cbna10q2ndqtr2010.htm

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

FORM 10-Q

 
   x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
  For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010  
     
   o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
   For the transition period from____________ to____________.  
     
   Commission File Number: 001-13695  
 

 
     
   COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.  
   (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  
 


 
 Delaware  16-1213679
 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
 5790 Widewaters Parkway, DeWitt, New York  13214-1883
 (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
(315) 445-2282
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

NONE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted to its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.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  o    No o .

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

 
 Large accelerated filer  o  Accelerated filer   x  Non-accelerated filer  o  Smaller reporting company   o
     (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o . No   x .


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.        
33,158,759 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding on July 31, 2010.


 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

 
           Page
           
 Part I.    Financial Information    
           
 Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited)    
           
       Consolidated Statements of Condition    
       June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________________________________________    3
           
       Consolidated Statements of Income    
       Three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009_________________________________________________    4
           
       Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity    
       Six months ended June 30, 2010________________________________________________________________    5
           
       Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income    
       Three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009_________________________________________________    6
           
       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    
     
 Six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009_________________________________________________________
   7
           
       Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements    
       June 30, 2010______________________________________________________________________________    8
           
 Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations________________________    21
           
 Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk_______________________________________________    37
           
 Item 4.    Controls and Procedures_________________________________________________________________________    38
           
 Part II.    Other Information    
           
 Item 1.    Legal Proceedings______________________________________________________________________________    38
           
 Item 1A.    Risk Factors___________________________________________________________________________________    38
           
 Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds______________________________________________    38
           
 Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities____________________________________________________________________    38
           
 Item 4.    (Removed and Reserved)_________________________________________________________________________    38
           
 Item 5.    Other Information______________________________________________________________________________    38
           
 Item 6.    Exhibits______________________________________________________________________________________    39
 

 
 
2

 

Part I.   Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
 
June 30,
December 31,
 
2010
2009
Assets:
   
   Cash and cash equivalents
$133,967
$361,876
     
   Available-for-sale investment securities (cost of $1,058,950 and $1,083,811, respectively)
1,092,738
1,096,547
     
   Held-to-maturity investment securities (fair value of $642,963 and $340,932, respectively)
611,628
335,936
     
   Other securities, at cost
53,601
54,644
     
   Loans held for sale at fair value
1,060
1,779
     
   Loans
3,091,151
3,099,485
   Allowance for loan losses
(42,603)
(41,910)
     Net loans
3,048,548
3,057,575
     
   Core deposit intangibles, net
12,726
15,933
   Goodwill
297,692
297,692
   Other intangibles, net
3,545
4,046
     Intangible assets, net
313,963
317,671
     
   Premises and equipment, net
78,591
76,896
   Accrued interest receivable
27,023
25,139
   Other assets
86,683
74,750
     
        Total assets
$5,447,802
$5,402,813
     
Liabilities:
   
   Noninterest-bearing deposits
$713,544
$736,816
   Interest-bearing deposits
3,226,431
3,187,670
      Total deposits
3,939,975
3,924,486
     
  Borrowings
729,557
754,779
  Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
102,012
101,999
  Accrued interest and other liabilities
76,438
55,852
     Total liabilities
4,847,982
4,837,116
     
Commitments and contingencies (See Note H)
   
     
Shareholders' equity:
   
  Preferred stock $1.00 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued
-
-
  Common stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 33,974,447 and
33,974
33,631
     33,630,700 shares issued, respectively
   
  Additional paid-in capital
221,162
216,481
  Retained earnings
357,480
342,539
  Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)
5,334
(8,784)
  Treasury stock, at cost (828,552 and 830,392 shares, respectively)
(18,130)
(18,170)
     Total shareholders' equity
599,820
565,697
     
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$5,447,802
$5,402,813





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

 
3

 

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

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Interest income:
         
 
Interest and fees on loans
$44,851
$46,134
 
$89,524
$92,925
 
Interest and dividends on taxable investments
12,168
9,926
 
23,101
20,233
 
Interest and dividends on nontaxable investments
5,604
5,895
 
11,050
11,896
 
     Total interest income
62,623
61,955
 
123,675
125,054
 
 
         
Interest expense:
         
 
Interest on deposits
7,747
12,087
 
16,350
25,657
 
Interest on borrowings
7,446
7,815
 
15,149
15,572
 
Interest on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
1,485
1,539
 
2,949
3,125
 
     Total interest expense
16,678
21,441
 
34,448
44,354
             
Net interest income
45,945
40,514
 
89,227
80,700
Less:  provision for loan losses
2,050
2,015
 
3,870
4,825
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
43,895
38,499
 
85,357
75,875
             
Noninterest income:
         
 
Deposit service fees
11,337
10,271
 
21,856
19,256
 
Mortgage banking and other services
1,115
1,512
 
2,038
3,843
 
Benefit plan administration, consulting and actuarial fees
7,260
6,599
 
15,159
13,606
 
Trust, investment and asset management fees
2,666
2,267
 
5,042
4,300
Total noninterest income
22,378
20,649
 
44,095
41,005
             
Operating expenses:
         
 
Salaries and employee benefits
22,509
23,154
 
45,445
46,116
 
Occupancy and equipment
5,614
5,704
 
11,839
11,915
 
Data processing and communications
5,309
5,171
 
10,423
10,021
 
Amortization of intangible assets
1,849
2,103
 
3,708
4,208
 
Legal and professional fees
1,505
1,318
 
2,805
2,602
 
Office supplies and postage
1,311
1,472
 
2,560
2,847
 
Business development and marketing
1,731
2,057
 
2,745
3,349
 
FDIC insurance premiums
1,485
4,021
 
3,057
5,396
 
Other
2,907
2,483
 
5,831
5,430
 
     Total operating expenses
44,220
47,483
 
88,413
91,884
             
Income before income taxes
22,053
11,665
 
41,039
24,996
Income taxes
5,891
2,510
 
10,875
5,376
Net income
$16,162
$9,155
 
$30,164
$19,620
             
Basic earnings per share
$0.49
$0.28
 
$0.91
$0.60
Diluted earnings per share
$0.48
$0.28
 
$0.90
$0.60
Dividends declared per share
$0.24
$0.22
 
$0.46
$0.44
             




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

 
 
4

 
COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)


         
Accumulated
   
 
Common Stock
Additional
 
Other
   
 
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury
 
 
Outstanding
Issued
Capital
Earnings
(Loss)Income
Stock
Total
               
Balance at December 31, 2009
32,800,308
$33,631
$216,481
$342,539
($8,784)
($18,170)
$565,697
               
Net income
     
30,164
   
30,164
               
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
       
14,118
 
14,118
               
Dividends declared:
             
Common, $0.46 per share
     
(15,223)
   
(15,223)
               
Common stock issued under
             
Stock plan, including
             
tax benefits of $455
345,587
343
2,680
   
 40
3,063
               
Stock-based compensation
   
2,001
     
2,001
               
Balance at June 30, 2010
33,145,895
$33,974
$221,162
$357,480
$5,334
($18,130)
$599,820






 





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

 
 
5

 

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


   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
           
Change in pension liabilities
 
$289
$702
 
$595
$1,776
Change in unrealized losses on derivative instruments used in cash flow hedges
 
539
994
 
644
1,182
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
           
     Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
 
16,689
(362)
 
21,052
(4,602)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
 
17,517
1,334
 
22,291
(1,644)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(6,409)
(681)
 
(8,173)
318
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
11,108
653
 
14,118
(1,326)
Net income
 
16,162
9,155
 
30,164
19,620
Comprehensive income
 
$27,270
$9,808
 
$44,282
$18,294







 







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

 
6

 

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2010
2009
Operating activities:
   
  Net income
$30,164
$19,620
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
   
     Depreciation
4,941
5,111
     Amortization of intangible assets
3,708
4,208
     Net amortization(accretion) of premiums & discounts on securities, loans and borrowings
1,528
416
     Stock-based compensation
2,001
1,659
     Provision for loan losses
3,870
4,825
     Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
382
331
     Income on bank-owned life insurance policies
(280)
(284)
Net gain on sale of loans and other assets
(246)
(705)
     Net change in loans held for sale
1,005
(3,136)
     Change in other assets and liabilities
(1,466)
(7,406)
       Net cash provided by operating activities
45,607
24,639
Investing activities:
   
  Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities
42,857
51,593
  Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investment securities
95,573
166,673
  Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities
(319,772)
(84,561)
  Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities
(71,014)
(78,638)
  Sales of other securities
1,060
24
  Purchases of other securities
(8)
(445)
  Net decrease in loans
5,158
40,466
  Cash paid for acquisition
0
(281)
  Capital expenditures
(6,676)
(4,689)
       Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
(252,822)
90,142
Financing activities:
   
  Net change in deposits
15,489
163,611
  Net change in borrowings
(25,222)
(3,909)
  Issuance of common stock
3,063
431
  Cash dividends paid
(14,479)
(14,382)
  Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
455
87
       Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
(20,694)
145,838
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(227,909)
260,619
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
361,876
213,753
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$133,967
$474,372
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   
  Cash paid for interest
$34,870
$44,819
  Cash paid for income taxes
0
29
Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing and investing activities:
   
  Dividends declared and unpaid
7,955
7,203
  Transfers from loans to other real estate
1,816
1,451












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

 
7

 

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
June 30, 2010

NOTE A:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim financial data as of June 30, 2010 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 is unaudited; however, in the opinion of Community Bank System, Inc. (“the Company”), the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.

NOTE B:  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical Accounting Policies

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

The general loan loss allocation is composed of two calculations that are computed on five main loan categories: commercial, consumer direct, consumer indirect, home equity and residential real estate.  The first calculation determines an allowance level based on historical net charge-off data for each loan category (commercial loans exclude balances with specific loan loss allocations).  The second calculation is qualitative and takes into consideration eight qualitative environmental factors:  levels and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of, and trends in, charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards, and other changes in lending policies, procedure, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry condition; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.  These two calculations are added together to determine the general loan loss allocation.  The specific loan loss allocation relates to individual commercial loans that are both greater than $0.5 million and in a nonaccruing status with respect to interest.  Specific losses are based on discounted estimated cash flows, including any cash flows resulting from the conversion of collateral or collateral shortfalls.  The allowance levels computed from the specific and general loan loss allocation methods are combined with unallocated allowances, if any, to derive the required allowance for loan losses to be reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Condition.  As it has in prior periods, the Company strives to refine and enhance its loss evaluation and estimation processes continually.  In 2009, the Company developed and utilized more granular historical loss factors on a portfolio specific basis, as well as enhanced its use of both Company specific and macro economic qualitative factors.  These enhancements did not result in a significant change to the determined allowance levels.

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

Investment Securities
The Company has classified its investments in debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale.  Held-to-maturity securities are those for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, and are reported at cost, which is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.  Securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value with net unrealized gains and losses reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of applicable income taxes.  None of the Company's investment securities have been classified as trading securities at June 30, 2010.

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


 
8

 

Investment securities are reviewed regularly for other-than-temporary impairment.  An unrealized loss is generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security.  The credit loss component of an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recorded in earnings, while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), provided the Company does not intend to sell the underlying debt security and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery.  In determining whether a credit loss exists and the period over which the fair value of the debt security is expected to recover management considers the following factors: the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; any external credit ratings; the level of excess cash flows generated from the underlying collateral supporting the principal and interest payments of the debt securities; the level of credit enhancement provided by the structure; and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.   If an equity security is deemed other-than-temporarily impaired, the full impairment is considered credit related and a charge to earnings would be recorded.

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

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

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

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include core deposit intangibles, customer relationship intangibles and goodwill arising from acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles are amortized on either an accelerated or straight-line basis over periods ranging from 8 to 20 years. The initial and ongoing carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows.  It also requires use of a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity market premiums, and company-specific risk indicators.

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

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

Subsequent Events
Companies are required to evaluate events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the date the financial statements are issued, or available to be issued in the case of non-public entities.  They must recognize in the financial statements the effect of all events or transactions that provide additional evidence of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date, including the estimates inherent in the financial preparation process.  Entities shall not recognize the impact of events or transactions that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the balance sheet date but arose after that date.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing these financial statements with the SEC and noted no subsequent events requiring financial statement recognition or disclosure.  
 
 

 
9

 


 New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2010-6, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820), Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements. This guidance requires new disclosures as follows: 1) transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and the reasons for the transfers, 2) additional breakout of asset and liability categories and 3) purchases, sales, issuances and settlements to be reported separately in the Level 3 rollforward. This guidance was effective for the Company for first quarter 2010 reporting, with the exception of item 3, which is effective beginning with first quarter 2011 reporting, and did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.  This guidance requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures in the financial statements about their loans including credit risk exposures and the allowance for loan losses.  While some of the required disclosures are already included in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the interim and annual filings, the new guidance will require enhanced disclosure to be included in the notes to the financial statements.  This guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


NOTE C:  INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 
June 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
   
Gross
Gross
Estimated
   
Gross
Gross
Estimated
 
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
 
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
(000's omitted)
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
 
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$463,237
$26,355
$0
$489,592
 
$153,761
$2,185
$538
$155,408
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
66,533
1,784
82
68,235
 
112,162
1,963
0
114,125
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
81,789
3,278
0
85,067
 
69,939
1,496
110
71,325
Other securities
69
0
0
69
 
74
0
0
74
Total held-to-maturity portfolio
$611,628
$31,417
$82
$642,963
 
$335,936
$5,664
$648
$340,932
                   
Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$289,141
$28,549
$0
$317,690
 
$302,430
$19,339
$29
$321,740
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
469,253
15,516
1,022
483,747
 
462,161
15,132
1,883
475,410
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
183,983
11,395
0
195,378
 
201,361
6,088
1,042
206,407
Pooled trust preferred securities
70,294
0
22,951
47,343
 
71,002
0
26,988
44,014
Corporate debt securities
35,543
1,834
0
37,377
 
35,561
1,556
0
37,117
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
10,356
550
0
10,906
 
10,917
567
0
11,484
Marketable equity securities
380
0
83
297
 
379
2
6
375
Total available-for-sale portfolio
$1,058,950
$57,844
$24,056
$1,092,738
 
$1,083,811
$42,684
$29,948
$1,096,547


 
10

 

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

As of June 30, 2010
   
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
     
Gross
   
Gross
   
Gross
   
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
(000's omitted)
 
Value
Losses
 
Value
Losses
 
Value
Losses
                   
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
                 
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions /
  Total held-to-maturity portfolio
 
$5,796
$82
 
$0
$0
 
$5,796
$82
                   
Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
                 
 Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
36,216
682
 
9,130
340
 
45,346
1,022
 Pooled trust preferred securities
 
0
0
 
47,343
22,951
 
47,343
22,951
 Marketable equity securities
 
380
83
 
0
0
 
380
83
   Total available-for-sale portfolio
 
36,596
765
 
56,473
23,291
 
93,069
24,056
                   
    Total investment portfolio
 
$42,392
$847
 
$56,473
$23,291
 
$98,865
$24,138

As of December 31, 2009
   
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
     
Gross
   
Gross
   
Gross
   
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
(000's omitted)
 
Value
Losses
 
Value
Losses
 
Value
Losses
                   
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
                 
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities
 
$67,435
$538
 
$0
$0
 
$67,435
$538
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
10,408
110
 
0
0
 
10,408
110
     Total held-to-maturity portfolio
 
77,843
648
 
0
0
 
77,843
648
                   
Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
                 
 Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
31,179
854
 
4,074
1,029
 
35,253
1,883
 U.S. Treasury and agency securities
 
973
29
 
0
0
 
973
29
 Pooled trust preferred securities
 
0
0
 
44,014
26,988
 
44,014
26,988
 Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
32,636
522
 
6,403
520
 
39,039
1,042
 Marketable equity securities
 
19
6
 
0
0
 
19
6
   Total available-for-sale portfolio
 
64,807
1,411
 
54,491
28,537
 
119,298
29,948
                   
    Total investment portfolio
 
$142,650
$2,059
 
$54,491
$28,537
 
$197,141
$30,596

Included in the available-for-sale portfolio are pooled trust preferred, class A-1 securities with a current par value of $72.0 million and unrealized losses of $23.0 million at June 30, 2010.  The underlying collateral of these assets is principally trust-preferred securities of smaller regional banks and insurance companies.  The Company’s securities are in the super-senior cash flow tranche of the investment pools.  All other tranches in these pools will incur losses before the super senior tranche is impacted.  As of June 30, 2010, an additional 29% - 38% of the underlying collateral in these securities would have to be in deferral or default concurrently to result in an expectation of non-receipt of contractual cash flows.


 
11

 

In determining if unrealized losses are other-than-temporary, management considers the following factors: the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuers; any external credit ratings; the level of excess cash flows generated from the underlying collateral supporting the principal and interest payments of the debt securities; the level of credit enhancement provided by the structure; and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.  A detailed review of the pooled trust preferred securities was completed for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.  This review included an analysis of collateral reports, a cash flow analysis, including varying degrees of projected deferral/default scenarios, and a review of various financial ratios of the underlying banks and insurance companies that make up the collateral pool.  Based on the analysis performed, significant further deferral/defaults and further erosion in other underlying performance conditions would have to exist before the Company would incur a loss.  Therefore, the Company determined an other-than-temporary impairment did not exist at June 30, 2010.  To date, the Company has received all scheduled principal and interest payments and expects to fully collect all future contractual principal and interest payments. The Company does not intend to sell the underlying securities.   Subsequent changes in market or credit conditions could change those evaluations.

Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2010 represents an other-than-temporary impairment.  The unrealized losses reported pertaining to government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities relate primarily to securities issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, who are currently rated AAA by Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s and are guaranteed by the U.S. government.  The obligations of state and political subdivisions are general purpose debt obligations of various states and political subdivisions.  The unrealized losses in the portfolios are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.  The Company does not intend to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at June 30, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

   
Held-to-Maturity
 
Available-for-Sale
   
Amortized
Fair
 
Amortized
Fair
(000's omitted)
 
Cost
Value
 
Cost
Value
Due in one year or less
 
$11,143
$11,236
 
$56,310
$57,530
Due after one through five years
 
63,698
67,716
 
192,388
203,544
Due after five years through ten years
 
401,919
424,402
 
300,201
324,831
Due after ten years
 
53,079
54,542
 
315,332
300,252
     Subtotal
 
529,839
557,896
 
864,231
886,157
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
0
0
 
10,356
10,906
Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
81,789
85,067
 
183,983
195,378
     Total
 
$611,628
$642,963
 
$1,058,570
$1,092,441


NOTE D:  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each type of identifiable intangible asset are as follows:
   
As of June 30, 2010
 
As of December 31, 2009
   
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
   
Carrying
Accumulated
Carrying
 
Carrying
Accumulated
Carrying
(000's omitted)
 
Amount
Amortization
Amount
 
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Amortizing intangible assets:
               
  Core deposit intangibles
 
$60,595
($47,869)
$12,726
 
$60,595
($44,662)
$15,933
  Other intangibles
 
7,894
(4,349)
3,545
 
7,894
(3,848)
4,046
 Total amortizing intangibles
 
$68,489
($52,218)
$16,271
 
$68,489
($48,510)
$19,979

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

Jul-Dec 2010
$2,249
2011
3,488
2012
2,901
2013
2,260
2014
1,703
Thereafter
3,670
Total
$16,271
 
 
 
12

 

Shown below are the components of the Company’s goodwill at June 30, 2010:

(000’s omitted)
December 31, 2009
Activity
June 30, 2010
Goodwill
$302,516
$0
$302,516
Accumulated impairment
(4,824)
0
(4,824)
Goodwill, net
$297,692
$0
$297,692

During the first quarter, the Company performed its annual internal valuation of goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value.  Results of the valuations indicate there was no goodwill impairment.  Based on the goodwill valuations performed in the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2009, the Company recognized an impairment charge on the carrying value of the goodwill associated with Nottingham Advisors, Inc. (“Nottingham”).  Additional declines in Nottingham’s projected operating results may cause future impairment to its remaining goodwill balance of $2.5 million.    See further details of the evaluation of goodwill for impairment in Note I.

NOTE E:  MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES

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

 
Issuance
Par
 
Maturity
   
Trust
Date
Amount
Interest Rate
Date
Call Provision
Call Price
III
7/31/2001
$24.5 million
3 month LIBOR plus 3.58% (3.92%)
7/31/2031
  5 year beginning 2006
103.00% declining to par in 2011
IV
12/8/2006
$75 million
3 month LIBOR plus 1.65% (2.19%)
12/15/2036
5 year beginning 2012
Par

Upon the issuance of Trust IV, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert the variable rate trust preferred securities into a fixed rate security for a term of five years at a fixed rate of 6.43%.  Additional interest expense of $848,000 and $1,696,000 was recognized based on the interest rate swap agreement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to $679,000 and $1,229,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.

NOTE F:  BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides a qualified defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to qualified employees and retirees, an unfunded supplemental pension plan for certain key executives, and an unfunded stock balance plan for certain of its nonemployee directors which was frozen effective December 31, 2009.  The Company terminated its post-retirement medical program for current and future employees effective December 31, 2009.  Remaining plan participants will include only existing retirees, or those active and eligible employees who retire prior to December 31, 2010.  During the first quarter, the Company made a contribution to its defined benefit pension plan of $15.0 million.  No other contributions are required in 2010.  The Company accrues for the estimated cost of these benefits through charges to expense during the years that employees earn these benefits.  The net periodic benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30 is as follows:
 
   Pension Benefits    Post-retirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Service cost
$638
$874
 
$1,331
$1,747
 
$0
$200
 
$0
$399
Interest cost
934
919
 
1,887
1,838
 
49
154
 
98
308
Expected return on plan assets
(1,618)
(1,171)
 
(3,235)
(2,343)
 
0
0
 
0
0
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
574
690
 
1,166
1,381
 
4
15
 
9
30
Amortization of prior service cost
(47)
(31)
 
(94)
(61)
 
(264)
13
 
(529)
27
Amortization of transition obligation
0
0
 
0
0
 
0
10
 
0
21
Net periodic benefit cost
$481
$1,281
 
$1,055
$2,562
 
($211)
$392
 
($422)
$785

 
 
13

 

 
NOTE G:  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of restricted stock and the assumed exercise of stock options during the year.  The dilutive effect of options is calculated using the treasury stock method of accounting.  The treasury stock method determines the number of common shares that would be outstanding if all the dilutive options (those where the average market price is greater than the exercise price) were exercised and the proceeds were used to repurchase common shares in the open market at the average market price for the applicable time period.  There were approximately 1.8 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at June 30, 2010 compared to approximately 2.6 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at June 30, 2009 that were not included in the computation below.  The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(000's omitted, except per share data)
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Net income
$16,162
$9,155
 
$30,164
$19,620
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards
 (144)
(50)
 
 (255)
(98)
Income available to common shareholders
16,018
9,105
 
29,909
19,522
           
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
32,947
32,665
 
32,886
32,659
Basic earnings per share
$0.49 
$0.28
 
$0.91 
$0.60
           
Net income
$16,162
$9,155
 
$30,164
$19,620
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards
 (144)
(50)
 
 (255)
(98)
Income available to common shareholders
16,018
9,105
 
29,909
19,522
           
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
32,947
32,665
 
32,886
32,659
Assumed exercise of stock options
327
102
 
265
120
Weighted-average shares – diluted
 33,274
32,767
 
 33,151
32,779
Diluted earnings per share
$0.48
$0.28
 
$0.90
$0.60

Stock Repurchase Program
On July 22, 2009, the Company announced an authorization to repurchase up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding shares in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with securities laws and regulations through December 31, 2011.  Any repurchased shares will be used for general corporate purposes, including those related to stock plan activities.  The timing and extent of repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations as determined at the Company’s discretion.  There were no treasury stock purchases during the first six months of 2010.

NOTE H:  COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS

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

The contract amount of commitments and contingencies are as follows:

(000's omitted)
June 30,
 2010
December 31,
2009
Commitments to extend credit
$540,606
$573,179
Standby letters of credit
19,617
19,121
     Total
$560,223
$592,300
 
 
 
14

 

 
NOTE I:  FAIR VALUE

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

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

 
June 30, 2010
(000's omitted)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Fair Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:
       
   U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$1,029
$316,661
$0
$317,690
   Obligations of state and political subdivisions
0
483,747
0
483,747
   Government agency mortgage-backed securities
0
195,378
0
195,378
   Corporate debt securities
0
37,377
0
37,377
   Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
0
10,906
0
10,906
   Pooled trust preferred securities
0
0
47,343
47,343
   Marketable equity securities
297
0
0
297
   Total available-for-sale investment securities
1,326
1,044,069
47,343
1,092,738
Forward sales contracts
0
(134)
0
(134)
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale
0
0
367
367
Mortgage loans held for sale
0
1,060
0
1,060
Interest rate swap
0
(4,449)
0
(4,449)
   Total
$1,326
$1,040,546
$47,710
$1,089,582

 
December 31, 2009
(000's omitted)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Fair Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:
       
   U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$973
$320,767
$0
$321,740
   Obligations of state and political subdivisions
0
475,410
0
475,410
   Government agency mortgage-backed securities
0
206,407
0
206,407
   Corporate debt securities
0
37,117
0
37,117
   Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
0
11,484
0
11,484
   Pooled trust preferred securities
0
0
44,014
44,014
   Marketable equity securities
375
0
0
375
   Total available-for-sale investment securities
1,348
1,051,185
44,014
1,096,547
Forward sales contracts
0
119
0
119
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale
0
0
31
31
Mortgage loans held for sale
0
1,779
0
1,779
Interest rate swap
0
(5,093)
0
(5,093)
   Total
$1,348
$1,047,990
$44,045
$1,093,383
 
 
 
15

 

The valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the items in the table above are as follows:
 
·
Available for sale investment securities – The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using quoted market prices for similar securities or model-based valuation techniques.  Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and marketable equity securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  Level 2 securities include U.S. agency securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored entities, municipal securities and corporate debt securities that are valued by reference to prices for similar securities or through model-based techniques in which all significant inputs, such as dealer quotes, reported trades, trade execution data, LIBOR swap yield curve, market prepayment speeds, credit information, market spreads, and security’s terms and conditions, are observable.  Securities classified as Level 3 include pooled trust preferred securities in less liquid markets.  The value of these instruments is determined using multiple pricing models or similar techniques as well as significant unobservable inputs such as judgment or estimation by the Company in the weighting of the models.
 
·
Mortgage loans held for sale – Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value, which is determined using quoted secondary-market prices of loans with similar characteristics and, as such, have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.  The unpaid principal value of mortgage loans held for sale at June 30, 2010 is $1.0 million.  The unrealized gain on mortgage loans held for sale of $29,000 was recognized in mortgage banking and other income in the consolidated statement of income for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
 
·
Forward sales contracts – The Company enters into forward sales contracts to sell certain residential real estate loans.  Such commitments are considered to be derivative financial instruments and, therefore, are carried at estimated fair value in the other asset or other liability section of the consolidated balance sheet.  The fair value of these forward sales contracts is primarily measured by obtaining pricing from certain government-sponsored entities and reflects the underlying price the entity would pay the Company for an immediate sale on these mortgages.  These instruments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
 
·
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale – The Company enters into various commitments to originate residential real estate loans for sale.  Such commitments are considered to be derivative financial instruments and, therefore, are carried at estimated fair value in the other asset or other liability section of the consolidated balance sheet.  The estimated fair value of these commitments is determined using quoted secondary market prices obtained from certain government-sponsored entities.  Additionally, accounting guidance requires the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan to be included in the fair value measurement of the derivative.  The expected net future cash flows are based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income.  The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income.  Such assumptions include estimates of the realization rate, cost of servicing loans, appropriate discount rate and prepayment speeds.  The determination of expected net cash flows is considered a significant unobservable input contributing to the Level 3 classification of commitments to originate real estate loans for sale.
 
·
Interest rate swap – The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to modify the repricing characteristics of certain of its interest-bearing liabilities.  The fair value of these interest rate swaps, which are traded in over-the-counter markets, where quoted market prices are not readily available, are measured using models for which the significant assumptions such as yield curves and option volatilities are market observable and, therefore, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following tables:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2010
 
2009
(000's omitted)
Pooled trust preferred 
securities
Commitments
to originate
real estate
loans for sale
Total
 
Pooled trust preferred
securities
Commitments
to originate
real estate
loans for sale
Total
Beginning balance
$46,021
$106
$46,127
 
$47,568
$271
$47,839
Total gains (losses) included in earnings
24
(106)
(82)
 
27
(271)
(244)
Total gains included in other comprehensive income
1,681
0
1,681
 
7,387
0
7,387
Sales/calls/principal reductions
(383)
0
(383)
 
(421)
0
(421)
Commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, net
0
367
367
 
0
142
142
Ending balance
$47,343
$367
$47,710
 
$54,561
$142
$54,703


 
16

 


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2010
 
2009
(000's omitted)
Pooled trust preferred
securities
Commitments
to originate
real estate
loans for sale
Total
 
Pooled trust preferred 
securities
Commitments
to originate
real estate
loans for sale
Total
Beginning balance
$44,014
$31
$44,045
 
$49,865
$0
$49,865
Total gains (losses) included in earnings
49
(31)
18
 
53
0
53
Total gains included in other comprehensive income
4,037
0
4,037
 
5,419
0
5,419
Sales/calls/principal reductions
(757)
0
(757)
 
(776)
0
(776)
Commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, net
0
367
367
 
0
142
142
Ending balance
$47,343
$367
$47,710
 
$54,561
$142
$54,703

Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis:

 
June 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
(000's omitted)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Fair Value
Impaired loans
$0
$0
$3,180
$3,180
 
$0
$0
$5,771
$5,771
Impaired goodwill
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
 
0
0
2,500
2,500
Mortgage servicing rights
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
 
0
0
1,608
1,608
   Total
$0
$0
$3,180
$3,180
 
$0
$0
$9,879
$9,879

Originated mortgage servicing rights are recorded at their fair value at the time of sale of the underlying loan, and are amortized in proportion to and over the estimated period of net servicing income.  In accordance with generally accepted accounting principals, the Company must record impairment charges, on a nonrecurring basis, when the carrying value of certain strata exceeds their estimated fair value.  The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is based on a valuation model incorporating inputs that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income.  Such inputs include estimates of the cost of servicing loans, appropriate discount rate and prepayment speeds and are considered to be unobservable and contribute to the Level 3 classification of mortgage servicing rights.  The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights for a stratum exceed estimated fair value.  Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance.  No valuation allowance was required at June 30, 2010.

Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Periodically, the Company records nonrecurring adjustment to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans.  Real estate collateral is typically valued using independent appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace, adjusted based on non-observable inputs and the related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments and have generally been classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value used for other collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and, therefore, such valuations have been classified as Level 3.

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment.  The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of that reporting unit in order to determine if impairment is indicated.  If so, the implied fair value of the reporting units’ goodwill is compared to its carrying amount and the impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over fair value of the goodwill.  In such situations, the Company performs a discounted cash flow modeling technique that requires management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit that enable the Company to calculate the implied fair value of the goodwill.  It also requires use of a discount rate that reflects the current return requirement of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity market premiums and company-specific risk indicators.  As a result of the significant declines, the equity markets experienced in 2008 and 2009, management determined a triggering event had occurred and the goodwill associated with Nottingham , one of the Company’s wealth management businesses, was tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2009.  Based on the goodwill valuation performed in the fourth quarter of 2009 using Level 3 inputs, the Company recognized an impairment charge and wrote down the carrying value of the goodwill by $3.1 million.


 
17

 

The Company determines fair values based on quoted market values where available or on estimates using present values or other valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including, but not limited to, the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.  Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from fair value disclosure requirements.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.  The fair value of investment securities has been disclosed in Note C.  The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s other financial instruments that are not accounted for at fair value at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
June 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
   
Carrying
Fair
 
Carrying
Fair
(000's omitted)
 
Value
Value
 
Value
Value
Financial assets:
           
   Loans
 
$3,091,151
$3,126,697
 
$3,099,485
$3,089,287
Financial liabilities:
           
   Deposits
 
3,939,975
3,952,918
 
3,924,486
3,939,951
   Borrowings
 
729,557
852,499
 
754,779
821,987
   Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
 
102,012
81,128
 
101,999
84,431

The following is a further description of the principal valuation methods used by the Company to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments.
 
Loans – Fair values for variable rate loans that reprice frequently are based on carrying values.  Fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

Deposits – The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing checking deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair value of time deposit obligations are based on current market rates for similar products.

Borrowings – Fair values for long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered on similar borrowings.

Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts – The fair value of subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered on similar securities.

Other financial assets and liabilities – Cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable have fair values which approximate the respective carrying values because the instruments are payable on demand or have short-term maturities and present relatively low credit risk and interest rate risk.

NOTE J:  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company is party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of its business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to manage its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.  These financial instruments have been limited to interest rate swap agreements, commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, and forward sales commitments.  The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

The Company enters into forward sales commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans, and interest rate lock commitments to fund loans at a specified interest rate.  The forward sales commitments are utilized to reduce interest rate risk associated with interest rate lock commitments and loans held for sale.  Changes in the estimated fair value of the forward sales commitments and interest rate lock commitments subsequent to inception are based on changes in the fair value of the underlying loan resulting from the fulfillment of the commitment and changes in the probability that the loan will fund within the terms of the commitment, which is affected primarily by changes in interest rates and the passage of time.  At inception and during the life of the interest rate lock commitment, the Company includes the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan as part of the fair value measurement of the interest rate lock commitments.  These derivatives are recorded at fair value.

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of the management of interest rate risk to modify the repricing characteristics of certain of its borrowings.  The interest rate swap has been designated as a qualifying cash flow hedge.  See further details of interest rate swap agreements in Note E.


 
18

 

The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments, their estimated fair values, and balance sheet location as of June 30, 2010:

 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
(000's omitted)
Location
Notional
Fair Value
 
Location
Notional
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
             
   Interest rate swap agreement
       
Other liabilities
$75,000
$4,449
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
             
   Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale
Other assets
$15,192
$367
       
   Forward sales commitments
       
Other liabilities
$11,487
134
Total derivatives
   
$367
     
$4,583

The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the location of the net gain or loss recognized in the statement of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010:

     
Gain/(loss) recognized in the Statement of Income
(000's omitted)
Location
 
Three Months Ending
June 30, 2010
Six Months Ending
June 30, 2010
Interest rate swap agreement
Interest on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts
 
($848)
($1,696)
Interest rate lock commitments
Mortgage banking and other services
 
261
367
Forward sales commitments
Mortgage banking and other services
 
(134)
(134)
Total
   
($721)
($1,463)

The amount of gain recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 in other comprehensive income related to the interest rate swap accounted for as a hedging instrument was approximately $332,000 and $397,000, respectively.  The amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (effective portion) amounted to approximately $848,000 and $1,696,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and is located in interest expense on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated trusts.

NOTE K:  SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

Immaterial operating segments of the Company’s operations, which do not have similar characteristics to the banking segment and do not meet the quantitative thresholds requiring disclosure, are included in the “Other” category.  Revenues derived from these segments include administration, consulting and actuarial services to sponsors of employee benefit plans, broker-dealer and investment advisory services, asset management services to individuals, corporate pension and profit sharing plans, trust services and insurance commissions from various insurance related products and services.  The accounting policies used in the disclosure of business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (See Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the most recent Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC on March 11, 2010).


 
19

 

Information about reportable segments and reconciliation of the information to the consolidated financial statements follows:

 
(000's omitted) 
Banking
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
       
Net interest income
$45,924
$21
$0
$45,945
Provision for loan losses
2,050
0
0
2,050
Noninterest income
12,473
10,267
(362)
22,378
Amortization of intangible assets
1,621
228
0
1,849
Other operating expenses
34,559
8,174
(362)
42,371
Income before income taxes
$20,167
$1,886
$0
$22,053
Assets
$5,422,900
$39,808
($14,906)
$5,447,802
Goodwill
$287,411
$10,281
$0
$297,692
         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
       
Net interest income
$40,502
$12
$0
$40,514
Provision for loan losses
2,015
0
0
2,015
Noninterest income
11,798
9,138
(287)
20,649
Amortization of intangible assets
1,846
257
0
2,103
Other operating expenses
37,615
8,052
(287)
45,380
Income before income taxes
$10,824
$841
($0)
$11,665
Assets
$5,310,499
$41,897
($15,409)
$5,336,987
Goodwill
$288,042
$13,327
$0
$301,369

Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
       
Net interest income
$89,178
$49
$0
$89,227
Provision for loan losses
3,870
0
0
3,870
Noninterest income
23,930
20,939
(774)
44,095
Amortization of intangible assets
3,252
456
0
3,708
Other operating expenses
69,132
16,347
(774)
84,705
Income before income taxes
$36,854
$4,185
$0
$41,039
         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
       
Net interest income
$80,674
$26
$0
$80,700
Provision for loan losses
4,825
0
0
4,825
Noninterest income
23,112
18,449
(556)
41,005
Amortization of intangible assets
3,693
515
0
4,208
Other operating expenses
72,036
16,196
(556)
87,676
Income before income taxes
$23,232
$1,764
($0)
$24,996

 
20

 

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

Introduction

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) primarily reviews the financial condition and results of operations of Community Bank System, Inc. (the “Company” or “CBSI”) as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, although in some circumstances the first quarter of 2010 is also discussed in order to more fully explain recent trends.  The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes that appear on pages 3 through 20.  All references in the discussion to the financial condition and results of operations are to those of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.  Unless otherwise noted, the term “this year” and “YTD” refers to results in calendar year 2010, “second quarter” refers to the quarter ended June 30, 2010, and earnings per share (“EPS”) figures refer to diluted EPS.
 
This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company.  These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties.  Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those proposed by such forward-looking statements are set herein under the caption, “Forward-Looking Statements,” on page 36.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

·
Allowance for loan losses – The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable loan losses in the Company’s loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective.  It requires significant estimates including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans and the amount of estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans which is based on historical loss experience and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.
 
·
Investment securities – Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading.  The appropriate classification is based partially on the Company’s ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management’s intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities.  The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities.  Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and do not affect earnings until realized.  The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model using market estimates of interest rates and volatility.  Investment securities with significant declines in fair value are evaluated to determine whether they should be considered other-than–temporarily impaired.  An unrealized loss is generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security.  The credit loss component of an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recorded in earnings, while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), provided the Company does not intend to sell the underlying debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery.

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

·
Provision for income taxes – The Company is subject to examinations from various taxing authorities.  Such examinations may result in challenges to the tax return treatment applied by the Company to specific transactions.  Management believes that the assumptions and judgments used to record tax related assets or liabilities have been appropriate.  Should tax laws change or the taxing authorities determine that management’s assumptions were inappropriate, an adjustment may be required which could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.
 
 
 
21

 

 
·
Intangible assets – As a result of acquisitions, the Company has acquired goodwill and identifiable intangible assets.  Goodwill represents the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at the acquisition date.  Goodwill is evaluated at least annually, or when business conditions suggest an impairment may have occurred and will be reduced to its carrying value through a charge to earnings if impairment exists.  Core deposits and other identifiable intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives.  The determination of whether or not impairment exists is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows.  It also requires them to select a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, 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.

A summary of the accounting policies used by management is disclosed in Note A, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” on pages 50-55 of the most recent Form 10-K (fiscal year ended December 31, 2009) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2010.

Executive Summary

The Company’s business philosophy is to operate as a community bank with local decision-making, principally in non-metropolitan markets, providing a broad array of banking and financial services to retail, commercial and municipal customers.

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

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

Second quarter and June year-to-date 2010 net income of $16.2 million and $30.2 million, respectively, was $7.0 million or 77% and $10.5 million or 54% higher than the respective prior year periods.  Earnings per share were $0.48 and $0.90 for the first three and six months of 2010, respectively, an increase of $0.20 and $0.30 from the equivalent prior year periods.  The increase was due to higher revenue from both increased net interest income, as a result of earning asset growth and higher net interest margin, and non-interest income.  Also contributing to higher net income was a lower year-to-date provision for loan losses and lower expenses as a result of cost management initiatives begun in late 2009.  These were partially offset by a higher effective income tax rate due to a higher proportional level of fully taxable income.

Asset quality in the second quarter of 2010 remained stable, and favorable as compared to averages for peer financial organizations.  Second quarter loan net charge-offs and the delinquency ratios were slightly below those experienced in the first quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2009.  The current quarter provision for loan losses and the nonperforming loan ratios were above the first quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2009, but they remain favorable compared to peer levels.  The Company experienced year-over-year growth in interest-earning assets, despite a small net decrease in loan balances.  Investment portfolio average balances, including cash equivalents, increased as compared to both the second quarter 2009 and the first quarter 2010, driven by the growth in deposits.  Average deposits increased in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to both the first quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2009, reflective of organic growth in core deposits.  External borrowings were down slightly from both the first quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2009.

 
22

 

 
 
Net Income and Profitability
 
As shown in Table 1, net income for the second quarter and June YTD of $16.2 million and $30.2 million, respectively, increased 77% and 54% versus the comparable periods of 2009.  Earnings per share for the second quarter of $0.48 were $0.20 higher than the EPS generated in the second quarter of 2009, and earnings per share of $0.90 for the first six months of 2010 increased $0.30 from the amount earned in the first half of 2009.

As reflected in Table 1, second quarter net interest income of $45.9 million was up $5.4 million, or 13%, from the comparable prior year period and net interest income for the first six months of 2010 increased $8.5 million or 11% over the first half of 2009.  The current quarter’s provision for loan losses increased slightly as compared to the second quarter of 2009 and was $1.0 million lower than the first six months of 2009, reflective of lower levels of net charge-offs and generally stable asset quality.  Second quarter noninterest income was $22.4 million, up $1.7 million or 8.4% from the second quarter of 2009, while year-to-date noninterest income of $44.1 million increased $3.1 million or 7.5% from the prior year level, despite a $1.9 million decline in mortgage-banking related revenue, reflective of the record secondary market activities experienced by the Company in the first half of 2009.  Contributing to the increase was higher deposit service fees and growth in the company’s employee benefits consulting and plan administration business and wealth management revenues as a result of both new client and services generation and improving market conditions as compared to the first half of 2009.  Operating expenses of $44.2 million for the quarter and $88.4 million for the first six months of 2010 declined $3.3 million, or 6.9%, and $3.5 million, or 3.8%, respectively, from the comparable prior year periods, which included a $2.5 million FDIC special assessment, due to effective cost management programs across the Company.
 
A condensed income statement is as follows:

Table 1: Summary Income Statements

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted, except per share data)
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Net interest income
 
$45,945
$40,514
 
$89,227
$80,700
Provision for loan losses
 
2,050
2,015
 
3,870
4,825
Noninterest income
 
22,378
20,649
 
44,095
41,005
Operating expenses
 
44,220
47,483
 
88,413
91,884
Income before taxes
 
22,053
11,665
 
41,039
24,996
Income taxes
 
5,891
2,510
 
10,875
5,376
Net income
 
$16,162
$9,155
 
$30,164
$19,620
             
Diluted earnings per share
 
$0.48
$0.28
 
$0.90
$0.60

Net Interest Income

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

As shown in Table 2a, net interest income (with nontaxable income converted to a fully tax-equivalent basis) for the second quarter of 2010 was $49.8 million, a $5.4 million increase from the same period last year.  A $95.4 million increase in second quarter interest-earning assets combined with a 37-basis point increase in net interest margin versus the prior year had a greater impact than the $47.9 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.  As reflected in Table 3, the volume increase from interest-bearing assets and the rate decrease on interest-bearing liabilities had a $6.3 million favorable impact on net interest income, while the volume increase from interest bearing liabilities and rate decrease on interest bearing assets had a $0.9 million unfavorable impact on net interest income.   The lower cost of funding had a greater favorable impact on net interest margin than the lower yields on interest-bearing assets.  June YTD net interest income of $89.2 million increased $8.5 million or 10.6% from the year earlier period.  A $125.8 million increase in interest bearing assets and a 24-basis point increase in net interest margin more than offset a $70.5 million increase in interest-bearing liabilities.  The increase in interest-earning assets and the lower rate on interest bearing liabilities had a $14.2 million favorable impact that was partially offset by a $6.0 million unfavorable impact from the decrease in rate on interest-bearing assets and the increase in interest-bearing liability balances.

 
23

 

Average investments for the second quarter and YTD periods were $377.1 million and $283.6 million higher than the respective periods of 2009, while overnight invested cash equivalents for the second quarter and YTD periods declined $250.7 million and $110.3 million from the respective prior year periods, reflective of deployment during the first quarter of 2010 of a portion of the company’s excess liquidity into intermediate term U.S. Treasury securities.  Second quarter and June year-to-date average loan balances declined $31.0 million and $47.5 million, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of 2009, primarily from continued principal amortization in the Company’s consumer mortgage and home equity portfolios, combined with its decision to sell the majority of its longer-term, lower rate mortgage originations over the last year, as well as declines in the consumer installment portfolio as a result of lower consumer demand characteristics in response to weaker economic conditions.  The business lending average balances were down slightly from prior year levels.  In comparison to the prior year, total average interest-bearing deposits were up $69.2 million or 2.2% for the quarter, reflective of organic growth in core deposits partially offset by a reduction in time deposits.  Quarterly average borrowings declined $21.3 million or 2.5% as compared to the second quarter of 2009 and reflect the maturity of $25 million of term borrowings in the second quarter.

The net interest margin of 4.10% for the second quarter and 4.01% for the year-to-date period increased 37 basis points and 24 basis points, respectively, versus the same periods in the prior year.  The improvement was primarily attributable to a 43-basis point and a 46-basis point decrease in the cost of funds for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, partially offset by a five-basis point and 22-basis point decrease in the earning-asset yields, as compared to the prior year periods.  The decrease in the earning-asset yield was driven by a ten-basis point and 13 basis point decline in the loan yields for the second quarter and YTD periods, respectively, as compared to the like periods of 2009.  Partially offsetting this decrease for the second quarter was a nine-basis point increase in investment yield due to a more productive deployment of net liquidity during the first quarter of 2010.  Investment yield, including cash equivalents, for the year-to-date period declined 30 basis points from the prior year period as yields on new purchases were lower than those earned by maturing securities.  The decline in loan yields is primarily a result of lower rates on fixed rate new loan volume due to the decline in interest rates to levels below those prevalent in prior years and adjustable-rate loans repricing downward.

The second quarter cost of funds decreased versus the prior year quarter due to a 56-basis point decrease in interest-bearing deposit rates, a higher proportion of funding being supplied from non-interest bearing deposits, and a nine-basis point decrease in the average interest rate paid on external borrowings.  The decreased cost of funds was reflective of disciplined deposit pricing, whereby interest rates on selected categories of deposit accounts were lowered throughout 2009 and the first half of 2010 in response to market conditions.  Additionally, the proportion of customer deposits in higher cost time deposits has declined nine percentage points over the last twelve months, while the percentage of deposits in non-interest bearing and lower-cost checking and savings accounts increased three percentage points.  The rate paid on certain term borrowings was impacted by the approximately 70 basis point decrease in the three-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rates) over the last twelve months, and the maturing of $25 million higher rate term borrowings in the second quarter.

 
24

 


Table 2a and 2b below sets forth information related to average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and their associated yields and rates for the periods indicated.  Interest income and yields are on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a marginal income tax rate of 38.46% in 2010 and 2009.  Average balances are computed by accumulating the daily ending balances in a period and dividing by the number of days in that period.  Loan yields and amounts earned include loan fees.  Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.

Table 2a: Quarterly Average Balance Sheet

 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2010
 
June 30, 2009
     
Avg.
     
Avg.
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 (000's omitted except yields and rates)
Balance
Interest
Paid
 
Balance
Interest
Paid
Interest-earning assets:
             
  Cash equivalents
$64,731
$40
0.25%
 
$315,444
$202
0.26%
  Taxable investment securities (1)
1,204,551
12,487
4.16%
 
793,909
9,991
5.05%
  Nontaxable investment securities (1)
524,697
8,954
6.84%
 
558,278
9,379
6.74%
  Loans (net of unearned discount)
3,074,259
44,977
5.87%
 
3,105,247
46,248
5.97%
     Total interest-earning assets
4,868,238
66,458
5.48%
 
4,772,878
65,820
5.53%
Noninterest-earning assets
585,835
     
540,396
   
     Total assets
$5,454,073
     
$5,313,274
   
               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
             
  Interest checking, savings and money market deposits
$2,191,490
2,778
0.51%
 
$1,802,845
2,863
0.64%
  Time deposits
1,060,535
4,970
1.88%
 
1,379,982
9,224
2.68%
  Borrowings
837,356
8,930
4.28%
 
858,702
9,354
4.37%
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
4,089,381
16,678
1.64%
 
4,041,529
21,441
2.13%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
             
  Demand deposits
717,171
     
671,615
   
  Other liabilities
64,806
     
50,027
   
Shareholders' equity
582,715
     
550,103
   
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$5,454,073
     
$5,313,274
   
               
Net interest earnings
 
$49,780
     
$44,379
 
Net interest spread
   
3.84%
     
3.40%
Net interest margin on interest-earnings assets
   
4.10%
     
3.73%
               
Fully tax-equivalent adjustment
 
$3,835
     
$3,865
 


(1) Averages for investment securities are based on historical cost basis and the yields do not give effect to changes in fair value that is reflected as a component of
     shareholders’ equity and deferred taxes.

 
25

 




Table 2b: Quarterly Average Balance Sheet


 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2010
 
June 30, 2009
     
Avg.
     
Avg.
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 
Average
 
Yield/Rate
 (000's omitted except yields and rates)
Balance
Interest
Paid
 
Balance
Interest
Paid
Interest-earning assets:
             
  Cash equivalents
$125,542
$155
0.25%
 
$235,817
$298
0.26%
  Taxable investment securities (1)
1,138,620
23,633
4.19%
 
818,068
20,532
5.06%
  Nontaxable investment securities (1)
521,844
17,662
6.83%
 
558,809
18,958
6.84%
  Loans (net of unearned discount)
3,075,239
89,773
5.89%
 
3,122,788
93,156
6.02%
     Total interest-earning assets
4,861,245
131,223
5.44%
 
4,735,482
132,944
5.66%
Noninterest-earning assets
578,394
     
538,997
   
     Total assets
$5,439,639
     
$5,274,479
   
               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
             
  Interest checking, savings and money market deposits
$2,143,893
5,693
0.54%
 
$1,747,305
5,914
0.68%
  Time deposits
1,093,248
10,657
1.97%
 
1,405,921
19,743
2.83%
  Borrowings
846,956
18,098
4.31%
 
860,360
18,697
4.38%
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
4,084,097
34,448
1.70%
 
4,013,586
44,354
2.23%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
             
  Demand deposits
716,674
     
661,512
   
  Other liabilities
60,961
     
51,253
   
Shareholders' equity
577,907
     
548,128
   
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$5,439,639
     
$5,274,479
   
               
Net interest earnings
 
$96,775
     
$88,590
 
Net interest spread
   
3.74%
     
3.43%
Net interest margin on interest-earnings assets
   
4.01%
     
3.77%
               
Fully tax-equivalent adjustment
 
$7,548
     
$7,890
 


(1) Averages for investment securities are based on historical cost basis and the yields do not give effect to changes in fair value that is reflected as a component of
     shareholders’ equity and deferred taxes.

 
26

 

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

 
2nd Quarter 2010 versus 2nd Quarter 2009
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 versus June 30, 2009
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in (1)
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in (1)
(000's omitted)
Volume
Rate
Net Change
 
Volume
Rate
Net Change
               
Interest earned on:
             
  Cash equivalents
($155)
($7)
($162)
 
($135)
($8)
($143)
  Taxable investment securities
4,489
(1,993)
2,496
 
7,079
(3,978)
3,101
  Nontaxable investment securities
(572)
147
(425)
 
(1,251)
(45)
(1,296)
  Loans (net of unearned discount)
(459)
(812)
(1,271)
 
(1,406)
(1,977)
(3,383)
Total interest-earning assets (2)
1,306
(668)
638
 
3,476
(5,197)
(1,721)
               
Interest paid on:
             
  Interest checking, savings and money market deposits
553
(638)
(85)
 
1,194
(1,415)
(221)
  Time deposits
(1,857)
(2,397)
(4,254)
 
(3,826)
(5,260)
(9,086)
  Borrowings
(230)
(194)
(424)
 
(289)
(310)
(599)
Total interest-bearing liabilities (2)
251
(5,014)
(4,763)
 
766
(10,672)
(9,906)
               
Net interest earnings (2)
901
4,500
5,401
 
2,398
5,787
8,185

(1) The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of such change in each component.
 
(2) Changes due to volume and rate are computed from the respective changes in average balances and rates and are not a summation of the changes of  the components.

Noninterest Income

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

Table 4: Noninterest Income

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Deposit service fees
 
$11,337
$10,271
 
$21,856
$19,256
Benefit trust, administration, consulting and actuarial fees
 
7,260
6,599
 
15,159
13,606
Wealth management services
 
2,666
2,267
 
5,042
4,300
Other banking services
 
523
554
 
963
867
Mortgage banking
 
592
958
 
1,075
2,976
     Total noninterest income
 
22,378
20,649
 
44,095
41,005
             
Noninterest income/total income (FTE)
 
31.0%
31.8%
 
31.3%
31.6%


 
27

 

As displayed in Table 4, noninterest income was $22.4 million in the second quarter and $44.1 million for the first half of 2010.  This represents an increase of $1.7 million, or 8.4%, for the quarter and $3.1 million, or 7.5%, for the YTD period in comparison to 2009.  General recurring banking fees of $11.9 million for the first quarter and $22.8 million for the first six months of 2010 were up $1.0 million or 9.6% and $2.7 million, or 13%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, driven by organic core deposit account growth and higher electronic banking and expanded debit-card usage.  Effective July 1, 2010, Regulation E (a Federal Reserve Board Regulation) prohibits financial institutions from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on ATM and debit card transactions, unless the customer consents.  Customer’s who have responded have overwhelmingly consented to protecting their accounts from electronic transaction rejection.  Management will continue to diligently work to provide customers the opportunity to consent and opt-in to overdraft protection for such transactions during the third and fourth quarters of 2010.

Benefit trust, administration, consulting and actuarial fees increased $0.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the prior year periods, driven by a combination of new client generation, expanded service offerings and increased asset-based revenue.  Wealth management services revenue increased $0.4 million, or 18%, for the second quarter and $0.7 million, or 17%, for the first six months, reflective of favorable market valuation comparisons and generally improving demand characteristics.

Offsetting these increases, residential mortgage banking revenue decreased $0.4 million for the quarter and $1.9 million for the six months in comparison to the prior year periods, reflective of the record secondary market activities experienced in the first half of 2009.  Residential mortgage banking income totaled $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2010 and $1.1 million for the first six months, as compared to $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $3.0 for the first six months of 2009.  Residential mortgage banking income consists of realized gains or losses from the sale of residential mortgage loans and the origination of mortgage loan servicing rights, unrealized gains and losses on residential mortgage loans held for sale and related commitments, mortgage loan servicing fees and other mortgage loan-related fee income.  Included in 2010 YTD mortgage banking income is $0.1 million of recovery of an impairment charge taken in a prior period for the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights due primarily to a decrease in the expected prepayment speed of the Company’s sold loan portfolio with servicing retained.  Residential mortgage loans sold to investors, primarily Fannie Mae, totaled $22.5 million in the first six months of 2010 as compared to $142.7 million for the comparable 2009 period.  Residential mortgage loans held for sale and recorded at fair value at June 30, 2010 totaled $0.7 million.  Future revenue generation from mortgage banking activities will be dependent on market conditions and long-term interest rate trends.

The ratio of noninterest income to total income (FTE basis) was 31.0% for the quarter and 31.3% for the year-to-date period, versus 31.8% and 31.6% for the comparable periods of 2009.  The slight decrease in both periods is a function of net interest income increasing at a faster rate than noninterest income for both periods.

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

Table 5: Operating Expenses

     
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(000's omitted)
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
 Salaries and employee benefits  
$22,509
$23,154
 
$45,445
$46,116
 
Occupancy and equipment
 
5,614
5,704
 
11,839
11,915
 
Data processing and communications
 
5,309
5,171
 
10,423
10,021
 
Amortization of intangible assets
 
1,849
2,103
 
3,708
4,208
 
Legal and professional fees
 
1,505
1,318
 
2,805
2,602
 
Office supplies and postage
 
1,311
1,472
 
2,560
2,847
 
Business development and marketing
 
1,731
2,057
 
2,745
3,349
 
FDIC insurance premiums
 
1,485
4,021
 
3,057
5,396
 
Other
 
2,907
2,483
 
5,831
5,430
 
  Total operating expenses
 
$44,220
$47,483
 
$88,413
$91,884
 
               
Operating expenses/average assets
 
3.08%
3.22%
 
3.12%
3.24%
 
Efficiency ratio
 
58.0%
65.6%
 
59.8%
65.5%
 

As shown in Table 5, second quarter 2010 operating expenses were $44.2 million, a decrease of $3.3 million, or 6.9%, from the prior year level.  Year-to-date operating expenses of $88.4 million declined $3.5 million or $3.8% as compared to the same period in 2009.  Excluding the $2.5 million FDIC special assessment incurred in the second quarter 2009, quarterly and YTD operating expenses were down $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, versus the equivalent prior year periods.  Implementation of several expense reduction initiatives allowed the Company to report lower total operating expenses despite year-over-year increases in merit-based compensation, as well as higher technology and volume based processing costs.  The Company continues to dedicate significant resources to the conversion of its core banking system, which is scheduled for the third quarter 2010.


 
28

 

Salary expense increased $0.6 million and $1.4 million from the second quarter and first six months of 2009, respectively, offset by a $1.3 million and $2.3 million decrease in retirement plan expense from the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to modifications to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan, and the fourth quarter 2009 termination of its post-retirement medical program for certain current and all future employees, offset by a higher contribution to the Company’s 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“401(k) Plan”).  The defined benefit pension plan was modified to a new plan design, which combines service credits in the Company’s Cash Balance Plan with additional contributions to be made to the 401(k) Plan.  Additionally, effective January 1, 2010, the Company increased its matching discretionary contribution to the 401(k) Plan for employee participants who contribute 6% of eligible compensation from a maximum 3.5% to 4.5%.

Additional changes to operating expenses can be attributable to lower FDIC insurance premiums ($2.5 million for the quarter, $2.3 million YTD), lower business development and marketing expenses ($0.3 million for the quarter, $0.6 million YTD), lower amortization of intangible assets ($0.3 million for the quarter, $0.5 million YTD), and lower office supplies and postage ($0.2 million for the quarter, $0.3 million YTD), partially offset by higher volume-based data processing and communication costs ($0.1 million for the quarter, $0.4 million YTD) and higher legal and professional fees ($0.2 million for the quarter and YTD).  In May 2009, the FDIC basic insurance coverage limit of $250,000 was extended through December 31, 2013, and subsequently made permanent as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.  This change combined with a significant depletion of the general insurance fund due to a major increase in the number and magnitude of bank failures have resulted in significant increases in the FDIC assessment rates from pre-2009 periods, that are expected to remain at similar levels during the remainder of 2010.  The Company is also participating in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”) that provides unlimited coverage for transaction deposit accounts and for which a supplemental 10-basis point premium is currently assessed.  In the second quarter of 2009, the FDIC assessed an emergency special assessment equal to five basis points on a bank’s assets less Tier 1 capital.  This amounted to $2.5 million of additional premiums recognized in June 2009.  No additional special assessments were levied in 2009 and the first half of 2010.

The Company’s efficiency ratio (recurring operating expenses excluding intangible amortization, acquisition, core system conversion expenses and the special FDIC assessment divided by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and recurring noninterest income) was 58.0% for the second quarter, 7.6 percentage points below the comparable quarter of 2009.  This resulted from operating expenses (as described above) decreasing 1.9%, while recurring operating income increased 11.0% due to a 12% increase in net interest income and a 8.4% increase in noninterest income year over year.  The efficiency ratio of 59.8% for the first half of 2010 was down 5.7 percentage points from a year earlier due to core operating expense decreasing 0.8% while recurring operating income increased 8.7%.  Operating expenses, excluding intangible amortization, acquisition, core system conversion expenses and the special FDIC assessment as a percentage of average assets decreased 14 basis points and 12 basis points for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.  Operating expenses decreased 1.9% for the quarter and 0.8%, year-to-date, while average assets increased 2.6% and 3.1%, respectively, during the same time periods.

Income Taxes

The second quarter and YTD effective income tax rate was 26.7% and 26.5%, respectively, as compared to the 21.5% effective tax rate in both comparable periods of 2009.  The higher effective tax rate for 2010 was principally a result of a higher proportion of income being generated from fully taxable sources.

Investments

As reflected in Table 6 below, the carrying value of investments (including unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities) was $1.70 billion at the end of the second quarter, an increase of $271.0 million from December 31, 2009 and an increase of $422.9 million from June 30, 2009.  The book value (excluding unrealized gains) of investments increased $250.7 million from December 31, 2009 and $404.5 million from June 30, 2009.  Throughout 2009 cash equivalents remained above historical levels, as the Company maintained the liquidity provided by the 2008 Citizens branch acquisition and organic deposit growth in anticipation of improved investment opportunities in future periods.  A portion of the Company’s significant liquidity position was deployed during the first six months of 2010 through the purchase of $317 million of intermediate-term U.S. Treasury Notes.  The overall mix of securities within the portfolio over the last year has changed, with an increase in the proportion of U.S. Treasury Notes and a decrease in the proportion of obligations of state and political subdivisions and small decreases in all other security categories.  The change in the carrying value of investments is impacted by the amount of net unrealized gains in the available-for-sale portfolio at a point in time.  At June 30, 2010, the portfolio had a $33.8 million net unrealized gain, an increase of $21.1 million from the unrealized gain at December 31, 2009 and up $18.4 million from the unrealized gain at June 30, 2009.  This increase in the unrealized gain is indicative of the increase valuations for the pooled trust preferred securities, favorable interest rate movements during the respective time periods and the changes in the size and composition of the portfolio.  Although not reflected in the financial results of the Company, the held-to-maturity portfolio had an additional $31.3 million of net unrealized gains.


 
29

 

Table 6: Investments
    June 30, 2010   December 31, 2009   June 30, 2009
   
Amortized
   
Amortized
   
Amortized
 
   
Cost/Book
Fair
 
Cost/Book
Fair
 
Cost/Book
Fair
(000's omitted)
 
Value
Value
 
Value
Value
 
Value
Value
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
                 
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities
 
$463,237
$489,592
 
$153,761
$155,408
 
$21,838
$23,681
  Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
66,533
68,235
 
112,162
114,125
 
41,766
41,973
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
81,789
85,067
 
69,939
71,325
 
46,660
46,918
  Other securities
 
69
69
 
74
74
 
90
90
     Total held-to-maturity portfolio
 
611,628
642,963
 
335,936
340,932
 
110,354
112,662
                   
Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
                 
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities
 
289,141
317,690
 
302,430
321,740
 
312,429
332,126
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
469,253
483,747
 
462,161
475,410
 
519,988
528,346
  Government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
183,983
195,378
 
201,361
206,407
 
200,585
204,476
  Pooled trust preferred securities
 
70,294
47,343
 
71,002
44,014
 
71,813
54,561
  Corporate debt securities
 
35,543
37,377
 
35,561
37,117
 
35,579
35,861
  Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
10,356
10,906
 
10,917
11,484
 
14,032
14,489
  Marketable equity securities
 
380
297
 
379
375
 
393
387
    Available-for-sale portfolio
 
1,058,950
1,092,738
 
1,083,811
1,096,547
 
1,154,819
1,170,246
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale portfolio
 
33,788
0
 
12,736
0
 
15,427
0
Total available-for-sale portfolio
 
1,092,738
1,092,738
 
1,096,547
1,096,547
 
1,170,246
1,170,246
                   
     Total
 
$1,704,366
$1,735,701
 
$1,432,483
$1,437,479
 
$1,280,600
$1,282,908

Included in the available-for-sale portfolio, as detailed in Table 7, are pooled trust preferred, class A-1 securities with a current par value of $72.0 million and unrealized losses of $23.0 million at June 30, 2010.  The underlying collateral of these assets is principally trust preferred securities of smaller regional banks and insurance companies.  The Company’s securities are in the super-senior cash flow tranche of the investment pools.  All other tranches in these pools will incur losses before this tranche is impacted.  As of June 30, 2010, an additional 29% - 38% of the underlying collateral would have to be in deferral or default concurrently to result in the potential non-receipt of contractual cash flows.  The market for these securities at June 30, 2010 is not active and markets for similar securities are also not active.  The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels.

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

The Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2010.  In determining if unrealized losses are other-than-temporary, management considers the following factors: the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuers, any external credit ratings, the level of excess cash flows generated from the underlying collateral supporting the principal and interest payments of the debt securities, the level of credit enhancement provided by the structure, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.  A detailed review of the pooled trust preferred securities was completed for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.  This review included an analysis of collateral reports, a cash flow analysis, including varying degrees of projected deferral/default scenarios, and a review of various financial ratios of the underlying issuers.  Based on the analysis performed, significant further deferral/defaults and further erosion in other underlying performance conditions would have to exist before the Company would incur a loss.  Based on the analysis performed, the Company determined an other-than-temporary impairment did not exist at June 30, 2010.  To date, the Company has received all scheduled principal and interest payments and expects to fully collect all future contractual principal and interest payments.  The Company does not intend to sell the underlying securities.  These securities represent less than 1% of the Company’s earning-assets as of June 30, 2010 and, thus, are not relied upon for meeting the daily liquidity needs of the Company.  Subsequent changes in market or credit conditions could change those evaluations.


 
30

 

Table 7: Pooled Trust Preferred Securities as of June 30, 2010

(000’s omitted)
 
PreTSL XXVI
 
PreTSL XXVII
 
PreTSL XXVIII
             
Single issuer or pooled
 
Pooled
 
Pooled
 
Pooled
Class
 
A-1
 
A-1
 
A-1
Book value at 6/30/10
 
$22,706
 
$23,417
 
$24,171
Fair value at 6/30/10
 
15,023
 
15,940
 
16,380
Unrealized loss at 6/30/10
 
$7,683
 
$7,477
 
$7,791
Rating (Moody’s/Fitch/S&P)
 
(Ba1/A/BB)
 
(A3/A/CCC+)
 
(A3/A/CCC)
Number of depository institutions/companies in issuance
 
64/74
 
42/49
 
45/56
Deferrals and defaults as a percentage of collateral
 
31.5%
 
27.8%
 
21.2%
Excess subordination
 
24.6%
 
29.9%
 
35.3%

Loans

As shown in Table 8, loans ended the second quarter at $3.09 billion, down $8.3 million (0.3%) from year-end 2009 and were consistent with the level one year earlier.  During the second quarter of 2010, the loan portfolio grew $28.6 million or 0.9%.  The growth came from the business lending portfolio ($12.1 million), the consumer installment portfolio ($0.5 million), and the consumer mortgage portfolio ($16.0 million) despite the sale of $10.6 million of mortgage loans in the secondary market during the second quarter.

Table 8: Loans

  (000's omitted)  
June 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
June 30, 2009
Business lending
 
$1,074,715
34.8%
 
$1,082,753
34.9%
 
$1,078,500
34.9%
Consumer mortgage
 
1,051,939
34.0%
 
1,028,805
33.2%
 
1,014,628
32.8%
Consumer installment
 
964,497
31.2%
 
987,927
31.9%
 
998,477
32.3%
  Total loans
 
$3,091,151
100.0%
 
$3,099,485
100.0%
 
$3,091,605
100.0%

The combined total of general-purpose business lending, including commercial and industrial and mortgages on commercial property is characterized as the Company’s business lending activity.  The business lending portfolio decreased $8.0 million in the first six months of 2010 and decreased $3.8 million versus one year ago.  Customer demand has softened somewhat due to economic conditions.  The Company maintains its commitment to generating growth in its business portfolio in a manner that adheres to its twin goals of maintaining strong asset quality and producing profitable margins.  The Company has invested in additional personnel, technology and business development resources over the past few years to further strengthen its capabilities in this key business area.

Consumer mortgages increased $37.3 million year-over-year and $23.1 million in the first six months of 2010.  During the first six months of 2010, the Company originated $23.1 million of residential mortgages for sale to others, principally Fannie Mae.  Longer-term fixed rate residential mortgages sold to investors totaled $22.5 million in the first six months of 2010 as compared to $142.7 million in the first six months of 2009.  Consumer mortgage volume has been relatively strong over the last year due to continued low long-term interest rates and comparatively stable real estate valuations in the Company’s primary markets.  The consumer real estate portfolio does not include exposure to subprime, Alt-A, or other higher-risk mortgage products.  The Company’s solid performance during a tumultuous period in the overall industry is a testament to the stable, low-risk profile of its portfolio and its ability to successfully meet customer needs at a time when some national mortgage lenders are restricting their lending activities in many of the Company’s markets.  Interest rates and expected duration continue to be the most significant factors in determining whether the Company chooses to retain, versus sell and service, portions of its new mortgage production.

Consumer installment loans, both those originated directly (such as personal installment and home equity loans and lines of credit), and indirectly (originated predominantly in automobile, marine and recreational vehicle dealerships), declined $23.4 million in the first six months of 2010 and decreased $34.0 million on a year-over-year basis.  The origination and utilization of consumer installment and home equity loans has faced somewhat softer demand over the past year due to lower consumer spending and deleveraging activities, as well as historically low mortgage interest rates in response to weaker economic conditions.  Declines in both new and used vehicle sales in 2009 and the first half of 2010 adversely impacted the Company’s ability to generate the same level of new loan volume it has in previous years.  The Company is focused on maintaining the solid profitability produced by its in-market and contiguous market indirect portfolio, while continuing to pursue its disciplined, long-term approach to expanding its dealer network.  It is expected that improved economic conditions in the future will create the opportunity for the Company to produce indirect loan growth more in line with its longer-term historical experience.


 
31

 

Asset Quality

Table 9 below exhibits the major components of nonperforming loans and assets and key asset quality metrics for the periods ending June 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009.
 
Table 9: Nonperforming Assets

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2010
 
2009
 
2009
Nonaccrual loans
           
  Business lending
 
$13,583
 
$11,207
 
$6,893
  Consumer installment
 
854
 
980
 
1,090
  Consumer mortgage
 
4,361
 
4,077
 
4,256
     Total nonaccrual loans
 
18,798
 
16,264
 
12,239
Accruing loans 90+ days delinquent
           
  Business lending
 
928
 
662
 
279
  Consumer installment
 
203
 
197
 
10
  Consumer mortgage
 
945
 
891
 
254
     Total accruing loans 90+ days delinquent
 
2,076
 
1,750
 
543
Restructured loans
           
  Business lending
 
0
 
896
 
950
Nonperforming loans
           
  Business lending
 
14,511
 
12,765
 
8,122
  Consumer installment
 
1,057
 
1,177
 
1,100
  Consumer mortgage
 
5,306
 
4,968
 
4,510
     Total nonperforming loans
 
20,874
 
18,910
 
13,732
             
Other real estate (OREO)
 
1,555
 
1,429
 
1,687
     Total nonperforming assets
 
$22,429
 
$20,339
 
$15,419
             
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
 
1.38%
 
1.35%
 
1.30%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
 
204%
 
222%
 
294%
Nonperforming loans to total loans
 
0.68%
 
0.61%
 
0.44%
Nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate
 
0.73%
 
0.66%
 
0.50%
Delinquent loans (30 days old to nonaccruing) to total loans
 
1.45%
 
1.48%
 
1.46%
Net charge-offs (annualized) to quarterly average loans outstanding
 
0.20%
 
0.22%
 
0.22%
Loan loss provision to net charge-offs (quarterly)
 
133%
 
148%
 
116%

As displayed in Table 9, nonperforming assets at June 30, 2010 were $22.4 million, a $2.1 million increase versus the level at the end of 2009 and an increase of $7.0 million as compared to the very favorable level one year earlier.  Other real estate owned (“OREO”) increased $0.1 million from year-end 2009 and decreased $0.1 million from one-year ago.  The Company is managing 20 OREO properties at June 30, 2010 as compared to 18 OREO properties at December 31, 2009 and 24 OREO properties at June 30, 2009.  No single property has a carrying value in excess of $0.3 million at June 30, 2010.  Nonperforming loans were 0.68% of total loans outstanding at the end of the second quarter, seven and 24 basis points higher than the levels at December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively.

Approximately 11% of the increase in nonperforming loans from June 2009 to June 2010 is related to the consumer mortgage portfolio.  To date, collateral values of residential properties within the Company’s market area have not experienced the magnitude of declines in value that other parts of the country have encountered.  However, the economic slowdown, increased unemployment levels and the resulting pressure on consumers and businesses alike have resulted in higher nonperforming levels.  Nonperforming consumer installment loans improved slightly from June 2009 to June 2010.  The remaining portion of the increase in nonperforming loans from June 2009 to June 2010 is related to the business lending portfolio, which is comprised of business loans broadly diversified by industry type.  With the economic downturn, the financial performance and position of certain of the Company’s business customers has deteriorated, and consequently the level of non-accrual loans has risen.  The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio, a general measure of coverage adequacy, was 204% at the end of the second quarter, compared to 222% at year-end 2009 and 294% at June 30, 2009, reflective of the higher level of nonperforming loans.


 
32

 

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

Delinquent loans (30 days through nonaccruing) as a percent of total loans was 1.45% at the end of the second quarter, three basis points below the 1.48% at year-end 2009 and one basis point lower than the 1.46% at June 30, 2009.  The commercial loan delinquency ratio at the end of the second quarter increased in comparison to both December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009.  The delinquency rate for installment loans and consumer mortgage loans decreased as compared to both December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009.  The Company’s success at keeping the non-performing and delinquency ratios at manageable levels despite weak economic conditions was the result of its continued focus on maintaining strict underwriting standards, as well as effective utilization of its collection and recovery capabilities.

Table 10: Allowance for Loan Losses Activity

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$42,095
$40,053
 
$41,910
$39,575
Charge-offs:
           
  Business lending
 
770
798
 
2,138
1,942
  Consumer mortgage
 
321
209
 
409
284
  Consumer installment
 
1,414
1,675
 
2,889
3,702
     Total charge-offs
 
2,505
2,682
 
5,436
5,928
Recoveries:
           
  Business lending
 
114
49
 
399
158
  Consumer mortgage
 
8
0
 
36
6
  Consumer installment
 
841
895
 
1,824
1,694
     Total recoveries
 
963
944
 
2,259
1,858
             
Net charge-offs
 
1,542
1,738
 
3,177
4,070
Provision for loans losses
 
2,050
2,015
 
3,870
4,825
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$42,603
$40,330
 
$42,603
$40,330
             
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding:
           
  Business lending
 
0.25%
0.28%
 
0.33%
0.34%
  Consumer mortgage
 
0.12%
0.08%
 
0.07%
0.05%
  Consumer installment
 
0.24%
0.31%
 
0.22%
0.40%
  Total loans
 
0.20%
0.22%
 
0.21%
0.26%

As displayed in Table 10, net charge-offs during the second quarter of 2010 were $1.5 million, $0.2 million lower than the equivalent 2009 period.  The consumer mortgage portfolio experienced a small increase in the level of net charge-offs as compared to the second quarter of 2009, while the business lending and consumer installment portfolios experienced lower levels of net charge-offs as compared to the equivalent prior year quarter.  The net charge-off ratio (net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding) for the second quarter was 0.20%, two basis points lower than the linked quarter and the comparable quarter of 2009.  Net charge-offs and the corresponding net charge-off ratios continue to be below average long-term historical levels.  The net charge-off ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was 0.21%, down five basis points from 0.26% for the first six months of 2009.

The business lending net charge-off ratio for the second quarter of 0.25% decreased three basis points versus the prior year level.  The consumer mortgage portfolio experienced a net charge-off ratio of 0.12% for the quarter, versus 0.08% in the same quarter of the previous year.  The consumer installment net charge-off ratio for the second quarter declined seven basis points from the second quarter of 2009.  As compared to the first quarter of 2010, the business lending ratios improved by 16 basis points, while the consumer installment and consumer mortgage portfolio net charge-off ratios were higher by 19 and 10 basis points, respectivley.


 
33

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2010, a $2.1 million loan loss provision was recorded compared to $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2009.  The second quarter 2010 loan loss provision was $0.5 million higher than the level of net charge-offs, due mostly to higher levels of nonperforming loans and increases in qualitative risk factors attributable to the portfolio due to continued soft economic conditions.  The allowance for loan losses of $42.6 million as of June 30, 2010 rose $2.3 million or 5.6% over the last 12 months, while the loan portfolio remained flat during the same time period.  Contributing to the changes was increasing nonperforming and delinquency trends experienced over the last twelve months.  The ratio of allowance for loan loss to loans outstanding of 1.38% at the end of the quarter was up three basis points from the level at December 31, 2009 and increased eight basis points from the level at June 30, 2009.

Deposits

As shown in Table 11, average deposits of $4.0 billion in the second quarter were up $114.8 million compared to the second quarter 2009 and $82.9 million versus the fourth quarter of last year.  The mix of average deposits changed throughout 2009 and this continued in the first half of 2010.  The weightings of non-time deposits (interest checking, non-interest checking, savings and money markets accounts) have increased from their year-ago levels, while the proportion of time deposits decreased.  This change in deposit mix reflects the Company’s goal of expanding core account relationships and reducing higher cost time deposit balances, as well as the preference of certain customers to hold more funds in liquid accounts in the low interest rate environment.  This shift in mix, combined with the Company’s ability to reduce rates due to market conditions, resulted in the quarterly cost of interest-bearing deposits declining from 1.52% in the second quarter of 2009 to 0.96% in the most recent quarter.  The Company continues to focus heavily on growing its core (non-time) deposits through proactive marketing efforts, competitive product offerings and top quality customer service.

Average second quarter non-public fund deposits increased $14.5 million, or 0.4%, versus the fourth quarter of 2009 and $66.2 million, or 1.9%, compared to the year earlier period.  Average public fund deposits in the second quarter increased $68.4 million, or 22%, from fourth quarter 2009 and $48.5 million, or 15%, from the second quarter of 2009.  Public fund deposits as a percentage of total deposits rose from 8.5% in the second quarter 2009 to 9.5% in the current quarter.

Table 11: Quarterly Average Deposits

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
June 30,
(000's omitted)
 
2010
 
2009
 
2009
Demand deposits
 
$717,171
 
$714,491
 
$671,615
Interest checking deposits
 
713,995
 
665,797
 
639,203
Savings deposits
 
532,995
 
485,950
 
482,276
Money market deposits
 
944,500
 
817,795
 
681,366
Time deposits
 
1,060,535
 
1,202,311
 
1,379,982
  Total deposits
 
$3,969,196
 
$3,886,344
 
$3,854,442
             
Non-public fund deposits
 
$3,591,955
 
$3,577,459
 
$3,525,717
Public fund deposits
 
377,241
 
308,885
 
328,725
  Total deposits
 
$3,969,196
 
$3,886,344
 
$3,854,442

Borrowings

At the end of the second quarter external borrowings of $831.6 million were $25.2 million lower than borrowings at December 31, 2009, and declined $27.1 million versus the end of the second quarter of 2009.  The cost of funds on total borrowings in the second quarter of 4.28% was nine basis points below that of the year-earlier period.  This decline was mostly attributable the maturing of $25 million of higher fixed rate term borrowings and lower rates paid on the variable rate portion of the Company’s trust preferred securities.

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity of $599.8 million at the end of the second quarter increased $34.1 million from the balance at December 31, 2009.  This change consisted of net income of $30.2 million, $3.1 million from shares issued under the employee stock plan, $2.0 million from employee stock options earned and a $14.1 million increase in other comprehensive income, partially offset by dividends declared of $15.2 million.  The change in other comprehensive income/(loss) was comprised of a $13.3 million increase in the after-tax market value adjustment on the available for sale investment portfolio, a positive $0.4 million adjustment to the funded status of the Company’s retirement plans, and a $0.4 million increase in the after-tax market value adjustment on the interest rate swap.  Over the past 12 months, total shareholders’ equity increased by $49.2 million, as net income, the change in the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, shares issued under the employee stock option plan, and a higher market value adjustment on investments more than offset dividends declared.
 
 
 
34

 
 
The Company’s Tier I leverage ratio, a primary measure of regulatory capital for which 5% is the requirement to be “well-capitalized,” was 7.75% at the end of the second quarter, up 36 basis points from year-end 2009 and 62 basis points higher than its level one year ago.  The increase in the Tier I leverage ratio compared to December 31, 2009 is the result of shareholders’ equity excluding intangibles and other comprehensive income items increasing 6.9% while average assets excluding intangibles increased at a slower pace of 1.8%.  The Tier I leverage ratio increased as compared to the prior year’s second quarter as average assets excluding intangibles and the other comprehensive income increased 2.9% while shareholders’ equity, excluding intangibles and other comprehensive income, increased at a higher 11.9% rate.  The tangible equity-to-assets ratio (a non-GAAP measure) of 5.92% increased 72 basis points from December 31, 2009 and increased 108 basis points versus June 30, 2009.  The increase in the tangible equity ratio from the prior year was mostly attributable to an increase in the investment market value adjustment, higher retained earnings, lower intangible levels and relatively low growth in all other asset categories.

The dividend payout ratio (dividends declared divided by net income) for the first six months of 2010 was 50.5%, down from 73.4% for the first six months of 2009.  The ratio decreased because net income increased 53.7% while dividends declared increased 5.7%.  The Company’s quarterly dividend was raised 9.1% in the first quarter of 2010, from $0.22 to $0.24 per share and the number of common shares outstanding increased 1.2% over the last twelve months.

Liquidity

Liquidity risk is measured by the Company’s ability to raise cash when needed at a reasonable cost and minimize any loss. The Company must be capable of meeting all obligations to its customers at any time and, therefore, the active management of its liquidity position is critical.  Given the uncertain nature of our customers' demands as well as the Company's desire to take advantage of earnings enhancement opportunities, the Company must have available adequate sources of on and off-balance sheet funds that can be acquired in time of need.  Accordingly, in addition to the liquidity provided by balance sheet cash flows, liquidity must be supplemented with additional sources such as credit lines from correspondent banks, the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and the Federal Reserve Bank.  Other funding alternatives may also be appropriate from time to time, including wholesale and retail repurchase agreements, large certificates of deposit, and brokered CD relationships.

The Company's primary approach to measuring liquidity is known as the Basic Surplus/Deficit model.  It is used to calculate liquidity over two time periods: first, the amount of cash that could be made available within 30 days (calculated as liquid assets less short-term liabilities); and second, a projection of subsequent cash availability over an additional 60 days.  The minimum policy level of liquidity under the Basic Surplus/Deficit approach is 7.5% of total assets for both the 30 and 90-day time horizons.  As of June 30, 2010, this ratio was 16.4% for 30 days and 16.3% for 90 days, excluding the Company's capacity to borrow additional funds from the FHLB.

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

 
35

 

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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





 
36

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates, prices or credit risk.  Credit risk associated with the Company's loan portfolio has been previously discussed in the asset quality section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  Management believes that the tax risk of the Company's municipal investments associated with potential future changes in statutory, judicial and regulatory actions is minimal.  The Company has a minimal amount of credit risk in its investment portfolio because essentially all of the fixed-income securities in the portfolio are AA or higher rated.  Therefore, almost all the market risk in the investment portfolio is related to interest rates.

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

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

 
·
Asset and liability levels using June 30, 2010 as a starting point.

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

 
·
In the +200 basis point scenario, the prime rate and federal funds rates are assumed to move up 200 basis points over a 12-month period.  In the 0 basis point scenario, the prime rate and federal funds rates are flat.  Both scenarios move the long end of the treasury curve to spreads over federal funds that are more consistent with historical norms (normalized yield curve).  Deposit rates are assumed to move in a manner that reflects the historical relationship between deposit rate movement and changes in the federal funds rate.

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

Net Interest Income Sensitivity Model
 
 
 
Change in interest rates
Calculated annualized increase (decrease) in projected net interest income at June 30, 2010
+200 basis points
$1,545,000
 
0 basis points
($2,087,000)
 

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

The decrease in NII is largely due to faster investment cash flows and assets repricing to lower rates as corresponding liabilities are held at current levels.  Despite Fed Funds trading near 0%, the Company believes intermediate and longer-term treasury rates could potentially fall further, and thus, the (normalized yield curve) model tests the impact of this lower treasury rate scenario.
 
The analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results.  These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions: the nature and timing of interest rate levels (including yield curve shape), prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and other factors.  While the assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.  Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.
 

 
 
37

 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a -15(e) and 15d – 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, designed to: (i) record, process, summarize, and report within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms, and (ii) accumulate and communicate to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.  Based on management’s evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, it has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2010.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation referenced in the paragraph above that occurred during the Company’s second quarter of 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II.     Other Information

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject in the normal course of business to various pending and threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted.  Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the aggregate liability, if any, arising out of litigation pending against the Company or its subsidiaries will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

There has not been any material change in the risk factors disclosure from that contained in the Company’s 2009 Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (filed with the SEC on March 11, 2010) other than the following.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in July 2010, significantly changes many aspects of the regulation of the financial-services industry.  Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act creates a new federal financial consumer protection agency, tightens capital standards, imposes clearing and margining requirements on many derivatives activities and generally increases oversight and regulation of financial institutions and financial activities.

In addition to the self-implementing provisions of the statue, the Dodd-Frank Act calls for many administrative rulemakings by various federal agencies to implement various parts of the legislation.  The Company is unable to predict the impact these initiatives will have or the extent of additional changes to statutes or regulations affecting financial institutions or the financial services industry, including the interpretation or implementation thereof.

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company expects to change its core banking system from an out-sourced, third-party provided system to an in-house, integrated solution.  The Company has been preparing for the transition for the last year utilizing third party resources experienced in such conversions.  Although the Company expects to benefit from the enhanced functionality and process efficiencies of the new system, the planned conversion does include meaningful execution risk.

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

a)  Not applicable.

b)  Not applicable.

c)  
On July 22, 2009, the Company announced an authorization to repurchase up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding shares in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with securities laws and regulations through December 31, 2011.  Any repurchased shares will be used for general corporate purposes, including those related to stock plan activities.  The timing and extent of repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations as determined at the Company’s discretion.  No repurchases have been made under the repurchase authorization since it was approved, and the full 1,000,000 shares of common shares remain available to be purchased under the authorization.

Item 3.                      Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.

Item 4.                      (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5.                      Other Information
Not applicable.
 
 
 
38

 
 
Item 6.                      Exhibits

Exhibit No.                                                                Description

31.1
Certification of Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2
Certification of Scott Kingsley, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1
Certification of Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

32.2
Certification of Scott Kingsley, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**


* Filed herewith.
 

**Furnished herewith.
 

 
39

 

Signatures


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




Community Bank System, Inc.



 
Date: August 6, 2010   /s/ Mark E. Tryniski
    Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief Executive Officer
     
 Date: August 6, 2010   /s/ Scott Kingsley
    Scott Kingsley, Treasurer and Chief
     
     
 
 
 
 

 
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