SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005.
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________.


COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-14703


NBT BANCORP INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

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

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

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

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 shorter periods 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 is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes x No o

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

As of October 31, 2005, there were 32,382,755 shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value.
 

NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q--Quarter Ended September 30, 2005


TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
   
   
   

 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
  
September 30,
2005
  
December 31,
2004
  
September 30,
2004
  
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
              
               
ASSETS
              
Cash and due from banks
  
$
134,131
  
$
98,437
  
$
119,424
  
Short-term interest bearing accounts
    
7,515
    
8,286
    
7,427
  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    
942,770
    
952,542
    
978,925
  
Securities held to maturity (fair value - $89,887, $82,712 and $79,007)
    
89,660
    
81,782
    
77,826
  
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    
36,842
    
36,842
    
37,042
  
Loans and leases
    
3,003,103
    
2,869,921
    
2,814,553
  
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
    
47,550
    
44,932
    
44,539
  
Net loans
    
2,955,553
    
2,824,989
    
2,770,014
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
63,611
    
63,743
    
62,557
  
Goodwill
    
47,544
    
45,570
    
47,521
  
Other intangible assets, net
    
3,950
    
2,013
    
2,084
  
Bank owned life insurance
    
33,306
    
32,302
    
31,957
  
Other assets
    
70,739
    
65,798
    
66,312
  
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
4,385,621
  
$
4,212,304
  
$
4,201,089
  
                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
                    
Demand (noninterest bearing)
  
$
583,289
  
$
520,218
  
$
506,652
  
Savings, NOW, and money market
    
1,409,114
    
1,435,561
    
1,513,197
  
Time
    
1,219,770
    
1,118,059
    
1,070,780
  
Total deposits
    
3,212,173
    
3,073,838
    
3,090,629
  
Short-term borrowings
    
356,193
    
338,823
    
319,620
  
Trust preferred debentures
    
18,720
    
18,720
    
18,720
  
Long-term debt
    
419,353
    
394,523
    
394,545
  
Other liabilities
    
47,014
    
54,167
    
52,197
  
Total liabilities
    
4,053,453
    
3,880,071
    
3,875,711
  
                     
Stockholders’ equity:
                    
Common stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized- 50,000,000;Shares issued 34,400,946, 34,401,008 and 34,401,028 at September 30, 2005, December 31, 2004 and September 30, 2004, respectively
    
344
    
344
    
344
  
Additional paid-in-capital
    
209,604
    
209,523
    
209,383
  
Retained earnings
    
166,731
    
145,812
    
139,558
  
Unvested stock awards
    
(656
)
  
(296
)
  
(351
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    
(3,733
)
  
4,989
    
6,215
  
Treasury stock at cost 2,000,978, 1,544,247, and 1,641,115 shares at September 30, 2005, December 31, 2004 and September 30, 2004, respectively
    
(40,122
)
  
(28,139
)
  
(29,771
)
Total stockholders’ equity
    
332,168
    
332,233
    
325,378
  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
$
4,385,621
  
$
4,212,304
  
$
4,201,089
  
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
 
Three months ended September 30,
  
Nine months ended September 30,
  
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
          
Interest, fee and dividend income:
                  
Interest and fees on loans and leases
  
$
48,784
  
$
41,283
  
$
138,988
  
$
120,812
  
Securities available for sale
    
10,103
    
10,784
    
30,576
    
31,866
  
Securities held to maturity
    
860
    
731
    
2,494
    
2,283
  
Other
    
535
    
295
    
1,551
    
797
  
Total interest, fee and dividend income
    
60,282
    
53,093
    
173,609
    
155,758
  
                           
Interest expense:
                          
Deposits
    
12,842
    
9,743
    
35,580
    
29,462
  
Short-term borrowings
    
3,005
    
1,192
    
7,073
    
2,779
  
Long-term debt
    
4,176
    
3,861
    
12,016
    
11,103
  
Trust preferred debentures
    
308
    
245
    
851
    
588
  
Total interest expense
    
20,331
    
15,041
    
55,520
    
43,932
  
Net interest income
    
39,951
    
38,052
    
118,089
    
111,826
  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    
2,752
    
2,313
    
6,868
    
6,865
  
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses
    
37,199
    
35,739
    
111,221
    
104,961
  
                           
Noninterest income:
                          
Trust
    
1,292
    
1,182
    
3,795
    
3,431
  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    
4,314
    
4,159
    
12,554
    
12,286
  
ATM and debit card fees
    
1,631
    
1,474
    
4,575
    
4,128
  
Broker/dealer and insurance fees
    
571
    
1,696
    
2,659
    
5,210
  
Net securities (losses) gains
    
(737
)
  
18
    
(690
)
  
56
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
339
    
348
    
1,005
    
1,142
  
Retirement plan administration fees
    
1,195
    
-
    
3,214
    
-
  
Other
    
1,746
    
1,240
    
5,005
    
4,296
  
Total noninterest income
    
10,351
    
10,117
    
32,117
    
30,549
  
                           
Noninterest expenses:
                          
Salaries and employee benefits
    
15,438
    
13,647
    
46,142
    
40,896
  
Office supplies and postage
    
1,135
    
1,167
    
3,406
    
3,341
  
Occupancy
    
2,425
    
2,445
    
7,763
    
7,489
  
Equipment
    
1,971
    
1,941
    
5,998
    
5,575
  
Professional fees and outside services
    
1,447
    
1,536
    
4,503
    
4,592
  
Data processing and communications
    
2,613
    
2,688
    
7,801
    
8,232
  
Amortization of intangible assets
    
142
    
71
    
402
    
213
  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    
115
    
339
    
724
    
810
  
Other operating
    
3,293
    
3,471
    
9,417
    
9,222
  
Total noninterest expenses
    
28,579
    
27,305
    
86,156
    
80,370
  
Income before income tax expense
    
18,971
    
18,551
    
57,182
    
55,140
  
Income tax expense
    
5,445
    
5,934
    
17,739
    
17,584
  
Net income
  
$
13,526
  
$
12,617
  
$
39,443
  
$
37,556
  
Earnings per share:
                          
Basic
  
$
0.42
  
$
0.39
  
$
1.21
  
$
1.15
  
Diluted
  
$
0.41
  
$
0.38
  
$
1.20
  
$
1.14
  
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
  
   
 
 
Common
Stock
  
 
Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
  
 
 
Retained
Earnings
  
 
Unvested
Stock
Awards
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income
  
 
 
Treasury
Stock
  
 
 
 
Total
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
                          
                               
Balance at December 31, 2003
  
$
344
  
$
209,267
  
$
120,016
  
$
(197
)  
$
7,933
  
$
(27,329
)  
$
310,034
  
Net income
                
37,556
                      
37,556
  
Cash dividends - $0.55 per share
                
(18,014
)
                    
(18,014
)
Purchase of 416,689 treasury shares
                                  
(8,984
)
  
(8,984
)
Issuance of 354,425 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
          
57
                      
6,306
    
6,363
  
Grant of 14,457 shares of restricted stock awards
    
 
     59          
(312
)
        
253
    
-
  
Forfeited 963 shares of restricted stock
          
 
          
17
          
(17
)
  
-
  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
                      
141
                
141
  
Other comprehensive loss
                            
(1,718
)  
       
(1,718
)
Balance at September 30, 2004
  
$
344
  
$
209,383
  
$
139,558
  
$
(351
)
$
6,215
  
$
(29,771
)
$
325,378
  
                                             
Balance at December 31, 2004
  
$
344
  
$
209,523
  
$
145,812
  
$
(296
)
$
4,989
  
$
(28,139
)
$
332,233
  
Net income
                
39,443
                      
39,443
  
Cash dividends - $0.57 per share
                
(18,524
)  
                   
(18,524
)
Purchase of 868,743 treasury shares
                                  
(19,989
)
  
(19,989
)
Issuance of 387,337 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
          
121
                      
7,340
    
7,461
  
Grant of 24,675 shares of restricted stock awards
          
(40
)  
       
(626
)
        
666
    
-
  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
                      
266
                
266
  
Other comprehensive loss
                            
(8,722
)
        
(8,722
)
Balance at September 30, 2005
  
$
344
  
$
209,604
  
$
166,731
  
$
(656
)
$
(3,733
)
$
(40,122
)
$
332,168
  
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
  
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands)
          
           
Operating activities:
          
Net income
  
$
39,443
  
$
37,556
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash providedby operating activities:
              
Provision for loan losses
    
6,868
    
6,865
  
Depreciation of premises and equipment
    
4,747
    
4,541
  
Net amortization on securities
    
1,077
    
1,959
  
Amortization of intangible assets
    
402
    
213
  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    
266
    
141
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
(1,005
)
  
(1,142
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
    
15,381
    
20,576
  
Origination of loans held for sale
    
(17,254
)
  
(1,363
)
Net gains on sale of loans
    
(33
)
  
(108
)
Net gain on sale of other real estate owned
    
(325
)
  
(796
)
Net security losses (gains)
    
690
    
(56
)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options
    
1,057
    
995
  
Net decrease in other assets
    
1,160
    
924
  
Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities
   
(7,199
)
  
6,328
  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
45,275
    
76,633
  
Investing activities:
              
Securities available for sale:
              
Proceeds from maturities
    
130,882
    
212,032
  
Proceeds from sales
    
53,044
    
12,796
  
Purchases
    
(190,357
)
  
(226,403
)
Securities held to maturity:
              
Proceeds from maturities
    
34,436
    
44,689
  
Purchases
    
(42,386
)
  
(25,336
)
Net purchases of FRB and FHLB stock
    
-
    
(2,999
)
Cash paid for the acquisition of EPIC Advisor’s, Inc.
    
(6,129
)
  
-
  
Cash received for the sale of M. Griffith Inc.
    
1,016
    
-
  
Net increase in loans
    
(135,826
)
  
(199,314
)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net
    
(4,424
)
  
(4,655
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    
966
    
2,134
  
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(158,778
)
  
(187,056
)
Financing activities:
              
Net increase in deposits
    
138,335
    
89,278
  
Net increase in short-term borrowings
    
17,370
    
16,689
  
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt
    
60,000
    
30,000
  
Repayments of long-term debt
    
(35,170
)
  
(5,155
)
Proceeds from issuance of treasury shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
    
6,404
    
5,368
  
Purchase of treasury stock
    
(19,989
)
  
(8,984
)
Cash dividends
    
(18,524
)
  
(18,014
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
    
148,426
    
109,182
  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    
34,923
    
(1,241
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    
106,723
    
128,092
  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
141,646
  
$
126,851
  

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
  
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  
2005
  
2004
  
           
Cash paid during the period for:
          
Interest
  
$
54,488
  
$
44,940
  
Income taxes
    
19,574
    
9,516
  
               
Transfers:
              
Loans transferred to OREO
  
$
300
  
$
655
  
               
Dispositions:
              
Assets sold
  
$
1,405
    
-
  
Fair value of liabilities transferred
     389        
Acquisitions:
              
Fair value of assets acquired
  
$
6,565
    
-
  
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    
435
    
-
  
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
           
   
Three months ended
September 30,
  
Nine months ended
September 30,
  
 
2005
  
2004
  
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands)
                  
Net income
  
$
13,526
  
$
12,617
  
$
39,443
  
$
37,556
  
                           
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
                          
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period [pre-tax amounts of $(10,672), $14,894, $(15,198) and $(2,654)]
    
(6,415
)
  
8,956
    
(9,137
)
  
(1,595
)
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    
-
    
(89
)
  
-
    
(89
)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income [pre-tax amounts of $737, $(18), $690 and $(56)]
    
443
    
(11
)
  
415
    
(34
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    
(5,972
)
  
8,856
    
(8,722
)
  
(1,718
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
7,554
  
$
21,473
  
$
30,721
  
$
35,838
  
See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


NBT BANCORP INC. and Subsidiary
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2005

Note 1.
Description of Business

NBT Bancorp Inc. (the Company or the Registrant) is a registered financial holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1986, with its principal headquarters located in Norwich, New York. The Company is the parent holding company of NBT Bank, N.A. (the Bank), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (NBT Financial) and CNBF Capital Trust I. Through these subsidiaries, the Company operates as one segment focused on community banking operations. The Company’s primary business consists of providing commercial banking and financial services to its customers in its market area. The principal assets of the Company are all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its direct subsidiaries, and its principal sources of revenue are the management fees and dividends it receives from the Bank and NBT Financial.

The Bank is a full service commercial bank formed in 1856, which provides a broad range of financial products to individuals, corporations and municipalities throughout the central and upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania market area. The Bank conducts business through two operating divisions, NBT Bank and Pennstar Bank.

Note 2.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NBT Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. and NBT Financial Services, Inc. Collectively, the Registrant and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “the Company”. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.
 
CNBF Capital Trust I (“Trust I”) is a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 1999, for the purpose of issuing $18 million in trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company. The Company guarantees, on a limited basis, payments of distributions on the trust preferred securities and payments on redemption of the trust preferred securities. Trust I is a variable interest entity (VIEs) for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, as defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (Revised December 2003 (FIN 46R)).” In accordance with FIN 46R, which was implemented in the first quarter of 2004, the accounts of Trust I are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3.
New Accounting Pronouncements

During December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. Stock-based payments include stock option grants. The Company grants options to purchase common stock to some of its employees and directors under various plans at prices equal to the market value of the stock on the dates the options were granted. SFAS 123R is effective for the next fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005. Based on assumptions at September 30, 2005, the Company expects the adoption of SFAS 123 R will lower earnings per share by approximately $0.04 for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 
Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” EITF 03-1 provides guidance for determining when an investment is considered impaired, whether impairment is other-than-temporary, and measurement of an impairment loss. An investment is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. Generally, an impairment is considered other-than-temporary unless: (i) the investor has the ability and intent to hold an investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for an anticipated recovery of fair value up to (or beyond) the cost of the investment; and (ii) evidence indicating that the cost of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the contrary. If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss should be recognized equal to the difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value. Certain disclosure requirements of EITF 03-1 were adopted in 2003 and the Company began presenting the new disclosure requirements in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003. The recognition and measurement provisions were initially effective for other-than-temporary impairment evaluations in reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. However, in September 2004, the effective date of these provisions was delayed until the finalization of a FASB Staff Position (FSP) to provide additional implementation guidance.

In June, the FASB decided not to provide additional guidance on the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment, but directed its staff to issue proposed FSP EITF 03-1-a, “Implementation Guidance for the Application of Paragraph 16 of EITF Issue No. 03-1,” as final. The final FSP will supersede EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” and EITF Topic No. D-44, “Recognition of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a Security Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value.” The final FSP (retitled FSP FAS 115-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments”) will replace the guidance set forth in paragraphs 10-18 of Issue 03-1 with references to existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance, such as FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 59, “Accounting for Noncurrent Marketable Equity Securities”, and APB Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.” FSP FAS 115-1 will codify the guidance set forth in EITF Topic D-44 and clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when the impairment is deemed other than temporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made. The FASB decided that FSP FAS 115-1 would be effective for other-than-temporary impairment analysis conducted in periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The finalized FSP FAS 115-1 should be issued during the fourth quarter of 2005. The Company does not expect the impact of FSP FAS 115-1 will be material to its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2005 the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.” SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period−specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS 154 also requires that retrospective application of a change in accounting principle be limited to the direct effects of the change. Indirect effects of a change in accounting principle should be recognized in the period of the accounting change. SFAS 154 also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long−lived, non−financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Early adoption is permitted for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after the date this Statement is issued. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of SFAS 154, as applicable, beginning in fiscal 2006. Adoption of this statement could have an impact if there are future voluntary accounting changes and correction of errors.


Note 4.
Use of Estimates

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

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

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

Management believes that the allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize loan and lease losses, future additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions or changes in the values of properties securing loans in the process of foreclosure. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination which may not be currently available to management.

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

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company files consolidated tax returns on the accrual basis. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or the existence of sufficient taxable income within the available carryback period. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Based on available evidence, gross deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized and a valuation allowance was not deemed necessary at September 30, 2005 and 2004. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.


Note 5.
Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuating interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policy to make such commitments as it uses for on-balance-sheet items. At September 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004, commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $501.4 million and $507.4 million. Since commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon, this amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management’s credit evaluation of the borrower and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, land and other items.

The Company guarantees the obligations or performance of customers by issuing stand-by letters of credit to third parties. These stand-by letters of credit are frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate debt issuances, industrial revenue bonds, and municipal securities. The risk involved in issuing stand-by letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination, portfolio maintenance and management procedures in effect to monitor other credit and off-balance sheet products. Typically, these instruments have terms of five years or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit totaled $42.6 million at September 30, 2005 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2004. As of September 30, 2005, the fair value of standby letters of credit was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 6.
Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as the Company’s dilutive stock options).



The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented in the consolidated statements of income.

           
Three months ended September 30,
 
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
          
           
Basic EPS:
          
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
32,440
    
32,619
  
Net income available to common shareholders
  
$
13,526
  
$
12,617
  
Basic EPS
  
$
0.42
  
$
0.39
  
               
Diluted EPS:
              
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
32,440
    
32,619
  
Dilutive potential common stock
    
289
    
316
  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    
32,729
    
32,935
  
Net income available to common shareholders
  
$
13,526
  
$
12,617
  
               
Diluted EPS
  
$
0.41
  
$
0.38
  
 
           
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
          
           
Basic EPS:
          
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
32,478
    
32,724
  
Net income available to common shareholders
  
$
39,443
  
$
37,556
  
Basic EPS
  
$
1.21
  
$
1.15
  
               
Diluted EPS:
              
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
32,478
    
32,724
  
Dilutive potential common stock
    
284
    
340
  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    
32,762
    
33,064
  
Net income available to common shareholders
  
$
39,443
  
$
37,556
  
               
Diluted EPS
  
$
1.20
  
$
1.14
  

There were 8,996 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and 28,665 stock options for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods. There were 372,686 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 347,078 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price during these periods.

Note 7.
Stock-Based Compensation

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure” which provides guidance on how to transition from the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” to SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value method of accounting, if a company so elects. The Company currently accounts for stock-based employee compensation under APB No. 25. As such, compensation expense would be recorded only if the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant exceeded the exercise price. Because the fair value on the date of grant of the underlying stock of all stock options granted by the Company is equal to the exercise price of the options granted, no compensation cost has been recognized for stock options in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is based on the market price of the stock on the date of grant and is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the award.


Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the date of grant for its stock options and employee stock purchase plan under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
           
   
Three months ended
September 30,
  
Nine months ended
September 30,
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2005
  
2004
  
Net income, as reported
  
$
13,526
  
$
12,617
  
$
39,443
  
$
37,556
  
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    
81
    
37
    
245
    
85
  
Less: Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    
(361
)
  
(323
)
  
(993
)
  
(893
)
Pro forma net income
  
$
13,246
  
$
12,331
  
$
38,695
  
$
36,748
  
                           
Net income per share:
                          
Basic - as reported
  
$
0.42
  
$
0.39
  
$
1.21
  
$
1.15
  
Basic - Pro forma
  
$
0.41
  
$
0.38
  
$
1.19
  
$
1.12
  
                           
Diluted - as reported
  
$
0.41
  
$
0.38
  
$
1.20
  
$
1.14
  
Diluted - Pro forma
  
$
0.40
  
$
0.37
  
$
1.18
  
$
1.11
  


The Company granted 403,225 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 with a weighted average exercise price of $23.16 per share compared to 375,897 stock options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 with a weighted average exercise price of $22.17 per share. The per share weighted average fair value of the stock options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $5.88 and $5.80. The assumptions used for the grants noted above were as follows:

 
Nine months ended
September 30, 2005
Nine months ended
September 30, 2004
Dividend Yield
3.05% - 3.70%
3.01% - 3.74%
Expected Volatility
29.15% - 30.00%
29.82% - 31.65%
Risk-free interest rate
3.85% - 4.22%
3.56% - 4.41%
Expected life
7 years
7 years


The fair value of stock options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model was developed for use in estimating fair value of publicly traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Additionally, the model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because the Company’s employee and director stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of publicly traded stock options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model does not provide a single measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee and director stock options.


Note 8.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets

A summary of goodwill by operating subsidiaries follows:

 
(in thousands)
  
January 1,
2004
  
Goodwill
Acquired
  
Goodwill
Disposed
  
September 30,
2004
  
NBT Bank, N.A.
  
$
44,520
    
-
   
-
  
$
44,520
  
NBT Financial Services, Inc.
    
3,001
    
-
    
-
    
3,001
  
Total
  
$
47,521
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
47,521
  
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
  
January 1,
2005
  
Goodwill
Acquired
  
Goodwill
Disposed
  
September 30,
2005
  
NBT Bank, N.A.
  
$
44,520
    
-
    
-
  
$
44,520
  
NBT Financial Services, Inc.
    
1,050
    
3,024
    
1,050
    
3,024
  
Total
  
$
45,570
  
$
3,024
  
$
1,050
  
$
47,544
  

In January 2005, the Company acquired EPIC Advisors, Inc., a 401(k) record keeping firm located in Rochester, NY. In that transaction, the Company recorded customer relationship intangible assets of $2.1 million and non-compete provision intangible assets of $0.2 million, which have amortization periods of 13 years and 5 years, respectively. Also in connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $3.0 million in goodwill.

In March 2005, the Company sold its broker/dealer subsidiary, M. Griffith Inc. In connection with the sale of M. Griffith Inc., goodwill was reduced by $1.1 million and was allocated against the sales price. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a $2.0 million goodwill impairment charge in connection with the above mentioned sale. A definitive agreement was signed by the Company and the acquirer in the fourth quarter of 2004. The negotiation and resolution of sale terms for M. Griffith Inc. during the fourth quarter of 2004 resulted in the goodwill impairment charge in that same quarter.

The Company has finite-lived intangible assets capitalized on its consolidated balance sheet in the form of core deposit and other intangible assets. These intangible assets continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to twenty-five years.


A summary of core deposit and other intangible assets follows:

   
September 30,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands)
          
Core deposit intangibles:
          
Gross carrying amount
  
$
2,186
  
$
2,186
  
Less: accumulated amortization
    
1,504
    
1,272
  
Net Carrying amount
    
682
    
914
  
               
Other intangibles:
              
Gross carrying amount
    
3,197
    
857
  
Less: accumulated amortization
    
446
    
204
  
Net Carrying amount
    
2,751
    
653
  
               
Other intangibles not subject to amortization: Pension asset
    
517
    
517
  
               
Total intangibles with definite useful lives:
              
Gross carrying amount
    
5,900
    
3,560
  
Less: accumulated amortization
    
1,950
    
1,476
  
Net Carrying amount
  
$
3,950
  
$
2,084
  

Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets is expected to total $0.2 million for the remainder of 2005, $0.5 million for each of 2006 and 2007, $0.4 million for 2008, $0.3 million for 2009, and $2.0 million thereafter.

Note 9.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Postretirement Health Plan

The Company maintains a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. Benefits paid from the plan are based on age, years of service, compensation, social security benefits, and are determined in accordance with defined formulas. The Company’s policy is to fund the pension plan in accordance with ERISA standards. In addition, the Company provides certain health care benefits for retired employees. Benefits are accrued over the employees’ active service period. Only employees that were employed by NBT Bank, N.A. on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to receive postretirement health care benefits. The Company funds the cost of the postretirement health plan as benefits are paid.


The Components of pension expense and postretirement expense are set forth below (in thousands):

   
Three months ended September 30,
  
Nine months ended September 30,
  
Pension plan:
  
2005
  
2004
  
2005
  
2004
  
Service cost
  
$
469
  
$
427
  
$
1,407
  
$
1,281
  
Interest cost
    
561
    
533
    
1,683
    
1,599
  
Expected return on plan assets
    
(947
)
  
(934
)
  
(2,841
)
  
(2,802
)
Net amortization
    
374
    
64
    
1,122
    
192
  
Total
  
$
457
  
$
90
  
$
1,371
  
$
270
  
                           
       
Postretirement Health Plan:
    
2005
    
2004
    
2005
    
2004
  
Service cost
  
$
9
  
$
9
  
$
27
  
$
27
  
Interest cost
    
67
    
68
    
201
    
204
  
Net amortization
    
(15
)
  
(10
)
  
(45
)
  
(30
)
Total
  
$
61
  
$
67
  
$
183
  
$
201
  

Note 10.
Business Combination

On June 14, 2005, NBT announced that it had agreed to acquire CNB Bancorp, Inc. (CNB), with total assets at June 30, 2005, of approximately $420 million, which is headquartered in Gloversville, NY. The consideration to be paid in the merger will be 45% cash and 55% stock. Shareholders of CNB will be able to elect to receive either $38.00 in cash or 1.64 shares of Company common stock, for each share of CNB common stock, subject to pro ration and allocation procedures. The merger is subject to regulatory and CNB shareholder approval.

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

The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to provide the reader with a concise description of the financial condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc. (Bancorp) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. (NBT), and NBT Financial Services, Inc. (collectively referred to herein as the Company). This discussion will focus on Results of Operations, Financial Position, Capital Resources and Asset/Liability Management. Reference should be made to the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in this Form 10-Q as well as to the Company's 2004 Form 10-K for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this filing and future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, contain forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements may be identified by the use of phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “projects,” or other similar terms. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly; (2) revenues may be lower than expected; (3) changes in the interest rate environment may effect interest margins; (4) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and/or a reduced demand for credit; (5) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards or tax laws, may adversely affect the businesses in which the Company is engaged; (6) competitors may have greater financial resources and develop products that enable such competitors to compete more successfully than the Company; (7) adverse changes may occur in the securities markets or with respect to inflation; (8) acts of war or terrorism; (9) the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation; (10) internal control failures; (11) the costs that will be incurred from the CNB acquisition and the risk of not obtaining regulatory or CNB shareholder approval; and (12) the Company’s success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.


The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including those described above, could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to pension accounting to be a critical accounting policy. Management is required to make various assumptions in valuing its pension assets and liabilities. These assumptions include the expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, and the rate of increase in future compensation levels. Changes to these assumptions could impact earnings in future periods. The Company takes into account the plan asset mix, funding obligations, and expert opinions in determining the various rates used to estimate pension expense. The Company also considers the Moody’s AA and AAA corporate bond yields and other market interest rates in setting the appropriate discount rate. In addition, the Company reviews expected inflationary and merit increases to compensation in determining the rate of increase in future compensation levels. While differences in these rate assumptions could alter pension expense, given not only past history, it is not expected that such estimates could adversely impact pension expense.


Overview

The Company earned net income of $13.5 million ($0.41 diluted earnings per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to net income of $12.6 million ($0.38 diluted earnings per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The quarter to quarter increase in net income from 2005 to 2004 was primarily the result of increases in net interest income of $1.9 million, noninterest income of $0.2 million and a decrease in income tax expense of $0.5 million offset by increases in total noninterest expense of $1.3 million and provision for loan and lease losses of $0.4 million. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from 8% growth in average loans during the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in noninterest income reflects retirement plan administration fees of $1.2 million associated with the acquisition of EPIC Advisors, Inc., in January 2005, as well as increases in service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and debit card fees and other income offset by a $0.7 million loss from the sale of securities available for sale and a decrease in broker/dealer and insurance revenue of $1.1 million from the sale of M. Griffith Inc. in March 2005. The decrease in income tax expense resulted from the reversal of a $0.7 million accrued liability that was determined to no longer be required. The increase in total noninterest expense was due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $1.8 million.

The Company earned net income of $39.4 million ($1.20 diluted earnings per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to net income of $37.6 million ($1.14 diluted earnings per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in net income from 2005 to 2004 was primarily the result of increases in net interest income of $6.3 million and noninterest income of $1.6 million offset by an increase in total noninterest expense of $5.8 million. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from 9% growth in average loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in noninterest income was due mainly to $3.2 million in retirement plan administration fees associated with the previously mentioned acquisition of EPIC Advisors, Inc., as well as increases in trust fees, service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and debit card fees and other income offset by a decrease in broker/dealer and insurance revenue of $2.6 million from the previously mentioned sale of M. Griffith Inc and $0.7 million in losses on securities available for sale. The increase in total noninterest expense was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits of $5.2 million, occupancy of $0.3 million, and equipment expense of $0.4 million.

Table 1 depicts several annualized measurements of performance using GAAP net income. Returns on average assets and equity measure how effectively an entity utilizes its total resources and capital, respectively. Net interest margin, which is the net federal taxable equivalent (FTE) interest income divided by average earning assets, is a measure of an entity's ability to utilize its earning assets in relation to the cost of funding. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans is adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
 
Table 1
Performance Measurements
        
 
2005
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Nine
Months
Return on average assets (ROAA)
1.23%
1.22%
1.23%
1.23%
Return on average equity (ROE)
15.74%
16.21%
16.06%
16.03%
Net interest margin (Federal taxable equivalent)
4.09%
4.02%
3.99%
4.04%
         
2004
        
Return on average assets (ROAA)
1.23%
1.24%
1.20%
1.23%
Return on average equity (ROE)
15.73%
16.05%
15.94%
15.91%
Net interest margin (Federal taxable equivalent)
4.10%
3.99%
3.99%
4.03%

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets, primarily loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is affected by the interest rate spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and cost of interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the volumes of such assets and liabilities. Net interest income is one of the major determining factors in a financial institution’s performance as it is the principal source of earnings. Table 2 represents an analysis of net interest income on a federal taxable equivalent basis.

Federal taxable equivalent (FTE) net interest income increased $2.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The increase in FTE net interest income resulted primarily from 5% growth in average earning assets. The Company’s interest rate spread declined 12 bp during the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. The yield on earning assets for the period increased 44 bp to 5.97% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 from 5.53% for the same period in 2004. Meanwhile, the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 56 bp, to 2.37% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 from 1.81% for the same period in 2004.

Total FTE interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased $7.2 million compared to the same period in 2004, a result of the previously mentioned increase in average earning assets as well as the increase in yield on earning assets of 44 bp. The growth in earning assets during the period was driven primarily by growth in average loans and leases of 8%. The growth in average loans and leases resulted primarily from growth in consumer and commercial loans. The increase in the yield on earning assets can be primarily attributed to variable rate earning assets that are tied to the Prime lending rate, which has increased 250 bp since July 1, 2004.

During the same time period, total interest expense increased $5.3 million, primarily the result of the previously mentioned 250 bp increase in the Federal Funds rate since July 1, 2004, which impacts the Company’s short-term borrowing and time deposit rates. Additionally, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $107.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased $49.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. The rate paid on average interest-bearing deposits increased 44 bp from 1.52% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 to 1.96% for the same period in 2005. The increase in interest-bearing deposits resulted primarily from an increase in time deposits, which were up $159.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in time deposits was driven mainly by an increase in municipal time deposits. Total borrowings increased $58.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, primarily from loan growth exceeding deposit growth.


Another important performance measurement of net interest income is the net interest margin. Despite a 12 bp decrease in the Company’s net interest spread, the net interest margin remained unchanged at 3.99% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. The margin remained stable for the three months ended September 30, 2005, despite recent increases in the discount rate from 1.50% to 3.75% charged by the Federal Reserve Bank which drives short-term interest rates. The Company thus far has been successful in lagging deposit pricing increases and offsetting the impact of increased short-term borrowing costs from increases in prime-based earning assets and investing cash flow from loan and securities repayments at relatively similar or higher rates. Additionally, average demand deposits are up 13% for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, as this deposit source provides a positive benefit towards the Company’s net interest margin.

Federal taxable equivalent (FTE) net interest income increased $6.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The increase in FTE net interest income resulted primarily from 9% growth in average loans. The Company’s interest rate spread declined 6 bp to 3.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to 3.75% for the same period in 2004. However, the Company’s net interest margin increased 1 bp during this same period, to 4.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 4.03% for the same period a year ago. As noted above, the increase in the Company’s net interest margin is primarily attributable to an 10% increase in average demand deposits when compared to the same period in the prior year. The yield on earning assets increased 33 bp to 5.89% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 5.56% for the same period in 2004. Meanwhile, the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 39 bp, to 2.20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 1.81% for the same period in 2004.


Table 2
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
The following table includes the condensed consolidated average balance sheet, an analysis of interest income/expense and average yield/rate for each major category of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities on a taxable equivalent basis. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.

   
Three months ended September 30,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rates
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rates
  
ASSETS
                          
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  
$
8,357
  
$
71
    
3.37
%
$
7,395
  
$
39
    
2.10
%
Securities available for sale (2)
    
944,062
    
10,589
    
4.45
%
  
985,202
    
11,350
    
4.58
%
Securities held to maturity (2)
    
87,663
    
1,275
    
5.77
%
  
78,310
    
1,055
    
5.36
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    
37,965
    
464
    
4.85
%
  
37,012
    
256
    
2.75
%
Loans (1)
    
3,002,016
    
48,953
    
6.47
%
  
2,784,851
    
41,406
    
5.91
%
Total earning assets
    
4,080,063
    
61,352
    
5.97
%
  
3,892,770
    
54,106
    
5.53
%
Other assets
    
284,652
                
275,615
              
Total assets
  
$
4,364,715
                
4,168,385
              
                                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                              
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
389,699
  
$
1,918
    
1.95
%
$
444,554
  
$
1,364
    
1.22
%
NOW deposit accounts
    
428,454
    
577
    
0.53
%
  
458,593
    
484
    
0.42
%
Savings deposits
    
564,967
    
1,018
    
0.72
%
  
590,331
    
959
    
0.65
%
Time deposits
    
1,216,631
    
9,329
    
3.04
%
  
1,057,259
    
6,936
    
2.61
%
Total interest bearing deposits
    
2,599,751
    
12,842
    
1.96
%
  
2,550,737
    
9,743
    
1.52
%
Short-term borrowings
    
367,736
    
3,005
    
3.24
%
  
336,077
    
1,192
    
1.41
%
Trust preferred debentures
    
18,720
    
308
    
6.53
%
  
18,720
    
245
    
5.21
%
Long-term debt
    
419,367
    
4,176
    
3.95
%
  
392,927
    
3,861
    
3.91
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
    
3,405,574
    
20,331
    
2.37
%
  
3,298,461
    
15,041
    
1.81
%
Demand deposits
    
572,450
                
504,457
              
Other liabilities
   
52,265
                
50,521
              
Stockholders’ equity
    
334,426
                
314,946
              
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
    
4,364,715
                
4,168,385
              
Net interest income (FTE basis)
          
41,021
                
39,065
        
Interest rate spread
                
3.60
%
              
3.72
%
Net interest margin
                
3.99
%
              
3.99
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          
1,070
                
1,013
        
Net interest income
        
$
39,951
              
$
38,052
        


(1)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding.
(2)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost.

 
   
Nine months ended September 30,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rates
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rates
  
ASSETS
                          
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  
$
7,171
  
$
158
    
2.95
%
$
7,638
  
$
187
    
3.27
%
Securities available for sale (2)
    
950,660
    
32,087
    
4.52
%
  
974,671
    
33,652
    
4.61
%
Securities held to maturity (2)
    
86,959
    
3,678
    
5.67
%
  
87,322
    
3,275
    
5.01
%
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    
37,044
    
1,393
    
5.04
%
  
34,778
    
610
    
2.34
%
Loans (1)
    
2,941,292
    
139,430
    
6.35
%
  
2,710,147
    
121,195
    
5.97
%
Total earning assets
    
4,023,126
    
176,746
    
5.89
%
  
3,814,556
    
158,919
    
5.56
%
Other assets
    
280,455
                
276,996
              
Total assets
  
$
4,303,581
              
$
4,091,552
              
                                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                              
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
402,086
  
$
5,002
    
1.67
%
$
440,350
  
$
3,900
    
1.18
%
NOW deposit accounts
    
441,313
    
1,616
    
0.49
%
  
455,817
    
1,603
    
0.47
%
Savings deposits
    
569,810
    
3,001
    
0.71
%
  
575,565
    
2,889
    
0.67
%
Time deposits
    
1,207,237
    
25,961
    
2.88
%
  
1,070,889
    
21,070
    
2.63
%
Total interest bearing deposits
    
2,620,446
    
35,580
    
1.82
%
  
2,542,621
    
29,462
    
1.55
%
Short-term borrowings
    
339,344
    
7,073
    
2.79
%
  
303,251
    
2,779
    
1.22
%
Trust preferred debentures
    
18,720
    
851
    
6.09
%
  
18,155
    
588
    
4.33
%
Long-term debt
    
408,628
    
12,016
    
3.94
%
  
377,466
    
11,103
    
3.93
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
    
3,387,138
    
55,520
    
2.20
%
  
3,241,493
    
43,932
    
1.81
%
Demand deposits
    
533,330
                
485,679
              
Other liabilities
   
53,372
                
49,052
              
Stockholders’ equity
    
329,741
                
315,328
              
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
4,303,581
                
4,091,552
              
Net interest income (FTE basis)
          
121,226
                
114,987
        
Interest rate spread
                
3.69
%
              
3.75
%
Net interest margin
                
4.04
%
              
4.03
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          
3,137
                
3,161
        
Net interest income
        
$
118,089
              
$
111,826
        


(1)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding.
(2)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost.


The following table presents changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume (change in average balance multiplied by prior year rate), changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), and the net change in net interest income. The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.
 
Table 3
Analysis of Changes in Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income
Three months ended September 30,
  
   
Increase (Decrease)
2005 over 2004
  
(in thousands)
  
Volume
  
Rate
  
Total
  
               
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  
$
6
  
$
26
  
$
32
  
Securities available for sale
    
(466
)
  
(295
)
  
(761
)
Securities held to maturity
    
132
    
88
    
220
  
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    
7
    
201
    
208
  
Loans
    
3,368
    
4,179
    
7,547
  
Total FTE interest income
    
2,682
    
4,564
    
7,246
  
                     
Money market deposit accounts
    
(186
)
  
740
    
554
  
NOW deposit accounts
    
(33
)
  
126
    
93
  
Savings deposits
    
(42
)
  
101
    
59
  
Time deposits
    
1,129
    
1,264
    
2,393
  
Short-term borrowings
    
122
    
1,691
    
1,813
  
Trust preferred debentures
    
-
    
63
    
63
  
Long-term debt
   
263
    
52
    
315
  
Total interest expense
    
503
    
4,787
    
5,290
  
                     
Change in FTE net interest income
  
$
2,188
  
$
(232
)
$
1,956
  

       
 
Nine months ended September 30,
  
Increase (Decrease)
2005 over 2004
  
(in thousands)
  
Volume
  
Rate
  
Total
  
               
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  
$
(11
)
$
(18
)
$
(29
)
Securities available for sale
    
(819
)
  
(746
)
  
(1,565
)
Securities held to maturity
    
(14
)
  
417
    
403
  
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    
42
    
741
    
783
  
Loans
    
10,701
    
7,534
    
18,235
  
Total FTE interest income
    
8,926
    
8,901
    
17,827
  
                     
Money market deposit accounts
    
(363
)
  
1,465
    
1,102
  
NOW deposit accounts
    
(52
)
  
65
    
13
  
Savings deposits
    
(29
)
  
141
    
112
  
Time deposits
    
2,827
    
2,064
    
4,891
  
Short-term borrowings
    
367
    
3,927
    
4,294
  
Trust preferred debentures
    
19
    
244
    
263
  
Long-term debt
   
916
    
(3
)
  
913
  
Total interest expense
    
2,047
    
9,541
    
11,588
  
                     
Change in FTE net interest income
  
$
6,975
  
$
(736
)
$
6,239
  

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

   
Three months ended
September 30,
  
Nine months ended
September 30,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands)
                  
Service charges on deposit accounts
  
$
4,314
  
$
4,159
  
$
12,554
  
$
12,286
  
ATM and debit card fees
    
1,631
    
1,474
    
4,575
    
4,128
  
Broker/dealer and insurance fees
    
571
    
1,696
    
2,659
    
5,210
  
Trust
    
1,292
    
1,182
    
3,795
    
3,431
  
Net securities (losses) gains
    
(737
)
  
18
    
(690
)
  
56
  
Retirement plan administration fees
    
1,195
    
-
    
3,214
    
-
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
339
    
348
    
1,005
    
1,142
  
Other
    
1,746
    
1,240
    
5,005
    
4,296
  
Total
  
$
10,351
  
$
10,117
  
$
32,117
  
$
30,549
  

Noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, was $10.4 million, up $0.2 million from $10.1 million for the same period in 2004. Excluding net securities losses of $0.7 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2005, total noninterest income increased $1.0 million or 10% from the same period in 2004. Net securities losses of $0.7 million resulted from the sale of $25 million in securities available for sale to improve investment portfolio yield going forward. Retirement plan administration fees were $1.2 million. This is a new service from the acquisition of EPIC Advisors, Inc. in January 2005. Other income increased $0.5 million from increases in consumer and commercial banking fees, mortgage banking income and title insurance revenue. Offsetting these increases was a $1.1 million decrease in broker/dealer and insurance revenue due to the sale of the Company’s broker/dealer subsidiary M. Griffith Inc. in March 2005.

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was $32.1 million, up $1.6 million from $30.5 million for the same period in 2004. Excluding net securities losses of $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, total noninterest income increased $2.3 million or 7% from the same period in 2004. Retirement plan administration fees totaled $3.2 million, from the previously mentioned acquisition of EPIC Advisors, Inc. in January 2005. ATM and debit card fees increased $0.4 million compared with the same period a year ago, due to growth from transaction deposit accounts, which has led to an increase in the Company’s debit card base. Other income increased $0.7 million from increases in consumer and commercial banking fees, mortgage banking income and title insurance revenue. Offsetting these increases was a $2.6 million decrease in broker/dealer and insurance revenue due to the previously mentioned sale of the Company’s broker/dealer subsidiary M. Griffith Inc. in March 2005.


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

   
Three months ended
September 30,
  
Nine months ended
September 30,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2005
  
2004
  
(in thousands)
                  
Salaries and employee benefits
  
$
15,438
  
$
13,647
  
$
46,142
  
$
40,896
  
Occupancy
    
2,425
    
2,445
    
7,763
    
7,489
  
Equipment
    
1,971
    
1,941
    
5,998
    
5,575
  
Data processing and communications
    
2,613
    
2,688
    
7,801
    
8,232
  
Professional fees and outside services
    
1,447
    
1,536
    
4,503
    
4,592
  
Office supplies and postage
    
1,135
    
1,167
    
3,406
    
3,341
  
Amortization of intangible assets
    
142
    
71
    
402
    
213
  
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    
115
    
339
    
724
    
810
  
Other
    
3,293
    
3,471
    
9,417
    
9,222
  
Total noninterest expense
  
$
28,579
  
$
27,305
  
$
86,156
  
$
80,370
  

Noninterest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, was $28.6 million, up $1.3 million from $27.3 million for the same period in 2004. Salaries and employee benefits for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, increased $1.8 million over the same period in 2004. This increase resulted mainly from higher SERP costs, salaries from merit and staffing increases and a $0.6 million charge for a one-time bonus to help offset the impact of rising energy costs for Company employees whose base salary is under $50,000.

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was $86.2 million, up $5.8 million from $80.4 million for the same period in 2004. The increase in noninterest expense was driven by increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense offset by a decrease in data processing and communications expense. Salaries and employee benefits increased $5.2 million, mainly from increases in salary expense driven by merit and staffing increases, higher pension and SERP costs and the previously mentioned $0.6 million charge for a one-time bonus to help offset the impact of rising energy costs for Company employees whose base salary is under $50,000. Equipment expense increased $0.4 million, principally from ATM and technology upgrades. Occupancy increased $0.3 million from branch expansion in the Albany and Binghamton markets. Data processing and communications decreased $0.4 million, primarily as a result of lower costs associated with contract renewals

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, was $5.4 million, down $0.5 million from the $5.9 million recorded during the same period in 2004. The effective rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, was 28.7%, down from 32.0% for the same period in 2004. The decrease in tax expense and the effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, was due to the reversal of a previously accrued $0.7 million liability that was determined to no longer be required. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was $17.7 million, up $0.1 million from the $17.6 million recorded during the same period in 2004. The effective rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was 31.0%, down from 31.9% for the same period in 2004. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was due to the previously mentioned reversal of a previously accrued $0.7 million liability that was determined to no longer be required in the third quarter of 2005.


ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Loans and Leases

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

   
September 30,
2005
  
December 31,
2004
  
September 30,
2004
  
(in thousands)
              
Residential real estate mortgages
  
$
692,528
  
$
721,615
  
$
708,428
  
Commercial and commercial real estate mortgages
    
1,036,748
    
1,018,548
    
1,003,742
  
Real estate construction and development
    
154,936
    
136,934
    
116,259
  
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
    
112,536
    
108,181
    
106,750
  
Consumer
    
471,179
    
412,139
    
416,906
  
Home equity
    
452,733
    
391,807
    
385,035
  
Lease financing
    
82,443
    
80,697
    
77,433
  
Total loans and leases
  
$
3,003,103
  
$
2,869,921
  
$
2,814,553
  


Total loans and leases were $3.0 billion, or 68.5% of assets, at September 30, 2005, and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2004, and $2.8 billion, or 67.0%, at September 30, 2004. Total loans and leases increased $188.6 million or 7% at September 30, 2005 over September 30, 2004. The year over year loan growth was driven mainly by increases in home equity loans of $67.7 million or 18%, primarily from market expansion and continued success in marketing this product throughout the Company’s branch network. This market expansion has also helped drive the increase in real estate construction and development loans of $38.7 million. Consumer loans increased $54.3 million or 13%, mainly from increases in indirect automobile loans. Commercial loans and commercial mortgages increased $33.0 million or 3%. Lastly, residential real estate mortgages, decreased $15.9 million when compared to September 30, 2004. The decrease in the residential mortgage portfolio resulted mainly from mortgage repayments exceeding originations retained for the loan portfolio as the Company began selling 20-year and 30-year residential mortgages from its pipeline in the second quarter 2005. At September 30, 2005, commercial loans, including commercial mortgages, represented approximately 35% of the loan and lease portfolio, while consumer loans and leases and residential mortgages represented 34% and 23%, respectively.

Securities

The Company classifies its securities at date of purchase as available for sale, held to maturity or trading. Held to maturity debt securities are those that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Held to maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities are recorded at fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses recognized currently in income. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. A decline in the fair value of any available for sale or held to maturity security below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Securities with an other-than-temporary impairment are generally placed on nonaccrual status.


Average total earning securities decreased $31.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. The average balance of securities available for sale decreased $41.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. The average balance of securities held to maturity increased $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. The average total securities portfolio represents 25% of total average earning assets for the three months ended September 30, 2005 down from 27% for the same period in 2004. The decrease in the securities portfolio for the period was primarily due to the Company’s efforts to limit exposure to rising interest rates.

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

 
At September 30,
 
2005
2004
     
Mortgage-backed securities:
    
With maturities 15 years or less
39%
49%
With maturities greater than 15 years
6%
8%
Collateral mortgage obligations
16%
12%
Municipal securities
15%
14%
US agency notes
20%
12%
Other
4%
5%
Total
100%
100%

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

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

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


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

After a thorough consideration and validation of the factors discussed above, required additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses are made periodically by charges to the provision for loan and lease losses. These charges are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of overall inherent risk of probable loss in the portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and leases, additions to the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another. These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above. The allowance for loan and lease losses to outstanding loans and leases at September 30, 2005 was 1.58% compared to 1.57% at December 31, 2004 and 1.58% at September 30, 2004. Management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate based on evaluation and analysis of the loan portfolio.

 
Table 4 reflects changes to the allowance for loan and lease losses for the periods presented. The allowance is increased by provisions for losses charged to operations and is reduced by net charge-offs. Charge-offs are made when the collectability of loan principal within a reasonable time is unlikely. Any recoveries of previously charged-off loans are credited directly to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Table 4
Allowance for Loan Losses
      
   
Three months ended September 30,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2005
      
2004
      
Balance, beginning of period
  
$
46,411
        
$
43,482
        
Recoveries
    
936
          
1,479
        
Charge-offs
    
(2,549
)
        
(2,735
)
      
Net charge-offs
    
(1,613
)
        
(1,256
)
      
Provision for loan losses
    
2,752
          
2,313
        
Balance, end of period
  
$
47,550
        
$
44,539
        
Composition of Net Charge-Offs
                          
Commercial and agricultural
  
$
(536
)
  
33
%   
$
(51
)
  
4
%
Real estate mortgage
    
(37
)
  
2
%
  
(118
)
  
10
%
Consumer
    
(1,040
)
  
65
%
  
(1,087
)
  
86
%
Net charge-offs
  
$
(1,613
)
  
100
%
$
(1,256
)
  
100
%
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans
    
0.21
%
        
0.18
%
      

       
   
Nine months ended September 30,
  
(dollars in thousands)
  
2005
      
2004
      
Balance, beginning of period
  
$
44,932
        
$
42,651
        
Recoveries
    
3,348
          
3,029
        
Charge-offs
    
(7,598
)
        
(8,006
)
      
Net charge-offs
    
(4,250
)
        
(4,977
)
      
Provision for loan losses
    
6,868
          
6,865
        
Balance, end of period
  
$
47,550
        
$
44,539
        
Composition of Net Charge-Offs
                          
Commercial and agricultural
  
$
(1,030
)
  
24
%   
$
(1,366
)
  
27
%
Real estate mortgage
    
(214
)
  
5
%
  
(187
)
  
4
%
Consumer
    
(3,006
)
  
71
%
  
(3,424
)
  
69
%
Net charge-offs
  
$
(4,250
)
  
100
%
$
(4,977
)
  
100
%
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans
    
0.19
%
        
0.25
%
      

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


Total nonperforming assets were $13.6 million at September 30, 2005, and $16.6 million at December 31, 2004, and $16.4 million at September 30, 2004. The decrease in nonperforming assets when compared to December 31, 2004 resulted primarily from the sale of approximately $5 million in nonperforming loans during the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Nonaccrual loans decreased from $15.0 million at December 31, 2004 to $12.4 million at September 30, 2005, primarily from the previously mention sale of nonperforming loans. OREO has remained at relatively low levels throughout 2005 and 2004, as the Company’s nonperforming loans have remained relatively stable and credit quality remains solid.

In addition to the nonperforming loans discussed above, the Company has also identified approximately $76.5 million in potential problem loans at September 30, 2005 as compared to $48.0 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in potential problem loans resulted mainly from the downgrade of one large commercial loan relationship totaling $15 million to substandard during the three months ended March 31, 2005 as well as the downgrade of several credits during the three months end September 30, 2005. Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but where known information about possible credit problems of the related borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future. At the Company, potential problem loans are typically loans that are performing but are classified by the Company’s loan rating system as “substandard.” At September 30, 2005, potential problem loans primarily consisted of commercial real estate and commercial and agricultural loans. Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions may worsen or other factors which may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on non-accrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses.

Net charge-offs totaled $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, up $0.3 million from the $1.3 million charged-off during the same period in 2004. The increase in net charge-offs resulted primarily from larger recoveries during the three months ended September 30, 2004 for commercial loans. The provision for loan and lease losses totaled $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, up from the $2.3 million provided during the same period in 2004. The increase in provision was primarily due to the increase in potential problem loans during the three months ended September 30, 2005 (up $10 million from the June 30, 2005) and an increase in net charge-offs offset by a decrease in nonperforming loans.

Net charge-offs totaled $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, down $0.7 million from the $5.0 million charged-off during the same period in 2004. The decrease in net charge-offs resulted primarily from lower charge-offs and higher recoveries during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The provision for loan and lease losses totaled $6.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. The provision remained relatively flat for both periods resulted primarily because of decreases in net charge-offs and nonperforming loans offset by loan growth and increases in potential problem loans during the first nine months of 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004.

 
Table 5
Nonperforming Assets
              
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
September 30,
2005
  
December 31,
2004
  
September 30,
2004
  
Commercial and agricultural
  
$
8,810
  
$
10,550
  
$
9,524
  
Real estate mortgage
    
1,854
    
2,553
    
2,725
  
Consumer
    
1,748
    
1,888
    
2,369
  
Total nonaccrual loans
    
12,412
    
14,991
    
14,618
  
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing:
                    
Commercial and agricultural
    
-
    
-
    
3
  
Real estate mortgage
    
395
    
737
    
888
  
Consumer
    
518
    
449
    
456
  
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
    
913
    
1,186
    
1,347
  
Total nonperforming loans
    
13,325
    
16,177
    
15,965
  
Other real estate owned (OREO)
    
235
    
428
    
446
  
Total nonperforming loans and OREO
    
13,560
    
16,605
    
16,411
  
Total nonperforming assets
  
$
13,560
  
$
16,605
  
$
16,411
  
Total nonperforming loans to loans and leases
    
0.44
%  
 
0.56
%
  
0.57
%
Total nonperforming assets to assets
    
0.31
%
  
0.39
%
  
0.39
%
Total allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans
    
356.85
%
  
277.75
%
  
278.98
%

Deposits

Total deposits were $3.2 billion at September 30, 2005, up $138.3 million from year-end 2004, and an increase of $121.5 million, or 4%, from the same period in the prior year. Total average deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased $117.0 million, or 4%, from the same period in 2004. The Company experienced an increase in time deposits, as average time deposits increased $159.4 million or 15%, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, primarily from an increase in municipal time deposits. Meanwhile, average core deposits decreased $42.4 million or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, mainly from a $54.9 million decrease in money market deposit accounts (primarily municipal money market accounts which migrated to time deposits) and savings accounts of $25.4 million offset somewhat by a $68.0 million increase in demand deposit accounts. At September 30, 2005, total checking, savings and money market accounts represented 62.0% of total deposits compared to 65.3% at September 30, 2004.

Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $356.2 million at September 30, 2005 compared to $338.8 million and $319.6 million at December 31, and June 30, 2004, respectively. Long-term debt was $419.4 million at September 30, 2005, and was $394.5 at December 31, and June 30, 2004. For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see the section with the title caption of “Liquidity Risk” on page 35-36 in this discussion.

Capital Resources

Stockholders' equity of $332.2 million represents 7.6% of total assets at September 30, 2005, compared with $325.4 million, or 7.7% in the comparable period of the prior year, and $332.2 million, or 7.9% at December 31, 2004. Under previously announced stock repurchase plans, the Company acquired 868,743 shares of its common stock at an average price of $23.01 per share, totaling $20.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. At September 30, 2005, there were 627,622 shares available for repurchase under previously announced plans. The Company does not have a target dividend pay out ratio, rather the Board of Directors considers the Company's earnings position and earnings potential when making dividend decisions.


As the capital ratios in Table 6 indicate, the Company remains “well capitalized”. Capital measurements are significantly in excess of regulatory minimum guidelines and meet the requirements to be considered well capitalized for all periods presented. Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 capital and Risk-based capital ratios have regulatory minimum guidelines of 3%, 4% and 8% respectively, with requirements to be considered well capitalized of 5%, 6% and 10%, respectively.

               
Table 6
              
Capital Measurements
2005
  
March 31,
2005
  
June 30,
2005
  
September 30,
2005
  
Tier 1 leverage ratio
    
6.89
%
  
6.91
%
  
6.99
%
Tier 1 capital ratio
    
9.41
%
  
9.23
%
  
9.56
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
    
10.67
%
  
10.48
%
  
10.82
%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
    
48.57
%
  
47.67
%
  
46.97
%
Per common share:
                    
Book value
  
$
9.85
  
$
10.22
  
$
10.25
  
Tangible book value
  
$
8.25
  
$
8.62
  
$
8.66
  
2004
                    
Tier 1 leverage ratio
    
6.96
%
  
6.90
%
  
6.96
%
Tier 1 capital ratio
    
10.12
%
  
9.74
%
  
9.61
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
    
11.37
%
  
11.00
%
  
10.86
%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
    
45.20
%
  
49.50
%
  
47.97
%
Per common share:
                    
Book value
  
$
9.80
  
$
9.43
  
$
9.93
  
Tangible book value
  
$
8.29
  
$
7.91
  
$
8.42
  

The accompanying Table 7 presents the high, low and closing sales price for the common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market, and cash dividends declared per share of common stock. The Company's price to book value ratio was 2.30 at September 30, 2005 and 2.36 in the comparable period of the prior year. The Company's price was 14.9 times trailing twelve months earnings at September 30, 2005, compared to 15.7 times for the same period last year.

Table 7
Quarterly Common Stock and Dividend Information
  
 
 
Quarter Ending
  
 
 
High
  
 
 
Low
  
 
 
Close
  
Cash
Dividends
Declared
  
2004
                  
March 31
  
$
23.00
  
$
21.21
  
$
22.50
  
$
0.170
  
June 30
    
23.18
    
19.92
    
22.34
    
0.190
  
September 30
    
24.34
    
21.02
    
23.43
    
0.190
  
December 31
    
26.84
    
21.94
    
25.72
    
0.190
  
2005
                          
March 31
  
$
25.66
  
$
21.48
  
$
22.41
  
$
0.190
  
June 30
  
$
24.15
  
$
20.10
  
$
23.64
  
$
0.190
  
September 30
  
$
25.50
  
$
22.79
  
$
23.58
  
$
0.190
  


Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

Market Risk

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

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

In adjusting the Company’s asset/liability position, the Board and management attempt to manage the Company’s interest rate risk while minimizing net interest margin compression. At times, depending on the level of general interest rates, the relationship between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, the Board and management may determine to increase the Company’s interest rate risk position somewhat in order to increase its net interest margin. The Company’s results of operations and net portfolio values remain vulnerable to changes in interest rates and fluctuations in the difference between long- and short-term interest rates.

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

The model is first run under an assumption of a flat rate scenario (i.e. no change in current interest rates) with a static balance sheet over a 12-month period. Three additional models are run with static balance sheets; (1) a gradual increase of 200 bp, (2) a gradual increase of 400 bp and (3) a gradual decrease of 200 bp takes place over a 12 month period with a static balance sheet. Under these scenarios, assets subject to prepayments are adjusted to account for faster or slower prepayment assumptions. Any investment securities or borrowings that have callable options embedded into them are handled accordingly based on the interest rate scenario. The resultant changes in net interest income are then measured against the flat rate scenario.

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


Net interest income for the next twelve months in the + 200/+ 400/- 200 bp scenarios, as described above, is within the internal policy risk limits of not more than a 7.5% change in net interest income. The following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income in the rising and declining rate scenarios over a 12-month period from the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario using the September 30, 2005 balance sheet position:

Table 8
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
  
Change in interest rates
(in basis points)
Percent change in
net interest income
+400
(5.42%)
+200
(1.64%)
-200
(1.47%)

Under the flat rate scenario with a static balance sheet, net interest income is anticipated to decrease 1.3% from annualized net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2005. If the Company cannot continue to grow earning assets at September 30, 2005, the Company expects net interest income to decline for the remainder of the year and 2006 from the annualized amount recognized in the third quarter of 2005. The Company has taken several measures to mitigate net interest margin compression. The Company began originating 20-year and 30-year residential real estate mortgages with the intent to sell at the end of the second quarter of 2005. The Company has also shortened the average life of its investment securities portfolio by limiting purchases of mortgage-backed securities and redirecting proceeds into short-duration CMOs and US Agency notes and bonds. Lastly, the Company has increased its long-term debt in the second quarter of 2005 to offset exposure to long-term earning assets.

Liquidity Risk

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

The primary liquidity measurement the Company utilizes is called the Basic Surplus which captures the adequacy of its access to reliable sources of cash relative to the stability of its funding mix of average liabilities. This approach recognizes the importance of balancing levels of cash flow liquidity from short- and long-term securities with the availability of dependable borrowing sources which can be accessed when necessary. At September 30 2005, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 5.8% of total assets or $252 million, which was above the Company’s minimum of 5% or $219 million set forth in its liquidity policies.


This Basic Surplus approach enables the Company to adequately manage liquidity from both operational and contingency perspectives. By tempering the need for cash flow liquidity with reliable borrowing facilities, the Company is able to operate with a more fully invested and, therefore, higher interest income generating, securities portfolio. The makeup and term structure of the securities portfolio is, in part, impacted by the overall interest rate sensitivity of the balance sheet. Investment decisions and deposit pricing strategies are impacted by the liquidity position. At September 30, 2005, the Company Basic Surplus is tightening, as the Basic Surplus has decreased from 7.2% at September 30, 2004. If the Company’s Basic Surplus continues to tighten, the Company will likely utilize brokered time deposits or price retail time deposits or money market accounts in selected markets more competitively to fund loan and lease growth in the near term. These sources of funds are typically more costly than FHLB borrowings and may have an adverse effect on the Company’s net interest margin.

The Company’s primary source of funds is from its subsidiary, NBT Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Company’s subsidiary bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is required to pay dividends when a bank fails to meet certain minimum regulatory capital standards or when such dividends are in excess of a subsidiary bank’s earnings retained in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (as defined in the regulations). At September 30, 2005, approximately $51.7 million of the total stockholders’ equity of NBT Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC. NBT Bank’s ability to pay dividends also is subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. NBT Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the State of Delaware Business Corporation Law, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of accumulated net retained earnings or capital surplus.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Information called for by Item 3 is contained in the Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management section of the Management Discussion and Analysis.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2005. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to any material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.

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

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 -- Legal Proceedings

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

Item 2 -- Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securitries


(a)
Not applicable

(b)
Not applicable
 
(c)
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by the Company (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of our common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2005:
 
 
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
As Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
The Plans (1)
7/1/05 - 7/31/05
-
-
-
839,722
8/1/05 - 8/31/05
113,000
23.60
113,000
726,722
9/1/05 - 9/30/05
99,100
23.47
99,100
627,622
Total
212,100 (2)
$23.54
212,100
627,622

(1)
On January 24, 2005, NBT announced that the NBT Board of Directors approved a new repurchase program whereby NBT is authorized to repurchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares (approximately 5%) of its outstanding common stock from time to time as market conditions warrant in open market and privately negotiated transactions. At that time, there were 719,800 shares remaining under a previous authorization that was be superseded by the new repurchase program. During the period January 1, 2005 and January 24, 2005, the Company purchased 11,265 shares of its common stock under the superseded plan.
(2)
14,900 shares included in the total above settled in October 2005 and will be reflected in stockholders’ equity in the fourth quarter 2005.

Item 3 -- Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 -- Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Item 5 -- Other Information

On July 25, 2005, NBT Bancorp Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share. The cash dividend was paid on September 15, 2005 to stockholders of record as of September 1, 2005.


Item 6 -- Exhibits

(a)
Exhibits

2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between NBT Bancorp Inc., and CNB Bancorp, Inc., dated as of June 13, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on June 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc., filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.2
By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc., filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
4.1
Specimen common stock certificate for NBT’s common stock (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Form S-4 of NBT Bancorp, Inc. filed on August 2, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference)
   
4.2
 
Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

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

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


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on FORM 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, this 7th day of November 2005.



       
 
NBT BANCORP INC.
  
       
       
       
 
By:
/s/ MICHAEL J. CHEWENS
  
 
Michael J. Chewens, CPA
  
 
Senior Executive Vice President
  
 
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
  


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between NBT Bancorp Inc., and CNB Bancorp, Inc., dated as of June 13, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on June 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc., filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.2
By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc., filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
4.1
Specimen common stock certificate for NBT’s common stock (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Form S-4 of NBT Bancorp, Inc. filed on August 2, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference)
   
4.2
 
Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

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

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

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

 
     Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
40