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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - NBT BANCORP INCFinancial_Report.xls

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014.
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________.
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-14703
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
DELAWARE
 
16-1268674
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
52 SOUTH BROAD STREET, NORWICH, NEW YORK 13815
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (607) 337-2265
 
None
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x   No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
 
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o  No x
 
As of October 31, 2014, there were 43,725,949 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
       
NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended September 30, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1
Financial Statements
 
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
9
     
Item 2
42
     
Item 3
60
     
Item 4
60
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
61
Item 1A
 
Item 2
61
Item 3
61
Item 4
61
Item 5
61
Item 6
62
 
63
 
64
 
Item 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
   
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
   
 
 
 
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
       
 Assets
 
   
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
169,905
   
$
157,625
 
Short-term interest bearing accounts
   
4,630
     
1,301
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
1,044,502
     
1,364,881
 
Securities held to maturity (fair value $454,787 and $113,276, respectively)
   
459,620
     
117,283
 
Trading securities
   
7,622
     
5,779
 
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
34,652
     
46,864
 
Loans
   
5,587,091
     
5,406,795
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
69,334
     
69,434
 
Net loans
   
5,517,757
     
5,337,361
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
89,023
     
88,327
 
Goodwill
   
263,634
     
264,997
 
Intangible assets, net
   
21,543
     
25,557
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
117,102
     
114,966
 
Other assets
   
137,041
     
127,234
 
Total assets
 
$
7,867,031
   
$
7,652,175
 
                 
Liabilities
               
Demand (noninterest bearing)
 
$
1,724,134
   
$
1,645,641
 
Savings, NOW, and money market
   
3,514,155
     
3,223,441
 
Time
   
1,076,650
     
1,021,142
 
Total deposits
   
6,314,939
     
5,890,224
 
Short-term borrowings
   
375,637
     
456,042
 
Long-term debt
   
131,056
     
308,823
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
101,196
     
101,196
 
Other liabilities
   
86,763
     
79,321
 
Total liabilities
   
7,009,591
     
6,835,606
 
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 2,500,000 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; issued 49,651,494 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
   
497
     
497
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
574,657
     
574,152
 
Retained earnings
   
414,695
     
385,787
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(8,750
)
   
(16,765
)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 5,944,696 and 6,138,444 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
   
(123,659
)
   
(127,102
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
857,440
     
816,569
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
7,867,031
   
$
7,652,175
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 


NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
   
   
 
Interest, fee, and dividend income
 
   
   
   
 
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
61,173
   
$
61,773
   
$
181,747
   
$
177,499
 
Securities available for sale
   
6,095
     
6,520
     
19,464
     
18,803
 
Securities held to maturity
   
1,353
     
804
     
2,904
     
1,877
 
Other
   
513
     
472
     
1,552
     
1,363
 
Total interest, fee, and dividend income
   
69,134
     
69,569
     
205,667
     
199,542
 
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
   
3,498
     
3,999
     
9,782
     
12,445
 
Short-term borrowings
   
262
     
232
     
702
     
341
 
Long-term debt
   
1,067
     
2,561
     
5,709
     
9,196
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
544
     
551
     
1,620
     
1,539
 
Total interest expense
   
5,371
     
7,343
     
17,813
     
23,521
 
Net interest income
   
63,763
     
62,226
     
187,854
     
176,021
 
Provision for loan losses
   
4,885
     
5,198
     
12,647
     
17,258
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
58,878
     
57,028
     
175,207
     
158,763
 
Noninterest income
                               
Insurance and other financial services revenue
   
6,179
     
6,038
     
18,510
     
18,686
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
4,519
     
5,055
     
13,285
     
14,311
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
4,440
     
4,276
     
12,869
     
11,562
 
Retirement plan administration fees
   
3,272
     
3,062
     
9,167
     
8,701
 
Trust
   
4,758
     
4,345
     
14,157
     
11,957
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
1,095
     
913
     
3,455
     
2,648
 
Net securities gains
   
38
     
329
     
59
     
1,413
 
Gain on the sale of equity investment
   
-
     
-
     
19,401
     
-
 
Other
   
2,376
     
3,129
     
8,078
     
8,635
 
Total noninterest income
   
26,677
     
27,147
     
98,981
     
77,913
 
Noninterest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
28,933
     
29,267
     
89,609
     
85,474
 
Occupancy
   
5,211
     
5,262
     
16,872
     
15,458
 
Data processing and communications
   
4,029
     
4,059
     
12,045
     
11,368
 
Professional fees and outside services
   
3,695
     
3,202
     
10,862
     
9,340
 
Equipment
   
3,199
     
2,988
     
9,447
     
8,480
 
Office supplies and postage
   
1,733
     
1,640
     
5,221
     
4,886
 
FDIC expenses
   
1,134
     
1,285
     
3,641
     
3,688
 
Advertising
   
403
     
722
     
1,868
     
2,445
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1,275
     
1,346
     
3,821
     
3,548
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
   
705
     
886
     
2,546
     
2,025
 
Merger expenses
   
-
     
326
     
-
     
12,276
 
Prepayment penalties on long-term debt
   
13,349
     
-
     
17,903
     
-
 
Other
   
5,401
     
5,303
     
15,485
     
14,453
 
Total noninterest expense
   
69,067
     
56,286
     
189,320
     
173,441
 
Income before income tax expense
   
16,488
     
27,889
     
84,868
     
63,235
 
Income tax expense
   
5,576
     
8,632
     
28,307
     
19,413
 
Net income
 
$
10,912
   
$
19,257
   
$
56,561
   
$
43,822
 
Earnings per share
                               
Basic
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.44
   
$
1.29
   
$
1.06
 
Diluted
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.44
   
$
1.28
   
$
1.05
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements


NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
(In thousands)
 
   
         
Net income
 
$
10,912
   
$
19,257
     
56,561
   
$
43,822
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
                               
Unrealized net holding (losses) gains arising during the period (pre-tax amounts of ($3,693), ($6,927), $13,199 and ($33,391))
   
(2,124
)
   
(4,184
)
   
8,075
     
(20,167
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains related to securities available for sale included in net income (pre-tax amounts of $38, $329, $58 and $1,413)
   
(23
)
   
(197
)
   
(35
)
   
(848
)
Amortization of unrealized net gains and losses related to the reclassification of available for sale investment securities to held to maturity (pre-tax amounts of $99, $-, $99 and $-)
   
(59
)
   
-
     
(59
)
   
-
 
Pension and other benefits:
                               
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains (pre-tax amounts of $19, $709, $57 and $2,244)
   
11
     
426
     
34
     
1,354
 
Increase in unrecognized actuarial gains (pre-tax amounts of $-, $4,036, $-, and $4,036)
   
-
     
2,421
     
-
     
2,421
 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
   
(2,195
)
   
(1,534
)
   
8,015
     
(17,240
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
8,717
   
$
17,723
     
64,576
   
$
26,582
 
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited)
 
   
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-in- Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Common Stock in Treasury
   
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
393
   
$
346,692
   
$
357,558
   
$
(5,880
)
 
$
(116,490
)
 
$
582,273
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
43,822
     
-
     
-
     
43,822
 
Cash dividends - $0.60 per share
   
-
     
-
     
(24,334
)
   
-
     
-
     
(24,334
)
Purchase of 584,925 treasury shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(12,459
)
   
(12,459
)
Issuance of 10,346,363 shares, net of 408,957 treasury shares, for acquisition
   
104
     
225,447
     
-
     
-
     
(5,779
)
   
219,772
 
Net issuance of 145,962 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
   
-
     
(2,469
)
   
-
     
-
     
2,623
     
154
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
3,571
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,571
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(17,240
)
   
-
     
(17,240
)
Balance at September 30, 2013
 
$
497
   
$
573,241
   
$
377,046
   
$
(23,120
)
 
$
(132,105
)
 
$
795,559
 
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
497
   
$
574,152
   
$
385,787
   
$
(16,765
)
 
$
(127,102
)
 
$
816,569
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
56,561
     
-
     
-
     
56,561
 
Cash dividends - $0.63 per share
   
-
     
-
     
(27,653
)
   
-
     
-
     
(27,653
)
Purchase of 3,288 treasury shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(72
)
   
(72
)
Net issuance of 197,036 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
   
-
     
(2,312
)
   
-
     
-
     
3,515
     
1,203
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
2,817
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,817
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
8,015
     
-
     
8,015
 
Balance at September 30, 2014
 
$
497
   
$
574,657
   
$
414,695
   
$
(8,750
)
 
$
(123,659
)
 
$
857,440
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
2014
   
2013
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
 
Operating activities
 
   
 
         
Net income
 
$
56,561
   
$
43,822
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Provision for loan losses
   
12,647
     
17,258
 
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
   
6,172
     
5,885
 
Net accretion on securities
   
2,692
     
4,082
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
3,821
     
3,548
 
Stock based compensation
   
2,817
     
3,571
 
Increase in surrender value of bank owned life insurance
   
(3,455
)
   
(2,648
)
Purchases of trading securities
   
(1,618
)
   
(1,022
)
Unrealized gains on trading securities
   
(225
)
   
(345
)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
   
(1,654
)
   
1,126
 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
   
4,024
     
59,231
 
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
   
(6,872
)
   
(65,722
)
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
   
(3
)
   
(1,168
)
Net security gains
   
(59
)
   
(1,413
)
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned
   
(351
)
   
(654
)
Gain on sale of equity investment
   
(19,401
)
   
-
 
Prepayment penalties on long-term debt
   
17,903
     
-
 
Net (increase) decrease in other assets
   
(17,463
)
   
12,016
 
Net increase in other liabilities
   
3,239
     
8,694
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
58,775
     
86,261
 
Investing activities
               
Net cash used in acquisitions
   
-
     
80,909
 
Securities available for sale:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
   
178,430
     
314,104
 
Proceeds from sales
   
-
     
27,593
 
Purchases
   
(175,033
)
   
(303,497
)
Securities held to maturity:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
   
26,830
     
24,582
 
Purchases
   
(33,601
)
   
(75,808
)
Other:
               
Proceeds from FHLB stock redemption
   
63,186
     
-
 
Purchases of Federal Reserve and FHLB stock
   
(50,974
)
   
(5,584
)
Net increase in loans
   
(191,327
)
   
(198,057
)
Proceeds from settlement of bank owned life insurance
   
1,319
     
-
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(6,616
)
   
(3,409
)
Proceeds from sale of equity investment
   
19,639
     
-
 
Proceeds from the sales of other real estate owned
   
2,863
     
3,470
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(165,284
)
   
(135,697
)
Financing activities
               
Net increase in deposits
   
424,715
     
105,369
 
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
   
(80,405
)
   
188,689
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
120,051
     
-
 
Repayments of long-term debt
   
(315,721
)
   
(163,409
)
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
   
1,203
     
154
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(72
)
   
(12,459
)
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares
   
(27,653
)
   
(24,334
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
122,118
     
94,010
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
15,609
     
44,574
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
158,926
     
163,668
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
174,535
   
$
208,242
 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
2014
   
2013
 
Interest
 
$
18,714
   
$
24,335
 
Income taxes paid
   
36,978
     
12,885
 
Noncash investing activities:
               
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
 
$
1,135
   
$
785
 
Preferred stock acquired from sale of equity investment
   
2,762
     
-
 
Transfer of available for sale securities to held to maturity portfolio
   
332,115
     
-
 
Acquisitions:
               
Fair value of assets acquired
 
$
-
   
$
1,504,415
 
Fair value of liabilities assumed
   
-
     
1,284,632
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 

NBT BANCORP INC. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2014
 
Note 1. Description of Business
 
NBT Bancorp Inc. (the "Registrant" or the "Company") is a registered financial holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1986, with its principal headquarters located in Norwich, New York.  The principal assets of the Registrant consist of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its subsidiaries, including:  NBT Bank, National Association (the "Bank"), NBT Financial Services, Inc. ("NBT Financial"), NBT Holdings, Inc. ("NBT Holdings"), Hathaway Agency, Inc., and CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I and NBT Statutory Trust II (collectively, the "Trusts").  The Company's principal sources of revenue are the management fees and dividends it receives from the Bank, NBT Financial and NBT Holdings.
 
The Company's business, primarily conducted through the Bank but also through its other subsidiaries, consists of providing commercial banking and financial services to customers in its market area, which includes central and upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, the greater Burlington, Vermont area, and southeren Maine.  The Company has been, and intends to continue to be, a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services.  The Company's business philosophy is to operate as a community bank with local decision-making, principally in non-metropolitan markets, providing a broad array of banking and financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Registrant and its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Bank, NBT Financial and NBT Holdings.  Collectively, the Registrant and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as "the Company."  The interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure and there were none identified.

Note 3. Securities
 
The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities available for sale are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Unrealized
gains
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Estimated
fair value
 
September 30, 2014
 
   
   
   
 
U.S. Treasury
 
$
23,079
   
$
134
   
$
-
   
$
23,213
 
Federal Agency
   
337,254
     
301
     
4,238
     
333,317
 
State & municipal
   
40,752
     
779
     
10
     
41,521
 
Mortgage-backed:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
349,676
     
6,012
     
702
     
354,986
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
18,281
     
872
     
80
     
19,073
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
211,828
     
1,907
     
937
     
212,798
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
44,113
     
493
     
140
     
44,466
 
Other securities
   
12,904
     
2,466
     
242
     
15,128
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,037,887
   
$
12,964
   
$
6,349
   
$
1,044,502
 
December 31, 2013
                               
U.S. Treasury
 
$
43,279
   
$
337
   
$
-
   
$
43,616
 
Federal Agency
   
285,880
     
343
     
7,308
     
278,915
 
State & municipal
   
113,435
     
1,842
     
1,612
     
113,665
 
Mortgage-backed:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
337,666
     
5,788
     
2,131
     
341,323
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
21,924
     
1,002
     
85
     
22,841
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
521,257
     
1,777
     
18,141
     
504,893
 
U.S. government agency securities
   
43,943
     
794
     
102
     
44,635
 
Other securities
   
12,367
     
2,854
     
228
     
14,993
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,379,751
   
$
14,737
   
$
29,607
   
$
1,364,881
 
 
Other securities primarily represent marketable equity securities.
 
During the third quarter of 2014, the Company transferred approximately $340 million in securities from the available for sale portfolio to the held to maturity portfolio, which had unrealized losses at the time of transfer of approximately $8.3 million.  This unrealized loss is amortized into interest income over the lives of the transferred securities.

Securities with amortized costs totaling $1.4 billion at September 30, 2014 and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2013 were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.  At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, securities with an amortized cost of $216.3 million and $218.4 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for securities sold under repurchase agreements.

The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities held to maturity are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
 
September 30, 2014
 
   
   
   
 
Mortgage-backed
 
$
802
   
$
118
   
$
-
   
$
920
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
327,973
     
161
     
5,512
     
322,622
 
State & municipal
   
130,845
     
538
     
138
     
131,245
 
Total securities held to maturity
 
$
459,620
   
$
817
   
$
5,650
   
$
454,787
 
December 31, 2013
                               
Mortgage-backed
 
$
953
   
$
128
   
$
-
   
$
1,081
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
62,025
     
-
     
4,569
     
57,456
 
State & municipal
   
54,305
     
442
     
8
     
54,739
 
Total securities held to maturity
 
$
117,283
   
$
570
   
$
4,577
   
$
113,276
 

The following table sets forth information with regard to investment securities with unrealized losses for the periods presented:
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
Security Type:
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Number of Positions
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Number of Positions
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Number of Positions
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
September 30, 2014
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Federal agency
 
$
51,549
   
$
(191
)
   
7
   
$
226,561
   
$
(4,047
)
   
19
   
$
278,110
   
$
(4,238
)
   
26
 
State & municipal
   
946
     
(1
)
   
4
     
2,109
     
(9
)
   
9
     
3,055
     
(10
)
   
13
 
Mortgage-backed
   
62,748
     
(69
)
   
18
     
47,138
     
(713
)
   
37
     
109,886
     
(782
)
   
55
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
67,121
     
(393
)
   
9
     
42,329
     
(684
)
   
6
     
109,450
     
(1,077
)
   
15
 
Other securities
   
4,033
     
(142
)
   
3
     
2,735
     
(100
)
   
2
     
6,768
     
(242
)
   
5
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
186,397
   
$
(796
)
   
41
   
$
320,872
   
$
(5,553
)
   
73
   
$
507,269
   
$
(6,349
)
   
114
 
 
                                                                       
September 30, 2014
                                                                       
Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                                       
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
$
21,279
   
$
(94
)
   
3
   
$
285,612
   
$
(5,418
)
   
23
   
$
306,891
   
$
(5,512
)
   
26
 
  State & municipal
   
48,620
     
(122
)
   
128
     
5,322
     
(16
)
   
19
     
53,942
     
(138
)
   
147
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
69,899
   
$
(216
)
   
131
   
$
290,934
   
$
(5,434
)
   
42
     
360,833
   
$
(5,650
)
   
173
 
                                                                         
December 31, 2013
                                                                       
Investment securities available for sale:
                                                                       
Federal agency
 
$
233,935
   
$
(6,927
)
   
20
   
$
9,619
   
$
(381
)
   
1
   
$
243,554
   
$
(7,308
)
   
21
 
State & municipal
   
50,328
     
(1,612
)
   
177
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
50,328
     
(1,612
)
   
177
 
Mortgage-backed
   
143,080
     
(2,216
)
   
79
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
143,080
     
(2,216
)
   
79
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
379,273
     
(18,243
)
   
36
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
379,273
     
(18,243
)
   
36
 
Other securities
   
5,490
     
(203
)
   
2
     
223
     
(25
)
   
1
     
5,713
     
(228
)
   
3
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
812,106
   
$
(29,201
)
   
314
   
$
9,842
   
$
(406
)
   
2
   
$
821,948
   
$
(29,607
)
   
316
 
 
                                                                       
December 31, 2013
                                                                       
Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                                       
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
$
57,456
   
$
(4,569
)
   
5
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
57,456
   
$
(4,569
)
   
5
 
State & municipal
   
1,012
     
(8
)
   
1
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,012
     
(8
)
   
1
 
Total securities with unrealized losses
 
$
58,468
   
$
(4,577
)
   
6
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
58,468
   
$
(4,577
)
   
6
 
 

Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses or in other comprehensive income, depending on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss.  If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.  If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.
 
In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security.
 
Management has the intent to hold the securities classified as held to maturity until they mature, at which time it is believed the Company will receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of September 30, 2014, management also had the intent to hold, and will not be required to sell, the securities classified as available for sale for a period of time sufficient for a recovery of cost, which may be until maturity.  The unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. When necessary, the Company has performed a discounted cash flow analysis to determine whether or not it will receive the contractual principal and interest on certain securities.  The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline.  As of September 30, 2014, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary and no other-than-temporary impairment losses have been realized in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
 
The following tables set forth information with regard to contractual maturities of debt securities at September 30, 2014:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Estimated fair value
 
Debt securities classified as available for sale
 
   
 
Within one year
 
$
28,387
   
$
28,556
 
From one to five years
   
360,452
     
358,898
 
From five to ten years
   
174,046
     
176,437
 
After ten years
   
462,098
     
465,483
 
 
 
$
1,024,983
   
$
1,029,374
 
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
               
Within one year
 
$
27,414
   
$
27,530
 
From one to five years
   
16,404
     
16,551
 
From five to ten years
   
84,702
     
84,831
 
After ten years
   
331,100
     
325,875
 
 
 
$
459,620
   
$
454,787
 
 
Maturities of mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities are stated based on their estimated average lives.  Actual maturities may differ from estimated average lives or contractual maturities because, in certain cases, borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Except for U.S. Government securities, there were no holdings, when taken in the aggregate, of any single issuer that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders' equity at September 30, 2014.

Note  4. Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality of Loans

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

Commercial Real Estate – The Company offers commercial real estate loans to finance real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions and improvements to commercial properties.  Commercial real estate loans are made to finance the purchases of real estate, generally with completed structures. These commercial real estate loans are secured by first liens on the real estate, which may include apartments, commercial structures, housing businesses, healthcare facilities, and other non owner-occupied facilities.  These loans are typically less risky than commercial loans, since they are secured by real estate and buildings, and are generally originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the appraised value of the property.

Agricultural – The Company offers a variety of agricultural loans to meet the needs of our agricultural customers including term loans, time notes, and lines of credit.  These loans are made to purchase livestock, purchase and modernize equipment, and finance seasonal crop expenses.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on the livestock, equipment, produce inventories, and/or receivables owned by the borrower.  These loans may carry a higher risk than commercial and agricultural real estate loans due to the industry price volatility, and in some cases, the perishable nature of the underlying collateral.  To reduce these risks, management may attempt to secure these loans with additional real estate collateral, obtain personal guarantees of the borrowers, or obtain government loan guarantees to provide further support.
 
Agricultural Real Estate – The Company offers real estate loans to our agricultural customers to finance farm related real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions, and improvements to agricultural properties such as barns, production facilities, and land.  The agricultural real estate loans are secured by first liens on the farm real estate.  Because they are secured by land and buildings, these loans may be less risky than agricultural loans.  These loans are typically originated in amounts of no more than 75% of the appraised value of the property.  Government loan guarantees may be obtained to provide further support.
 
Business Banking - The Company offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our business banking customers including term loans, business banking mortgages and lines of credit.  Such loans are generally less than $0.5 million and are made available to businesses for working capital such as inventory and receivables, business expansion, equipment purchases, and agricultural needs.  Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment or other assets owned by the borrower such as inventory and/or receivables.  These loans carry a higher risk than commercial loans due to the smaller size of the borrower and lower levels of capital.  To reduce the risk, the Company obtains personal guarantees of the owners for a majority of the loans.
 
Consumer Loans
 
The Company offers a variety of consumer loan products including indirect, home equity, and direct loans.
 
Indirect – The Company maintains relationships with many dealers primarily in the communities that we serve.  Through these relationships, the company primarily finances the purchases of automobiles and recreational vehicles (such as campers, boats, etc.) indirectly through dealer relationships.  Approximately 75% of the indirect relationships represent automobile financing.  Most of these loans carry a fixed rate of interest with principal repayment terms typically ranging from three to six years, based upon the nature of the collateral and the size of the loan. The majority of indirect consumer loans are underwritten on a secured basis using the underlying collateral being financed.
 
Home Equity The Company offers fixed home equity loans as well as home equity lines of credit to consumers to finance home improvements, debt consolidation, education and other uses.  Consumers are able to borrow up to 85% of the equity in their homes.  The Company originates home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans (loans secured by a second junior lien position on one-to-four-family residential real estate).  These loans carry a higher risk than first mortgage residential loans as they are in a second position with respect to collateral.  Risk is reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows.  A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate.
 

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

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

The following tables illustrate the changes in the allowance for loan losses by our portfolio segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
$
35,123
   
$
27,973
   
$
6,205
   
$
233
   
$
69,534
 
Charge-offs
   
(1,517
)
   
(3,979
)
   
(481
)
   
-
     
(5,977
)
Recoveries
   
253
     
632
     
7
     
-
     
892
 
Provision
   
1,779
     
2,826
     
212
     
68
     
4,885
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2014
 
$
35,638
   
$
27,452
   
$
5,943
   
$
301
   
$
69,334
 
 
                                       
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
37,704
   
$
26,456
   
$
6,806
   
$
218
   
$
71,184
 
Charge-offs
   
(3,489
)
   
(3,746
)
   
(374
)
   
-
     
(7,609
)
Recoveries
   
602
     
733
     
76
     
-
     
1,411
 
Provision
   
980
     
3,744
     
402
     
72
     
5,198
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2013
 
$
35,797
   
$
27,187
   
$
6,910
   
$
290
   
$
70,184
 


Nine months ended September 30,
 
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
35,090
   
$
27,694
   
$
6,520
   
$
130
   
$
69,434
 
Charge-offs
   
(3,423
)
   
(11,659
)
   
(965
)
   
-
     
(16,047
)
Recoveries
   
966
     
2,087
     
247
     
-
     
3,300
 
Provision
   
3,005
     
9,330
     
141
     
171
     
12,647
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2014
 
$
35,638
   
$
27,452
   
$
5,943
   
$
301
   
$
69,334
 
 
                                       
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
$
35,624
   
$
27,162
   
$
6,252
   
$
296
   
$
69,334
 
Charge-offs
   
(8,009
)
   
(11,122
)
   
(1,347
)
   
-
     
(20,478
)
Recoveries
   
1,485
     
2,406
     
179
     
-
     
4,070
 
Provision
   
6,697
     
8,741
     
1,826
     
(6
)
   
17,258
 
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2013
 
$
35,797
   
$
27,187
   
$
6,910
   
$
290
   
$
70,184
 


For acquired loans, to the extent that we experience deterioration in borrower credit quality resulting in a decrease in our expected cash flows subsequent to acquisition of the loans, an allowance for loan losses would be established based on our estimate of future credit losses over the remaining life of the loans.  As of September 30, 2014, included in the above tables, there was $3.0 million in the allowance for loan losses related to an acquired commercial loan.  There was no allowance as of September 30, 2013 related to acquired loans.  Net charge-offs related to acquired loans totaled approximately $0.3 million and $0.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in the table above.  Net charge-offs related to acquired loans totaled approximately $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in the table above.

The following tables illustrate the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment by portfolio segments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
   
   
   
   
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
35,638
   
$
27,452
   
$
5,943
   
$
301
   
$
69,334
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
3,600
     
-
     
-
             
3,600
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
32,038
   
$
27,452
   
$
5,943
   
$
301
   
$
65,734
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of loans
 
$
2,457,906
   
$
2,029,046
   
$
1,100,139
           
$
5,587,091
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of originated loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
13,625
     
5,343
     
3,129
             
22,097
 
Ending balance of acquired loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
9,396
     
-
     
-
             
9,396
 
Ending balance of acquired loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
348,017
     
163,019
     
277,759
             
788,795
 
Ending balance of originated loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,086,868
   
$
1,860,684
   
$
819,251
           
$
4,766,803
 
 
                                       
As of December 31, 2013
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
35,090
   
$
27,694
   
$
6,520
   
$
130
   
$
69,434
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
715
     
-
     
-
             
715
 
 
                                       
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
34,375
   
$
27,694
   
$
6,520
   
$
130
   
$
68,719
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of loans
 
$
2,392,621
   
$
1,972,537
   
$
1,041,637
           
$
5,406,795
 
 
                                       
Ending balance of originated loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
16,120
     
3,248
     
2,012
             
21,380
 
Ending balance of acquired loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
10,060
     
-
     
-
             
10,060
 
Ending balance of acquired loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
392,329
     
219,587
     
308,416
             
920,332
 
Ending balance of originated loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,974,112
   
$
1,749,702
   
$
731,209
           
$
4,455,023
 
 

Credit Quality of Loans
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when timely collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. Loans are transferred to nonaccrual status generally when principal or interest payments become ninety days delinquent, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection, or sooner when management concludes or circumstances indicate that borrowers may be unable to meet contractual principal or interest payments.  When a loan is transferred to a nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued in the current period but not collected is reversed against interest income in that period. Interest accrued in a prior period and not collected is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.  The Company's nonaccrual policies are the same for all classes of financing receivable.
 
If ultimate repayment of a nonaccrual loan is expected, any payments received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment of principal is not expected, any payment received on a nonaccrual loan is applied to principal until ultimate repayment becomes expected.  Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to principal and interest and demonstrate a period of performance under the contractual terms and, in the opinion of management, are fully collectible as to principal and interest.  When in the opinion of management the collection of principal appears unlikely, the loan balance is charged-off in total or in part.  For loans in all portfolios, the principal amount is charged off in full or in part as soon as management determines, based on available facts, that the collection of principal in full is improbable.  For commercial loans, management considers specific facts and circumstances relative to individual credits in making such a determination.  For consumer and residential loan classes, management uses specific guidance and thresholds from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy.
 

The following table illustrates the Company's nonaccrual loans by loan class:
 
Loans on Nonaccrual Status as of:
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
 
Commercial
 
$
2,890
   
$
3,669
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
6,565
     
7,834
 
Agricultural
   
993
     
1,135
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
963
     
961
 
Business Banking
   
7,606
     
5,701
 
 
   
19,017
     
19,300
 
 
               
Consumer Loans
               
Indirect
   
1,606
     
1,461
 
Home Equity
   
6,748
     
5,931
 
Direct
   
104
     
86
 
 
   
8,458
     
7,478
 
 
               
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
8,388
     
7,105
 
 
               
 
 
$
35,863
   
$
33,883
 
 
               
ACQUIRED
               
Commercial Loans
               
Commercial
 
$
6,046
   
$
6,599
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,369
     
3,559
 
Business Banking
   
631
     
1,340
 
 
   
10,046
     
11,498
 
 
               
Consumer Loans
               
Indirect
   
125
     
93
 
Home Equity
   
663
     
570
 
Direct
   
34
     
49
 
 
   
822
     
712
 
 
               
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
3,800
     
3,872
 
 
               
 
   
14,668
     
16,082
 
 
               
TOTAL NONACCRUAL LOANS
 
$
50,531
   
$
49,965
 
 

The following tables set forth information with regard to past due and nonperforming loans by loan class as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
 
   
31-60 Days Past Due Accruing
   
61-90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Total Past Due Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Recorded Total Loans
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
670
   
$
270
   
$
-
   
$
940
   
$
2,890
   
$
618,680
   
$
622,510
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
104
     
561
     
-
     
665
     
6,565
     
1,013,177
     
1,020,407
 
Agricultural
   
55
     
20
     
-
     
75
     
993
     
33,292
     
34,360
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
963
     
25,360
     
26,323
 
Business Banking
   
1,415
     
53
     
-
     
1,468
     
7,606
     
387,819
     
396,893
 
 
   
2,244
     
904
     
-
     
3,148
     
19,017
     
2,078,328
     
2,100,493
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
14,686
     
2,560
     
1,785
     
19,031
     
1,606
     
1,287,966
     
1,308,603
 
Home Equity
   
3,955
     
1,528
     
686
     
6,169
     
6,748
     
488,674
     
501,591
 
Direct
   
464
     
111
     
56
     
631
     
104
     
55,098
     
55,833
 
 
   
19,105
     
4,199
     
2,527
     
25,831
     
8,458
     
1,831,738
     
1,866,027
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
2,943
     
172
     
1,404
     
4,519
     
8,388
     
809,473
     
822,380
 
 
 
$
24,292
   
$
5,275
   
$
3,931
   
$
33,498
   
$
35,863
   
$
4,719,539
   
$
4,788,900
 
 
                                                       
ACQUIRED
                                                       
Commercial Loans
                                                       
Commercial
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
6,046
   
$
83,543
   
$
89,589
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,369
     
203,288
     
206,657
 
Business Banking
   
202
     
-
     
-
     
202
     
631
     
60,334
     
61,167
 
 
   
202
     
-
     
-
     
202
     
10,046
     
347,165
     
357,413
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
451
     
60
     
82
     
593
     
125
     
77,090
     
77,808
 
Home Equity
   
185
     
61
     
-
     
246
     
663
     
78,627
     
79,536
 
Direct
   
31
     
1
     
9
     
41
     
34
     
5,600
     
5,675
 
 
   
667
     
122
     
91
     
880
     
822
     
161,317
     
163,019
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
1,539
     
445
     
-
     
1,984
     
3,800
     
271,975
     
277,759
 
   
$
2,408
   
$
567
   
$
91
   
$
3,066
   
$
14,668
   
$
780,457
   
$
798,191
 
  Total Loans
 
$
26,700
   
$
5,842
   
$
4,022
   
$
36,564
   
$
50,531
   
$
5,499,996
   
$
5,587,091
 
 

Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables
As of December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
 
   
31-60 Days Past Due Accruing
   
61-90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Accruing
   
Total Past Due Accruing
   
Non-Accrual
   
Current
   
Recorded Total Loans
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
105
   
$
247
   
$
-
   
$
352
   
$
3,669
   
$
612,402
   
$
616,423
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
1,366
     
-
     
-
     
1,366
     
7,834
     
925,116
     
934,316
 
Agricultural
   
150
     
21
     
-
     
171
     
1,135
     
63,856
     
65,162
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
519
     
-
     
-
     
519
     
961
     
35,172
     
36,652
 
Business Banking
   
1,228
     
122
     
105
     
1,455
     
5,701
     
330,523
     
337,679
 
 
   
3,368
     
390
     
105
     
3,863
     
19,300
     
1,967,069
     
1,990,232
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
14,093
     
2,878
     
1,583
     
18,554
     
1,461
     
1,141,829
     
1,161,844
 
Home Equity
   
6,033
     
1,888
     
1,115
     
9,036
     
5,931
     
517,856
     
532,823
 
Direct
   
679
     
125
     
46
     
850
     
86
     
57,347
     
58,283
 
 
   
20,805
     
4,891
     
2,744
     
28,440
     
7,478
     
1,717,032
     
1,752,950
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
3,951
     
379
     
808
     
5,138
     
7,105
     
720,978
     
733,221
 
 
 
$
28,124
   
$
5,660
   
$
3,657
   
$
37,441
   
$
33,883
   
$
4,405,079
   
$
4,476,403
 
                                                         
 
                                                       
ACQUIRED
                                                       
Commercial Loans
                                                       
Commercial
 
$
24
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
24
   
$
6,599
   
$
96,603
   
$
103,226
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,559
     
225,455
     
229,014
 
Business Banking
   
320
     
2
     
-
     
322
     
1,340
     
68,487
     
70,149
 
 
   
344
     
2
     
-
     
346
     
11,498
     
390,545
     
402,389
 
 
                                                       
Consumer Loans
                                                       
Indirect
   
939
     
113
     
71
     
1,123
     
93
     
123,870
     
125,086
 
Home Equity
   
753
     
63
     
-
     
816
     
570
     
85,690
     
87,076
 
Direct
   
76
     
56
     
9
     
141
     
49
     
7,235
     
7,425
 
     
1,768
     
232
     
80
     
2,080
     
712
     
216,795
     
219,587
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
1,725
     
-
     
-
     
1,725
     
3,872
     
302,819
     
308,416
 
 
 
$
3,837
   
$
234
   
$
80
   
$
4,151
   
$
16,082
   
$
910,159
   
$
930,392
 
Total Loans
 
$
31,961
   
$
5,894
   
$
3,737
   
$
41,592
   
$
49,965
   
$
5,315,238
   
$
5,406,795
 


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

Impaired Loans
The methodology used to establish the allowance for loan losses on impaired loans incorporates specific allocations on loans analyzed individually.  Classified and nonperforming loans with outstanding balances of $0.5 million or more and all troubled debt restructured loans ("TDR")  are evaluated for impairment through the Company's quarterly status review process.  In determining that we will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreements, we consider factors such as payment history and changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, local economic conditions, historical loss experience and the conditions of the various markets in which the collateral may be liquidated.  For loans that are impaired as defined by accounting standards, impairment is measured by one of three methods: 1) the fair value of collateral less cost to sell, 2) present value of expected future cash flows or 3) the loan's observable market price.  All impaired loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis for changes in the measurement of impairment.  Any change to the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized as a change to the allowance account and recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a component of the provision for loan losses.

The following table provides information on loans specifically evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
(in thousands)
 
Recorded Investment Balance (Book)
   
Unpaid Principal Balance (Legal)
 
Related Allowance
   
Recorded Investment Balance (Book)
   
Unpaid Principal Balance (Legal)
 
Related Allowance
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,894
   
$
2,019
     
$
4,721
   
$
4,777
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
6,830
     
6,845
 
     
4,613
     
5,164
 
 
Agricultural
   
98
     
168
 
     
125
     
195
 
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
1,388
     
1,684
 
     
1,431
     
1,708
 
 
Business Banking
   
652
     
1,052
 
     
210
     
602
 
 
Total Commercial Loans
   
10,862
     
11,768
 
     
11,100
     
12,446
 
 
 
               
                 
 
Consumer Loans
               
                 
 
Home Equity
   
5,343
     
5,849
 
     
3,248
     
3,472
 
 
 
               
                 
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgages
   
3,129
     
3,494
       
2,012
     
2,255
 
 
Total
   
19,334
     
21,111
 
     
16,360
     
18,173
 
 
 
                                   
With an allowance recorded:
               
                 
 
Commercial Loans
               
                 
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
2,763
     
4,619
   
$
600
     
5,020
     
6,877
     
715
 
                                                 
ACQUIRED
                                               
With no related allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
   
-
     
-
             
6,501
     
6,538
         
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,368
     
3,832
             
3,559
     
3,842
         
Total Commercial Loans
   
3,368
     
3,832
             
10,060
     
10,380
         
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial Loans
                                               
Commercial
   
6,028
     
6,382
     
3,000
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                                 
Total:
 
$
31,493
   
$
35,944
   
$
3,600
   
$
31,440
   
$
35,430
   
$
715
 
 

The following tables summarize the average recorded investments on impaired loans specifically evaluated for impairment and the interest income recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
 
For the three months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2013
 
(in thousands)
 
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
1,957
   
$
-
   
$
2,727
   
$
28
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
9,619
     
43
     
11,853
     
29
 
Agricultural
   
102
     
-
     
136
     
-
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
1,395
     
12
     
1,381
     
12
 
Business Banking
   
677
     
10
     
50
     
-
 
Consumer Loans
                               
Home Equity
   
5,435
     
85
     
3,240
     
43
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgage
   
2,961
     
29
     
2,202
     
25
 
Total Originated
 
$
22,146
   
$
179
   
$
21,589
   
$
137
 
 
                               
ACQUIRED
                               
Commercial Loans
                               
Commercial
   
6,161
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,398
     
-
     
1,329
     
-
 
Total Acquired
 
$
9,559
   
$
-
   
$
1,329
   
$
-
 
 
                               
Total Loans
 
$
31,705
   
$
179
   
$
22,918
   
$
137
 


 
 
For the nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2013
 
(in thousands)
 
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
ORIGINATED
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial Loans
 
   
   
   
 
Commercial
 
$
2,001
   
$
-
   
$
3,789
   
$
86
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
10,400
     
127
     
11,550
     
50
 
Agricultural
   
115
     
1
     
224
     
1
 
Agricultural Real Estate
   
1,410
     
35
     
1,091
     
36
 
Business Banking
   
509
     
33
     
66
     
3
 
Consumer Loans
                               
Home Equity
   
5,099
     
188
     
3,072
     
101
 
Residential Real Estate Mortgage
   
2,864
     
79
     
2,106
     
53
 
Total Originated
 
$
22,398
   
$
463
   
$
21,898
   
$
330
 
                                 
ACQUIRED
                               
Commercial Loans
                               
Commercial
   
6,303
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,461
     
-
     
1,332
     
-
 
Total Acquired
 
$
9,764
   
$
-
   
$
1,332
   
$
-
 
Total Loans
 
$
32,162
   
$
463
   
$
23,230
   
$
330
 


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

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

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

The following tables illustrate the Company's credit quality by loan class as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
Credit Quality Indicators
As of September 30, 2014
 
ORIGINATED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
Commercial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Agricultural Real Estate
 
Total
Pass
$
574,661
 
$
966,884
 
$
31,793
 
$
24,529
 
$
1,597,867
Special Mention
 
10,153
 
 
18,044
 
 
291
 
 
42
 
 
28,530
Substandard
 
37,696
 
 
35,479
 
 
2,264
 
 
1,752
 
 
77,191
Doubtful
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
12
 
 
-
 
 
12
Total
$
622,510
 
$
1,020,407
 
$
34,360
 
$
26,323
 
$
1,703,600
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Banking Credit Exposure
By Internally Assigned Grade:
Business Banking
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Non-classified
$
377,043
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
377,043
Classified
 
19,850
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,850
Total
$
396,893
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
396,893
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
Indirect
 
Home Equity
 
Direct
 
 
 
 
Total
Performing
$
1,305,212
 
$
494,157
 
$
55,673
 
 
 
 
$
1,855,042
Nonperforming
 
3,391
 
 
7,434
 
 
160
 
 
 
 
 
10,985
Total
$
1,308,603
 
$
501,591
 
$
55,833
 
 
 
 
$
1,866,027
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure
By Payment Activity:
Residential Mortgage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Performing
$
812,588
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
812,588
Nonperforming
 
9,792
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,792
Total
$
822,380
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
822,380
 

Credit Quality Indicators
As of September 30, 2014
 
ACQUIRED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
Commercial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Total
 
Pass
$
76,876
 
$
190,740
 
$
-
 
$
267,616
 
Special Mention
 
3,633
 
 
4,213
 
 
-
   
7,846
 
Substandard
 
9,080
 
 
11,704
 
 
-
   
20,784
 
Total
$
89,589
 
$
206,657
 
$
-
 
$
296,246
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
     
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
Business Banking
 
 
 
 
   
 
Total 
 
Non-classified
$
56,370
 
 
 
 
   
 
56,370
 
Classified
 
4,797
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
4,797
 
Total
$
61,167
 
 
 
 
   
 
61,167
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
Indirect
 
Home Equity
 
Direct
 
Total
 
Performing
$
77,601
 
$
78,873
 
$
5,632
 
$
162,106
 
Nonperforming
 
207
 
 
663
 
 
43
 
 
913
 
Total
$
77,808
 
$
79,536
 
$
5,675
 
$
163,019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
Residential Mortgage
 
 
 
 
   
 
Total 
 
Performing
$
273,959
 
 
 
 
   
 
273,959
 
Nonperforming
 
3,800
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
3,800
 
Total
$
277,759
 
 
 
 
   
 
277,759
 
 

Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2013
 
ORIGINATED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
Commercial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Agricultural
Agricultural Real Estate
 
Total
Pass
$
576,079
 
$
878,411
 
$
60,043
$
33,136
 
$
1,547,669
Special Mention
 
16,836
 
 
22,777
 
 
381
 
43
 
 
40,037
Substandard
 
23,508
 
 
33,128
 
 
4,726
 
3,473
 
 
64,835
Doubtful
 
-
   
-
   
12
 
-
   
12
Total
$
616,423
 
$
934,316
 
$
65,162
$
36,652
 
$
1,652,553
 
 
   
 
                 
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
Business Banking
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total
Non-classified
$
319,578
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
$
319,578
Classified
 
18,101
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
18,101
Total
$
337,679
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
$
337,679
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
Indirect
 
Home Equity
 
Direct
   
 
Total
Performing
$
1,158,800
 
$
525,777
 
$
58,151
   
 
$
1,742,728
Nonperforming
 
3,044
 
 
7,046
 
 
132
 
 
 
 
10,222
Total
$
1,161,844
 
$
532,823
 
$
58,283
   
 
$
1,752,950
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
Residential Mortgage
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total
Performing
$
725,308
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
$
725,308
Nonperforming
 
7,913
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
7,913
Total
$
733,221
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
$
733,221
 

Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2013
 
ACQUIRED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
Commercial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
 
Total
Pass
$
85,692
 
$
205,010
 
$
-
 
 
$
290,702
Special Mention
 
2,230
 
 
6,183
 
 
-
 
 
 
8,413
Substandard
 
15,304
 
 
17,821
 
 
-
 
 
 
33,125
Total
$
103,226
 
$
229,014
 
$
-
 
 
$
332,240
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Banking Credit Exposure By Internally Assigned Grade:
Business Banking
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Non-classified
$
65,437
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
65,437
Classified
 
4,712
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,712
Total
$
70,149
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
70,149
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
Indirect
 
Home Equity
 
Direct
 
 
Total
Performing
$
124,922
 
$
86,506
 
$
7,367
 
 
$
218,795
Nonperforming
 
164
 
 
570
 
 
58
 
 
 
792
Total
$
125,086
 
$
87,076
 
$
7,425
 
 
$
219,587
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Mortgage Credit Exposure By Payment Activity:
Residential Mortgage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Performing
$
304,544
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
304,544
Nonperforming
 
3,872
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,872
Total
$
308,416
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
308,416
  
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
The Company's loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties.  These concessions typically result from the Company's loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions.  Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.  Substantially all of these modifications included one or a combination of the following: an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; temporary reduction in the interest rate; or change in scheduled payment amount.
 
When the Company modifies a loan, management evaluates any possible impairment based on the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the collateral.  In these cases, management uses the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows.  If management determines that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized by segment or class of loan as applicable, through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.  Segment and class status is determined by the loan's classification at origination.

TDRs that occurred during the three month period ending September 30, 2014 consisted of one home equity loan totaling $25,000,  seven direct consumer loans totaling $0.2 million, and three residential real estate mortgages totaling $0.2 million.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the three month period ending September 30, 2014 there was one default on a home equity loan TDR totaling $25,000 and one default on a residential real estate mortgage loan TDR totaling $48,000.

TDRs that occurred during the nine month period ending September 30, 2014 consisted of seven home equity loans totaling $0.3 million, two commercial loans totaling $0.6 million, 40 direct consumer loans totaling $2.7 million, 19 residential real estate mortgages totaling $2.2 million and two indirect consumer loans totaling $0.1 million.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the nine month period ending September 30, 2014 there were seven defaults on home equity loan TDRs totaling $0.5 million.

TDRs that occurred during the three month period ending September 30, 2013 consisted of three commercial loans totaling $6.1 million,  nine home equity loans totaling $0.4 million, and five residential real estate mortgage totaling $0.3 million.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the three month period ending September 30, 2013 there was one default on home equity loan TDR totaling $0.1 million.

TDRs that occurred during the nine month period ending September 30, 2013 consisted of four commercial loans totaling $7.0 million,  20 home equity loans totaling $1.0 million, and six residential real estate mortgage totaling $0.5 million.  For all such modifications, the pre and post outstanding recorded investment amount remained unchanged. During the nine month period ending September 30, 2013 there was one default on a home equity loan TDR totaling $25,000, two defaults on indirect consumer loan TDRs totaling $0.1 million, three defaults on direct consumer loan TDRs totaling $0.1 million, and three defaults on residential real estate mortgage loan TDRs totaling $0.2 million.

Note 5.                          Long-Term Debt
.
As part of a debt restructuring strategy initiated during the second quarter of 2014, the Company repaid $165.0 million in long-term borrowings, resulting in $17.9 million in prepayment penalties.  Prepayment penalties of $4.6 million were recognized as expense in the second quarter of 2014 and $13.3 million were recognized in the third quarter of 2014 upon completion of the restructure strategy.

Note 6. Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan ("the Plan") covering substantially all of its employees at September 30, 2014.  Benefits paid from the plan are based on age, years of service, compensation and social security benefits, and are determined in accordance with defined formulas. The Company's policy is to fund the pension plan in accordance with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") standards. Assets of the plan are invested in publicly traded stocks and bonds.  The Company is not required to make contributions to the Plan in 2014, and did not do so during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
The Company assumed a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan in the Alliance Financial Corporation ("Alliance") acquisition.  This plan covers certain Alliance full-time employees who met eligibility requirements on October 6, 2006, at which time all benefits were frozen.  Under the plan, retirement benefits are primarily a function of both the years of service and the level of compensation.  Effective May 1, 2013, this plan was merged into the Plan.
 
Market conditions can result in an unusually high degree of volatility and increase the risks and short term liquidity associated with certain investments held by the Plan which could impact the value of these investments.

In addition to the Plan, the Company also provides supplemental employee retirement plans to certain current and former executives.  These supplemental employee retirement plans and the Plan are collectively referred to herein as "Pension Benefits."

Also, the Company provides certain health care benefits for retired employees.  Benefits are accrued over the employees' active service period. Only employees that were employed by the Company on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to receive postretirement health care benefits.  In addition, the Company assumed post-retirement medical life insurance benefits for certain Alliance employees, retirees and their spouses, if applicable, in the Alliance acquisition.  These postretirement benefits are referred to herein as "Other Benefits."  The components of expense for Pension Benefits and Other Benefits are set forth below (in thousands):


 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Components of net periodic (benefit) cost:
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Service cost
 
$
587
   
$
604
   
$
4
   
$
6
 
Interest cost
   
1,040
     
830
     
90
     
75
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(2,175
)
   
(1,929
)
   
-
     
-
 
Net amortization
   
25
     
711
     
(6
)
   
(2
)
Total cost (benefit)
 
$
(523
)
 
$
216
   
$
88
   
$
79
 

 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Components of net periodic (benefit) cost:
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Service cost
 
$
1,761
   
$
1,813
   
$
12
   
$
18
 
Interest cost
   
3,120
     
2,489
     
270
     
224
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(6,525
)
   
(5,786
)
   
-
     
-
 
Net amortization
   
75
     
2,025
     
(18
)
   
219
 
Total cost (benefit)
 
$
(1,569
)
 
$
541
   
$
264
   
$
461
 


Note 7. Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as the Company's dilutive stock options and restricted stock units).
 
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
2014
   
2013
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
 
Basic EPS:
 
   
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,882
     
43,711
 
Net income available to common shareholders
   
10,912
     
19,257
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.44
 
                 
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,882
     
43,711
 
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
   
523
     
424
 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
   
44,405
     
44,135
 
Net income available to common shareholders
   
10,912
     
19,257
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.44
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
   
2013
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
 
Basic EPS:
 
   
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,847
     
41,375
 
Net income available to common shareholders
   
56,561
     
43,822
 
Basic EPS
 
$
1.29
   
$
1.06
 
                 
Diluted EPS:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
43,847
     
41,375
 
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
   
507
     
394
 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
   
44,354
     
41,769
 
Net income available to common shareholders
   
56,561
     
43,822
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
1.28
   
$
1.05
 


There were 501,843 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and 972,403 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options' exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.

There were 502,836 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 1,157,135 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options' exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.

Note 8. Reclassification Adjustments Out of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
 
Detail About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2013
 
 
Securities:
 
   
 
     
Gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(38
)
 
$
(329
)
Net securities (gains) losses
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses related to securities transfer
   
(99
)
   
-
 
Interest income
Tax expense (benefit)
   
55
     
132
 
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
(82
)
 
$
(197
)
 
 
               
      
Pension and other benefits:
               
     
Amortization of net gains
 
$
74
   
$
765
 
Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs
   
(56
)
   
(56
)
Salaries and employee benefits
Tax benefit
   
7
     
283
 
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
11
   
$
426
 
 
 
               
      
Total reclassifications during the period, net of tax
 
$
(71
)
 
$
229
 
 
  
Detail About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2013
 
 
Securities:
 
   
 
      
   Gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(58
)
   
(1,413
)
Net securities gains
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses related to securities transfer
   
(99
)
   
-
 
Interest income
Tax expense
   
63
     
565
 
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
(94
)
 
$
(848
)
 
 
               
       
Pension and other benefits:
               
      
Amortization of net gains
 
$
222
   
$
2,411
 
Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs
   
(166
)
   
(167
)
Salaries and employee benefits
Tax benefit
   
22
     
890
 
Income tax expense
Net of tax
 
$
34
   
$
1,354
 
 
 
               
       
Total reclassifications during the period, net of tax
 
$
(60
)
 
$
506
 
 

Note 9. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
U.S. GAAP states that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.  A fair value hierarchy exists within U.S. GAAP that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
 
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
 
Level 2 -  Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
 
Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
 
A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities, many other sovereign government obligations, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments.
 
The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations, and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management's best estimate will be used. Management's best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, management only changes level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.
 
For the nine month period ending September 30, 2014, the Company has made no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2, and has had no Level 3 activity.

The following tables set forth the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis that were accounted for at fair value.  Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2014:
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Balance as of
September 30, 2014
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Securities Available for Sale:
 
   
   
   
 
U.S. Treasury
 
$
23,213
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,213
 
Federal Agency
   
-
     
333,317
     
-
     
333,317
 
State & municipal
   
-
     
41,521
     
-
     
41,521
 
Mortgage-backed
   
-
     
374,059
     
-
     
374,059
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
-
     
257,264
     
-
     
257,264
 
Other securities
   
7,079
     
8,049
     
-
     
15,128
 
Total Securities Available for Sale
 
$
30,292
   
$
1,014,210
   
$
-
   
$
1,044,502
 
Trading Securities
   
7,622
     
-
     
-
     
7,622
 
Interest Rate Swaps
   
-
     
2,520
     
-
     
2,520
 
Total
 
$
37,914
   
$
1,016,730
   
$
-
   
$
1,054,644
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
 
$
-
   
$
2,520
   
$
-
   
$
2,520
 
Total
 
$
-
   
$
2,520
   
$
-
   
$
2,520
 
 
December 31, 2013:
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Securities Available for Sale:
 
   
   
   
 
U.S. Treasury
 
$
43,616
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
43,616
 
Federal Agency
   
-
     
278,915
     
-
     
278,915
 
State & municipal
   
-
     
113,665
     
-
     
113,665
 
Mortgage-backed
   
-
     
364,164
     
-
     
364,164
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
-
     
549,528
     
-
     
549,528
 
Other securities
   
6,796
     
8,197
     
-
     
14,993
 
Total Securities Available for Sale
 
$
50,412
   
$
1,314,469
   
$
-
   
$
1,364,881
 
Trading Securities
   
5,779
     
-
     
-
     
5,779
 
Interest Rate Swaps
   
-
     
281
     
-
     
281
 
Total
 
$
56,191
   
$
1,314,750
   
$
-
   
$
1,370,941
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swaps
 
$
-
   
$
281
   
$
-
   
$
281
 
Total
 
$
-
   
$
281
   
$
-
   
$
281
 
 

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

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

The following table sets forth information with regard to estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value.  Financial instruments for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, trading securities, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings, accrued interest payable, and interest rate swaps.
 
 
 
   
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
(In thousands)
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
   
Carrying amount
   
Estimated fair value
   
Carrying amount
   
Estimated fair value
 
Financial assets
 
   
   
   
   
 
Securities held to maturity
   
2
   
$
459,620
   
$
454,787
   
$
117,283
   
$
113,276
 
Net loans
   
3
     
5,517,757
     
5,561,963
     
5,337,361
     
5,386,520
 
Financial liabilities
                                       
Time deposits
   
2
   
$
1,076,650
   
$
1,071,564
   
$
1,021,142
   
$
1,023,982
 
Long-term debt
   
2
     
131,056
     
132,341
     
308,823
     
325,195
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
2
     
101,196
     
106,054
     
101,196
     
105,121
 

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

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

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

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuating interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $1.2 billion at September 30, 2014 and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2013.  Since commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon, this amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management's credit evaluation of the borrower and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, land and other items.
 
The Company guarantees the obligations or performance of customers by issuing standby letters of credit to third parties. These standby letters of credit are frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate debt issuances, industrial revenue bonds and municipal securities. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products. Typically, these instruments have terms of five years or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Standby letters of credit totaled $37.6 million at September 30, 2014 and $36.8 million at December 31, 2013.  As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of standby letters of credit was not significant to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company has also entered into commercial letter of credit agreements on behalf of its customers.  Under these agreements, the Company, on the request of its customer, opens the letter of credit and makes a commitment to honor draws made under the agreement, whereby the beneficiary is normally the provider of goods and/or services and the Company essentially replaces the customer as the payee.  The credit risk involved in issuing commercial letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination guidelines, portfolio maintenance and management procedures as other credit and off-balance sheet products.  Typically, these agreements vary in terms and the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments.  Commercial letters of credit totaled $38.9 million at September 30, 2014 and $41.3 million at December 31, 2013.  As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of commercial letters of credit was not significant to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 11. Sale of Equity Investment

On April 17, 2014, NBT Capital Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBT, sold to LendingClub Corporation, its 20% ownership interest in Springstone Financial, LLC, which NBT originally acquired in exchange for a $3 million investment, as part of LendingClub's acquisition of all of the outstanding equity in Springstone. In total, LendingClub paid the group of selling equityholders a purchase price equal to $140 million in cash and preferred stock. As a result of this sale, the Company recognized a gain of $19.4 million during the second quarter of 2014.  There is $5.2 million in proceeds being held in escrow for indemnification provisions of the sale contract which will be recognized into income in 2015 when the conditions of the contract have been deemed to be satisfied

NBT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 2 -- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to provide a concise description of the financial condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), NBT Financial Services, Inc. ("NBT Financial"), and NBT Holdings, Inc. ("NBT Holdings") (collectively referred to herein as the "Company"). This discussion will focus on results of operations, financial condition, capital resources and asset/liability management. Reference should be made to the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in this Form 10Q as well as to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis.  Operating results for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the full year ending December 31, 2014 or any future period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Management is required to make various assumptions in valuing the Company's pension assets and liabilities. These assumptions include the expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, and the rate of increase in future compensation levels. Changes to these assumptions could impact earnings in future periods. The Company takes into account the plan asset mix, funding obligations, and expert opinions in determining the various rates used to estimate pension expense. The Company also considers the Citigroup Pension Liability Index, market interest rates and discounted cash flows in setting the appropriate discount rate. In addition, the Company reviews expected inflationary and merit increases to compensation in determining the rate of increase in future compensation levels.

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

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

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

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

The Company's policies on the allowance for loan losses, pension accounting, acquired loans, provision for income taxes and intangible assets are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All accounting policies are important, and as such, the Company encourages the reader to review each of the policies included in Note 1 to obtain a better understanding of how the Company's financial performance is reported.

Overview
Significant factors management reviews to evaluate the Company's operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to:  net income and earnings per share, return on average assets, equity and tangible common equity, net interest margin, noninterest income, operating expenses, certain core results, asset quality indicators, loan and deposit growth, capital management, liquidity and interest rate sensitivity, enhancements to customer products and services, technology advancements, market share and peer comparisons.  The following information should be considered in connection with the Company's results for the first nine months of 2014:
·
Core net income of $57.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was up 11.3% from the same period in 2013

·
Net interest margin was 3.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, down 6 basis points from the same period in 2013

·
Sold 20% ownership interest in Springstone LLC ("Springstone") recognizing a $19.4 million gain during the second quarter of 2014

·
Restructured $165 million in long-term long-term borrowings, resulting in $17.9 million in gross prepayment penalties (non-core) recognized in the first nine months of 2014, which lowered the cost of the restructured long-term funding by approximately 200 basis points
·
9% average year to date organic retail demand deposit growth

The following table depicts several annualized measurements of performance using core and GAAP net income that management reviews in analyzing the Company's performance. Returns on average assets and average equity measure how effectively an entity utilizes its total resources and capital, respectively.


(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the three months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
               
Reported net income (GAAP)
 
$
10,912
   
$
19,257
   
$
56,561
   
$
43,822
 
Adj: (Gain) / Loss on sale of securities, net (net of tax)
   
(25
)
   
(228
)
   
(39
)
   
(981
)
Adj: Other adjustments (net of tax) (1) 
   
83
     
110
     
198
     
110
 
Adj: Gain on sale of Springstone (net of tax
                               
       and related incentive compensation)
   
-
     
-
     
(11,168
)
   
-
 
Adj: Prepayment penalties related to debt
                               
       restructuring (net of tax)
   
8,833
     
-
     
11,758
     
-
 
Plus: Merger related expenses (net of tax)
   
-
     
224
     
-
     
8,529
 
Total Adjustments
   
8,891
     
106
     
749
     
7,658
 
Core net income
 
$
19,803
   
$
19,363
   
$
57,310
   
$
51,480
 
                                 
Performance measures:
                               
Core Return on Average Assets (2)
   
1.01
%
   
1.02
%
   
0.99
%
   
0.96
%
Return on Average Assets (2)
   
0.55
%
   
1.01
%
   
0.98
%
   
0.82
%
Core Return on Average Equity (2)
   
9.19
%
   
9.67
%
   
9.09
%
   
9.20
%
Return on Average Equity (2)
   
5.06
%
   
9.62
%
   
8.97
%
   
7.83
%
Core Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (2)(3)
   
14.35
%
   
15.95
%
   
14.36
%
   
14.75
%
Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (2)(3)
   
8.15
%
   
15.86
%
   
14.18
%
   
12.64
%
                                 
(1) Primarily net gain on settlement of litigation and reorganization expenses for 2014 and reorganization expenses for 2013
 
(2)  Annualized
                               
(3) Excludes amortization of intangible assets (net of tax) from net income and average tangible common equity is calculated as follows:
 
                                 
   
For the three months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
     
2014
     
2013
     
2014
     
2013
 
Average stockholders' equity
 
$
855,164
   
$
794,273
   
$
843,005
   
$
748,277
 
Less: average goodwill and other intangibles
   
285,993
     
292,271
     
287,778
     
262,277
 
Average tangible common equity
 
$
569,171
   
$
502,002
   
$
555,227
   
$
486,000
 

 

Results of Operations

Reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $10.9 million, down from $27.6 million for the previous quarter, and down from $19.3 million for the same period last year.  Reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 included prepayment penalties totaling $8.8 million (after taxes) related to our previously reported long-term debt restructure strategy.  Reported net income for the previous quarter ended June 30, 2014 included an $11.2 million net gain (after taxes and related incentive compensation) on the sale of our ownership interest in Springstone LLC ("Springstone"), partially offset by prepayment penalties totaling $2.9 million (after taxes) related to our long-term debt restructure strategy.  Reported earnings per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.25 as compared to $0.62 for the previous quarter and $0.44 for the same period in 2013.

Core net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $19.8 million, up 3.8% from $19.1 million for the previous quarter and up 2.3% from $19.4 million for the same period in 2013.  Core diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.45, up from $0.43 for the previous quarter and up from $0.44 for the same period in 2013.

Reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $56.6 million, up from $43.8 million for the same period last year, which included the aforementioned net Springstone gain and long-term prepayment penalties in 2014 and approximately $12.3 million in merger-related expenses in 2013.  Reported earnings per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $1.28 as compared to $1.05 for the same period in 2013.

Core net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $57.3 million, up 11.3% from $51.5 million for the same period in 2013.  Core diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $1.29, up from $1.23 for the same period in 2013.

The reported results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 and 2013 both contained items which the Company considers non-core, such as gain on the sale of the Springstone equity investment, long-term debt restructure prepayment penalties, merger expenses, securities gains, and other items not considered core to our operations.

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

Net interest income was $63.8 million for the third quarter of 2014, up 1.9% from the previous quarter, and up 2.5% from the same period last year.  Fully taxable equivalent ("FTE") net interest margin was 3.61% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, up from 3.60% from the prior quarter, and down from 3.65% for the third quarter of 2013.  Average interest earning assets were up $44.0 million, or 0.6%, for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior quarter, driven primarily by organic loan production.  The increase in average interest earning assets was partially offset by slight rate compression on earning assets, which decreased from 3.94% during the second quarter of 2014 to 3.91% for the third quarter of 2014.  This rate compression was driven primarily by decreasing loan yields from 4.42% for the second quarter of 2014 to 4.38% for the third quarter of 2014.  As a result of the increase in average earning assets, interest income was up 1.0% for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior quarter.  Average interest bearing liabilities decreased $32.9 million, or 0.6%, from the second quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2014.  The rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased by 4 basis points from the second quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2014.  This decrease was primarily driven by a 46 basis point decrease in the rate paid on long-term debt resulting from the aforementioned debt restructuring completed in the third quarter of 2014.  The decrease in average balances combined with the decrease in the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities resulted in an 8.7% decrease in interest expense for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior quarter.

Net interest income was $187.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, up 6.7% from the same period in 2013.  FTE net interest margin was 3.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, down from 3.67% from the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Average interest earning assets were up $535.2 million, or 8.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  This increase was driven primarily by the acquisition of Alliance Financial Corporation ("Alliance") in March 2013 as well as organic loan production during the past several quarters.  The increase in average interest earning assets was partially offset by rate compression on earning assets, as their yield decreased from 4.16% during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to 3.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  This rate compression was driven primarily by decreasing loan yields from 4.75% for the nine months ended 2013 to 4.43% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  As a result of the increase in average earning assets, interest income was up 3.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  Average interest bearing liabilities increased $282.3 million, or 5.8%, for the first nine months of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  This increase was due primarily to an increase in deposits resulting from organic deposit growth as well as the aforementioned acquisition of Alliance.  The rates paid on interest bearing liabilities for the first nine months of 2014 decreased by 18 basis points from the first nine months of 2013.  This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of 10 basis points in rates paid on deposits from improved funding mix as well as a 55 basis point decrease in the rate paid on long-term debt due primarily to maturity of long-term debt in the prior year, as well as the aforementioned debt restructuring in the second and third quarters of 2014.

Average Balances and Net Interest Income

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

Three Months ended September 30,
                                                         
   
        
   
2014
   
       
   
      
   
2013
   
       
 
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                       
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
4,791
   
$
7
     
0.54
%
 
$
1,955
   
$
9
     
1.73
%
Securities available for sale (1)(2)
   
1,263,375
     
6,403
     
2.01
%
   
1,387,714
     
6,994
     
2.00
%
Securities held to maturity (1) 
   
234,403
     
1,678
     
2.84
%
   
118,781
     
1,059
     
3.54
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
39,459
     
504
     
5.06
%
   
43,895
     
465
     
4.20
%
Loans and leases (3)
   
5,563,206
     
61,380
     
4.38
%
   
5,309,446
     
62,008
     
4.63
%
 Total interest earning assets
 
$
7,105,234
   
$
69,972
     
3.91
%
 
$
6,861,791
   
$
70,535
     
4.08
%
Other assets
   
697,814
                     
671,482
                 
Total assets
 
$
7,803,048
                   
$
7,533,273
                 
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                         
Money market deposit accounts
 
$
1,452,287
   
$
682
     
0.19
%
 
$
1,360,067
   
$
528
     
0.15
%
NOW deposit accounts
   
927,026
     
128
     
0.05
%
   
877,387
     
285
     
0.13
%
Savings deposits
   
1,025,795
     
182
     
0.07
%
   
984,093
     
227
     
0.09
%
Time deposits
   
1,032,370
     
2,506
     
0.96
%
   
1,081,549
     
2,959
     
1.09
%
  Total interest bearing deposits
 
$
4,437,478
   
$
3,498
     
0.31
%
 
$
4,303,096
   
$
3,999
     
0.37
%
Short-term borrowings
   
447,761
     
262
     
0.23
%
   
383,238
     
232
     
0.24
%
Junior subordinated debt
   
101,196
     
544
     
2.13
%
   
101,196
     
551
     
2.16
%
Long-term debt
   
170,223
     
1,067
     
2.49
%
   
309,069
     
2,561
     
3.29
%
  Total interest bearing liabilities
 
$
5,156,658
   
$
5,371
     
0.41
%
 
$
5,096,599
   
$
7,343
     
0.57
%
Demand deposits
   
1,708,632
                     
1,559,506
                 
Other liabilities
   
82,594
                     
82,896
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
855,164
                     
794,272
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
7,803,048
                   
$
7,533,273
                 
  Net interest income (FTE)
           
64,601
                     
63,192
         
Interest rate spread
                   
3.50
%
                   
3.51
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.61
%
                   
3.65
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment 
           
838
                     
966
         
Net interest income
         
$
63,763
                   
$
62,226
         
                                                 
(1) Securities are shown at average amortized cost
(2) Excluding unrealized gains or losses
(3) For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding
                 



 
Nine Months ended September 30,
                                                                    
   
         
   
2014
   
       
   
        
   
2013
   
         
 
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rates
 
ASSETS
                       
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
3,821
   
$
21
     
0.73
%
 
$
39,191
   
$
107
     
0.36
%
Securities available for sale (1)(2)
   
1,340,044
     
20,614
     
2.06
%
   
1,338,637
     
20,207
     
2.02
%
Securities held to maturity (1) 
   
157,784
     
3,727
     
3.16
%
   
78,291
     
2,665
     
4.55
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
41,992
     
1,531
     
4.88
%
   
36,947
     
1,261
     
4.56
%
Loans and leases (3)
   
5,502,656
     
182,383
     
4.43
%
   
5,018,022
     
178,177
     
4.75
%
 Total interest earning assets
   
7,046,297
   
$
208,276
     
3.95
%
 
$
6,511,088
   
$
202,417
     
4.16
%
Other assets
   
685,861
                     
644,332
                 
Total assets
 
$
7,732,158
                   
$
7,155,420
                 
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                         
Money market deposit accounts
 
$
1,435,155
   
$
1,748
     
0.16
%
 
$
1,318,304
   
$
1,462
     
0.15
%
NOW deposit accounts
   
940,064
   
$
384
     
0.05
%
   
868,167
     
1,174
     
0.18
%
Savings deposits
   
1,022,212
   
$
551
     
0.07
%
   
914,255
     
581
     
0.08
%
Time deposits
   
1,001,301
   
$
7,099
     
0.95
%
   
1,078,165
     
9,228
     
1.14
%
  Total interest bearing deposits
 
$
4,398,732
   
$
9,782
     
0.30
%
 
$
4,178,891
   
$
12,445
     
0.40
%
Short-term borrowings
   
410,242
   
$
702
     
0.23
%
   
261,428
     
341
     
0.17
%
Junior subordinated debt
   
101,196
   
$
1,620
     
2.14
%
   
94,965
     
1,539
     
2.17
%
Long-term debt
   
256,084
   
$
5,709
     
2.98
%
   
348,715
     
9,196
     
3.53
%
  Total interest bearing liabilities
 
$
5,166,254
   
$
17,813
     
0.46
%
 
$
4,883,999
   
$
23,521
     
0.64
%
Demand deposits
   
1,640,097
                     
1,446,802
                 
Other liabilities
   
82,802
                     
76,342
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
843,005
                     
748,277
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
7,732,158
                   
$
7,155,420
                 
  Net interest income (FTE)
           
190,463
                     
178,896
         
Interest rate spread
                   
3.49
%
                   
3.52
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.61
%
                   
3.67
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment 
           
2,609
                     
2,875
         
Net interest income
         
$
187,854
                   
$
176,021
         
                                                 
(1) Securities are shown at average amortized cost                      
(2) Excluding unrealized gains or losses                      
(3) For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding
                 


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

Three months ended September 30,
 
        
   
          
   
        
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
                 
 
 
2014 over 2013
   
   
   
  
 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
             
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
7
   
$
(9
)
 
$
(2
)
Securities available for sale
   
(630
)
   
39
     
(591
)
Securities held to maturity
   
862
     
(243
)
   
619
 
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
(50
)
   
89
     
39
 
Loans and leases
   
2,888
     
(3,516
)
   
(628
)
Total interest income
   
3,077
     
(3,640
)
   
(563
)
                         
Money market deposit accounts
   
38
     
116
     
154
 
NOW deposit accounts
   
15
     
(172
)
   
(157
)
Savings deposits
   
9
     
(54
)
   
(45
)
Time deposits
   
(130
)
   
(323
)
   
(453
)
Short-term borrowings
   
38
     
(8
)
   
30
 
Trust preferred debentures
   
-
     
(7
)
   
(7
)
Long-term debt
   
(969
)
   
(525
)
   
(1,494
)
Total interest expense
   
(999
)
   
(973
)
   
(1,972
)
 
                       
Change in FTE net interest income
 
$
4,076
   
$
(2,667
)
 
$
1,409
 
                         
Nine months ended September 30,
                         
   
Increase (Decrease)
                 
 
 
2014 over 2013
                 
(in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                         
Short-term interest bearing accounts
 
$
(143
)
 
$
57
   
$
(86
)
Securities available for sale
   
21
     
386
     
407
 
Securities held to maturity
   
2,070
     
(1,008
)
   
1,062
 
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
   
182
     
88
     
270
 
Loans and leases
   
16,530
     
(12,324
)
   
4,206
 
Total interest income
   
18,660
     
(12,801
)
   
5,859
 
                         
Money market deposit accounts
   
136
     
150
     
286
 
NOW deposit accounts
   
90
     
(880
)
   
(790
)
Savings deposits
   
64
     
(94
)
   
(30
)
Time deposits
   
(625
)
   
(1,504
)
   
(2,129
)
Short-term borrowings
   
233
     
128
     
361
 
Trust preferred debentures
   
100
     
(19
)
   
81
 
Long-term debt
   
(2,204
)
   
(1,283
)
   
(3,487
)
Total interest expense
   
(2,206
)
   
(3,502
)
   
(5,708
)
 
                       
Change in FTE net interest income
 
$
20,866
   
$
(9,299
)
 
$
11,567
 


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

 
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
(in thousands)
 
   
   
   
 
Insurance and other financial services revenue
 
$
6,179
   
$
6,038
   
$
18,510
   
$
18,686
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
4,519
     
5,055
     
13,285
     
14,311
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
4,440
     
4,276
     
12,869
     
11,562
 
Retirement plan administration fees
   
3,272
     
3,062
     
9,167
     
8,701
 
Trust
   
4,758
     
4,345
     
14,157
     
11,957
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
1,095
     
913
     
3,455
     
2,648
 
Net securities gains
   
38
     
329
     
59
     
1,413
 
Gain on the sale of Springstone investment
   
-
     
-
     
19,401
     
-
 
Other
   
2,376
     
3,129
     
8,078
     
8,635
 
Total noninterest income
 
$
26,677
   
$
27,147
   
$
98,981
   
$
77,913
 
  
Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $26.7 million, down $19.4 million from the previous quarter, and down $0.5 million from the same period in 2013.  The decrease from the prior quarter was primarily driven by a $19.4 million gain from the previously disclosed sale of our ownership interest in Springstone recorded in the second quarter of 2014.  Excluding this gain, noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was up $0.1 million from the previous quarter.

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $99.0 million, up $21.1 million, or 27.0%, from the same period in 2013.  The increase from 2013 was primarily driven by the aforementioned $19.4 million gain recorded in the second quarter of 2014.  Excluding this gain, noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $79.6 million, up $1.7 million, or 2.1%, from the same period in 2013.  This increase from 2013 was due primarily to increases in trust and ATM and debit card fees, due in large part to the full impact from Alliance in 2014.   These increases were partially offset by decreases in service charges on deposit accounts and net securities gains for the first nine months of 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.  The decrease in service charges on deposit accounts from the prior year was due primarily to lower nonsufficient funds fees recorded during the first nine months of 2014 due to changes in customer behavior, improving macroeconomic conditions, and continued customer outreach and education.

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

 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
(in thousands)
 
   
   
   
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
28,933
   
$
29,267
   
$
89,609
   
$
85,474
 
Occupancy
   
5,211
     
5,262
     
16,872
     
15,458
 
Data processing and communications
   
4,029
     
4,059
     
12,045
     
11,368
 
Professional fees and outside services
   
3,695
     
3,202
     
10,862
     
9,340
 
Equipment
   
3,199
     
2,988
     
9,447
     
8,480
 
Office supplies and postage
   
1,733
     
1,640
     
5,221
     
4,886
 
FDIC expenses
   
1,134
     
1,285
     
3,641
     
3,688
 
Advertising
   
403
     
722
     
1,868
     
2,445
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1,275
     
1,346
     
3,821
     
3,548
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
   
705
     
886
     
2,546
     
2,025
 
Merger
   
-
     
326
     
-
     
12,276
 
Prepayment penalty on long term debt
   
13,349
     
-
     
17,903
     
-
 
Other
   
5,401
     
5,303
     
15,485
     
14,453
 
Total noninterest expense
 
$
69,067
   
$
56,286
   
$
189,320
   
$
173,441
 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $69.1 million, up $6.3 million from the previous quarter, and up $12.8 million from the same period in 2013.  This increase from the prior quarter and 2013 was due primarily to $13.3 million of prepayment penalties from the aforementioned strategic long-term debt restructuring in the third quarter of 2014 as compared with $4.6 million in prepayment penalties recorded during the second quarter of 2014.  Excluding these prepayment penalties, noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $55.7 million, down $2.5 million, or 4.2% from the previous quarter, and down $0.6 million, or 1.0%, from the same period in 2013.  The decrease from the previous quarter was due primarily to a $2.2 million decrease in salaries and employee benefits driven by $2.5 million increase in incentive compensation related to the Springstone transaction recorded in the second quarter of 2014.  Advertising expense was $0.3 million less than the prior year due to the timing of marketing initiatives.

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $189.3 million, up $15.9 million from the same period in 2013.  Excluding the $17.9 million prepayment penalties in 2014 and the merger related expenses totaling $12.3 million in the first nine months of 2013, noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $171.4 million, up $10.3 million, or 6.4% from the same period in 2013.  This increase from the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was due primarily to 2014 including the full nine months of Alliance expenses including occupancy, salaries and employee benefits, data processing, professional fees, and equipment.  In addition, the increase in salaries and benefits in 2014 included incremental incentive compensation related to the Springstone transaction, partially offset by lower retirement plan expenses due mainly to plan asset performance and a previous plan amendment.

Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 33.8% for the third quarter of 2014, 33.7% for the second quarter of 2014, and 31.0% for the third quarter of 2013.    The effective tax rate was 33.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to 30.7% for the first nine months of 2013.  The increases in the effective tax rate for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2014 were primarily due to a higher level of taxable income as a percentage of total income as compared to the same periods in 2013.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities
Total securities increased $22.0 million, or 1.5%, from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014.  During the third quarter of 2014, the Company transferred approximately $340 million in securities from the available for sale portfolio to the held to maturity portfolio to mitigate the impact of volatility of interest rate changes on tangible book value.  The securities portfolio represents 19.1% of total assets as of September 30, 2014 as compared to 19.4% as of December 31, 2013.

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

 
 
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
   
 
With maturities 15 years or less
   
24
%
   
23
%
With maturities greater than 15 years
   
1
%
   
1
%
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
38
%
   
40
%
Municipal securities
   
11
%
   
11
%
US agency notes
   
23
%
   
21
%
Other
   
3
%
   
4
%
Total
   
100
%
   
100
%

The Company's mortgage backed securities, U.S. agency notes, and collateralized mortgage obligations are all "prime/conforming" and are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Farm Credit Banks, or Ginnie Mae ("GNMA").  GNMA securities are considered equivalent to U.S. Treasury securities, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  Currently, there are no subprime mortgages in our investment portfolio.  Refer to Note 3. of the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to other than temporary impairment considerations.

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

(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Residential real estate mortgages
 
$
1,100,139
   
$
1,041,637
 
Commercial
   
862,098
     
859,026
 
Commercial real estate mortgages
   
1,411,689
     
1,328,313
 
Real estate construction and development
   
75,874
     
93,247
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
   
108,246
     
112,035
 
Consumer
   
1,447,918
     
1,352,638
 
Home equity
   
581,127
     
619,899
 
Total loans
 
$
5,587,091
   
$
5,406,795
 

Total loans increased by $180.3 million, or 3.3%, at September 30, 2014 from December 31, 2013, or 4.5% annualized during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The increase is due to organic loan growth within the Bank's footprint through both legacy and newer markets.  Loans represent approximately 71.0% of assets as of September 30, 2014, as compared to 70.7% as of December 31, 2013.  Growth in commercial and commercial real estate loans for the first nine months of 2014 totaled $86.4 million and growth in consumer loans totaled $95.3 million for the first nine months of 2014 and is attributed primarily to growth in the indirect consumer loan portfolio.

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

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

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

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

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

The following table reflects changes to the allowance for loan losses for the periods presented. The allowance is increased by provisions for losses charged to operations and is reduced by net charge-offs. Charge-offs are made when the ability to collect loan principal within a reasonable time becomes unlikely. Any recoveries of previously charged-off loans are credited directly to the allowance for loan losses.
 
Allowance For Loan Losses
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
   
   
September 30, 2013
   
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
69,534
       
$
71,184
     
Recoveries
   
892
         
1,411
     
Chargeoffs
   
(5,977
)
       
(7,609
)
   
Net chargeoffs
   
(5,085
)
       
(6,198
)
   
Provision for loan losses
   
4,885
         
5,198
     
Balance, end of period
 
$
69,334
       
$
70,184
     
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
                       
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
(1,264
)
   
25
%
 
$
(2,887
)
   
47
%
Real estate mortgage
   
(474
)
   
9
%
   
(298
)
   
5
%
Consumer
   
(3,347
)
   
66
%
   
(3,013
)
   
48
%
Net chargeoffs
 
$
(5,085
)
   
100
%
 
$
(6,198
)
   
100
%
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
   
0.36
%
           
0.46
%
       
 
 
 
Nine months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
   
   
September 30, 2013
   
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
69,434
       
$
69,334
     
Recoveries
   
3,693
         
4,070
     
Chargeoffs
   
(16,440
)
       
(20,478
)
   
Net chargeoffs
   
(12,747
)
       
(16,408
)
   
Provision for loan losses
   
12,647
         
17,258
     
Balance, end of period
 
$
69,334
       
$
70,184
     
Composition of Net Chargeoffs
                       
Commercial and agricultural
 
$
(2,457
)
   
19
%
 
$
(6,524
)
   
40
%
Real estate mortgage
   
(718
)
   
6
%
   
(1,168
)
   
7
%
Consumer
   
(9,572
)
   
75
%
   
(8,716
)
   
53
%
Net chargeoffs
 
$
(12,747
)
   
100
%
 
$
(16,408
)
   
100
%
Annualized net chargeoffs to average loans
   
0.31
%
           
0.44
%
       
 
Net charge-offs were $5.1 million for the third quarter of 2014, up from $4.1 million for the second quarter of 2014, and down from $6.2 million for the third quarter of 2013.  Net charge-offs to average loans for the third quarter of 2014 was 0.36%, compared to 0.30% for the second quarter of 2014 and 0.46% for the same period in 2013.  NBT recorded a provision for loan losses of $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with $4.2 million for the previous quarter, and $5.2 million for the same period in 2013.

Nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.98% at September 30, 2014, up slightly from 0.96% at June 30, 2014 and down slightly from 0.99% at December 31, 2013.  Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.65% for the third quarter of 2014, up from 0.57% for the second quarter of 2014, and down from 0.77% as of December 31, 2013.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $69.3 million at September 30, 2014, down slightly from $69.4 million at December 31, 2013.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans was 1.24% (1.38% excluding acquired loans) at September 30, 2014 compared to 1.28% (1.55% excluding acquired loans) at December 31, 2013.  The decrease in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans resulted from the improving asset quality trends of the loan portfolio.

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing, restructured loans, OREO, and nonperforming securities. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when principal or interest payments become ninety days past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans may also be placed on nonaccrual when circumstances indicate that the borrower may be unable to meet the contractual principal or interest payments. OREO represents property acquired through foreclosure and is valued at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less any estimated disposal costs.  Nonperforming securities, which include securities which management believes are other-than-temporarily impaired, are carried at their estimated fair value and are not accruing interest.
  
Nonperforming Assets
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
 
$
25,309
     
49
%
 
$
27,033
     
54
%
Real estate mortgages
   
11,059
     
22
%
   
10,296
     
21
%
Consumer
   
7,840
     
16
%
   
7,213
     
14
%
Troubled debt restructured loans
   
6,323
     
13
%
   
5,423
     
11
%
Total nonaccrual loans
   
50,531
     
100
%
   
49,965
     
100
%
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
                               
Commercial and agricultural loans and  real estate
   
-
     
-
%
   
105
     
3
%
Real estate mortgages
   
1,404
     
35
%
   
808
     
22
%
Consumer
   
2,618
     
65
%
   
2,824
     
75
%
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
   
4,022
     
100
%
   
3,737
     
100
%
 
                               
Total nonperforming loans
   
54,553
             
53,702
         
Other real estate owned (OREO)
   
1,497
             
2,904
         
Total nonperforming assets
   
56,050
             
56,606
         
Total nonperforming loans to total loans
   
0.98
%
           
0.99
%
       
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
   
0.71
%
           
0.74
%
       
Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans
   
127.09
%
           
129.29
%
       

Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.65% at September 30, 2014, down from 0.77% at December 31, 2013.  For acquired loans that are not deemed to be impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value and amortized over the life of the asset.
 
As a result of the application of this accounting methodology, certain credit-related ratios  may not necessarily be directly comparable with periods prior to the acquisition, or comparable with other institutions. The credit metrics most impacted by our acquisition of loans related to the Alliance merger were the allowance for loans losses to total loans,  and total allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans. As of September 30, 2014, the allowance for loan losses to total originated loans and the total allowance for loan losses to originated nonperforming loans were 1.43% and 166.69%, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses to total originated loans and the total allowance for loan losses to originated nonperforming loans were 1.55% and 184.96%, respectively.

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

In addition to nonperforming loans, the Company has also identified approximately $93.6 million in potential problem loans at September 30, 2014 as compared to $89.9 million at December 31, 2013.  At September 30, 2014, potential problem loans primarily consisted of commercial real estate and commercial and agricultural loans.  Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but known information about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in classification of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future.  Potential problem loans are typically defined as loans that are performing but are classified by the Company's loan rating system as "substandard."  Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions may worsen or other factors which may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses.

Deposits

Total deposits were $6.3 billion at September 30, 2014, up $424.7 million, or 7.2%, from December 31, 2013, due primarily to growth in NOW and money market accounts as well as the previously disclosed debt restructuring strategy which resulted in $165 million in new brokered CDs.  Total average deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $479.0 million, or 8.7%, from the same period in 2013, due primarily to the acquisition of Alliance.

Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $375.6 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $456.0 million at December 31, 2013.  Long-term debt was $131.1 million at September 30, 2014, as compared to $308.8 million at December 31, 2013.  As part of a debt restructuring strategy completed in the third quarter of 2014, the Company repaid $165.0 million in long-term borrowings, resulting in $17.9 million in prepayment penalties.  Prepayment penalties of $4.6 million and $13.3 million (non-core) were recognized as expense in the second and third quarters of 2014, respectively.  This previously disclosed long-term borrowings restructure strategy lowered the cost of the restructured long-term funding by approximately 200 basis points.

For more information about the Company's borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see "Liquidity Risk" below.

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $857.4 million represented 10.90% of total assets at September 30, 2014, compared with $816.6 million, or 10.67% as of December 31, 2013.  The increase in stockholders' equity resulted from net income of $56.6 million and an $8.0 million increase in other comprehensive income due to a decrease in unrealized losses on securities and were partially offset by dividends paid of $27.7 million.

The Company purchased 3,288 shares of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 at an average price of $22.02 per share under a previously announced plan.  As of September 30, 2014, there were 996,712 shares available for repurchase under this plan, which expires on December 31, 2014.  On October 27, 2014, the NBT Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program for NBT to repurchase up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock.  This plan expires on December 31, 2016.

The Board of Directors considers the Company's earnings position and earnings potential when making dividend decisions.  The Board of Directors declared a 2014 fourth-quarter cash dividend of $0.21 per share at a meeting held on October 27, 2014.  The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2014 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2014.  The Company does not have a target dividend pay-out ratio.

As the capital ratios in the following table indicate, the Company remained "well capitalized" at September 30, 2014 under applicable bank regulatory requirements.  Capital measurements are well in excess of regulatory minimum guidelines and meet the requirements to be considered well capitalized for all periods presented. Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 capital and Total risk-based capital ratios have regulatory minimum guidelines of 3%, 4% and 8% respectively, with requirements to be considered well capitalized of 5%, 6% and 10%, respectively.

Capital Measurements
 
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
   
9.20
%
   
8.93
%
Tier 1 capital ratio
   
12.03
%
   
11.74
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
   
13.26
%
   
12.99
%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
   
48.89
%
   
54.28
%
Per common share:
               
Book value
 
$
19.62
%
 
$
18.77
 
Tangible book value (1)
 
$
13.03
%
 
$
12.09
 
 
(1)            Stockholders' equity less goodwill and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

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

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

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

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

The model is first run under an assumption of a flat rate scenario (i.e. no change in current interest rates) with a static balance sheet over a 12-month period.  Two additional models are run with static balance sheets: (1) a gradual increase of 200 bp, and (2) a gradual decrease of 100 bp taking place over a 12-month period. Under these scenarios, assets subject to prepayments are adjusted to account for faster or slower prepayment assumptions.  Any investment securities or borrowings that have callable options embedded into them are handled accordingly based on the interest rate scenario. The resulting changes in net interest income are then measured against the flat rate scenario.
 
In the declining rate scenario, net interest income is projected to decrease when compared to the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario through the simulation period. The decrease in net interest income is a result of earning assets repricing downward at a faster rate than interest bearing liabilities. The inability to effectively lower deposit rates will likely reduce or eliminate the benefit of lower interest rates. In the rising rate scenarios, net interest income is projected to experience a decline from the flat rate scenario. Net interest income is projected to remain at lower levels than in a flat rate scenario through the simulation period primarily due to a lag in assets repricing while funding costs increase. The potential impact on earnings is dependent on the ability to lag deposit repricing. If short-term rates continue to increase, the Company expects competitive pressures will likely lead to core deposit pricing increases, which will likely continue compression of the net interest margin.

Net interest income for the next 12 months in the + 200/- 100 bp scenarios, as described above, is within the internal policy risk limits of not more than a 7.5% change in net interest income. The following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income in the rising and declining rate scenarios over a 12-month period from the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario using the September 30, 2014 balance sheet position:
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
Change in interest rates
Percent change in
(in bp points)
net interest income
+200
(3.10%)
-100
(1.59%)
 
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of customers who may be depositors wanting to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. The ALCO is responsible for liquidity management and has developed guidelines which cover all assets and liabilities, as well as off balance sheet items that are potential sources or uses of liquidity.  Liquidity policies must also provide the flexibility to implement appropriate strategies and tactical actions. Requirements change as loans grow, deposits and securities mature, and payments on borrowings are made. Liquidity management includes a focus on interest rate sensitivity management with a goal of avoiding widely fluctuating net interest margins through periods of changing economic conditions.

The primary liquidity measurement the Company utilizes is called the Basic Surplus, which captures the adequacy of its access to reliable sources of cash relative to the stability of its funding mix of average liabilities.  Basic Surplus is calculated by subtracting short-term liabilities from liquid assets.  This approach recognizes the importance of balancing levels of cash flow liquidity from short- and long-term securities with the availability of dependable borrowing sources which can be accessed when necessary.  At September 30, 2014, the Company's Basic Surplus measurement was 12.9% of total assets or approximately $1.0 billion as compared to the December 31, 2013 Basic Surplus of 9.7% or $734 million, and was above the Company's minimum of 5% or $393 million set forth in its liquidity policies.

This Basic Surplus approach enables the Company to adequately manage liquidity from both operational and contingency perspectives. By tempering the need for cash flow liquidity with reliable borrowing facilities, the Company is able to operate with a more fully invested and, therefore, higher interest income generating securities portfolio. The makeup and term structure of the securities portfolio is, in part, impacted by the overall interest rate sensitivity of the balance sheet. Investment decisions and deposit pricing strategies are impacted by the liquidity position.
 
The Company's primary source of funds is the Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is required to pay dividends when a bank fails to meet certain minimum regulatory capital standards or when such dividends are in excess of a subsidiary bank's earnings retained in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (as defined in the regulations). At September 30, 2014, approximately $76.5 million of the total stockholders' equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC.  The Bank's ability to pay dividends is also subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of its surplus or, in case there is no surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, FHLB advances outstanding totaled approximately $429 million and $515 million, respectively.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and had additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB of approximately $851 million at September 30, 2014 and $497 million at December 31, 2013.  In addition, unpledged securities could have been used to increase borrowing capacity at the FHLB by an additional $418 million at September 30, 2014, or used to collateralize other borrowings, such as repurchase agreements.  At September 30, 2014 the Bank also had additional borrowing capacity from unused collateral at the Federal Reserve of $760 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-01 —Investments (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.  The amendments in this ASU provide guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. The amendments permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company for annual periods beginning January 1, 2015 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. A reporting entity that uses the effective yield method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects before the date of adoption may continue to apply the effective yield method for those preexisting investments.  The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the financial statements. 

Item 3.
 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Information called for by Item 3 is contained in the Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
The  Company's  management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of  the  Company's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2014, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

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

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is subject, except as described in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 1A – RISK FACTORS
 
There are no material changes to the risk factors as previously discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
(a)
Not applicable
 
(b)
Not applicable
 
(c)
None
 
Item 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None
 
Item 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None
 
Item 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

None
 
Item 6 – EXHIBITS

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

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

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

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

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

10.1 Second amendment dated July 28, 2014 to Split-Dollar Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Martin A. Dietrich made November 10, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

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

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

101.INS  XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, this 10th day of November 2014.
 
 
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Michael J. Chewens
 
 
 
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 

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

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

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

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

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

10.1 Second amendment dated July 28, 2014 to Split-Dollar Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Martin A. Dietrich made November 10, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

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

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

101.INS  XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
64