case-by-case evaluation.  The following are the definitions of the Company’s credit quality indicators:
 
Pass In general, the condition of the borrower and the performance of the loans are satisfactory or better.
   
Special Mention In general, the condition of the borrower has deteriorated although the loan performs as agreed.
   
Classified
In general, the condition of the borrower has significantly deteriorated and the performance of the loan
  could further deteriorate, if deficiencies are not corrected.
   
Doubtful    In general, the condition of the borrower has deteriorated to the point that collection of the balance is
  improbable based on currently facts and conditions.
 
 
 
14

 
 
The following table shows the amount of business lending loans by credit quality category:

 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(000’s omitted)
Legacy
Acquired
Total
 
Legacy
Acquired
Total
Pass
$760,690
$141,785
$902,475
 
$732,873
$157,494
$890,367
Special mention
108,703
34,065
142,768
 
118,800
47,890
166,690
Classified
112,678
42,843
155,521
 
118,226
33,728
151,954
Doubtful
377
-
377
 
0
0
0
Acquired impaired
-
15,168
15,168
 
0
17,428
17,428
Total
$982,448
$233,861
$1,216,309
 
$969,899
$256,540
$1,226,439

All other loans are underwritten and structured using standardized criteria and characteristics, primarily payment performance, and are normally risk rated and monitored collectively on a monthly basis.  These are typically loans to individuals in the consumer categories and are delineated as either performing or nonperforming.   Performing loans include current, 30 – 89 days past due and acquired impaired loans.  Nonperforming loans include 90+ days past due and still accruing and non-accrual loans.

The following table details the balances in all other loan categories at June 30, 2012:

Legacy loans (excludes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)
 
(000’s omitted)
Consumer
Mortgage
Consumer Indirect
Consumer Direct
Home Equity
Total
Performing
$1,210,094
$577,011
$147,513
$279,458
$2,214,076
Nonperforming
9,000
38
36
1,302
10,376
Total
$1,219,094
$577,049
$147,549
$280,760
$2,224,452

Acquired loans (includes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)
 
(000’s omitted)
Consumer
Mortgage
Consumer Indirect
Consumer Direct
Home Equity
Total
Performing
$68,697
$14,199
$6,853
$29,412
$119,161
Nonperforming
1,364
1
0
383
1,748
Total
$70,061
$14,200
$6,853
$29,795
$120,909

The following table details the balances in all other loan categories at December 31, 2011:

Legacy loans (excludes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)
 
(000’s omitted)
Consumer
Mortgage
Consumer Indirect
Consumer Direct
Home Equity
Total
Performing
$1,127,821
$535,877
$140,412
$292,362
$2,096,472
Nonperforming
7,899
32
95
1,082
9,108
Total
$1,135,720
$535,909
$140,507
$293,444
$2,105,580

Acquired loans (includes loans acquired after January 1, 2009)
 
(000’s omitted)
Consumer
Mortgage
Consumer Indirect
Consumer Direct
Home Equity
Total
Performing
$78,109
$21,044
$8,663
$29,880
$137,696
Nonperforming
792
2
0
516
1,310
Total
$78,901
$21,046
$8,663
$30,396
$139,006

All loan classes are collectively evaluated for impairment except business lending, as described in Note B.  A summary of individually evaluated impaired loans as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 follows:

 
June 30,
December 31,
(000’s omitted)
2012
2011
Loans with allowance allocation
$2,424  
$4,118  
Loans without allowance allocation
13,245  
2,308  
Carrying balance
15,669  
6,426  
Contractual balance
20,818  
8,527  
Specifically allocated allowance
604  
895  
 
 
 
15

 
 
In the course of working with borrowers, the Company may choose to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans.  In this scenario, the Company attempts to work-out an alternative payment schedule with the borrower in order to optimize collectability of the loan.  Any loans that are modified are reviewed by the Company to identify if a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) has occurred, which is when, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  Terms may be modified to fit the ability of the borrower to repay in line with its current financial standing and the restructuring of the loan may include the transfer of assets from the borrower to satisfy the debt, a modification of loan terms, or a combination of the two.  With regard to determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses, troubled debt restructured loans are considered to be impaired.  As a result, the determination of the amount of impaired loans for each portfolio segment within troubled debt restructurings is the same as detailed previously.

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company modified a business lending agreement that was on nonaccrual, via an increase in the term without a change in interest rate or forgiveness of principal or accrued interest, which it considers to be a TDR.  The balance of the modified loan arrangement is included in the loans without reserve above.  There were no TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.  There were no commitments as of June 30, 2012 to borrowers who have terms modified in a TDR.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following presents by class the activity in the allowance for loan losses:

 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
Consumer
Business
Consumer
Consumer
Home
 
Acquired
 
(000’s omitted)
Mortgage
Lending
Indirect
Direct
Equity
Unallocated
Impaired
Total
Beginning balance
$4,885
$21,413
$7,938
$3,066
$1,281
$2,770
$456   
$41,809
Charge-offs
(150)
(1,662)
(1,134)
(273)
(65)
0
0
(3,284)
Recoveries
4
178
782
182
2
0
0
1,148
Provision
1,574
(1,458)
1,084
248
174
342
191   
2,155
Ending balance
$6,313
$18,471
$8,670
$3,223
$1,392
$3,112
$647   
$41,828
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Consumer
Business
Consumer
Consumer
Home
 
Acquired
 
(000’s omitted)
Mortgage
Lending
Indirect
Direct
Equity
Unallocated
Impaired
Total
Beginning balance
$3,099
$21,559
$9,639
$3,794
$860
$3,196
$0   
$42,147
Charge-offs
(108)
(727)
(930)
(203)
(95)
0
0   
(2,063)
Recoveries
7
232
976
178
4
0
0   
1,397
Provision
288
(115)
592
109
142
34
0   
1,050
Ending balance
$3,286
$20,949
$10,277
$3,878
$911
$3,230
$0   
$42,531

 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
Consumer
Business
Consumer
Consumer
Home
 
Acquired
 
(000’s omitted)
Mortgage
Lending
Indirect
Direct
Equity
Unallocated
Impaired
Total
Beginning balance
$4,651
$20,574
$8,960
$3,290
$1,130
$3,222
$386   
$42,213
Charge-offs
(419)
(3,227)
(2,173)
(730)
(181)
0
0   
(6,730)
Recoveries
17
333
1,824
354
18
0
0   
2,546
Provision
2,064
791
59
309
425
(110)
261   
3,799
Ending balance
$6,313
$18,471
$8,670
$3,223
$1,392
$3,112
$647   
$41,828
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Consumer
Business
Consumer
Consumer
Home
 
Acquired
 
(000’s omitted)
Mortgage
Lending
Indirect
Direct
Equity
Unallocated
Impaired
Total
Beginning balance
$2,451
$22,326
$9,922
$3,977
$689
$3,145
$0   
$42,510
Charge-offs
(344)
(1,570)
(1,956)
(620)
(131)
0
0   
(4,621)
Recoveries
26
318
1,793
394
11
0
0   
2,542
Provision
1,153
(125)
518
127
342
85
0   
2,100
Ending balance
$3,286
$20,949
$10,277
$3,878
$911
$3,230
$0   
$42,531

Despite the above allocation, the allowance for loan losses is general in nature and is available to absorb losses from any loan type.
 
 
16

 

NOTE F:  GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each type of identifiable intangible asset are as follows:

   
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
   
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
   
Carrying
Accumulated
Carrying
 
Carrying
Accumulated
Carrying
(000's omitted)
 
Amount
Amortization
Amount
 
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Amortizing intangible assets:
               
  Core deposit intangibles
 
$32,437
($22,496)
$9,941
 
$32,437
($20,918)
$11,519
  Other intangibles
 
9,431
(5,987)
3,444
 
9,429
(5,434)
3,995
 Total amortizing intangibles
 
$41,868
($28,483)
$13,385
 
$41,866
($26,352)
$15,514


The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years ended December 31 is as follows:

Jul - Dec 2012
$1,982
2013
3,305
2014
2,579
2015
1,905
2016
1,314
Thereafter
2,300
Total
$13,385

Shown below are the components of the Company’s goodwill at June 30, 2012:

(000’s omitted)
December 31, 2011
Activity
June 30, 2012
Goodwill
$349,874
$0
$349,874
Accumulated impairment
(4,824)
0
(4,824)
Goodwill, net
$345,050
$0
$345,050

NOTE G:  MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES

The Company sponsors two business trusts, Community Statutory Trust III and Community Capital Trust IV (“Trust IV”), of which 100% of the common stock is owned by the Company.  The trusts were formed for the purpose of issuing company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of such preferred securities solely in junior subordinated debt securities of the Company.  The debentures held by each trust are the sole assets of that trust.  Distributions on the preferred securities issued by each trust are payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate being earned by the trust on the debentures held by that trust and are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated financial statements.  The preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the debentures.  The Company has entered into agreements which, taken collectively, fully and unconditionally guarantee the preferred securities subject to the terms of each of the guarantees.  The terms of the preferred securities of each trust are as follows:

 
Issuance
Par
 
Maturity
 
Trust
Date
Amount
Interest Rate
Date
Call Price
III
7/31/2001
$24.5 million
3 month LIBOR plus 3.58% (4.05%)
7/31/2031
Par
IV
12/8/2006
$75 million
3 month LIBOR plus 1.65% (2.12%)
12/15/2036
Par

On December 8, 2006, the Company established Trust IV, which completed the sale of $75 million of trust preferred securities.  At the time of the offering, the Company also entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert the variable rate trust preferred securities into fixed rate securities for a term of five years at a fixed rate of 6.43%.  The interest rate swap agreement expired December 15, 2011.  Additional interest expense of approximately $0.8 million and $1.7 million was recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due to the interest rate swap agreement.


 
17

 

NOTE H:  BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides a qualified defined benefit pension to eligible employees and retirees, other post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to certain retirees, an unfunded supplemental pension plan for certain key executives, and an unfunded stock balance plan for certain of its nonemployee directors.  The Company accrues for the estimated cost of these benefits through charges to expense during the years that employees earn these benefits.  The net periodic benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
Service cost
$848
$784
 
$1,696
$1,470
 
$0
$0
 
$0
$0
Interest cost
1,098
1,191
 
2,197
2,153
 
29
38
 
57
76
Expected return on plan assets
(2,299)
(2,167)
 
(4,598)
(3,934)
 
0
0
 
0
0
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
922
474
 
1,844
948
 
3
2
 
6
4
Amortization of prior service cost
(37)
(37)
 
(74)
(75)
 
(206)
(264)
 
(411)
(529)
Net periodic benefit cost
$532
$245
 
$1,065
$562
 
($174)
($224)
 
($348)
($449)

Effective September 30, 2011, the Wilber National Bank Retirement Plan, with $20.5 million in assets, was merged into the Community Bank System, Inc. Pension Plan and, as required, the combined plan was revalued.

NOTE I:  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average of the common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average of the shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of restricted stock and the assumed exercise of stock options during the year.  The dilutive effect of options is calculated using the treasury stock method of accounting.  The treasury stock method determines the number of common shares that would be outstanding if all the dilutive options (those where the average market price is greater than the exercise price) were exercised and the proceeds were used to repurchase common shares in the open market at the average market price for the applicable time period.  There were approximately 0.4 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at June 30, 2012, compared to approximately 0.2 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at June 30, 2011, that were not included in the computation below.

The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(000's omitted, except per share data)
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
Net income
$21,071
$17,986
 
$39,897
$34,146
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards
 (144)
(136)
 
(247)
(267)
Income available to common shareholders
$20,927
$17,850
 
$39,650
$33,879
           
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic
39,324
36,346
 
38,948
34,804
Basic earnings per share
$0.53
$0.49
 
$1.02
$0.97
           
Net income
$21,071
$17,986
 
$39,897
$34,146
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards
(144)
(136)
 
(247)
(267)
Income available to common shareholders
$20,927
$17,850
 
$39,650
$33,879
           
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
39,324
36,346
 
38,948
34,804
Assumed exercise of stock options
463
438
 
501
486
Weighted-average shares – diluted
39,787
36,784
 
39,449
35,290
Diluted earnings per share
$0.53
$0.49
 
$1.01
$0.96


 
18

 

Stock Repurchase Program
On July 22, 2009, the Company announced an authorization to repurchase up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding shares in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with securities laws and regulations through December 31, 2011.  Any repurchased shares will be used for general corporate purposes, including those related to stock plan activities.  The timing and extent of repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations as determined at the Company’s discretion.  At its December 2011 meeting, the Board approved extending the stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase, at the discretion of senior management, of up to 1,500,000 shares through December 31, 2012.  There were no treasury stock purchases in 2011 or thus far in 2012.    

NOTE J:  COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments consist primarily of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers, generally having fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses that may require payment of a fee.  These commitments consist principally of unused commercial and consumer credit lines.  Standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of an underlying contract with a third party.  The credit risks associated with commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are essentially the same as that involved with extending loans to customers and are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies.  Collateral may be obtained based on management’s assessment of the customer’s creditworthiness.

The contract amount of commitments and contingencies are as follows:

(000's omitted)
June 30,
 2012
December 31,
2011
Commitments to extend credit
$563,647
$572,393
Standby letters of credit
25,048
25,279
Total
$588,695
$597,672

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject in the normal course of business to various pending and threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted.  As of June 30, 2012, management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the aggregate ultimate liability arising out of litigation pending or threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position.  On at least a quarterly basis the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with such legal proceedings.  For those matters where it is probable that the Company will incur losses and the amounts of the losses can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an expense and corresponding liability in its consolidated financial statements.  To the extent the pending or threatened litigation could result in exposure in excess of that liability, the amount of such excess is not currently estimable.  Although the Company does not believe that the outcome of pending litigation will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, it cannot rule out the possibility that such outcomes will be material to the consolidated results of operations for a particular reporting period in the future.

Subsequent to the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Bank was named a defendant in a class action proceeding filed July 20, 2012 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  The complaint seeks to establish and represent a class of customers allegedly harmed by the Bank’s overdraft practices and alleges that the Bank unfairly re-ordered customer transactions to maximize the number of overdraft charges.  The claims asserted against the Bank include breach of contract and breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, common law unconscionability, conversion, unjust enrichment and violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.  The plaintiffs seek recovery of any overdraft fees wrongfully paid by plaintiffs, damages, expenses of litigation, attorneys’ fees, and other relief deemed equitable by the court.  At this stage of the proceeding, it is too early to determine if the matter would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.


 
19

 

NOTE K:  FAIR VALUE

Accounting standards allow entities an irrevocable option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings.  The Company has elected to value loans held for sale at fair value in order to more closely match the gains and losses associated with loans held for sale with the gains and losses on forward sales contracts.  Accordingly, the impact on the valuation will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of income.  All mortgage loans held for sale are current and in performing status.

Accounting standards establish a framework for measuring fair value and require certain disclosures about such fair value instruments.  It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  Inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:
 
 ·   Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 ·   Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices
                   that are observable for the asset or liability.
 ·   Level 3 – Significant valuation assumptions not readily observable in a market.
 
A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.    The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis.   There were no transfers between any of the levels for the periods presented.

 
June 30, 2012
(000's omitted)
   Level 1
   Level 2
   Level 3
  Total Fair
 Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:
       
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$890,160
$199,132
$0
$1,089,292
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
0
713,232
0
713,232
  Government agency mortgage-backed securities
0
298,314
0
298,314
  Pooled trust preferred securities
0
0
48,786
48,786
  Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
0
39,910
0
39,910
  Corporate debt securities
0
16,231
0
16,231
  Marketable equity securities
382
0
0
382
    Total available-for-sale investment securities
$890,542
$1,266,819
$48,786
$2,206,147

 
December 31, 2011
(000's omitted)
  Level 1
   Level 2
   Level 3
  Total Fair Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:
       
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$311,958
$208,590
$0
$520,548
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
0
573,012
0
573,012
  Government agency mortgage-backed securities
0
331,379
0
331,379
  Pooled trust preferred securities
0
0
43,846
43,846
  Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
0
46,943
0
46,943
  Corporate debt securities
0
22,855
0
22,855
  Marketable equity securities
390
0
0
390
   Total available-for-sale investment securities
312,348
1,182,779
43,846
1,538,973
Mortgage loans held for sale
0
532
0
532
   Total
$312,348
$1,183,311
$43,846
$1,539,505
 
 
 
20

 

The valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the items in the table above are as follows:

·  
Available for sale investment securities – The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using quoted market prices for similar securities or model-based valuation techniques.  Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and marketable equity securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  Level 2 securities include U.S. agency securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored entities, municipal securities and corporate debt securities that are valued by reference to prices for similar securities or through model-based techniques in which all significant inputs, such as reported trades, trade execution data, LIBOR swap yield curve, market prepayment speeds, credit information, market spreads, and security’s terms and conditions, are observable.  Securities classified as Level 3 include pooled trust preferred securities in less liquid markets.  The value of these instruments is determined using multiple pricing models or similar techniques from third party sources as well as significant unobservable inputs such as judgment or estimation by the Company in the weighting of the models.  See Note D for further discussion of the fair value of investment securities.

·  
Mortgage loans held for sale – Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value, which is determined using quoted secondary-market prices of loans with similar characteristics and, as such, have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.  The Company did not hold any mortgage loans held for sale at June 30, 2012.   Unrealized gains and losses on mortgage loans held for sale, when they occur, are recognized in other banking services income in the consolidated statement of income.
 
The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following tables:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
(000's omitted)
Pooled Trust Preferred Securities
 
Pooled Trust Preferred Securities
Commitments
to Originate
Real Estate Loans for Sale
Total
Beginning balance
$47,385
 
$48,172
$58
$48,230
Total gains (losses) included in earnings (1)(2)
96
 
25
(58)
(33)
Total gains included in other comprehensive income(3)
3,800
 
1,156
0
1,156
Principal reductions
(2,495)
 
(381)
0
(381)
Commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, net
0
 
0
142
142
Ending balance
$48,786
 
$48,972
$142
$49,114
(1) Amounts included in earnings associated with the pooled trust preferred securities relate to accretion of related discount and are reported in interest and dividends on taxable investments.
(2) Amounts included in earnings associated with the commitments to originate real estate loans for sale are reported as a component of other banking service fees.
(3) Amounts included in other comprehensive income associated with the pooled trust preferred securities are relate to changes in unrealized loss and are reported as a component of unrealized gains on securities in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
(000's omitted)
Pooled Trust Preferred Securities
 
Pooled Trust Preferred Securities
Commitments
to Originate
Real Estate Loans for Sale
Total
Beginning balance
$43,846
 
$41,993
$58
$42,051
Total gains (losses) included in earnings (1)(2)
144
 
48
(116)
(68)
Total gains included in other comprehensive income(3)
8,367
 
7,679
0
7,679
Principal reductions
(3,571)
 
(748)
0
(748)
Commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, net
0
 
0
200
200
Ending balance
$48,786
 
$48,972
$142
$49,114
(1) Amounts included in earnings associated with the pooled trust preferred securities relate to accretion of related discount and are reported in interest and dividends on taxable investments.
(2) Amounts included in earnings associated with the commitments to originate real estate loans for sale are reported as a component of other banking service fees.
(3) Amounts included in other comprehensive income associated with the pooled trust preferred securities are relate to changes in unrealized loss and are reported as a component of unrealized gains on securities in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
 
 
 
21

 
 
Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis:

 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(000's omitted)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Fair
Value
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Fair Value
Impaired loans
$0 
$0
$2,487
$2,487
 
$0 
$0
$4,118
$4,118
Other real estate owned
0
2,899
2,899
 
0
2,682
2,682
Mortgage servicing rights
0
797
797
 
0
1,747
1,747
   Total
$0 
$0
$6,183
$6,183
 
$0 
$0
$8,547
$8,547

Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Periodically, the Company records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans.  Nonrecurring adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation amount does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan. Real estate collateral is typically valued using independent appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace, adjusted based on non-observable inputs and the related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments are generally classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value used for other collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and, therefore, such valuations classify as Level 3.

Other real estate owned is valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon and the asset is transferred to other real estate owned. The value is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell. The appraisals are sometimes further discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Such discounts are significant, ranging from 11% to 68% at June 30, 2012 and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Other real estate owned is reviewed and evaluated on at least an annual basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above. The Company recovers the carrying value of other real estate owned through the sale of the property. The ability to affect future sales prices is subject to market conditions and factors beyond our control and may impact the estimated fair value of a property.

Originated mortgage servicing rights are recorded at their fair value at the time of sale of the underlying loan, and are amortized in proportion to and over the estimated period of net servicing income.  In accordance with GAAP, the Company must record impairment charges, on a nonrecurring basis, when the carrying value of a stratum exceeds its estimated fair value.  The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is based on a valuation model incorporating inputs that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income.  Such inputs include estimates of the cost of servicing loans, appropriate discount rate and prepayment speeds and are considered to be unobservable and contribute to the Level 3 classification of mortgage servicing rights.  The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights for a stratum exceeds estimated fair value.  Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance.  There is a valuation allowance of approximately $297,000 at June 30, 2012.

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment.  The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of that reporting unit in order to determine if impairment is indicated.  If so, the implied fair value of the reporting units’ goodwill is compared to its carrying amount and the impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over fair value of the goodwill.  In such situations, the Company performs a discounted cash flow modeling technique that requires management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit that enable the Company to calculate the implied fair value of the goodwill.  It also requires use of a discount rate that reflects the current return expectation of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, expected equity market premiums, peer volatility indicators and company-specific risk indicators.  The Company did not recognize an impairment charge during 2011 or the six months ended June 30, 2012.
 
 
 
22

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of fair value of assets classified as Level 3 on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 are as follows:
 
(000's omitted)
Fair Value at
June 30, 2012
Valuation
Technique
Significant Unobservable Inputs
Significant
Unobservable Input
Range
(Weighted Average)
         
Pooled trust preferred securities
$48,786
Consensus pricing
Weighting of offered quotes   
56.3% – 83.5% (73.8%)
         
Impaired loans
6,423
Fair value of collateral
Estimated cost of disposal   
11%-25% (18%)
         
Other real estate owned
2,899
Fair value of collateral
Estimated cost of disposal   
11%-69% (22%)
         
Mortgage servicing rights
797
Discounted cash flow
Weighted average constant prepayment rate   
17.1% - 32.3% (26.5%)
     
Weighted average discount rate   
2.42% - 3.13% (2.95%)
     
Adequate compensation   
$7/loan

The Company determines fair values based on quoted market values where available or on estimates using present values or other valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including, but not limited to, the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.  Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from fair value disclosure requirements.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s other financial instruments that are not accounted for at fair value at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

   
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
   
Carrying
Fair
 
Carrying
Fair
(000's omitted)
 
Value
Value
 
Value
Value
Financial assets:
           
   Net loans
 
$3,561,670
$3,585,324
 
$3,471,025
$3,491,729
Financial liabilities:
           
   Deposits
 
4,910,352
4,919,010
 
4,795,245
4,810,856
   Borrowings
 
1,157,872
1,256,257
 
728,281
828,018
   Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
 
102,060
71,905
 
102,048
73,211
 
The following is a further description of the principal valuation methods used by the Company to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments.
 
Loans have been classified as a Level 3 valuation.  Fair values for variable rate loans that re-price frequently are based on carrying values, less a credit mark.  Fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality for the same remaining maturity.

Deposits have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.  The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing checking deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date as rates re-price frequently and, therefore, are deemed to approximate market interest rates.  The fair value of time deposit obligations is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market rates for similar products.

Borrowings have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.  Fair values for long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered on similar borrowings.

Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.  The fair value of subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered on similar securities.

Other financial assets and liabilities – Cash and cash equivalents have been classified as a Level 1 valuation, while accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.  The fair values of each approximate the respective carrying values because the instruments are payable on demand or have short-term maturities and present low credit and interest rate risk.
 
 
 
23

 

NOTE L:  SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are components of an enterprise, which are evaluated regularly by the “chief operating decision maker” in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.  The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company has identified Banking as its reportable operating business segment.  Community Bank, N.A. operates the banking segment that provides full-service banking to consumers, businesses and governmental units in northern, central and western New York as well as Northern Pennsylvania.

Other operating segments of the Company’s operations, which do not have similar characteristics to the banking segment and do not meet the quantitative thresholds requiring disclosure, are included in the “Other” category.  Revenues derived from these segments include administration, consulting and actuarial services to sponsors of employee benefit plans, investment advisory services, asset management services to individuals, corporate pension and profit sharing plans, trust services and insurance commissions from various insurance related products and services.  The accounting policies used in the disclosure of business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (See Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the most recent Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012).
 
Information about reportable segments and reconciliation of the information to the consolidated financial statements follows:

 
(000's omitted) 
Banking
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
       
Net interest income
$57,730
$41
$0
$57,771
Provision for loan losses
2,155
0
0
2,155
Noninterest income
11,929
12,281
(514)
23,696
Amortization of intangible assets
774
271
0
1,045
Other operating expenses
38,588
10,251
(514)
48,325
Income before income taxes
$28,142
$1,800
$0
$29,942
Assets
$7,141,681
$39,632
($14,982)
$7,166,331
Goodwill
$334,554
$10,496
$0
$345,050
         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
       
Net interest income
$54,162
$25
$0
$54,187
Provision for loan losses
1,050
0
0
1,050
Noninterest income
12,115
11,081
(445)
22,751
Gain on investment securities & debt extinguishments
14
0
0
14
Amortization of intangible assets
921
268
0
1,189
Other operating expenses
41,778
8,604
(445)
49,937
Income before income taxes
$22,542
$2,234
$0
$24,776
Assets
$6,365,080
$36,688
($11,283)
$6,390,485
Goodwill
$335,634
$10,281
$0
$345,915
         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
       
Net interest income
$111,599
$81
$0
$111,680
Provision for loan losses
3,799
0
0
3,799
Noninterest income
23,292
24,961
(1,089)
47,164
Amortization of intangible assets
1,578
553
0
2,131
Other operating expenses
77,106
20,625
(1,089)
96,642
Income before income taxes
$52,408
$3,864
$0
$56,272
         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
       
Net interest income
$99,663
$47
$0
$99,710
Provision for loan losses
2,100
0
0
2,100
Noninterest income
22,594
21,924
(925)
43,593
Gain on investment securities & debt extinguishments
14
0
0
14
Amortization of intangible assets
1,621
469
0
2,090
Other operating expenses
76,327
16,950
(925)
92,352
Income before income taxes
$42,223
$4,552
$0
$46,775


 
24

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) primarily reviews the financial condition and results of operations of Community Bank System, Inc. (the “Company” or “CBSI”) as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, although in some circumstances the first quarter of 2012 is also discussed in order to more fully explain recent trends.  The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes that appear on pages 3 through 24.  All references in the discussion to the financial condition and results of operations are to those of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.  Unless otherwise noted, the term “this year” refers to results in calendar year 2012, “second quarter” refers to the quarter ended June 30, 2012, and earnings per share (“EPS”) figures refer to diluted EPS.
 
This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company.  These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties.  Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those proposed by such forward-looking statements are set herein under the caption, “Forward-Looking Statements,” on page 40.

Critical Accounting Policies

As a result of the complex and dynamic nature of the Company’s business, management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying the most appropriate accounting policies for its various areas of operations.  The policy decision process not only ensures compliance with the latest generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), but also reflects management’s discretion with regard to choosing the most suitable methodology for reporting the Company’s financial performance.  It is management’s opinion that the accounting estimates covering certain aspects of the business have more significance than others due to the relative importance of those areas to overall performance, or the level of subjectivity in the selection process.  These estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Management believes that critical accounting estimates include:

·  
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, GAAP requires the continued estimation of expected cash flows to be received.  This estimation requires numerous assumptions, interpretations and judgments using internal and third-party credit quality information.  Changes in expected cash flows could result in the recognition of impairment through provision for credit losses.
 
 
For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value.  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, however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining pooled discounts for loans evaluated collectively for impairment.  For loans individually evaluated for impairment, a provision is recoded when the required allowance exceeds any remaining discount on the loan.
      
·  
Allowance for loan losses – The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable loan losses in the Company’s loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective.  It requires significant estimates including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans and the amount of estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans which is based on historical loss experience and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.
 
·  
Investment securities – Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading.  The appropriate classification is based partially on the Company’s ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management’s intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities.  The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities.  Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and do not affect earnings until realized.  The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model using market estimates of interest rates and volatility.  Investment securities with significant declines in fair value are evaluated to determine whether they should be considered other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”).  An unrealized loss is generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security.  The credit loss component of an OTTI write-down is recorded in earnings, while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), provided the Company does not intend to sell the underlying debt security, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery of the full value of its amortized cost basis.
 
 
25

 
 
·  
Retirement benefits – The Company provides defined benefit pension benefits to eligible employees and post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible retirees.  The Company also provides deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans for selected current and former employees and officers.  Expense under these plans is charged to current operations and consists of several components of net periodic benefit cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plans, including, but not limited to, discount rate, rate of future compensation increases, mortality rates, future health care costs and expected return on plan assets.

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

·  
Intangible assets – 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 impairment may have occurred and 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, expected equity market premiums, peer volatility indicators 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.

A summary of the accounting policies used by management is disclosed in Note A, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” on pages 54-60 of the most recent Form 10-K (fiscal year ended December 31, 2011) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2012.

Executive Summary

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.  The Company’s banking subsidiary is Community Bank, N.A. (the “Bank” or “CBNA”), which operates in Pennsylvania under the name First Liberty Bank and Trust.

The Company’s core operating objectives are: (i) grow the branch network, primarily through a disciplined acquisition strategy, and certain selective de novo expansions, (ii) build high-quality, profitable loan and deposit portfolios using both organic and acquisition strategies, (iii) increase the noninterest income component of total revenues through development of banking-related fee income, growth in existing financial services business units, and the acquisition of additional financial services and banking businesses, and (iv) utilize technology to deliver customer-responsive products and services and continually improve operating efficiency.

Significant factors management reviews to evaluate achievement of the Company’s operating objectives and its operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: net income and earnings per share; return on assets and equity; net interest margins; noninterest income; operating expenses; asset quality; loan and deposit growth; capital management; performance of individual banking and financial services units; liquidity and interest rate sensitivity; enhancements to customer products and services; technology advancements; market share; peer comparisons; and the performance of acquisition and integration activities.

On April 8, 2011, the Company acquired The Wilber Corporation (“Wilber”), the parent company of Wilber National Bank, for $103 million in stock and cash, comprised of $20.4 million in cash and the issuance of 3.35 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock.  Based in Oneonta, New York, Wilber operated 22 branches in the Central, Greater Capital District and Catskills regions of Upstate New York.  The acquisition added approximately $462 million of loans, $297 million of investment securities and $772 million of deposits.

On November 30, 2011, the Company, through its BPAS subsidiary, acquired certain assets and liabilities of CAI Benefits, Inc. (“CAI”) a provider of actuarial, consulting and retirement plan administration services, with offices in New York City and Northern New Jersey.  The transaction adds valuable service capacity and enhances distribution prospects in support of the Company’s broader-based employee benefits business, including daily valuation plan and collective investment fund administration.

 
26

 
 
Second quarter and June year-to-date net income of $21.1 million and $39.9 million, respectively, was $3.1 million or 17% and $5.6 million or 17% higher than the respective prior year periods.  Earnings per share were $0.53 and $1.01 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $0.04 and $0.05 from the equivalent prior year periods.  The higher net income was due in large part to higher net interest income that resulted from earning asset growth, principally from the continuation of the pre-investing of a portion of the net liquidity received from the HSBC branch acquisition, combined with the Wilber acquisition and organic loan growth, partially offset by a lower net interest margin.  Also contributing to higher net income was growth of noninterest income due to incremental deposit service fees from the Wilber acquisition (primarily impacting YTD increase), higher debit card-related revenue, higher employee benefits administration and consulting revenues, primarily driven by the CAI acquisition and solid revenue growth from the wealth management businesses, which benefitted from more favorable market conditions.  These were partially offset by a higher provision for loan losses, higher operating expenses for the six month period due in large part to the additional operating costs from the Wilber acquisition, and a higher effective income tax rate.  Second quarter and year-to-date 2012 earnings per share were reduced by approximately three and five cents per share, respectively, due to the successful public offering of common stock in January 2012 in which the Company issued 2.13 million shares of its common stock in support of the pending bank branch acquisitions.

Asset quality in the second quarter of 2012 remained stable and favorable in comparison to averages for peer financial organizations.  Second quarter loan net charge-off ratios were higher than those experienced in the second quarter of 2011, but consistent with the level of net charge-offs in the first quarter of 2012.  Nonperforming loan ratios were higher than experienced in the second quarter of last year, but slightly lower than the first quarter of 2012. The current quarter provision for loan losses was higher than the second quarter of 2011.  Delinquency ratios increased from the second quarter of 2011, but were below those experienced in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The Company generated year-over-year growth in average interest-earning assets for the quarter, reflective of the pre-investment of approximately $600 million of expected liquidity from the HSBC branch acquisition, as well as organic loan growth.  Average deposits in the second quarter of 2012 were higher than the second quarter of 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2011, driven by organic deposit growth.  Average borrowings increased during the second quarter of 2012, as the Company pre-invested a portion of the expected liquidity to be derived from the branch acquisitions expected to close in the third quarter of 2012.

On January 19, 2012, Community Bank, N.A. (”the Bank”), the wholly-owned banking subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Assignment, Purchase and Assumption Agreement (the “HSBC Branch Agreement”) and a Purchase and Assumption Agreement (the “First Niagara Branch Agreement”) (collectively, the “Agreements”) with First Niagara Bank, N.A. (“First Niagara”).  Under the Agreements, the Bank agreed to acquire 19 branches in Central, Northern, and Western New York, consisting of three branches to be  purchased directly from First Niagara and 16 branches to be purchased from HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC”). First Niagara assigned its rights to the HSBC branches in connection with its pending acquisition of HSBC’s Upstate New York banking franchise. On July 20, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of the 16 retail banking branches owned by HSBC, adding approximately $107 million in loans and $697 million of deposits at a blended deposit premium of 3.4%.  Upon the closing, the Company repaid $430 million of overnight borrowings.  The acquisition of the three branches owned by First Niagara is expected to close later in the third quarter and will add approximately $72 million of loans and $138 million of deposits also at a blended deposit premium of 3.2%.

The Company completed a public stock offering in late January 2012.  The offering raised $57.5 million through the issuance of 2.13 million shares.  The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $54.9 million.  The Company intends to use the capital raised in this offering to support the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions.

Net Income and Profitability

As shown in Table 1, net income for the second quarter and June YTD of $21.1 million and $39.9 million both increased 17% versus the comparable periods of 2011.  Earnings per share for the second quarter of $0.53 were $0.04 higher that the EPS generated in the second quarter of 2011, and earnings per share of $1.01 for the first six months of 2012 increased $0.05 from the amount earned in the first half of 2011.  Included in these results were $0.2 million and $0.4 million of acquisition expenses for the three and six months ending June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to $3.6 million and $4.3 million for the comparative periods of 2011.  Earnings per share for both periods grew at a slower pace than net income due to the successful common stock offering in January in support of the pending branch acquisition.

As reflected in Table 1, second quarter net interest income of $57.8 million was up $3.6 million or 6.6% from the comparable prior year period and net interest income for the first six months of 2012 increased $12.0 million or 12% over the first half of 2011.  The improvement  resulted from an increase in interest-earning assets, primarily due to the continuation of the pre-investing of a portion of the net liquidity expected to be received from the HSBC branch acquisition combined with the Wilber acquisition and organic loan growth, partially offset by a lower net interest margin in the first half of 2012.  The current quarter’s provision for loan losses increased $1.1 million and $1.7 million as compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2012, reflective of the $2.1 million increase in year-to-date net charge-offs and the continuation of generally stable and favorable asset quality metrics.  Second quarter and year-to-date noninterest income was $23.7 million and $47.2 million, respectively, up $0.9 million or 4.2% from the second quarter of 2011 and up $3.6 million or 8.2% from the first six months of 2011, primarily due to the Wilber and CAI acquisitions.  Contributing to the increase was a $1.3 million increase in revenue generated from the Company’s wealth management group, principally from activities related to the trust operations acquired from Wilber, as well as solid organic growth aided by more favorable market conditions.
 
 
27

 

Operating expenses of $49.4 million for the second quarter decreased $1.8 million or 3.4% from the comparable prior year period.  Excluding acquisition expenses of $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2011, operating expenses increased $1.7 million or 3.6%.  Operating expenses for the first six months of 2012 were $4.3 million or 4.6% higher than the first six months of 2011.  Excluding acquisition expenses of $0.4 million and $4.3 million in the first six months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, operating expenses increased $8.2 million or 9.1%.  The increase in operating expenses, excluding acquisition related expenses, is reflective of additional operating costs associated with the Wilber and CAI  acquisitions completed in April and November of 2011, respectively, partially offset by lower FDIC insurance costs and business development and marketing expenses.

A condensed income statement is as follows:

Table 1: Condensed Income Statements

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted, except per share data)
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
Net interest income
 
$57,771 
$54,187 
 
$111,680 
$99,710
Provision for loan losses
 
2,155 
1,050 
 
3,799 
2,100
Noninterest income
 
23,696 
22,751 
 
47,164 
43,593
Gain on sale of investment securities & debt extinguishment, net
 
14 
 
14
Operating expenses
 
49,370 
51,126 
 
98,773 
94,442
Income before taxes
 
29,942 
24,776 
 
56,272 
46,775
Income taxes
 
8,871 
6,790 
 
16,375 
12,629
Net income
 
$21,071 
$17,986 
 
$39,897 
$34,146
             
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
40,057 
37,061 
 
39,692 
35,564
Diluted earnings per share
 
$0.53 
$0.49 
 
$1.01 
$0.96

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the amount by which interest and fees on earning assets (loans, investments and cash equivalents) exceed the cost of funds, primarily interest paid to the Company's depositors and interest on external borrowings.  Net interest margin is the difference between the gross yield on earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing funds as a percentage of earning assets.

As shown in Table 2a, net interest income (with nontaxable income converted to a fully tax-equivalent basis) for the second quarter of 2012 was $62.1 million, a $3.9 million or 6.7% increase from the same period last year.  The increase was a result of a $647.8 million increase in second quarter interest-earning assets versus the prior year having a greater impact than the $482.2 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities and a 17-basis point decrease in the net interest margin.  As reflected in Table 3, the second quarter volume increase from interest-bearing assets combined with the rate decrease on interest-bearing liabilities had a $12.4 million favorable impact on net interest income, while the rate decrease on interest-bearing assets and the volume increase on interest bearing liabilities had a $8.5 million unfavorable impact on net interest income.  June 2012 YTD net interest income of $120.0 million increased $12.3 million or 11.5% from the year-earlier period.  An $805.1 million increase in interest-earning assets had a greater impact than the $618.6 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities and a 14-basis point decrease in net interest margin.  The increase in interest-earning assets and the lower rate on interest-bearing liabilities had a $27.9 million favorable impact that was partially offset by a $15.5 million unfavorable impact from the decrease in the yield on interest-bearing assets and the increase in interest-bearing liability balances.

Average investments, including cash equivalents, for the second quarter and YTD periods were $589.7 million and $553.1 million higher than the comparable periods of 2011, reflective of the purchase of approximately $600 million of U.S. Treasury securities late in the first quarter of 2012 and the acquired Wilber portfolio. The Company actively redeployed maturing loan and investment cash flows and excess funding supplied by deposit growth, and as well as the pre-investment of a portion of the excess liquidity expected from the pending branch acquisition.  Second quarter 2012 average loan balances increased $58.2 million as compared to the second quarter of 2011 due to organic loan growth principally in the consumer mortgage and indirect portfolios.  Year-to-date average loans increased $252.0 million due to the impact of the acquired Wilber loans and $53.9 million of organic growth, principally in the consumer mortgage and indirect portfolios.  In comparison to the prior year, total average interest-bearing deposits were up $138.5 million or 3.6%, and $432.1 million or 12%, for the quarter and YTD periods, respectively, as a result of the Wilber acquisition and organic growth.  Quarterly and YTD average borrowings increased $343.7 million or 41% and $186.5 million or 22%, respectively, reflective of the initiative to pre-invest a portion of the liquidity expected from the branch acquisitions in the third quarter of 2012.

The net interest margin of 3.96% for the second quarter and YTD period decreased 17 basis points and 14 basis points as compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2011, respectively, but remained consistent with the first quarter of 2012.  Earning asset yields declined by 46 basis points and 43 basis points for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, reflective of lower yields on loans and investment securities.  This was partially offset by continued disciplined deposit pricing, the expiration of the interest rate swap agreement on the trust preferred securities and the addition of low-rate overnight borrowings, resulting in a 30-basis point and 29-basis point reduction in the total cost of funds in comparison to the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011, respectively.
 
 
28

 
 
The decrease in the earning-asset yield was attributable to a 43-basis point and 55-basis point decrease in investment yields, including cash equivalents, for the quarter and YTD period as compared to the prior year periods, largely a result of the purchase of $868 million of U.S. Treasury, obligations of state and political subdivisions and other securities with an average yield of 2.69% during the first half of 2012.  Additionally, contributing to the decrease in earning-asset yield for the quarter was a 35-basis point and 26-basis point decline in the loan yield as compared to the second quarter and YTD periods of 2011, as a result of lower rates on fixed-rate new loan volume due to the decline in interest rates to levels below those prevalent in prior years and certain existing adjustable and fixed-rate loans repricing downward.

The second quarter cost of funds decreased versus the prior year quarter due to a 26-basis point decrease in interest-bearing deposit rates, a higher proportion of funding being supplied from low and noninterest bearing deposits and a 139-basis point decrease in the average interest rate paid on external borrowings.  The decreases in the cost of funds were reflective of disciplined deposit pricing, whereby interest rates on selected categories of deposit accounts were lowered throughout 2011 and the first six months of 2012 in response to market conditions.  Additionally, the proportion of customer deposits held in higher cost time deposits has continued to decline over the last twelve months.  The decrease in the average rate paid on external borrowings was primarily due to the maturing of the interest rate swap in December of 2011, which had converted the variable rate trust preferred securities into a fixed rate obligation at 6.43% for a term of five years, and the utilization of low-rate overnight borrowings to fund acquisition related investment activity.

Table 2 below sets forth information related to average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and their associated yields and rates for the periods indicated.  Interest income and yields are on a fully tax-equivalent basis (“FTE”) using a marginal income tax rate of 38.79% and 38.53% in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Average balances are computed by accumulating the daily ending balances in a period and dividing by the number of days in that period.  Loan yields and amounts earned include loan fees, deferred loan costs and accretion of acquired loan marks.  Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.

Table 2a: Quarterly Average Balance Sheet

 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
     
Avg.
     
Avg.
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 (000's omitted except yields and rates)
Balance
Interest
Paid
 
Balance
Interest
Paid
Interest-earning assets:
             
   Cash equivalents
$10,017
$8
0.34%
 
$177,154
$107
0.24%
   Taxable investment securities (1)
2,091,575
17,977
3.46%
 
1,447,815
14,995
4.15%
   Nontaxable investment securities (1)
692,839
9,540
5.54%
 
579,795
9,038
6.25%
   Loans (net of unearned discount)(2)
3,512,427
47,355
5.42%
 
3,454,246
49,728
5.77%
       Total interest-earning assets
6,306,858
74,880
4.78%
 
5,659,010
73,868
5.24%
Noninterest-earning assets
751,615
     
654,381
   
     Total assets
$7,058,473
     
$6,313,391
   
               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
             
   Interest checking, savings and money market deposits
$2,957,483
1,561
0.21%
 
$2,694,125
2,619
0.39%
   Time deposits
1,045,730
2,819
1.08%
 
1,170,546
4,172
1.43%
   Borrowings
1,182,707
8,394
2.85%
 
839,003
8,872
4.24%
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
5,185,920
12,774
0.99%
 
4,703,674
15,663
1.34%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
             
   Noninterest checking deposits
907,153
     
813,789
   
   Other liabilities
102,653
     
85,163
   
Shareholders' equity
862,747
     
710,765
   
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$7,058,473
     
$6,313,391
   
               
Net interest earnings
 
$62,106
     
$58,205
 
Net interest spread
   
3.79%
     
3.90%
Net interest margin on interest-earning assets
   
3.96%
     
4.13%
               
Fully tax-equivalent adjustment
 
$4,335
     
$4,018
 
 
(1) Averages for investment securities are based on historical cost basis and the yields do not give effect to changes in fair value
        that is reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity and deferred taxes.
(2) The impact of interest and fees not recognized on nonaccrual loans was immaterial.
 
 
29

 

Table 2b: Year-to-Date Average Balance Sheet

 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
     
Avg.
     
Avg.
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 (000's omitted except yields and rates)
Balance
Interest
Paid
 
Balance
Interest
Paid
Interest-earning assets:
             
   Cash equivalents
$130,923
$169
0.26%
 
$168,149
$205
0.25%
   Taxable investment securities (1)
1,828,396
32,584
3.58%
 
1,318,716
27,580
4.22%
   Nontaxable investment securities (1)
653,393
18,410
5.67%
 
572,719
18,115
6.38%
   Loans (net of unearned discount)(2)
3,483,333
95,259
5.50%
 
3,231,325
92,224
5.76%
       Total interest-earning assets
6,096,045
146,422
4.83%
 
5,290,909
138,124
5.26%
Noninterest-earning assets
742,598
     
611,877
   
     Total assets
$6,838,643
     
$5,902,786
   
               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
             
   Interest checking, savings and money market deposits
$2,910,151
3,579
0.25%
 
$2,509,678
4,979
0.40%
   Time deposits
1,073,486
6,310
1.18%
 
1,041,890
7,818
1.51%
   Borrowings
1,021,241
16,487
3.25%
 
834,752
17,630
4.26%
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
5,004,878
26,376
1.06%
 
4,386,320
30,427
1.40%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
             
   Noninterest checking deposits
895,802
     
776,857
   
   Other liabilities
96,068
     
77,676
   
Shareholders' equity
841,895
     
661,933
   
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$6,838,643
     
$5,902,786
   
               
Net interest earnings
 
$120,046
     
$107,697
 
Net interest spread
   
3.77%
     
3.86%
Net interest margin on interest-earning assets
   
3.96%
     
4.10%
               
Fully tax-equivalent adjustment
 
$8,366
     
$7,987
 
 
(1) Averages for investment securities are based on historical cost basis and the yields do not give effect to changes in fair value
        that is reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity and deferred taxes.
(2) The impact of interest and fees not recognized on nonaccrual loans was immaterial.
 
 
30

 


As discussed above and disclosed in Table 3 below, the quarterly change in net interest income (fully tax-equivalent basis) may be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of the changes in interest income and interest expense for each underlying category.

Table 3: Rate/Volume

 
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
versus June 30, 2011
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
versus June 30, 2011
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in (1)
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in (1)
(000's omitted)
Volume
Rate
Net Change
Volume
Rate
Net Change
             
Interest earned on:
           
  Cash equivalents
($129)
$30
($99)
($47)
$11
($36)
  Taxable investment securities
5,848
(2,866)
2,982
9,519
(4,515)
5,004
  Nontaxable investment securities
1,634
(1,132)
502
2,395
(2,100)
295
  Loans (net of unearned discount)
827
(3,200)
(2,373)
6,998
(3,963)
3,035
Total interest-earning assets (2)
8,030
(7,018)
1,012
19,918
(11,620)
8,298
             
Interest paid on:
           
  Interest checking, savings and
     money market deposits
235
(1,293)
(1,058)
706
(2,106)
(1,400)
  Time deposits
(412)
(941)
(1,353)
231
(1,739)
(1,508)
  Borrowings
2,971
(3,449)
(478)
3,487
(4,630)
(1,143)
Total interest-bearing liabilities (2)
1,488
(4,377)
(2,889)
3,910
(7,961)
(4,051)
             
Net interest earnings (2)
6,458
(2,557)
3,901
15,954
(3,605)
12,349
 
 (1) The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the
       relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of such change in each component.
 
(2)  Changes due to volume and rate are computed from the respective changes in average balances and rates of the totals; they are
       not a summation of the changes of the components.
 
Noninterest Income

The Company’s sources of noninterest income are of three primary types: 1) general banking services related to loans, deposits and other core customer activities typically provided through the branch network and electronic banking channels (performed by CBNA and First Liberty Bank and Trust); 2) employee benefit trust, administration, actuarial and consulting services (performed by BPAS); and 3) wealth management services, comprised of trust services (performed by the trust units within CBNA), investment and insurance products and services (performed by Community Investment Services, Inc. and CBNA Insurance Agency, Inc.) and asset management (performed by Nottingham Advisors, Inc. or “Nottingham”).  Additionally, the Company has periodic transactions, most often net gains or losses from the sale of investment securities and prepayment of debt instruments.

Table 4: Noninterest Income

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
Deposit service fees
 
$11,035
$10,488
 
$21,404
$20,173
Benefit trust, administration, consulting and actuarial fees
 
8,664
7,854
 
17,637
16,037
Wealth management services
 
3,101
2,782
 
6,233
4,962
Other banking services
 
662
645
 
1,336
1,043
Mortgage banking
 
234
982
 
554
1,378
     Subtotal
 
23,696
22,751
 
47,164
43,593
Gain on investment securities & debt extinguishments, net
 
0
14
 
0
14
     Total noninterest income
 
$23,696
$22,765
 
$47,164
$43,607
             
Noninterest income/operating income (FTE basis) (1)
 
27.6%
28.1%
 
28.2%
28.8%
             
(1) For purposes of this ratio noninterest income excludes gains on investment securities and debt extinguishments.
     Operating income is defined as net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding gains on investment
     securities and debt extinguishments, plus a fully-tax equivalent basis adjustment.
 
 
31

 
 
As displayed in Table 4, noninterest income was $23.7 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $47.2 million for the first half of 2012.  This represents an increase of $0.9 million or 4.1% for the quarter and $3.6 million or 8.2% for the YTD period in comparison to 2011.  General recurring banking fees of $11.7 million for the second quarter and $22.7 million for the first six months of 2012 were up $0.6 million or 5.1% and $1.5 million or 7.2%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods.  The addition of new deposit relationships and solid growth in debit card-related revenue more than offset the continuing trend of lower utilization of overdraft protection programs.  The year-to-date period also reflects the additional noninterest income generated from the Wilber acquisition.

Residential mortgage banking income decreased $0.7 million for the quarter and $0.8 million for the six months in comparison to the prior year periods.  Residential mortgage banking income totaled $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2012 and $0.6 million for the first six months of 2012, comprised almost entirely of servicing fees, reflective of the decision to hold a majority of secondary market eligible mortgages in portfolio in the first half of 2012.  Residential mortgage banking income consists of realized gains or losses from the sale of residential mortgage loans and the origination of mortgage loan servicing rights, unrealized gains and losses on residential mortgage loans held for sale and related commitments, mortgage loan servicing fees and other mortgage loan-related fee income.  The first six months of 2012 mortgage banking income includes a $0.1 million recovery of impairment charges taken in prior periods for the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights due primarily to a decrease in the expected prepayment speed of the Company’s sold loan portfolio with servicing retained.  Residential mortgage loans sold to investors totaled $2.3 million in the first six months of 2012 as compared to $28.0 million for the comparable 2011 period.  There were no residential mortgage loans held for sale at June 30, 2012.  Realization of the unrealized gains on mortgage loans held for sale and the related commitments, as well as future revenue generation from mortgage banking activities, will be dependent on market conditions and long-term interest rate trends.

Benefit trust, administration, consulting and actuarial fees increased $0.8 million and $1.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the prior year periods, a result of the CAI acquisition completed in November 2011.  While not immediately additive to earnings, the acquisition added approximately $1.9 million in revenue for the first six months of 2012 in the strategically important metropolitan New York market place.  Wealth management services revenue increased $0.3 million or 11% and $1.3 million or 26% for the second quarter and year-to-date period as compared to the comparable periods of 2011, driven by incremental revenue produced from the acquired Wilber trust operations, as well as solid organic growth at the other wealth management businesses, which benefited from more favorable market conditions and the generation of new client relationships.

The ratio of noninterest income to total income (FTE basis) was 27.6% for the quarter and 28.2% for the year-to-date period, versus 28.1% and 28.8% for the comparable periods of 2011.  The decrease for the quarter is a function of a 6.7% increase in net interest income, primarily the result of higher earning assets, both loans and investment securities, while noninterest income increased at a lesser 4.1% rate.

Operating Expenses

Table 5 below sets forth the quarterly results of the major operating expense categories for the current and prior year, as well as efficiency ratios (defined below), a standard measure of expense utilization effectiveness commonly used in the banking industry.

Table 5: Operating Expenses

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$26,844
$25,531
 
$54,269
$48,642
Occupancy and equipment
 
6,130
6,253
 
12,593
12,310
Data processing and communications
 
5,768
5,179
 
11,351
9,949
Amortization of intangible assets
 
1,045
1,189
 
2,131
2,090
Legal and professional fees
 
1,804
1,307
 
4,012
2,646
Office supplies and postage
 
1,382
1,377
 
2,850
2,573
Business development and marketing
 
1,876
2,183
 
3,048
3,438
FDIC insurance premiums
 
903
1,177
 
1,809
2,538
Acquisition expenses
 
164
3,617
 
424
4,308
Other
 
3,454
3,313
 
6,286
5,948
  Total operating expenses
 
$49,370
$51,126
 
$98,773
$94,442
             
Operating expenses(1)/average assets
 
2.74%
2.94%
 
2.83%
3.01%
Efficiency ratio
 
56.1%
57.2%
 
57.5%
58.2%
 
(1) Operating expenses are total noninterest expenses excluding acquisition expenses, contract
      termination charges, goodwill impairment and amortization of intangibles.

 
32

 
 
As shown in Table 5, second quarter 2012 operating expenses were $49.4 million, a decrease of $1.8 million or 3.4% from the prior year level.  Year-to-date operating expenses of $98.8 million increased $4.3 million or 4.6% as compared to the same period in 2011.  Included in operating expenses for the quarter and year-to-date period of 2012 are $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of non-recurring expenses related to the acquisition of the HSBC branches, as compared to non-recurring expenses of $3.6 million and $4.3 million included in the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011, respectively, related to the acquisition of Wilber and CAI.  Excluding these non-recurring expenses, operating expenses increased $1.7 million or 3.6% and $8.2 million or 9.1% for the quarter and YTD periods as compared to the comparable periods of 2011, reflective of additional operating costs associated with the Wilber and CAI acquisitions, partially offset by a decline in FDIC insurance cost and lower business development and marketing costs.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.3 million and $5.6 million from the second quarter and first six months of 2011, primarily due to the addition of approximately 200 employees from the Wilber acquisition and 30 employees from the CAI acquisition, as well as the impact of annual merit increases.  Additional changes to operating expenses can be attributable to higher data processing and communications (up $0.6 million for the quarter and up $1.4 million YTD), legal and professional fees (up $0.5 million for the quarter and up $1.4 million YTD), occupancy and equipment costs (down $0.1 million for the quarter and up $0.3 million YTD), partially offset by lower FDIC insurance premiums (down $0.3 million for the quarter and $0.7 million YTD) and business development and marketing (down $0.3 million for the quarter and $0.4 million YTD).

The Company’s efficiency ratio (recurring operating expenses excluding intangible amortization, acquisition expenses and special charges divided by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and noninterest income excluding gain/(loss) on investment securities) was 56.1% for the second quarter, 1.1 percentage points favorable to the comparable quarter of 2011.  This resulted from operating expenses (as described above) increasing 4.0%, while recurring operating income increased at a higher 6.0% rate, driven by a 6.6% increase in noninterest income and a 4.7% increase in net interest income primarily due to the acquisitions of Wilber and CAI and higher earning assets.  The efficiency ratio of 57.5% for the first half of 2012 improved 0.7 percentage points from a year earlier due to core operating expense increasing 9.3%, while recurring operating income increased 10.5%.  Operating expenses, excluding intangible amortization and acquisition expenses, as a percentage of average assets decreased 20 basis points and 18 basis points for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.  Operating expenses (as defined above) increased 4.0% for the quarter and 9.3% year-to-date, while average assets increased 11.8% and 15.9%, respectively, during the same time periods.

Income Taxes

The second quarter and YTD effective income tax rates were 29.6% and 29.1%, respectively, up from the 27.4% and 27.0% effective tax rates for the comparable periods of 2011.  The higher effective tax rate for 2012 was principally a result of a higher proportion of income being generated from fully taxable sources.
 
Investments

As reflected in Table 6 below, the carrying value of investments (including unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities) was $2.93 billion at the end of the second quarter, an increase of $780.5 million from December 31, 2011 and an increase of $843.8 million from June 30, 2011.  The book value (excluding unrealized gains) of investments increased $736.2 million from December 31, 2011 and $752.1 million from June 30, 2011.  During the first half of 2012, the Company purchased approximately $675 million of U.S. Treasury securities and $193 million of obligations of state and political subdivisions and other securities utilizing cash flows from deposit growth, maturing loans and investments and short-term borrowings that will be replaced with liquidity provided by the branch acquisitions in the third quarter.  With these purchases, the overall mix of securities within the portfolio over the last year has changed, with an increase in the proportion of U.S. Treasury and agency securities and a decrease in the proportion of government agency collateralized mortgage obligations, obligations of state and political subdivisions and corporate securities.  The change in the carrying value of investments is impacted by the amount of net unrealized gains in the available-for-sale portfolio at a point in time.  At June 30, 2012, the portfolio had a $129.9 million net unrealized gain, an increase of $91.7 million from the unrealized gain at June 30, 2011 and $44.4 million higher than the unrealized gain at December 31, 2011.  These changes in the unrealized gain are indicative of interest rate movements during the respective time periods and changes in the size and composition of the portfolio.  Although not reflected in the financial results of the Company, the held-to-maturity portfolio had an additional $69.4 million of net unrealized gains as of June 30, 2012.

 
33

 
 
Table 6: Investment Securities
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
June 30, 2011
   
Amortized
   
Amortized
   
Amortized
 
   
Cost/Book
Fair
 
Cost/Book
Fair
 
Cost/Book
Fair
(000's omitted)
 
Value
Value
 
Value
Value
 
Value
Value
                   
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
 
$547,294
$609,347
 
$448,260
$505,060
 
$478,282
$508,589
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
69,669
75,376
 
69,623
74,711
 
70,074
71,631
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
27,822
29,491
 
35,576
38,028
 
43,676
45,823
Corporate debt securities
 
2,935
2,938
 
0
0
 
0
0
Other securities
 
27
27
 
36
36
 
42
42
     Total held-to-maturity portfolio
 
647,747
717,179
 
553,495
617,835
 
592,074
626,085
                   
Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
 
994,415
1,089,292
 
463,922
520,548
 
400,764
426,772
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
685,086
713,232
 
543,527
573,012
 
517,872
533,245
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
277,971
298,314
 
310,541
331,379
 
342,331
356,340
Pooled trust preferred securities
 
64,688
48,786
 
68,115
43,846
 
68,809
48,972
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
38,713
39,910
 
45,481
46,943
 
52,806
54,005
Corporate debt securities
 
14,995
16,231
 
21,495
22,855
 
19,007
20,392
Marketable equity securities
 
381
382
 
380
390
 
380
472
     Available-for-sale portfolio
 
2,076,249
2,206,147
 
1,453,461
1,538,973
 
1,401,969
1,440,198
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale portfolio
 
129,898
-
 
85,512
-
 
38,229
-
     Total available-for-sale portfolio
 
2,206,147
2,206,147
 
1,538,973
1,538,973
 
1,440,198
1,440,198
                   
Other Securities:
                 
Federal Home Loan Bank common stock
 
57,452
57,452
 
38,343
38,343
 
38,347
38,347
Federal Reserve Bank common stock
 
15,451
15,451
 
15,451
15,451
 
12,378
12,378
Other equity securities
 
5,121
5,121
 
5,108
5,108
 
5,108
5,108
     Total other securities
 
78,024
78,024
 
58,902
58,902
 
55,833
55,833
                   
Total investments
 
$2,931,918
$3,001,350
 
$2,151,370
$2,215,710
 
$2,088,105
$2,122,116

Included in the available-for-sale portfolio, as detailed in Table 7, are pooled trust preferred, class A-1 securities with a current par value of $66.1 million and unrealized losses of $15.9 million at June 30, 2012.  The underlying collateral of these assets is principally trust preferred securities of smaller regional banks and insurance companies.  The Company’s securities are in the super-senior cash flow tranche of the investment pools.  All other tranches in these pools will incur losses before this tranche is impacted.  As of June 30, 2012, an additional 38% - 40% of the underlying collateral would have to be in deferral or default concurrently to result in the potential non-receipt of contractual cash flows.  The market for these securities at June 30, 2012 is not active and markets for similar securities are also not active.  The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels.

The fair value of these securities was determined by external pricing sources using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated market estimates of interest rates and volatility, as well as observable quoted prices for similar assets in markets that have not been active.  These assumptions may have a significant effect on the reported fair values.  The use of different assumptions, as well as changes in market conditions, could result in materially different fair values.

A detailed review of the pooled trust preferred securities was completed for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.  This review included an analysis of collateral reports, a cash flow analysis, including varying degrees of projected deferral/default scenarios, and a review of various financial ratios of the underlying issuers.  Based on the analysis performed, significant further deferral/defaults and further erosion in other underlying performance conditions would have to exist before the Company would incur a loss.  Based on the analysis performed, the Company determined an OTTI did not exist at June 30, 2012.  To date, the Company has received all scheduled principal and interest payments and expects to fully collect all future contractual principal and interest payments.  The Company does not intend to, nor is it likely that it will be required to, sell the underlying securities.  These securities represent less than 1% of the Company’s earning-assets as of June 30, 2012, and thus are not relied upon for meeting the daily liquidity needs of the Company.  Subsequent changes in market or credit conditions could change these evaluations.

 
34

 

Table 7: Pooled Trust Preferred Securities as of June 30, 2012

(000’s omitted)
 
PreTSL XXVI
 
PreTSL XXVII
 
PreTSL XXVIII
             
Single issuer or pooled
 
Pooled
 
Pooled
 
Pooled
Class
 
A-1
 
A-1
 
A-1
Book value at 6/30/12
 
$18,765
 
$22,729
 
$23,194
Fair value at 6/30/12
 
13,677
 
 17,977
 
 17,132
Unrealized loss at 6/30/12
 
 5,088
 
 4,752
 
  6,062
Rating (Moody’s/Fitch/S&P)
 
(Ba1/BB/BB-)
 
(Baa3/BB/BB-)
 
(Baa3/BB/B)
Number of depository institutions/companies in issuance
 
60/70
 
42/49
 
45/56
Deferrals and defaults as a percentage of collateral
 
29.4%
 
28.1%
 
26.9%
Excess subordination
 
35.8%
 
31.9%
 
33.1%

Loans

As shown in Table 8, loans ended the second quarter at $3.56 billion, up $90.6 million or 2.6% from year-end 2011 and up $83.5 million or 2.4% from one year earlier.  The growth during the last twelve months was attributable to strong growth in the consumer mortgage and the consumer indirect installment portfolios, partially offset by the continued soft but improving demand in business lending and declining demand for home equity loans.

Table 8: Loans

(000's omitted)
   June 30, 2012    December 31, 2011    June 30, 2011
Consumer mortgage
 
$1,289,155
36.2%
 
$1,214,621
35.0%
 
$1,149,219
33.0%
Business lending
 
1,216,309
34.2%
 
1,226,439
35.3%
 
1,290,893
37.1%
Consumer installment – indirect
 
591,249
16.6%
 
556,955
16.1%
 
549,449
15.8%
Consumer installment – direct
 
154,402
4.3%
 
149,170
4.3%
 
158,376
4.6%
Home equity
 
310,555
8.7%
 
323,840
9.3%
 
330,213
9.5%
  Total loans
 
$3,561,670
100.0%
 
$3,471,025
100.0%
 
$3,478,150
100.0%

The combined total of general-purpose business lending to commercial and industrial customers and mortgages on commercial property is characterized as the Company’s business lending activity.  The business lending portfolio decreased $74.6 million versus one year ago and decreased $10.1 million from December 31, 2011.  Business lending grew slightly during the second quarter. Customer demand has remained soft due primarily to general economic conditions.  The first half of 2012 included certain unscheduled payoffs as well as limited increases in general line utilization.  The Company maintains its commitment to generating growth in its business portfolio in a manner that adheres to its twin goals of maintaining strong asset quality and producing profitable margins.  The Company continues to invest in additional personnel, technology and business development resources to further strengthen its capabilities in this important product category.

Consumer mortgages increased $139.9 million from one year ago and increased $74.5 million from December 31, 2011.  During the first half of 2012, the Company sold $2.3 million of residential mortgage originations, as compared to $28.0 million in the first half of 2011 and $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Effective in the fourth quarter of 2011 the Company chose to retain in portfolio the majority of mortgage production, which has been relatively strong over the last year due to continued low long-term interest rates and comparatively stable real estate valuations in the Company’s primary markets.  The consumer real estate portfolio does not include exposure to subprime, Alt-A, or other higher-risk mortgage products.  The Company’s solid performance during a tumultuous period in the overall industry is a testament to the stable, low-risk profile of its portfolio and its ability to successfully meet customer needs.  Interest rates and expected duration continue to be the most significant factors in determining whether the Company chooses to retain, versus sell and service, portions of its new mortgage production.

Consumer installment loans, both those originated directly (such as personal installment and lines of credit), and indirectly (originated predominantly in automobile, marine and recreational vehicle dealerships), increased $37.8 million on a year-over-year basis and increased $39.5 million from December 31, 2011.  During the first quarter of 2012, the consumer installment portfolio declined $19.1 million after a year of somewhat softer demand due to consumers spending less and conducting deleveraging activities.  During the second quarter of 2012, the consumer installment portfolio increased $58.6 million, consistent with seasonal expectations and improving demand characteristics.  The volume of new and used vehicle sales to upper tier credit profile customers in the Company’s primary markets has improved modestly in recent periods.  The Company is focused on maintaining the solid profitability produced by its in-market and contiguous market indirect portfolio, while continuing to pursue its disciplined, long-term approach to expanding its dealer network.  It is expected that continued improvement in the automotive market will create the opportunity for the Company to produce indirect loan growth that is consistent with its longer-term historical experience.

 
35

 

Home equity loans decreased $19.7 million from one year ago and declined $13.3 million from December 31, 2011.  The decline is, in part is due to home equity loans being paid off or down as part of the high level of mortgage refinancing activity that has occurred over the past 12 months in the low rate environment.  In addition, home equity utilization has been adversely impacted by the heightened level of consumer deleveraging that is occurring in response to continued low-growth economic conditions.

Asset Quality

Table 9 below exhibits the major components of nonperforming loans and assets and key asset quality metrics for the periods ending June 30, 2012 and 2011 and December 31, 2011.
 
Table 9: Nonperforming Assets

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2011
Nonaccrual loans
           
  Consumer mortgage
 
$7,481
 
$6,520
 
$5,881
  Business lending
 
17,760
 
20,558
 
10,928
  Consumer installment – indirect
 
1
 
2
 
4
  Consumer installment – direct
 
0
 
0
 
0
  Home equity
 
1,343
 
1,205
 
1,020
     Total nonaccrual loans
 
26,585
 
28,285
 
17,833
Accruing loans 90+ days delinquent
           
  Consumer mortgage
 
2,883
 
2,171
 
1,949
  Business lending
 
138
 
399
 
157
  Consumer installment – indirect
 
38
 
32
 
19
  Consumer installment – direct
 
36
 
95
 
101
  Home equity
 
342
 
393
 
273
     Total accruing loans 90+ days delinquent
 
3,437
 
3,090
 
2,499
Restructured loans
           
  Business lending
 
1,986
 
0
 
0
Total nonperforming loans
           
  Consumer mortgage
 
10,364
 
8,691
 
7,830
  Business lending
 
19,884
 
20,957
 
11,085
  Consumer installment – indirect
 
39
 
34
 
23
  Consumer installment – direct
 
36
 
95
 
101
  Home equity
 
1,685
 
1,598
 
1,293
     Total nonperforming loans
 
32,008
 
31,375
 
20,332
             
Other real estate (OREO)
 
2,899
 
2,682
 
3,269
     Total nonperforming assets
 
$34,907
 
$34,057
 
$23,601
             
Allowance for loan losses / total loans
 
1.17%
 
1.22%
 
1.22%
Allowance for legacy loan losses / total legacy loans (1)
 
1.28%
 
1.36%
 
 1.40%
Allowance for loan losses / nonperforming loans
 
131%
 
135%
 
209%
Allowance for legacy loans  / nonperforming loans (1)
 
161%
 
197%
 
271%
Nonperforming loans / total loans
 
0.90%
 
0.90%
 
0.58%
Nonperforming assets / total loans and other real estate
 
0.98%
 
0.98%
 
0.67%
Delinquent loans (30 days old to nonaccruing) to total loans
 
1.71%
 
2.05%
 
1.50%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (quarterly)
 
0.24%
 
0.21%
 
0.08%
Net charge-offs to average legacy loans outstanding (quarterly)
 
0.16%
 
0.24%
 
0.09%
Loan loss provision to net charge-offs (quarterly)
 
101%
 
94%
 
158%
Legacy loan loss provision to net charge-offs (quarterly) (1)
 
180%
 
86%
 
158%
             
(1)Legacy loans exclude loans acquired after January 1, 2009.  These ratios are included for comparative purposes to
     prior periods.
 
As displayed in Table 9, nonperforming assets at June 30, 2012 were $34.9 million, a $0.8 million increase versus the level at the end of 2011 and an $11.3 million increase as compared to the level one year earlier.  The year-over-year increase is primarily due to two large commercial relationships, one of which was acquired from Wilber, moving to non-accrual status during the fourth quarter of 2011.  Other real estate owned (“OREO”) of $2.9 million decreased $0.4 million from one year ago and was $0.2 million higher than year-end 2011.  The Company is managing 22 OREO properties at June 30, 2012 as compared to 28 OREO properties at December 31, 2011 and 27 OREO properties at June 30, 2011.  Nonperforming loans were 0.90% of total loans outstanding at the end of the second quarter, consistent with the level at December 31, 2011 and 32 basis points higher than the level at June 30, 2011.
 
 
36

 
 
Approximately 62% of the nonperforming loans at June 30, 2012 are related to the business lending portfolio, which is comprised of business loans broadly diversified by industry type.  With the economic downturn, certain businesses’ financial performance and position have deteriorated, and consequently the level of nonperforming loans remains higher than historical levels.  Approximately 32% of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2012 are related to the consumer mortgage portfolio.  Collateral values of residential properties within the Company’s market area have generally trended lower, although have not experienced the significant decline in values that other parts of the country have encountered.  However, the continued soft economic conditions and high unemployment levels have adversely impacted consumers and businesses alike, and have resulted in higher mortgage nonperforming levels.  The remaining six percent of nonperforming loans relate to consumer installment and home equity loans.  The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio, a general measure of coverage adequacy, was 131% at the end of the second quarter, compared to 135% at year-end 2011 and 209% at June 30, 2011.

Members of senior management, special asset officers and lenders review all delinquent and nonaccrual loans and OREO regularly, in order to identify deteriorating situations, monitor known problem credits and discuss any needed changes to collection efforts, if warranted.  Based on the group’s consensus, a relationship may be assigned a special assets officer or other senior lending officer to review the loan, meet with the borrowers, assess the collateral and recommend an action plan.  This plan could include foreclosure, restructuring loans, issuing demand letters or other actions.  The Company’s larger criticized credits are also reviewed on a quarterly basis by senior credit administration, special assets and commercial lending management to monitor their status and discuss relationship management plans.  Commercial lending management reviews the criticized loan portfolio on a monthly basis.

Delinquent loans (30 days through nonaccruing) as a percent of total loans was 1.71% at the end of the second quarter, 34 basis points below the 2.05% at year-end 2011 and 21 basis points higher than the 1.50% at June 30, 2011.  The consumer installment delinquency ratio at the end of the second quarter decreased in comparison to both December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011.  The delinquency rate for business lending, consumer mortgage and home equity decreased as compared to December 31, 2011 and increased as compared to June 30, 2011.  The Company’s success at keeping the non-performing and delinquency ratios at manageable levels despite soft economic conditions has been the result of its continued focus on maintaining strict underwriting standards, as well as the effective utilization of its collection and recovery capabilities.

Table 10: Allowance for Loan Losses Activity

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
             
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$41,809
$42,147
 
$42,213
$42,510
Charge-offs:
           
  Consumer mortgage
 
150
108
 
419
344
  Business lending
 
1,662
727
 
3,227
1,570
  Consumer installment - indirect
 
1,134
930
 
2,173
1,956
  Consumer installment - direct
 
273
203
 
730
620
  Home equity
 
65
95
 
181
131
     Total charge-offs
 
3,284
2,063
 
6,730
4,621
Recoveries:
           
  Consumer mortgage
 
4
7
 
17
26
  Business lending
 
178
232
 
333
318
  Consumer installment - indirect
 
782
976
 
1,824
1,793
  Consumer installment - direct
 
182
178
 
354
394
  Home equity
 
2
4
 
18
11
     Total recoveries
 
1,148
1,397
 
2,546
2,542
             
Net charge-offs
 
2,136
666
 
4,184
2,079
Provision for loans losses
 
2,155
1,050
 
3,799
2,100
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$41,828
$42,531
 
$41,828
$42,531
             
Net charge-offs (annualized) to average loans outstanding:
       
  Consumer mortgage
 
0.05%
0.04%
 
0.06%
0.06%
  Business lending
 
0.49%
0.15%
 
0.48%
0.22%
  Consumer installment - indirect
 
0.25%
-0.03%
 
0.13%
0.06%
  Consumer installment - direct
 
0.24%
0.07%
 
0.50%
0.30%
  Home equity
 
0.08%
0.11%
 
0.10%
0.08%
  Total loans
 
0.24%
0.08%
 
0.24%
0.13%


 
37

 

As displayed in Table 10, net charge-offs during the second quarter of 2012 were $2.1 million, $1.5 million higher than the equivalent 2011 period.  Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were $4.2 million, $2.1 million higher than the first six months of 2011.  Net charge-offs for the home equity portfolio decreased as compared to the equivalent prior year period, while the other portfolios experienced higher levels of net charge-offs in the second quarter of 2012 as compared to the second quarter of 2011.  The net charge-off ratio (net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding) for the second quarter was 0.24%, consistent with the linked quarter and 16 basis points higher than the comparable quarter of 2011.  Net charge-offs and the corresponding net charge-off ratios continue to be below average long-term historical levels.

Provision for loan losses were $2.2 million in the second quarter and $3.8 million for the first half of 2012, comprised of a $2.4 million provision for legacy loans, a $1.3 million provision for acquired non-impaired loans and a $0.1 million provision for acquired impaired loans.  The combined provision was $1.7 million higher than the equivalent prior year period.  The second quarter 2012 loan loss provision for legacy loans was consistent with the level of net charge-offs for the quarter, reflective of growth in the loan portfolio and the continuation of generally stable and favorable asset quality metrics.  The allowance for loan losses of $41.8 million as of June 30, 2012 declined $0.7 million from the level one year ago.  Changes in the proportional mix of loans in the portfolio contributed to these changes resulting in an allowance for loan loss to total legacy loans ratio of 1.28% at June 30, 2012, eight basis points lower than year-end and 12 basis points lower than the 1.40% at June 30, 2011.  As of June 30, 2012, fair value-based loan marks related to the $356 million of remaining non-impaired loan balances acquired from Wilber approximated $16.3 million or 4.6% of that portfolio.

Deposits

As shown in Table 11, average deposits of $4.91 billion in the second quarter were up $231.9 million compared to the second quarter of 2011 and $102.7 million versus the fourth quarter of last year.  The mix of average deposits has been changing throughout the last several years.  The weightings of core deposits (interest checking, noninterest checking, savings and money markets accounts) have increased from their year-ago levels, while the proportion of time deposits decreased.  This change in deposit mix reflects the Company’s goal of expanding core account relationships and reducing higher cost time deposit balances, as well as the preference of certain customers to hold more funds in liquid accounts in the low interest rate environment.  This shift in mix, combined with the Company’s ability to reduce rates due to market conditions, resulted in the quarterly cost of interest-bearing deposits to decline from 0.70% in the second quarter of 2011 to 0.44% in the most recent quarter.  The Company continues to focus heavily on growing its core deposit relationships through its proactive marketing efforts, competitive product offerings and high quality customer service.

Average second quarter non-public fund deposits increased $33.9 million or 0.8% versus the fourth quarter of 2011 and increased $191.1 million or 4.6% compared to the year-earlier period.  Average public fund deposits in the second quarter increased $68.8 million, or 15%, from fourth quarter 2011 and $40.8 million, or 8.5%, from the second quarter of 2011.  Public fund deposits as a percentage of total deposits increased from 10.3% in the second quarter of 2011 to 10.7% in the current quarter.

Table 11: Quarterly Average Deposits

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2011
Noninterest checking deposits
 
$907,153
 
$878,443
 
$813,789
Interest checking deposits
 
988,993
 
913,187
 
870,219
Regular savings deposits
 
707,127
 
660,716
 
639,660
Money market deposits
 
1,261,363
 
1,216,069
 
1,184,246
Time deposits
 
1,045,730
 
1,139,260
 
1,170,546
  Total deposits
 
$4,910,366
 
$4,807,675
 
$4,678,460
             
Nonpublic fund deposits
 
$4,387,175
 
$4,353,238
 
$4,196,106
Public fund deposits
 
523,191
 
454,437
 
482,354
  Total deposits
 
$4,910,366
 
$4,807,675
 
$4,678,460


 
38

 

Borrowings

At the end of the second quarter external borrowings of $1.3 billion were $430 million or 52% higher than borrowings at December 31, 2011 and the end of the second quarter of 2011, reflective of short term borrowings from FHLB being used to fund the purchase of investment securities during the first half of 2012 associated with pre-investing some of the anticipated liquidity coming from the branch acquisition expected to close during the third quarter.  The cost of funds on total borrowings in the second quarter of 2.85% was 139 basis points below that of the year-earlier period, reflective of the maturing of the interest rate swap in December of 2011 which converted the variable rate trust preferred securities into a fixed rate obligation at 6.43% for a term of five years, as well as the utilization of very low rate overnight borrowings to fund recent investment purchases.

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity of $885.1 million at the end of the second quarter rose $110.5 million from the balance at December 31, 2011.  This increase consisted of $54.9 million from shares issued to support the future branch acquisitions, net income of $39.9 million, $28.0 million increase in other comprehensive income/(loss), $6.1 million from shares issued under the employee stock plan, and $2.1 million from employee stock options earned, partially offset by dividends declared of $20.5 million.  The change in other comprehensive income/(loss) was comprised of a $27.2  million increase in the after-tax market value adjustment on the available-for-sale investment portfolio and a positive $0.8 million adjustment to the funded status of the Company’s retirement plans.  Over the past 12 months, total shareholders’ equity increased by $155.0 million, as the issuance of common stock, net income, the change in the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, and a higher market value adjustment on investments more than offset dividends declared.

The Company’s Tier I leverage ratio, a primary measure of regulatory capital for which 5% is the requirement to be “well-capitalized”, was 8.98% at the end of the second quarter, up 60 basis points from year-end 2011 and 91 basis points higher than its level one year earlier.  The increase in the Tier I leverage ratio compared to December 31, 2011 was the result of shareholders’ equity excluding intangibles and other comprehensive income items increasing 17% while average assets excluding intangibles and the market value adjustment on investments increased at a slower pace of 9.1%.  A significant portion of these changes were attributable to the stock offering completed in January of 2012 in expectation of the branch acquisition.  The Tier I leverage ratio increased as compared to the prior year’s second quarter as shareholders’ equity, excluding intangibles and other comprehensive income increased at a 24% rate, while average assets excluding intangibles and the market value adjustment increased at a slower 11% rate, driven by the public stock issuance and strong earnings growth and retention. The net tangible equity-to-assets ratio (a non-GAAP measure) of 8.1% increased 97 basis points from December 31, 2011 and increased 165 basis points versus June 30, 2011.  The increase in the tangible equity ratio from the prior year was mostly attributable to an increase in the investment market value adjustment and the building of capital through a public stock offering in January 2012 to support the branch acquisition and higher retained earnings.

The dividend payout ratio (dividends declared divided by net income) for the first six months of 2012 was 51.3%, up from 49.4% for the first six months of 2011.  Net income increased 17%, while dividends declared increased 21%.  The Company’s quarterly dividend was raised from $0.24 to $0.26 in July 2011 and the number of common shares outstanding increased 7.2% over the last twelve months, primarily due to the shares issued in conjunction with the public stock offering in January of 2012.

Liquidity

Liquidity risk is a measure of the Company’s ability to raise cash when needed at a reasonable cost and minimize any loss.  The Bank maintains appropriate liquidity levels in both normal operating environments as well as stressed environments.  The Company must be capable of meeting all obligations to its customers at any time and, therefore, the active management of its liquidity position remains an important management role.  The Bank has appointed the Asset Liability Committee to manage liquidity risk using policy guidelines and limits on indicators of potential liquidity risk.  The indicators are monitored using a scorecard with three risk level limits.  These risk indicators measure core liquidity and funding needs, capital at risk and change in available funding sources.  The risk indicators are monitored using such statistics as the core basic surplus ratio, unencumbered securities to average assets, free loan collateral to average assets, loans to deposits, deposits to total funding and borrowings to total funding ratios.

Given the uncertain nature of our customers' demands as well as the Company's desire to take advantage of earnings enhancement opportunities, the Company must have available adequate sources of on and off-balance sheet funds that can be acquired in time of need.  Accordingly, in addition to the liquidity provided by balance sheet cash flows, liquidity must be supplemented with additional sources such as credit lines from correspondent banks, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  Other funding alternatives may also be appropriate from time to time, including wholesale and retail repurchase agreements, large certificates of deposit and the brokered CD market.  The primary source of non-deposit funds are FHLB advances, of which, $1.16 billion are outstanding.

 
39

 
 
The Bank’s primary sources of liquidity are its liquid assets, as well as unencumbered securities that can be used to collateralize additional funding.  At June 30, 2012, the Bank had $131 million of cash and cash equivalents of which $15 million are interest earning deposits held at the Federal Reserve, FHLB and other correspondent banks.  The Bank also had $125 million in unused FHLB borrowing capacity based on the Company’s quarter-end collateral levels.  Additionally, the Company has $1.8 billion of unencumbered securities that could be pledged at the FHLB or Federal Reserve to obtain additional funding.  There is $65 million available in unsecured lines of credit with other correspondent banks.

The Company’s primary approach to measuring short-term liquidity is known as the Basic Surplus/Deficit model.  It is used to calculate liquidity over two time periods: first, the amount of cash that could be made available within 30 days (calculated as liquid assets less short-term liabilities as a percentage of average assets); and second, a projection of subsequent cash availability over an additional 60 days.  As of June 30, 2012, this ratio was 24.8% for 30-days and 24.9% for 90-days, excluding the Company's capacity to borrow additional funds from the FHLB and other sources. There is a sufficient amount of liquidity given the Company’s internal policy requirement of 7.5%.

A sources and uses statement is used by the Company to measure intermediate liquidity risk over the next twelve months.  As of June 30, 2012, there is more than enough liquidity available during the next year to cover projected cash outflows.  In addition, stress tests on the cash flows are performed in various scenarios ranging from high probability events with a low impact on the liquidity position to low probability events with high impact on the liquidity position.  The results of the stress tests as of June 30, 2012 indicate the Bank has sufficient sources of funds for the next year in all stressed scenarios.

To measure longer-term liquidity, a baseline projection of loan and deposit growth for five years is made to reflect how liquidity levels could change over time.  This five-year measure reflects ample liquidity for loan and other asset growth over the next five years.

Though remote, the possibility of a funding crisis exists at all financial institutions.  Accordingly, management has addressed this issue by formulating a Liquidity Contingency Plan, which has been reviewed and approved by both the Board of Directors and the Company’s Asset Liability Management Committee.  The plan addresses the actions that the Company would take in response to both a short-term and long-term funding crisis.

A short-term funding crisis would most likely result from a shock to the financial system, either internal or external, which disrupts orderly short-term funding operations.  Such a crisis should be temporary in nature and would not involve a change in credit ratings.  A long-term funding crisis would most likely be the result of drastic credit deterioration at the Company.  Management believes that both potential circumstances have been fully addressed through detailed action plans and the establishment of trigger points for monitoring such events.

Forward-Looking Statements
 
This document contains comments or information that constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which involve significant risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Moreover, the Company’s plans, objectives and intentions are subject to change based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control).  Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include:  (1) risks related to credit quality, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity;  (2) the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies where the Company conducts its business;  (3) the effect of, and changes in, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;  (4) inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;  (5) the timely development of new products and services and customer perception of the overall value thereof (including, but not limited to, features, pricing and quality) compared to competing products and services;  (6) changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;  (7) technological changes and implementation and cost/financial risks with respect to transitioning to new computer and technology based systems involving large multi-year contracts;  (8) any acquisitions or mergers that might be considered or consummated by the Company and the costs and factors associated therewith, including differences in the actual financial results of the acquisition or merger compared to expectations and the realization of anticipated cost savings and revenue enhancements;  (9) the ability to maintain and increase market share and control expenses;  (10) the nature, timing and effect of changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the respective businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries, including changes in laws and regulations  concerning taxes, accounting, banking, securities and other aspects of the financial services industry, specifically the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010;  (11) changes in the Company’s organization, compensation and benefit plans and in the availability of, and compensation levels for, employees in its geographic markets;  (12) the outcome of pending or future litigation and government proceedings; (13) other risk factors outlined in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time; and (14) the success of the Company at managing the risks of the foregoing.

The foregoing list of important factors is not all-inclusive.  Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.  If the Company does update or correct one or more forward-looking statements, investors and others should not conclude that the Company would make additional updates or corrections with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.
 
 
40

 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates, prices or credit risk.  Credit risk associated with the Company's loan portfolio has been previously discussed in the asset quality section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  Management believes that the tax risk of the Company's municipal investments associated with potential future changes in statutory, judicial and regulatory actions is minimal.  Other than the pooled trust preferred securities discussed beginning on page 34, the Company has a minimal amount of credit risk in the remainder of its investment portfolio.  Treasury, agency, mortgage-backed and CMO securities issued by government agencies comprise 69% of the total portfolio and are currently rated AAA by Moody’s Investor Services and AA+ by Standard & Poor’s.  Municipal and corporate bonds (excluding the pooled trust preferred securities) consist of 28% of the total portfolio, of which, 98% carry a minimum rating of A.  The remaining 3% of the portfolio covers local municipal bonds, other investment grade securities and pooled trust preferred securities.  The Company does not have material foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure.  Therefore, almost all the market risk in the investment portfolio is related to interest rates.

The ongoing monitoring and management of both interest rate risk and liquidity, in the short and long term time horizons is an important component of the Company's asset/liability management process, which is governed by limits established in the policies reviewed and approved annually by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out the policies to the Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”), which meets each month.  The committee is made up of the Company's senior management as well as regional and line-of-business managers who oversee specific earning asset classes and various funding sources.  As the Company does not believe it is possible to reliably predict future interest rate movements, it has maintained an appropriate process and set of measurement tools, which enables it to identify and quantify sources of interest rate risk in varying rate environments.  The primary tool used by the Company in managing interest rate risk is income simulation.

While a wide variety of strategic balance sheet and treasury yield curve scenarios are tested on an ongoing basis, the following reflects the Company's projected net interest income sensitivity over the subsequent twelve months based on:

·  
Asset and liability levels using June 30, 2012 as a starting point, which do not include the pro forma effect of any expected acquired assets and liabilities.

·  
There are assumed to be conservative levels of balance sheet growth—low to mid single digit growth in loans and deposits, while using the cash flows from investment contractual maturities and prepayments to repay short-term capital market borrowings or reinvest into securities or cash equivalents.

·  
The prime rate and federal funds rate are assumed to move up 200 basis points over a 12-month period while moving the long end of the treasury curve to spreads over federal funds that are more consistent with historical norms (normalized yield curve).  In the 0 basis point model, the prime and federal funds rates remain at current levels while longer-term rates are lowered to create a modestly sloped yield curve that is below historical norms.  Deposit rates are assumed to move in a manner that reflects the historical relationship between deposit rate movement and changes in the federal funds rate.

·  
Cash flows are based on contractual maturity, optionality, and amortization schedules along with applicable prepayments derived from internal historical data and external sources.

Net Interest Income Sensitivity Model
 
 
Change in interest rates
Calculated annualized
increase (decrease) in
projected net interest income
at June 30, 2012
+200 basis points
($2,391,000)
0 basis points
($902,000)

The modeled net interest income (NII) decreases in a rising rate environment from a flat rate scenario.  The decrease is largely due to an increase in overnight funding and deposit rates offset by assets repricing to higher rates and slower investment cash flows.  Over a longer time period the growth in NII improves significantly in a rising rate environment as lower yielding assets mature and are replaced at higher rates.

In the 0 basis point model, the Bank shows interest rate risk exposure if the yield curve continues to flatten.  Net interest income declines during the first twelve months as investment cash flows increase, assets reprice to lower rates and corresponding deposits are assumed to remain constant.  Despite Fed Funds trading near 0%, the Company believes intermediate and longer-term treasury rates could potentially fall further, and thus, the 0 basis point model tests the impact of this lower treasury rate scenario.

 
41

 
 
The analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results.  These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions: the nature and timing of interest rate levels (including yield curve shape), prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and other factors.  While the assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.  Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a -15(e) and 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”), designed to ensure information required to be disclosed by the Company in reporting that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is : (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on management’s evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, it has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2012.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its internal controls over financial reporting.  There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation referenced in the paragraph above that occurred during the Company’s quarter ended June 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II.                      Other Information

Item 1.                      Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject in the normal course of business to various pending and threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted.  As of June 30, 2012, management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the aggregate ultimate liability arising out of litigation pending or threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position.  On at least a quarterly basis the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with such legal proceedings.  For those matters where it is probable that the Company will incur losses and the amounts of the losses can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an expense and corresponding liability in its consolidated financial statements.  To the extent the pending or threatened litigation could result in exposure in excess of that liability, the amount of such excess is not currently estimable.  Although the Company does not believe that the outcome of pending litigation will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, it cannot rule out the possibility that such outcomes will be material to the consolidated results of operations for a particular reporting period in the future.

Subsequent to the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Bank was named a defendant in a class action proceeding filed July 20, 2012 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  The complaint seeks to establish and represent a class of customers allegedly harmed by the Bank’s overdraft practices and alleges that the Bank unfairly re-ordered customer transactions to maximize the number of overdraft charges.  The claims asserted against the Bank include breach of contract and breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, common law unconscionability, conversion, unjust enrichment and violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.  The plaintiffs seek recovery of any overdraft fees wrongfully paid by plaintiffs, damages, expenses of litigation, attorneys’ fees, and other relief deemed equitable by the court.  At this stage of the proceeding, it is too early to determine if the matter would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
 
Item 1A.           Risk Factors

There has not been any material change in the risk factors disclosure from that contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012.

Item 2.                     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

a)  Not applicable.

b)  Not applicable.
 
 
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c)  On July 22, 2009, the Company announced an authorization to repurchase up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding shares in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with securities laws and regulations through December 31, 2011.  At its December 2011 meeting, the Board approved extending the stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase, at the discretion of senior management, of up to 1,500,000 shares through December 31, 2012.  Any repurchased shares will be used for general corporate purposes, including those related to employee stock plan activities.  The timing and extent of repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations as determined at the Company’s discretion.  There were no treasury stock purchases in the first two quarters of 2012.    

Item 3.                      Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.

Item 4.                      Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

Item 5.                      Other Information
Not applicable.
 
Item 6.                      Exhibits

Exhibit No.                                                                Description

31.1
Certification of Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
31.2
Certification of Scott Kingsley, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
32.1
Certification of Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 
32.2
Certification of Scott Kingsley, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted 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. ***
 

* Filed herewith.

**Furnished herewith.

****XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.


 
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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.




Community Bank System, Inc.
 
     
     
     
     
Date: August 9, 2012    /s/ Mark E. Tryniski
    Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief
    Executive Officer
     
     
Date: August 9, 2012    /s/ Scott Kingsley
    Scott Kingsley, Treasurer and Chief
    Financial Officer
 

 
 
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