NBT Bancorp 10-K 12-31-2005
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 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 or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

52 SOUTH BROAD STREET
NORWICH, NEW YORK 13815
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
(607) 337-2265 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock ($0. 01 par value per share)
 
Stock Purchase Rights Pursuant to Stockholders Rights Plan
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Act. Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K o.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes x No
 
Based upon the closing price of the registrant’s common stock as of June 30, 2005, the aggregate market value of the voting stock, common stock, par value, $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant is $765,237,485
 
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2006, was 34,454,675.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for it’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 2, 2006 are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Form 10-K.
 
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PART ITEM    
       
       
I
  
   
Description of Business
  
   
Average Balance Sheets
  
   
Net Interest Income Analysis -Taxable Equivalent Basis
  
   
Net Interest Income and Volume/Rate Variance-Taxable Equivalent Basis
  
   
Securities Portfolio
  
   
Debt Securities -Maturity Schedule
  
   
Loans
  
   
Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates
  
   
Nonperforming Assets
  
   
Allowance for Loan Losses
  
   
Maturity Distribution of Time Deposits
  
   
Return on Equity and Assets
  
   
Short-Term Borrowings
  
           
   
           
   
   
 
      
   
   
 
      
   
           
   
           
II
  
           
           
   
           
   
           
   
           
           
   
     
     
     
 
2
 
     
     
     
     
           
   
           
   
           
   
           
III
  
           
   
           
   
           
   
           
   
           
IV
  
           
           
   
(a)
(1)
Financial Statements (See Item 8 for Reference).
  
     
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules normally required on Form 10-K are omitted since they are not applicable.
  
     
(3)
Exhibits.
  
   
(b)
Refer to item 15(a)(3)above.
  
   
(c)
Refer to item 15(a)(2) above.
  
           
 

*
Information called for by Part III (Items 10 through 14) is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
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PART I

 
BUSINESS

NBT Bancorp Inc. (the “Registrant” or the “Company”) is a registered financial holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1986, with its principal headquarters located in Norwich, New York. The Company, on a consolidated basis, at December 31, 2005 had assets of $4.4 billion and stockholders’ equity of $334 million. The Registrant is the parent holding company of NBT Bank, N.A. (“the Bank”), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”), CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I, and NBT Statutory Trust II (“the Trusts”) (see Note 12 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Through the Bank and NBT Financial, the Company is focused on community banking operations. The Trusts were organized to raise additional regulatory capital and to provide funding for certain acquisitions. The Registrant’s primary business consists of providing commercial banking and financial services to its customers in its market area. The principal assets of the Registrant 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 geographic operating divisions, NBT Bank and Pennstar Bank.
 
The NBT Bank division has 74 divisional offices and 100 automated teller machines (ATMs), located primarily in central and upstate New York. At December 31, 2005, NBT Bank had total loans and leases of $2.3 billion and total deposits of $2.4 billion.
 
The Pennstar Bank division has 39 divisional offices and 54 ATMs, located primarily in northeastern Pennsylvania. At December 31, 2005, Pennstar Bank had total loans and leases of $677.3 million and total deposits of $806.4 million.
 
The Bank has six operating subsidiaries, NBT Capital Corp., Pennstar Services Company, Broad Street Property Associates, Inc., NBT Services, Inc., Pennstar Realty Trust, and CNB Realty Trust. NBT Capital Corp., formed in 1998, is a venture capital corporation formed to assist young businesses develop and grow in the markets we serve. Broad Street Property Associates, Inc. formed in 2004, is a property management company. NBT Services, Inc. formed in 2004, is the holding company of and has an 80% ownership interest in NBT Settlement Services, LLC. NBT Settlement Services, formed in 2004, provides title insurance products to individuals and corporations. Pennstar Realty Trust, formed in 2000, and CNB Realty Trust formed in 1998, are real estate investment trusts. Pennstar Services Company, formed in 2002, provides services to the Pennstar Bank division of the Bank.
 
NBT Financial, formed in 1999, is the parent company of EPIC Advisors, Inc. (“EPIC”). EPIC, acquired in January 2005, is a full service 401(k) plan recordkeeping firm. During March 2005, NBT Financial sold M. Griffith, Inc., a registered securities broker-dealer offering financial and retirement planning as well as life, accident and health insurance.
 
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CNBF Capital Trust I (“Trust I”), a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 1999 and NBT Statutory Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust formed in 2005, for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to the Company. In connection with the acquisition of CNB Bancorp, Inc. mentioned below, the Company formed NBT Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”) in February 2006 to fund the cash portion of the acquisition as well as to provide regulatory capital. The Company raised $51.5 million through Trust II in February 2006. The Company guarantees, on a limited basis, payments of distributions on the trust preferred securities and payments on redemption of the trust preferred securities. The Trusts are variable interest entities (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, the accounts of the Trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See the Company’s accounting policy related to consolidation in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which is located elsewhere in this report.
 
Recent Developments - Acquisition of CNB Bancorp, Inc.

On February 10, 2006, the Company acquired CNB Bancorp, Inc. (“CNB”), a bank holding company headquartered in Gloversville, New York. The acquisition was accomplished by merging CNB with and into the Company. By virtue of this acquisition, CNB’s banking subsidiary, City National Bank and Trust Company, was merged with and into NBT Bank. City National Bank and Trust Company operated 9 full-service community banking offices - located in Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery and Saratoga counties, with approximately $400 million in assets. The Merger increases the Company’s assets to approximately $4.9 billion.

In connection with the Merger, the Company issued an aggregate of 2.1 million shares of Company common stock and $39 million in cash to the former holders of CNB common stock.

CNB nonqualified stock options, entitling holders to purchase CNB common stock outstanding, were cancelled on the closing date and such option holders received an option payment subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement. The total number of CNB nonqualified stock options that were canceled was 103,545, which resulted in a cash payment to option holders before any applicable federal or state withholding tax, of approximately $1.3 million. In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, all outstanding CNB incentive stock options as of the effective date were assumed by the Company. At that time, there were 144,686 CNB incentive stock options that were exchanged for 237,278 replacement incentive stock options of the Company.

Based on the $22.42 per share closing price of the Company’s common stock on February 10, 2006, the transaction is valued at approximately $88 million.
 
COMPETITION
 
The banking and financial services industry in New York and Pennsylvania generally, and in the Company’s market areas specifically, is highly competitive. The increasingly competitive environment is primarily a result of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, additional financial service providers, and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers. The Company competes for loans and leases, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, money market funds, credit unions, and other nonbank financial service providers. Many of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets and offer a broader range of financial services than the Company. In order to compete with other financial services providers, the Company stresses the community nature of its banking operations and principally relies upon local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers, directors, and employees with their customers, and specialized services tailored to meet the needs of the communities served.
 
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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 
As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRS”) as its primary federal regulator. The Company also has elected to be registered with the FRS as a financial holding company. The Bank, as a nationally chartered bank, is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) as its primary federal regulator and, as to certain matters, by the FRS and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
 
The Company is subject to capital adequacy guidelines of the FRS. The guidelines apply on a consolidated basis and require bank holding companies to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets (or “leverage ratio”) of 4%. For the most highly rated bank holding companies, the minimum ratio is 3%. The FRS capital adequacy guidelines also require bank holding companies to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4% and a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8%. As of December 31, 2005, the Company’s leverage ratio was 7.16%, its ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 9.80%, and its ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.05%. The FRS may set higher minimum capital requirements for bank holding companies whose circumstances warrant it, such as companies anticipating significant growth or facing unusual risks. The FRS has not advised the Company of any special capital requirement applicable to it.
 
Any holding company whose capital does not meet the minimum capital adequacy guidelines is considered to be undercapitalized and is required to submit an acceptable plan to the FRS for achieving capital adequacy. Such a company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders and expand its lines of business through the acquisition of new banking or nonbanking subsidiaries also could be restricted.
 
The Bank is subject to leverage and risk-based capital requirements and minimum capital guidelines of the OCC that are similar to those applicable to the Company. As of December 31, 2005, the Bank was in compliance with all minimum capital requirements. The Bank’s leverage ratio was 6.89%, its ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 9.40%, and its ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets was 10.65%.
 
Under FDIC regulations, no FDIC-insured bank can accept brokered deposits unless it is well capitalized, or is adequately capitalized and receives a waiver from the FDIC. In addition, these regulations prohibit any bank that is not well capitalized from paying an interest rate on brokered deposits in excess of three-quarters of one percentage point over certain prevailing market rates. As of December 31, 2005, the Bank’s total brokered deposits were $209.3 million.
 
The Bank also is subject to substantial regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to the Company. Under OCC regulations, the Bank may not pay a dividend, without prior OCC approval, if the total amount of all dividends declared during the calendar year, including the proposed dividend, exceed the sum of its retained net income to date during the calendar year and its retained net income over the preceding two years. As of December 31, 2005, approximately $58.5 million was available for the payment of dividends without prior OCC approval. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends also is subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. As indicated above, the Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements.
 
The OCC generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

6

The deposits of the Bank are insured up to regulatory limits by the FDIC and, accordingly, are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the insurance funds administered by the FDIC. The deposits of the Bank historically have been subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”). Due to certain branch deposit acquisitions by the Bank and its predecessors, some of the deposits of the Bank are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”).
 
The FDIC has adopted regulations establishing a risk-related deposit insurance assessment system. Under this system, the FDIC has placed each insured bank in one of nine risk categories based on the bank’s capitalization and supervisory evaluations provided to the FDIC by the institution’s primary federal regulator. Each insured bank’s insurance assessment rate has been determined by the risk category in which it is classified by the FDIC.
 
In light of the favorable financial situation of the federal deposit insurance funds and the low number of depository institution failures, since January 1, 1997, the annual insurance premiums on bank deposits insured by the BIF or the SAIF have varied between $0.00 per $100 of deposits for banks classified in the highest capital and supervisory evaluation categories to $0.27 per $100 of deposits for banks classified in the lowest capital and supervisory evaluation categories. BIF and SAIF assessment rates have been subject to semi-annual adjustment by the FDIC within a range of up to five basis points without public comment. The FDIC also has possessed authority to impose special assessments from time to time.
 
The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, was signed into law on February 8, 2006, and gives the FDIC increased flexibility in assessing premiums on banks and savings associations, including the Bank, to pay for deposit insurance and in managing its deposit insurance reserves. The reform legislation provides a credit to all insured institutions, based on the amount of their insured deposits at year-end 1996, to offset the premiums that they may be assessed; combines the BIF and SAIF to form a single Deposit Insurance Fund; increases deposit insurance to $250,000 for Individual Retirement Accounts; and authorizes inflation-based increases in deposit insurance on other accounts every 5 years, beginning in 2011. The FDIC also is directed to conduct studies regarding further deposit insurance reform.
 
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides for additional assessments to be imposed on insured depository institutions to pay for the cost of Financing Corporation (“FICO”) funding. The FICO assessments are adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment bases of the FDIC insurance funds and do not vary depending upon a depository institution’s capitalization or supervisory evaluation. During 2005, FDIC-insured banks paid an average rate of approximately $0.017 per $100 for purposes of funding FICO bond obligations.
 
Transactions between the Bank and any of its affiliates, including the Company, are governed by sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and FRS regulations thereunder. An “affiliate” of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the bank. A subsidiary of a bank that is not also a depository institution is not treated as an affiliate of the bank for purposes of sections 23A and 23B, unless the subsidiary is also controlled through a non-bank chain of ownership by affiliates or controlling shareholders of the bank or the subsidiary engages in activities that are not permissible for a bank to engage in directly (except insurance agency subsidiaries). Generally, sections 23A and 23B are intended to protect insured depository institutions from suffering losses arising from transactions with non-insured affiliates, by limiting the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions with any one affiliate and with all affiliates of the bank in the aggregate, and requiring that such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. Sections 23A and 23B also regulate transactions by a bank with its financial subsidiaries that it may operate as a result of the expanded authority granted to national banks under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLB Act”).
 
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Under the GLB Act, a qualifying bank holding company, known as a financial holding company, may engage in certain financial activities that a bank holding company may not otherwise engage in under the Bank Holding Company Act (“BHC Act”). In addition to engaging in banking and activities closely related to banking as determined by the FRS by regulation or order prior to November 11, 1999, a financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to financial activities, or activities that are complementary to a financial activity and do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally.
 
The GLB Act requires all financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank, to adopt privacy policies, restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with nonaffiliated parties at the customer’s request, and establish procedures and practices to protect customer data from unauthorized access. In addition, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (“FACT Act”) includes many provisions concerning national credit reporting standards, and permits consumers, including customers of the Company, to opt out of information sharing among affiliated companies for marketing purposes. The FACT Act also requires banks and other financial institutions to notify their customers if they report negative information about them to a credit bureau or if they are granted credit on terms less favorable than those generally available. The Company has developed policies and procedures for itself and its subsidiaries, including the Bank, and believes it is in compliance with all privacy, information sharing, and notification provisions of the GLB Act and the FACT Act.
 
Under Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act, also known as the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2001, all financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank, are required in general to identify their customers, adopt formal and comprehensive anti-money laundering programs, scrutinize or prohibit altogether certain transactions of special concern, and be prepared to respond to inquiries from U.S. law enforcement agencies concerning their customers and their transactions. The USA PATRIOT Act also encourages information-sharing among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement authorities by providing an exemption from the privacy provisions of the GLB Act for financial institutions that comply with this provision. The effectiveness of a financial institution in combating money laundering activities is a factor to be considered in any application submitted by the financial institution under the Bank Merger Act, which applies to the Bank, or the BHC Act, which applies to the Company. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal, financial and reputational consequences for the institution. As of December 31, 2005, the Company and the Bank believe they are in compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act and regulations thereunder.
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 implemented a broad range of measures to increase corporate responsibility, enhance penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies, and protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures for companies that have securities registered under the Exchange Act, including publicly-held bank holding companies such as the Company. It includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and new corporate governance rules, requires the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules, and mandates further studies of certain issues by the SEC and the Comptroller General. The Act represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees. In addition, the federal banking regulators have adopted generally similar requirements concerning the certification of financial statements by bank officials.
 
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Beginning in March 2005, home mortgage lenders, including banks, were required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act to make available to the public expanded information regarding the pricing of home mortgage loans, including the “rate spread” between the interest rate on loans and certain Treasury securities and other benchmarks. The availability of this information has led to increased scrutiny of higher-priced loans at all financial institutions to detect illegal discriminatory practices and to the initiation of a limited number of investigations by federal banking agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Company has no information that it or its affiliates is the subject of any investigation.
 
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act amended the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, effective October 17, 2005. Under the new law, the ability of consumers to discharge their debts in bankruptcy is limited by a needs-based test, and more debtors than in the past are expected to enter into repayment programs with their creditors. The law also provides for pre-bankruptcy credit counseling, limits certain homestead exemptions, limits the discharge of debt incurred for the purchase of certain luxury items, and extends from 6 years to 8 years the minimum time between successive bankruptcy discharges.
 
Periodic disclosures by companies in various industries of the loss or theft of computer-based nonpublic customer information has led to the introduction in Congress of several bills to establish national standards for the safeguarding of such information and the disclosure of security breaches. Several committees of both houses of Congress have announced plans to conduct hearings on data security and related issues.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
At December 31, 2005, the Company had 1,184 full-time equivalent employees. The Company’s employees are not presently represented by any collective bargaining group. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.
 
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
The Company’s website is http://www.nbtbancorp.com. The Company makes available free of charge through its website, its annual reports on Form 10-K; quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; current reports on Form 8-K; and any amendments to those reports led or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to the SEC. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained in the website and should not be considered part of this document.
 
RISK FACTORS

There are risks inherent to the Company’s business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Company are described below. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

The Company is Subject to Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest the Company receives on loans and securities and the amount of interest it pays on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) the Company’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, the Company’s net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings.

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Although management believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on the Company’s results of operations, any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. See the section captioned “Net Interest Income” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the section captioned “Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices” in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk located elsewhere in this report for further discussion related to the Company’s management of interest rate risk.

The Company is Subject to Lending Risk

There are inherent risks associated with the Company’s lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where the Company operates as well as those across the States of New York and Pennsylvania, as well as the entire United States. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans. The Company is also subject to various laws and regulations that affect its lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject the Company to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against the Company.

As of December 31, 2005, approximately 43% of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio consisted of commercial, construction and commercial real estate loans. These types of loans are generally viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans or consumer loans. These types of loans are also typically larger than residential real estate loans and consumer loans. Because the Company’s loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial and industrial, construction and commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in non-performing loans. An increase in nonperforming loans could result in a net loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the provision for loan losses and an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. See the section captioned “Loans and Leases and Corresponding Interest and Fees on Loans” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations located elsewhere in this report for further discussion related to commercial and industrial, construction and commercial real estate loans.

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The Company’s Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses May Be Insufficient

The Company maintains an allowance for loan and lease losses, which is an allowance established through a provision for loan and lease losses charged to expense, that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans and leases. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan and lease losses and risks inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; current loan and lease portfolio quality; present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan and lease losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires the Company to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of the Company’s control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan and lease losses, the Company will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan and lease losses. These increases in the allowance for loan and lease losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. See the section captioned “Risk Management - Credit Risk” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations located elsewhere in this report for further discussion related to the Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan and losses.

The Company’s Profitability Depends Significantly on Economic Conditions in Upstate New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania

The Company’s success depends primarily on the general economic conditions of upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania and the specific local markets in which the Company operates. Unlike larger national or other regional banks that are more geographically diversified, the Company provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in the upstate New York areas of Norwich, Oneonta, Amsterdam-Gloversville, Albany, Binghamton, Utica-Rome, Plattsburg, and Ogdensburg-Massena and northeastern Pennsylvania areas of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and East Stroudsburg. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on the demand for the Company’s products and services as well as the ability of the Company’s customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans and the stability of the Company’s deposit funding sources. A significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic occurrences, unemployment, changes in securities markets or other factors could impact these local economic conditions and, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

11

The Company Operates In A Highly Competitive Industry and Market Area

The Company faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional, and community banks within the various markets the Company operates. Additionally, various out-of-state banks continue to enter or have announced plans to enter the market areas in which the Company currently operates. The Company also faces competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of the Company’s competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than the Company can. The Company’s ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:

•   The ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets.
•   The ability to expand the Company’s market position.
•   The scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands.
•   The rate at which the Company introduces new products and services relative to its competitors.
•   Customer satisfaction with the Company’s level of service.
•   Industry and general economic trends.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken the Company’s competitive position, which could adversely affect the Company’s growth and profitability, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company Is Subject To Extensive Government Regulation and Supervision

The Company, primarily through NBT Bank and certain non-bank subsidiaries, is subject to extensive federal regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect the Company’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject the Company to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products the Company may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. While the Company has policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur. See the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1., which is located elsewhere in this report.

12

The Company’s Controls and Procedures May Fail or Be Circumvented

Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

New Lines of Business or New Products and Services May Subject The Company to Additional Risks

From time to time, the Company may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services the Company may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company Relies on Dividends From Its Subsidiaries For Most Of Its Revenue

The Company is a separate and distinct legal entity from its subsidiaries. It receives substantially all of its revenue from dividends from its subsidiaries. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on the Company’s common stock and interest and principal on the Company’s debt. Various federal and/or state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that NBT Bank may pay to the Company. Also, the Company’s right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. In the event NBT Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Company, the Comapny may not be able to service debt, pay obligations or pay dividends on the Company’s common stock.
 
The inability to receive dividends from NBT Bank could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. See the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1. Business and Note 14 — Stockholders’ Equity in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which are located elsewhere in this report.

13

The Company May Not Be Able To Attract and Retain Skilled People

The Company’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain key people. Competition for the best people in most activities engaged in by the Company can be intense and the Company may not be able to hire people or to retain them. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of the Company’s key personnel could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business because of their skills, knowledge of the Company’s market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

The Company’s Information Systems May Experience An Interruption Or Breach In Security

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company’s customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While the Company has policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of its information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company’s information systems could damage the Company’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Company to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company Continually Encounters Technological Change

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in the Company’s operations. Many of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and, in turn, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Severe Weather, Natural Disasters, Acts Of War Or Terrorism and Other External Events Could Significantly Impact The Company’s Business

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of the Company’s deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause the Company to incur additional expenses. Although management has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

14

The Company’s Articles Of Incorporation, By-Laws and Stockholder Rights Plan As Well As Certain Banking Laws May Have An Anti-Takeover Effect

Provisions of the Company’s articles of incorporation and by-laws, federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, and the Company’s stock purchase rights plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Company, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to the Company’s stockholders. The combination of these provisions effectively inhibits a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.



UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

15
 
PROPERTIES
The Company’s headquarters are located at 52 South Broad Street, Norwich, New York 13815. The Company operated the following number of community banking branches and automated teller machines (ATMs) as of December 31, 2005:
 
 
County
Branches
ATMs
  
County
Branches
ATMs
NBT Bank Division
      
Pennstar Bank Division
    
             
New York
     
New York
    
Albany County
3
3
  
Orange County
1
1
Broome County
7
12
        
Chenango County
11
12
  
Pennsylvania
    
Clinton County
3
2
  
Lackawanna County
18
24
Delaware County
5
11
  
Luzerne County
4
8
Essex County
3
6
  
Monroe County
4
5
Franklin County
1
1
  
Pike County
3
4
Fulton County
4
5
  
Susquehanna County
6
8
Greene County
—
2
  
Wayne County
3
4
Herkimer County
2
1
        
Montgomery County
6
4
        
Oneida County
6
11
        
Otsego County
9
16
        
Saratoga County
3
3
        
Schenectady County
1
1
        
Schoharie County
4
2
        
St. Lawrence County
5
5
        
Sullivan County
—
1
        
Tioga County
1
1
        
Ulster County
—
1
        

 
The Company leases fifty one of the above listed branches from third parties under terms and conditions considered by management to be equitable to the Company. The Company owns all other banking premises. All automated teller machines are owned.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which their property is the subject.
 
 
16
 
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
 

 
 
PART II
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
The common stock of NBT Bancorp Inc. (“Common Stock”) is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market National Market Tier under the symbol “NBTB.” The following table sets forth the market prices and dividends declared for the Common Stock for the periods indicated:
 
   
High
  
Low
  
Dividend
  
2004
              
1st quarter
  
 
$23.00
  
 
$21.21
  
 
$0.17
  
2nd quarter
    
23.18
   
19.92
   
0.19
  
3rd quarter
    
24.34
   
21.02
   
0.19
  
4th quarter
    
26.84
   
21.94
   
0.19
  
2005
                    
1st quarter
  
 
$23.79
  
 
$20.75
  
 
$0.19
  
2nd quarter
    
25.50
   
22.79
   
0.19
  
3rd quarter
    
24.15
   
20.10
   
0.19
  
4th quarter
    
25.66
   
21.48
   
0.19
  
 
The closing price of the Common Stock on February 28, 2006 was $22.88.
 
As of February 28, 2006, there were 7,471 shareholders of record of Company common stock.

Dividends

We depend primarily upon dividends from our subsidiaries for a substantial part of our revenue. Accordingly, our ability to pay dividends depends primarily upon the receipt of dividends or other capital distributions from our subsidiaries. Payment of dividends to the Company from the Bank is subject to certain regulatory and other restrictions. Under OCC regulations, the Bank may pay dividends to the Company without prior regulatory approval so long as it meets its applicable regulatory capital requirements before and after payment of such dividends and its total dividends do not exceed its net income to date over the calendar year plus retained net income over the preceding two years. At December 31, 2005, the Bank was in compliance with all applicable minimum capital requirements and had the ability to pay dividends of $58.5 million to the Company without the prior approval of the OCC.

If the capital of the Company is diminished by depreciation in the value of its property or by losses, or otherwise, to an amount less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets, no dividends may be paid out of net profits until the deficiency in the amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets has been repaired. See the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1 and Note 14 - Stockholders Equity in the notes to consolidated financial statements is included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which are located elsewhere in this report.


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following summary of financial and other information about the Company is derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for each of the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, included elsewhere in this report:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
Interest, fee and dividend income
  
$
236,367
  
$
210,179
  
$
207,298
  
$
227,222
  
$
255,434
  
Interest expense
    
78,256
    
59,692
    
62,874
    
80,402
    
117,502
  
Net interest income
    
158,111
    
150,487
    
144,424
    
146,820
    
137,932
  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    
9,464
    
9,615
    
9,111
    
9,073
    
31,929
  
Noninterest income excluding securities (losses) gains
    
43,785
    
40,673
    
37,603
    
31,934
    
31,826
  
Securities (losses) gains, net
    
(1,236
)
  
216
    
175
    
(413
)
  
(7,692
)
Merger, acquisition and reorganization costs
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
15,322
  
Other noninterest expense
    
115,305
    
109,777
    
104,517
    
102,455
    
110,536
  
Income before income taxes
    
75,891
    
71,984
    
68,574
    
66,813
    
4,279
  
Net income
    
52,438
    
50,047
    
47,104
    
44,999
    
3,737
  
                                 
Per common share
                                
Basic earnings
  
$
1.62
  
$
1.53
  
$
1.45
  
$
1.36
  
$
0.11
  
Diluted earnings
    
1.60
    
1.51
    
1.43
    
1.35
    
0.11
  
Cash dividends paid
    
0.76
    
0.74
    
0.68
    
0.68
    
0.68
  
Book value at year-end
    
10.34
    
10.11
    
9.46
    
8.96
    
8.05
  
Tangible book value at year-end
    
8.75
    
8.66
    
7.94
    
7.47
    
6.51
  
Average diluted common shares outstanding
    
32,710
    
33,087
    
32,844
    
33,235
    
33,085
  
                                 
At December 31,
                                
Securities available for sale, at fair value
  
$
954,474
  
$
952,542
  
$
980,961
  
$
1,007,583
  
$
909,341
  
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
    
93,709
    
81,782
    
97,204
    
82,514
    
101,604
  
Loans and leases
    
3,022,657
    
2,869,921
    
2,639,976
    
2,355,932
    
2,339,636
  
Allowance for loan and lease losses
    
47,455
    
44,932
    
42,651
    
40,167
    
44,746
  
Assets
    
4,426,773
    
4,212,304
    
4,046,885
    
3,723,726
    
3,638,202
  
Deposits
    
3,160,196
    
3,073,838
    
3,001,351
    
2,922,040
    
2,915,612
  
Borrowings
    
883,182
    
752,066
    
672,631
    
451,076
    
394,344
  
Stockholders’ equity
    
333,943
    
332,233
    
310,034
    
292,382
    
266,355
  
                                 
Key ratios
                                
Return on average assets
    
1.21
%
  
1.21
%
  
1.22
%
  
1.23
%
  
0.10
%
Return on average equity
    
15.86
    
15.69
    
15.90
    
16.13
    
1.32
  
Average equity to average assets
    
7.64
    
7.74
    
7.69
    
7.64
    
7.82
  
Net interest margin
    
4.01
    
4.03
    
4.16
    
4.43
    
4.19
  
Dividend payout ratio
    
47.50
    
49.01
    
47.55
    
50.37
    
618.18
  
Tier 1 leverage
    
7.16
    
7.13
    
6.76
    
6.73
    
6.34
  
Tier 1 risk-based capital
    
9.80
    
9.78
    
9.96
    
9.93
    
9.43
  
Total risk-based capital
    
11.05
    
11.04
    
11.21
    
11.18
    
10.69
  

 
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  
First
  
Second
  
Third
  
Fourth
  
First
  
Second
  
Third
  
Fourth
  
Interest, fee and dividend income
  
$
55,461
  
$
57,866
  
$
60,282
  
$
62,758
  
$
51,727
  
$
50,938
  
$
53,093
  
$
54,421
  
Interest expense
    
16,647
    
18,542
    
20,331
    
22,736
    
14,633
    
14,258
    
15,041
    
15,760
  
Net interest income
    
38,814
    
39,324
    
39,951
    
40,022
    
37,094
    
36,680
    
38,052
    
38,661
  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    
1,796
    
2,320
    
2,752
    
2,596
    
2,124
    
2,428
    
2,313
    
2,750
  
Noninterest income excluding net securities (losses) gains
    
10,715
    
11,004
    
11,088
    
10,978
    
10,434
    
9,960
    
10,099
    
10,180
  
Net securities (losses) gains
    
(4
)
  
51
   
(737
)
  
(546
)
 
9
    
29
    
18
    
160
  
Noninterest expense
    
28,881
    
28,696
    
28,579
    
29,149
    
27,202
    
25,863
    
27,305
    
29,407
  
Net income
  
$
12,789
  
$
13,128
  
$
13,526
  
$
12,995
  
$
12,371
  
$
12,568
  
$
12,617
  
$
12,491
  
Basic earnings per share
  
$
0.39
  
$
0.41
  
$
0.42
  
$
0.40
  
$
0.38
  
$
0.38
  
$
0.38
  
$
0.38
  
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
0.39
  
$
0.40
  
$
0.41
  
$
0.40
  
$
0.37
  
$
0.38
  
$
0.38
  
$
0.38
  
Net interest margin
    
4.09
% 
 
4.02
% 
 
3.99
% 
 
3.97
%
  
4.10
% 
 
3.99
% 
 
3.99
% 
 
4.03
% 
Return on average assets
    
1.23
%
  
1.22
%
  
1.23
% 
 
1.17
%
  
1.23
%
  
1.24
%
  
1.20
%
  
1.18
%
Return on average equity
    
15.74
%
  
16.21
%
  
16.06
%
  
15.47
%
  
15.73
%
  
16.05
%
  
15.94
%
  
15.08
%
Average diluted common shares outstanding
    
32,977
    
32,584
    
32,729
    
32,556
    
33,174
    
33,084
    
32,936
    
33,155
  

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
The financial review which follows focuses on the factors affecting the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc. (the “Registrant”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. (“the Bank”) and NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”), during 2005 and, in summary form, the preceding two years. Collectively, the Registrant and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “the Company.” Net interest margin is presented in this discussion on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis. Average balances discussed are daily averages unless otherwise described. The audited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 should be read in conjunction with this review. Amounts in prior period consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the 2005 presentation.
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions, in the application of certain accounting policies, about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Different amounts could be reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions were used in the application of these accounting policies.
 
The business of the Company is providing commercial banking and financial services through its subsidiaries. The Company’s primary market area is central and upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. The Company has been, and intends to continue to be, a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services. The Company’s principal business is attracting deposits from customers within its market area and investing those funds primarily in loans and leases, and, to a lesser extent, in marketable securities. The financial condition and operating results of the Company are dependent on its net interest income which is the difference between the interest and dividend income earned on its earning assets and the interest expense paid on its interest bearing liabilities, primarily consisting of deposits and borrowings. Net income is also affected by provisions for loan and lease losses and noninterest income, such as service charges on deposit accounts, broker/dealer fees, trust fees, and gains/losses on securities sales; it is also impacted by noninterest expense, such as salaries and employee benefits, data processing, communications, occupancy, and equipment.

 
The Company’s results of operations are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions (particularly changes in market interest rates), government policies, changes in accounting standards, and actions of regulatory agencies. Future changes in applicable laws, regulations, or government policies may have a material impact on the Company. Lending activities are substantially influenced by the demand for and supply of housing, competition among lenders, the level of interest rates, the state of the local and regional economy, and the availability of funds. The ability to gather deposits and the cost of funds are influenced by prevailing market interest rates, fees and terms on deposit products, as well as the availability of alternative investments including mutual funds and stocks.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The Company has identified several policies as being critical because they require management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These policies relate to the allowance for loan losses and pension accounting.

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 nonperforming 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 values were significantly lowered, the Company’s allowance for loan and lease policy would also require additional provisions for loan and lease losses.
 
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 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.


The Company’s policy on the allowance for loan and lease losses and pension accounting is disclosed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. A more detailed description of the allowance for loan and lease losses is included in the “Risk Management” section of this Form 10-K. All significant pension accounting assumptions and detail is disclosed in note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. All accounting policies are important, and as such, the Company encourages the reader to review each of the policies included in note 1 to obtain a better understanding on how the Company’s financial performance is reported.
 
 
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, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, contain forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements may be identified by the use of phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “will,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or other similar terms. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities:
 
•   Local, regional, national and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers and the Company’s assessment of that impact.
•   Changes in the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs.
•   Changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements.
•   The effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board.
•   Inflation, interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations.
•   Political instability.
•   Acts of war or terrorism.
•   The timely development and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services by users.
•   Changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits.
•   Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers.
•   Technological changes.
•   Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses.
•   The ability to increase market share and control expenses.
•   Costs or difficulties related to the integration of the businesses of the Company and CNB may be greater than expected.
•   Changes in the competitive environment among financial holding companies.


•   The effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply.
•   The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters.
•   Changes in the Company’s organization, compensation and benefit plans.
•   The costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments including the resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews.
•   Greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business.
•   The Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.
 
The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including but not limited to 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.
 
Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligations to, publicly release 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.
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company had net income of $52.4 million or $1.60 per diluted share for 2005, compared to net income of $50.0 million or $1.51 per diluted share for 2004. Results were driven by several factors. Net interest income increased $7.6 million or 5% in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase in net interest income resulted mainly from an increase in average earning assets of 5%, driven by an 8% increase in average loans and leases for the period. Noninterest income increased $1.7 million or 4% compared to 2004. Included in noninterest income for 2005 was net securities losses totaling $1.2 million compared to net securities gains of $0.2 million in 2004. Excluding net security gains and losses, total noninterest income increased 8% in 2005 compared with 2004. This increase resulted from increases in retirement plan administration fees of $4.4 million (from the Acquisition of EPIC in January 2005), other income, service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and debit card fees and trust revenue offset by a decline in broker/dealer and insurance revenue of $3.6 million (from the sale of M. Griffith Inc. in March 2005). Offsetting the increases in net interest income and noninterest income was an increase in noninterest expense of $5.5 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase in noninterest expense resulted mainly from increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expense, equipment and other operating expense offset by a goodwill impairment charge in 2004 and a decrease in data processing and communications expense. The provision for loan and lease losses decreased slightly in 2005 compared to 2004, as credit quality was stable, net charge-offs as a percentage of total loans and leases decreased, and the Company experienced a decline in the rate of loan growth in 2005, which was 5% at December 31, 2005 compared to a growth rate of 9% for 2004.
 

The Company had net income of $50.0 million or $1.51 per diluted share for 2004, compared to net income of $47.1 million or $1.43 per diluted share for 2003. Results were driven by several factors. Net interest income increased $6.1 million or 4% in 2004 compared to 2003. The increase in net interest income resulted mainly from an increase in average earning assets of 7%, driven by an 11% increase in average loans and leases for the period. Noninterest income increased $3.1 million or 8% compared to 2003. This increase resulted from increases in other income, Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) income, service charges on deposit accounts and trust revenue. Offsetting the increases in net interest income and noninterest income was an increase in noninterest expense of $5.3 million in 2004 compared to 2003. The increase in noninterest expense resulted mainly from increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expense, professional fees and outside services and a goodwill impairment charge offset by decreases in other operating expense and loan collection and other real estate owned expense. The provision for loan and lease losses increased slightly in 2004 compared to 2003, as credit quality was stable, net charge-offs as a percentage of total loans and leases remained unchanged, and loan growth was solid, increasing 9% at December 31, 2004 when compared to total loans and leases at December 31, 2003.
 
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
 
The Company attempts to maximize net interest income, and net income, while actively managing its liquidity and interest rate sensitivity through the mix of various core deposit products and other sources of funds, which in turn fund an appropriate mix of earning assets. The changes in the Company’s asset mix and sources of funds, and the resultant impact on net interest income, on a fully tax equivalent basis, are discussed below.
 
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 and leases has been adjusted to a taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
 
Table 1. Average Balances and Net Interest Income
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rate
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rate
  
Average
Balance
  
 
Interest
  
Yield/
Rate
  
Assets
                                      
Short-term interest bearing accounts
  
$
7,298
  
$
229
    
3.14
%
$
7,583
  
$
222
    
2.93
%
$
3,358
  
$
84
    
2.50
%
Securities available for sale 1
    
954,461
    
43,113
    
4.52
    
970,024
    
44,633
    
4.60
    
984,620
    
46,313
    
4.70
  
Securities held to maturity 1
    
88,244
    
5,035
    
5.71
    
85,771
    
4,385
    
5.11
    
90,601
    
4,657
    
5.14
  
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    
37,607
    
1,898
    
5.05
    
34,813
    
854
    
2.45
    
28,117
    
854
    
3.04
  
Loans and leases 2
    
2,959,256
    
190,331
    
6.43
    
2,743,753
    
164,285
    
5.99
    
2,474,899
    
159,827
    
6.46
  
Total earning assets
    
4,046,866
    
240,606
    
5.95
    
3,841,944
    
214,379
    
5.58
    
3,581,595
    
211,735
    
5.91
  
Other non-interest earning assets
    
279,289
                
278,603
                
270,928
              
Total assets
  
$
4,326,155
              
$
4,120,547
              
$
3,852,523
              
                                                         
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
                                                        
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
399,056
    
7,312
    
1.83
%
$
438,819
    
5,327
    
1.21
%
$
359,722
    
4,332
    
1.20
%
NOW deposit accounts
    
439,751
    
2,305
    
0.52
    
462,509
    
2,230
    
0.48
    
411,236
    
2,340
    
0.57
  
Savings deposits
    
559,584
    
3,985
    
0.71
    
574,386
    
3,846
    
0.67
    
523,571
    
4,542
    
0.87
  
Time deposits
   
1,217,442
    
36,330
    
2.98
    
1,079,670
    
28,358
    
2.63
    
1,188,497
    
34,727
    
2.92
  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    
2,615,833
    
49,932
    
1.91
    
2,555,384
    
39,761
    
1.56
    
2,483,026
    
45,941
    
1.85
  
Short-term borrowings
    
353,644
    
10,983
    
3.11
    
302,276
    
4,086
    
1.35
    
190,332
    
2,171
    
1.14
  
Trust preferred debentures
    
19,596
    
1,227
    
6.26
    
18,297
    
823
    
4.50
    
-
   
-
   
-
 
Long-term debt
    
410,891
    
16,114
    
3.92
    
381,756
    
15,022
    
3.93
    
360,928
    
14,762
    
4.09
  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    
3,399,964
    
78,256
    
2.30
    
3,257,713
    
59,692
    
1.83
    
3,034,286
    
62,874
    
2.07
  
Demand deposits
    
543,077
                
492,746
                
457,238
              
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
    
52,438
                
51,187
                
64,723
              
Stockholders’ equity
    
330,676
                
318,901
                
296,276
              
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
4,326,155
              
$
4,120,547
              
$
3,852,523
              
Interest rate spread
                
3.64
% 
             
3.75
%
              
3.84
%
Net interest income-FTE
          
162,350
                
154,687
                
148,861
        
Net interest margin
                
4.01
%
              
4.03
% 
             
4.16
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          
4,239
                
4,200
                
4,437
        
Net interest income
        
$
158,111
              
$
150,487
              
$
144,424
        
 
1.   Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
2.   For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances outstanding. The interest collected thereon is included in interest income based upon the characteristics of the related loans.
 

NET INTEREST INCOME
 
On a tax equivalent basis, the Company’s net interest income for 2005 was $162.4 million, up from $154.7 million for 2004. The Company’s net interest margin declined slightly to 4.01% for 2005 from 4.03% for 2004. The decline in the net interest margin resulted primarily from interest-bearing liabilities repricing up faster than earning assets, offset somewhat by the increase in average demand deposits, which increased $50.3 million or 10% during the period. The yield on earning assets increased 37 basis points (bp), from 5.58% for 2004 to 5.95% for 2005. Meanwhile, the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities increased 47 bp, from 1.83% for 2004 to 2.30% for 2005. Additionally, offsetting the decline in net interest margin was an increase in average earning assets of $204.9 million or 5%, driven primarily by a $215.5 million increase in average loans and leases. The following table presents changes in interest income, on a FTE basis, 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 2. Analysis of Changes in Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
2005 over 2004
  
Increase (Decrease)
2004 over 2003
  
(In thousands)
  
Volume
  
Rate
  
Total
  
Volume
  
Rate
  
Total
  
Short-term interest-bearing accounts
  
$
(9
)
$
16
  
$
7
  
$
122
  
$
16
  
$
138
  
Securities available for sale
    
(710
)
  
(810
)
  
(1,520
)
  
(680
)
  
(1,000
)
  
(1,680
)
Securities held to maturity
    
129
   
521
   
650
   
(247
)
  
(25
)
  
(272
)
Investment in FRB and FHLB Banks
    
74
   
970
   
1,044
   
182
   
(182
)
  
-
 
Loans and leases
    
13,396
   
12,650
   
26,046
   
16,605
   
(12,147
)
  
4,458
 
Total interest income
    
11,771
   
14,456
   
26,227
   
14,904
   
(12,260
)
  
2,644
 
Money market deposit accounts
    
(520
)
  
2,505
   
1,985
   
960
   
35
   
995
 
NOW deposit accounts
    
(113
)
  
188
   
75
   
272
   
(382
)
  
(110
)
Savings deposits
    
(101
)
  
240
   
139
   
411
   
(1,107
)
  
(696
)
Time deposits
    
3,857
   
4,115
   
7,972
   
(3,027
)
  
(3,342
)
  
(6,369
)
Short-term borrowings
    
799
   
6,098
   
6,897
   
1,457
   
458
   
1,915
 
Trust preferred debentures
    
62
   
342
   
404
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Long-term debt
    
1,143
   
(51
)
  
1,092
   
832
   
(572
)
  
260
 
Total interest expense
    
2,704
   
15,860
   
18,564
   
4,421
   
(7,603
)
  
(3,182
)
Change in FTE net interest income
  
$
9,067
  
$
(1,404
)
$
7,663
  
$
10,483
  
$
(4,657
)
$
5,826
  

 
 
LOANS AND LEASES AND CORRESPONDING INTEREST AND FEES ON LOANS
 
The average balance of loans and leases increased 8%, totaling $3.0 billion in 2005 compared to $2.7 billion in 2004. The yield on average loans and leases increased from 5.99% in 2004 to 6.43% in 2005, as loans, particularly loans indexed to Prime and other short-term variable rate indices, benefited from the rising rate environment in 2005. Interest income from loans and leases on a FTE basis increased 16%, from $164.3 million in 2004 to $190.3 million in 2005. The increase in interest income from loans and leases was due primarily to the increase in the average balance of loans and leases as well as the increase in yield on loans and leases in 2005 compared to 2004 noted above.
 

Total loans and leases increased 5% at December 31, 2005, totaling $3.0 billion from $2.9 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase in loans and leases was driven by strong growth in home equity loans, consumer loans, and real estate construction and development (primarily comprised of commercial real estate.) Home equity loans increased $72.0 million or 18% from $391.8 million at December 31, 2004 to $463.8 million at December 31, 2005. The increase in home equity loans was due to strong product demand and successful marketing of home equity products in newer markets. Consumer loans increased $51.8 million or 13%, from $412.1 million at December 31, 2004 to $464.0 million at December 31, 2005. The increase in consumer loans was driven primarily by strong growth in indirect auto lending from an expanded presence in Pennsylvania and newer markets in New York. Real estate construction and development loans increased $26.9 million or 20% from $136.9 million at December 31, 2004 to $163.9 million at December 31, 2005, as the Bank originated several large commercial construction development loans in 2005 in its newer markets. Commercial and commercial real estate remained relatively unchanged at December 31, 2005 when compared to December 31, 2004, as new loan originations were offset by prepayments as competition for these loan types was particularly strong across all of the Company’s markets in 2005. Residential real estate mortgages declined $19.9 million or 3% at December 31, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004 as the Company began selling real estate mortgages in the secondary market during the second half of 2005 as a means of limiting its exposure to long-term interest rate risk.
 
The following table reflects the loan and lease portfolio by major categories as of December 31 for the years indicated:
 
 
Table 3. Composition of Loan and Lease Portfolio
  
   
December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
Residential real estate mortgages
  
$
701,734
  
$
721,615
  
$
703,906
  
$
579,638
  
$
525,411
  
Commercial and commercial real estate
    
1,032,977
    
1,018,548
    
954,024
    
920,330
    
958,075
  
Real estate construction and development
    
163,863
    
136,934
    
86,046
    
64,025
    
60,513
  
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
    
114,043
    
108,181
    
106,310
    
104,078
    
103,884
  
Consumer
    
463,955
    
412,139
    
390,413
    
357,214
    
387,081
  
Home equity
    
463,848
    
391,807
    
336,547
    
269,553
    
232,624
  
Lease financing
    
82,237
    
80,697
    
62,730
    
61,094
    
72,048
  
Total loans and leases
  
$
3,022,657
  
$
2,869,921
  
$
2,639,976
  
$
2,355,932
  
$
2,339,636
  
 
Real estate mortgages consist primarily of loans secured by first or second deeds of trust on primary residences. Loans in the commercial and agricultural category, as well as commercial and agricultural real estate mortgages, consist primarily of short-term and/or floating rate loans made to small to medium-sized entities. Consumer loans consist primarily of installment credit to individuals secured by automobiles and other personal property including manufactured housing at December 31, 2005, real estate construction and development loans include $146.5 million in commercial construction and development and $17.4 million in residential construction loans. Commercial construction loans are for small and medium sized office buildings and other commercial properties and residential construction loans are primarily for projects located in upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania.
 
 
The Company’s automobile lease financing portfolio totaled $82.2 million at December 31, 2005 and $80.7 million at December 31, 2004. Lease receivables primarily represent automobile financing to customers through direct financing leases and are carried at the aggregate of the lease payments receivable and the estimated residual values, net of unearned income and net deferred lease origination fees and costs. Net deferred lease origination fees and costs are amortized under the effective interest method over the estimated lives of the leases. The estimated residual value related to the total lease portfolio is reviewed quarterly, and if there had been a decline in the estimated fair value of the residual that is judged by management to be other-than-temporary, including consideration of residual value insurance, a loss would be recognized.

Adjustments related to such other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value are recorded with other noninterest expenses in the consolidated statements of income. One of the most significant risks associated with leasing operations is the recovery of the residual value of the leased vehicles at the termination of the lease. A lease receivable asset includes the estimated residual value of the leased vehicle at the termination of the lease. At termination, the lessor has the option to purchase the vehicle or may turn the vehicle over to the Company. The residual values included in lease financing receivables totaled $55.5 million and $50.2 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Company has acquired residual value insurance protection in order to reduce the risk related to residual values. Based on analysis performed by management, the Company has concluded that no other-than-temporary impairment exists which would warrant a charge to earnings during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.
 
The following table, Maturities and Sensitivities of Certain Loans to Changes in Interest Rates, are the maturities of the commercial and agricultural and real estate and construction development loan portfolios and the sensitivity of loans to interest rate fluctuations at December 31, 2005. Scheduled repayments are reported in the maturity category in which the contractual payment is due.

 
Table 4. Maturities and Sensitivities of Certain Loans to Changes in Interest Rates
  
   
Remaining maturity at December 31, 2005
  
 
(In thousands)
  
 
Within One Year
  
After One Year But
Within Five Years
  
 
After Five Years
  
 
Total
  
Floating/adjustable rate
                  
                   
Commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural, and agricultural real estate
  
$
457,393
  
$
92,361
  
$
97
  
$
549,851
  
Real estate construction and development
    
36,060
    
10,970
    
2,060
   
49,090
 
Total floating rate loans
    
493,453
    
103,331
    
2,157
    
598,941
  
                           
Fixed rate
                          
                           
Commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural, and agricultural real estate
    
229,330
   
298,542
   
69,297
   
597,169
 
Real estate construction and development
    
3,491
    
7,281
    
104,001
    
114,773
 
Total fixed rate loans
    
232,821
    
305,823
    
173,298
    
711,942
  
Total
  
$
726,274
  
$
409,154
  
$
175,455
  
$
1,310,883
  
 
 
SECURITIES AND CORRESPONDING INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
 
The average balance of the amortized cost for securities available for sale in 2005 was $954.5 million, a decrease of $15.6 million, or 2%, from $970.0 million in 2004. The yield on average securities available for sale was 4.52% for 2005 compared to 4.60% in 2004. The slight decrease in yield on securities available for sale resulted from continued efforts to shorten the duration and weighted average life of the securities available for sale portfolio in 2005. At December 31, 2005, approximately 53% of total securities were comprised of fifteen/ten year mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), 22% were comprised of US Agency notes and bonds and 5% were comprised of thirty/twenty year mortgaged-backed securities. At December 31, 2004, the mix was 67% fifteen/ten year mortgage-backed securities and CMOs, 11% US Agency notes and bonds and 9% of thirty/twenty year mortgaged-backed securities. Furthermore, the Company shortened the estimated weighted average life of the total securities portfolio from 4.6 years at December 31, 2004 to 4.1 years at December 31, 2005. In the event of a rising rate environment, the Company should be positioned to reinvest cash flows at a faster rate from shortening the expected life of the portfolio.
 
The average balance of securities held to maturity increased from $85.8 million in 2004 to $88.2 million in 2005. At December 31, 2005, securities held to maturity were comprised primarily of tax-exempt municipal securities. The yield on securities held to maturity increased from 5.11% in 2004 to 5.71% in 2005 from higher yields for tax-exempt securities purchased during 2005. Investments in FRB and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock increased to $37.7 million in 2005 from $34.8 million in 2004. This increase was driven primarily by an increase in the investment in FHLB resulting from an increase in the Company’s borrowing capacity at FHLB. The yield from investments in FRB and FHLB Banks increased from 2.45% in 2004 to 5.05% in 2005. In 2003, the FHLB disclosed it had capital concerns and credit issues in their investment security portfolio. As a result of these issues, the FHLB reduced their dividend rate in 2004.
 
The Company classifies its securities at date of purchase as either 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 non-accrual status.
 
Non-marketable equity securities are carried at cost, with the exception of small business investment company (SBIC) investments, which are carried at fair value in accordance with SBIC rules.
 
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
 
 
Table 5. Securities Portfolio
 
   
As of December 31,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
(In thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
  
Fair
Value
  
Amortized
Cost
  
Fair
Value
  
Amortized
Cost
  
Fair
Value
  
Securities available for sale
                          
U.S. Treasury
  
$
10,005
  
$
10,005
  
$
10,037
  
$
9,977
  
$
58
  
$
59
  
Federal Agency and mortgage-backed
    
684,907
    
672,602
    
694,928
    
696,835
    
843,777
    
849,686
  
State & Municipal, collateralized mortgage obligations and other securities
    
269,826
    
271,867
    
238,770
    
245,730
    
123,570
    
131,216
  
Total securities available for sale
  
$
964,738
  
$
954,474
  
$
943,735
  
$
952,542
  
$
967,405
  
$
980,961
  
                                       
                                       
Securities held to maturity
                                      
Federal Agency and mortgage-backed
  
$
4,354
  
$
4,482
  
$
6,412
  
$
6,706
  
$
11,363
  
$
11,867
  
State & Municipal
    
87,582
    
87,446
    
75,128
    
75,764
    
85,437
    
86,305
  
Other securities
    
1,773
    
1,773
    
242
    
242
    
404
    
404
  
  Total securities held to maturity
  
$
93,709
  
$
93,701
  
$
81,782
  
$
82,712
  
$
97,204
  
$
98,576
  
 
 
In the available for sale category at December 31, 2005, federal agency securities were comprised of Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) securities; Mortgaged-backed securities were comprised of GSEs with an amortized cost of $395.5 million and a fair value of $386.0 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $53.0 million and a fair value of $53.2 million; Collateralized mortgage obligations were comprised of GSEs with an amortized cost of $102.6 million and a fair value of $100.2 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $75.7 million and a fair value of $73.8 million. At December 31, 2005, all of the mortgaged-backed securities held to maturity were comprised of US Government Agency securities.
 
The following tables set forth information with regard to contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2005:

(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
  
Estimated fair
value
  
Weighted
Average Yield
  
Debt securities classified as available for sale
              
Within one year
  
$
45,264
  
$
44,914
    
2.76
%
From one to five years
    
217,765
    
215,440
    
4.41
%
From five to ten years
    
89,812
    
89,840
    
4.82
%
After ten years
    
598,091
    
587,117
    
4.78
%
   
$
950,932
  
$
937,311
        
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
                    
Within one year
  
$
26,451
  
$
26,452
    
3.45
%
From one to five years
    
31,724
    
31,526
    
3.92
%
From five to ten years
    
19,360
    
19,169
    
4.18
%
After ten years
    
16,174
    
16,554
    
5.12
%
   
$
93,709
  
$
93,701
        
 
FUNDING SOURCES AND CORRESPONDING INTEREST EXPENSE
 
The Company utilizes traditional deposit products such as time, savings, NOW, money market, and demand deposits as its primary source for funding. Other sources, such as short-term FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, brokered time deposits, and long-term FHLB borrowings are utilized as necessary to support the Company’s growth in assets and to achieve interest rate sensitivity objectives. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $142.3 million, totaling $3.4 billion in 2005 from $3.3 billion in 2004. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased from 1.83% in 2004 to 2.30% in 2005. Increases in the rate paid on and the average balance of interest bearing liabilities caused an increase in interest expense of $18.6 million, or 31%, from $59.7 million in 2004 to $78.3 million in 2005.
 
 
DEPOSITS
 
Average interest bearing deposits increased $60.4 million during 2005 compared to 2004. The increase resulted primarily from increases in time deposits offset by declines in money market, savings and NOW accounts. Average time deposits increased $137.8 million or 13% during 2005 when compared to 2004. The increase in average time deposits resulted primarily from increases in municipal, jumbo and brokered time deposits. The average balance of money market, savings and NOW accounts decreased collectively $77.3 million or 5% during 2005 when compared to 2004. The decrease in money market and NOW accounts was driven primarily from municipal customers shifting their funds into higher paying time deposits in 2005. The decrease in savings was driven primarily from retail customers shifting funds into higher paying money market accounts and time deposits. The average balance of demand deposits increased $50.3 million, or 10%, from $492.7 million in 2004 to $543.1 million in 2005. Solid growth in demand deposits was driven principally by increases in accounts from retail and business customers in newer markets. The ratio of average demand deposits to total average deposits increased from 16.2% in 2004 to 17.2% in 2005.
 
The rate paid on average interest-bearing deposits increased 35 bp from 1.56% during 2004 to 1.91% in 2005. The increase in rate on interest-bearing deposits was driven primarily by pricing increases from money market accounts and time deposits. These deposit products are more sensitive to interest rate changes. The pricing increases for these products resulted from several increases in short-term rates by the FRB during 2005 combined with competitive pricing for market competitors. The Company expects this trend to continue for money market accounts and time deposits in 2006. The rates paid for NOW and savings accounts remained relatively unchanged for 2005 compared to 2004. These product types are not as sensitive to rate changes and pricing pressure from competitors was low. If short-term rates continue to rise as projected in 2006, the Company expects that pricing pressures will increase from competition, as a result, rates paid for savings and NOW accounts will likely increase. Additionally, if the difference in pricing for savings accounts compared to money market accounts and short-term time deposits widens, the Company expects to experience a shift from lower cost savings accounts to higher cost money market accounts and short-term time deposits in 2006. The Company anticipates these events will likely have an adverse impact on the Company’s net interest margin in 2006.
 

The following table presents the maturity distribution of time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2005:

Table 6. Maturity Distribution of Time Deposits of  $100,000 or More
  
(In thousands)
  
December 31, 2005
  
Within three months
  
$
203,985
  
After three but within twelve months
    
189,090
 
After one but within three years
    
180,928
 
Over three years
    
17,749
 
Total
  
$
591,752
  
 
 
BORROWINGS
 
Average short-term borrowings increased $51.4 million to $353.6 million in 2005. The average rate paid on short-term borrowings increased from 1.35% in 2004 to 3.11% in 2005, as the Federal Reserve Bank increased the discount rate (which directly impacts short-term borrowing rates) 200 bp in 2005. The increases in the average balance and the average rate paid caused interest expense on short-term borrowings to increase $6.9 million from $4.1 million in 2004 to $11.0 million in 2005. Average long-term debt increased $29.1 million from $381.8 million in 2004 to $410.9 million in 2005. The increases in long-term debt and short-term borrowings resulted primarily from loan growth exceeding deposit growth in 2005.
 
The average balance of trust preferred debentures increased $1.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The average rate paid for trust preferred debentures in 2005 was 6.26%, up 176 bp from 4.50% in 2004. The increase in rate on the trust preferred debentures is due primarily to the previously mentioned increase in short-term rates during 2005, as $18.7 million in trust preferred debentures are tied to 3-month LIBOR plus 275 bp (see footnote 12 “Trust Preferred Debentures” under Item 8 “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information about these debentures). The increase in the average balance of trust preferred debentures is due primarily to the issuance of $5.2 million of trust preferred debentures in November 2005 at a fixed rate of 6.30% for five years convertible to floating rate tied to 3-month LIBOR plus 140 bp for 25 years thereafter (callable after five years).
 
Short-term borrowings consist of Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, which generally represent overnight borrowing transactions, and other short-term borrowings, primarily FHLB advances, with original maturities of one year or less. The Company has unused lines of credit and access to brokered deposits available for short-term financing of approximately $594 million and $545 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Securities collateralizing repurchase agreements are held in safekeeping by non-affiliated financial institutions and are under the Company’s control. Long-term debt, which is comprised primarily of FHLB advances, are collateralized by the FHLB stock owned by the Company, certain of its mortgage-backed securities and a blanket lien on its residential real estate mortgage loans.
 
RISK MANAGEMENT-CREDIT RISK
 
Credit risk is managed through a network of loan officers, credit committees, loan policies, and oversight from the senior credit officers and Board of Directors. Management follows a policy of continually identifying, analyzing, and grading credit risk inherent in each loan portfolio. An ongoing independent review, subsequent to management’s review, of individual credits in the commercial loan portfolio is performed by the independent loan review function. These components of the Company’s underwriting and monitoring functions are critical to the timely identification, classification, and resolution of problem credits.
 

NONPERFORMING ASSETS
 
Table 7. Nonperforming Assets
 
   
As of December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
Nonaccrual loans
                      
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
  
$
9,373
  
$
10,550
  
$
8,693
  
$
16,980
  
$
31,372
  
Real estate mortgages
    
2,009
    
2,553
    
2,483
    
5,522
    
5,119
  
Consumer
    
2,037
    
1,888
    
2,685
    
1,507
    
3,719
  
Total nonaccrual loans
    
13,419
    
14,991
    
13,861
    
24,009
    
40,210
  
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
                                
Commercial and agricultural loans and real estate
    
-
   
-
   
242
    
237
    
198
  
Real estate mortgages
    
465
    
737
    
244
    
1,325
    
1,844
  
Consumer
    
413
    
449
    
482
    
414
    
933
  
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
    
878
    
1,186
    
968
    
1,976
    
2,975
  
Restructured loans
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
409
    
603
  
Total nonperforming loans
    
14,297
    
16,177
    
14,829
    
26,394
    
43,788
  
Other real estate owned
    
265
    
428
    
1,157
    
2,947
    
1,577
  
Total nonperforming loans and other real estate owned
    
14,562
    
16,605
    
15,986
    
29,341
    
45,365
  
Nonperforming securities
    
-
   
-
   
395
    
1,122
    
4,500
  
Total nonperforming loans, securities, and other real estate owned
  
$
14,562
  
$
16,605
  
$
16,381
  
$
30,463
  
$
49,865
  
Total nonperforming loans to loans and leases
    
0.47
%
  
0.56
%
  
0.56
%
  
1.12
%
  
1.87
%
Total nonperforming loans and other real estate owned to total assets
    
0.33
%
  
0.39
%
  
0.40
%
  
0.79
%
  
1.25
%
Total nonperforming loans, securities, and other real estate owned to total assets
    
0.33
%
  
0.39
%
  
0.40
%
  
0.82
%
  
1.37
%
Total allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans
    
331.92
%
  
277.75
%
  
287.62
%
  
152.18
%
  
102.19
%

 
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 and lease 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 current assessment of a number of factors, which could affect collectibility. These factors include: past loss experience; size, trend, composition, and nature of loans; changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-offs and recoveries; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; current economic conditions in the Company’s market; portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experienced across one or more components of the portfolio; the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements; and the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff. In addition, various regulatory agencies as an integral component of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their examination.
 
After a thorough consideration of the factors discussed above, any 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.
 
Total nonperforming assets were $14.6 million at December 31, 2005, compared to $16.6 million at December 31, 2004. Credit quality remained stable in 2005, as nonperforming loans totaled $14.3 million at December 31, 2005, down from the $16.2 million outstanding at December 31, 2004. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans and leases decreased to 0.47% for December 31, 2005 from 0.56% at December 31, 2004. The total allowance for loan and lease losses is 331.92% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2005 as compared to 277.75% at December 31, 2004.
 
Impaired loans, which primarily consist of nonaccruing commercial type loans decreased slightly, totaling $9.4 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $10.5 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2005, $2.9 million of the total impaired loans had a specific reserve allocation of $0.0 million or 0% compared to $0.5 million of total impaired loans at December 31, 2004 which had a specific reserve allocation of $0.2 million or 30%.

Total net charge-offs for 2005 totaled $6.9 million as compared to $7.3 million for 2004. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases was 0.23% for 2005 compared to 0.27% for 2004. Gross charge-offs decreased $0.6 million, totaling $11.0 million for 2005 compared to $11.6 million for 2004. Recoveries decreased slightly, from $4.3 million in 2004 to $4.1 million in 2005. The provision for loan and lease losses decreased slightly to $9.5 million in 2005 from $9.6 million in 2004. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases was 1.57% at December 31, 2005 and 2004. The slight decrease in the provision for loan and lease losses in 2005 compared to 2004 resulted mainly from loan growth and an increase in potential problem loans discussed below, offset by decreases in net charge-offs and nonperforming loans.
 
 
Table 8. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
Balance at January 1
  
$
44,932
  
$
42,651
  
$
40,167
  
$
44,746
  
$
32,494
  
                                 
Loans and leases charged-off
                                
Commercial and agricultural
    
3,403
    
4,595
    
5,619
    
9,970
    
17,097
  
Real estate mortgages
    
741
    
772
    
362
    
2,547
    
783
  
Consumer*
    
6,875
    
6,239
    
5,862
    
5,805
    
4,491
  
Total loans and leases charged-off
    
11,019
    
11,606
    
11,843
    
18,322
    
22,371
  
                                 
Recoveries
                                
Commercial and agricultural
    
1,695
    
2,547
    
3,185
    
3,394
    
1,063
  
Real estate mortgages
    
438
    
215
    
430
    
104
    
122
  
Consumer*
    
1,945
    
1,510
    
1,601
    
1,172
    
1,004
  
Total recoveries
    
4,078
    
4,272
    
5,216
    
4,670
    
2,189
  
Net loans and leases charged-off
    
6,941
    
7,334
    
6,627
    
13,652
    
20,182
  
Allowance related to purchase acquisitions
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
505
  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    
9,464
    
9,615
    
9,111
    
9,073
    
31,929
  
Balance at December 31
  
$
47,455
  
$
44,932
  
$
42,651
  
$
40,167
  
$
44,746
  
Allowance for loan and lease losses to loans and leases outstanding at end of year
    
1.57
%
  
1.57
%
  
1.62
%
  
1.70
%
  
1.91
%
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases outstanding
    
0.23
%
  
0.27
%
  
0.27
%
  
0.58
%
  
0.87
%
* Consumer charge-off and recoveries include consumer, home equity, and lease financing.
 
Total nonperforming assets were $16.6 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $16.4 million at December 31, 2003. Credit quality remained stable in 2004, as nonperforming loans totaled $16.2 million at December 31, 2004, up slightly from the $14.8 million outstanding at December 31, 2003. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans and leases remained unchanged at 0.56% for December 31, 2004 and 2003. The total allowance for loan and lease losses is 277.75% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2004 as compared to 287.62% at December 31, 2003.
 
Total net charge-offs for 2004 totaled $7.3 million as compared to $6.6 million for 2003. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases was 0.27% for 2004 and 2003. Gross charge-offs decreased slightly totaling $11.6 million for 2004 compared to $11.8 million for 2003. Recoveries decreased $0.9 million from $5.2 million in 2003 to $4.3 million in 2004, due to a decrease in commercial and agricultural recoveries in 2004 (due in part to several large commercial loan workouts in 2003). The provision for loan and lease losses increased to $9.6 million in 2004 from $9.1 million in 2003. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases was 1.57% at December 31, 2004 compared to 1.62% at December 31, 2003. The slight increase in the provision for loan and lease losses in 2004 compared to 2003 resulted mainly from strong loan growth, a slight increase in net charge-offs; and stable credit quality as the Company’s credit quality measures remained relatively unchanged in 2004 compared to 2003.
 

In addition to the nonperforming loans discussed above, the Company has also identified approximately $69.5 million in potential problem loans at December 31, 2005 as compared to $48.0 million at December 31, 2004. 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 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 non-performing 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 December 31, 2005 and 2004, potential problem loans primarily consisted of commercial and agricultural real estate and commercial and agricultural loans. The increase in potential problem loans at December 31, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004 resulted mainly from the downgrade of several large commercial credit relationships. At December 31, 2005, there were fifteen potential problem loans that exceeded $1.0 million, totaling $38.3 million in aggregate compared to seven potential problem loans exceeding $1.0 million, totaling $16.3 million at December 31, 2004. Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions may worsen or other factors which may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses.
 
The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by category, as well as the percentage of loans and leases in each category to total loans and leases, as prepared by the Company. This allocation is based on management’s assessment of the risk characteristics of each of the component parts of the total loan portfolio as of a given point in time and is subject to changes as and when the risk factors of each such component part change. The allocation is not indicative of either the specific amounts of the loan categories in which future charge-offs may be taken, nor should it be taken as an indicator of future loss trends. The allocation of the allowance to each category does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category. The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category:
 

 
Table 9. Allocation of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
   
December 31,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  
 
 
Allowance
  
Category
Percent of
Loans
  
 
 
Allowance
  
Category
Percent of
Loans
  
 
 
Allowance
  
Category
Percent of
of Loans
  
 
 
Allowance
  
Category
Percent of
of Loans
  
 
 
Allowance
  
Category
Percent of
Loans
  
                                                               
Commercial and agricultural
  
$
30,257
    
43
% 
$
28,158
    
44
% 
$
25,502
    
43
%
$
25,589
    
46
%
$
34,682
    
48
%
Real estate mortgages
    
3,148
    
23
%
  
4,029
    
25
%
  
4,699
    
27
%
  
3,884
    
25
%
  
1,611
    
22
%
Consumer
    
12,402
    
34
%
  
10,887
    
31
%
  
9,357
    
30
%
  
7,654
    
29
%
  
4,626
    
30
%
Unallocated
    
1,648
    
0
%
  
1,858
    
0
%
  
3,093
    
0
%
  
3,040
    
0
%
  
3,827
    
0
%
Total
  
$
47,455
    
100
%
$
44,932
    
100
%  
$
42,651
    
100
% 
$
40,167
    
100
% 
$
44,746
    
100
%

 
For 2005, the reserve allocation for commercial and agricultural loans increased as a decrease in net charge-off experience was offset by an increase in potential problem loans. The reserve allocation for real estate mortgages decreased, consistent with the decline in real estate mortgages and continued low charge-off experience. The reserve allocation for consumer loans increased from increases in net charge-offs and strong loan growth. The unallocated reserve decreased slightly to $1.6 million for 2005 from $1.9 million for 2004.
 

The unallocated reserve decreased from $3.1 million in 2003 to $1.9 million in 2004. The unallocated reserved ranged from $3.9 million to $3.1 million for the periods 2000 through 2003. This level of unallocated reserve for this period was primarily in response to the integration of three acquired banks during 2000 and 2001. These acquired banks appeared to have used generally less conservative underwriting and monitoring standards for their commercial related loans, which increased the inherent risk of loss in the loan and lease portfolio. This situation was exacerbated by the economic downturn in 2001 (recession and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001), which helped create a higher risk environment for the loan and lease portfolio. The Company responded to this higher risk environment by increasing unallocated reserves based on risk factors thought to increase with the slowing economy and inherent risk of recently acquired loans underwritten with less conservative underwriting standards. During 2002 and 2003, the Company successfully integrated the credit functions of the acquired banks noted above and for the period of 2002 through 2004, worked out a majority of the nonaccrual loans and potential problem loans associated with these acquired banks. During 2004, economic conditions continued to improve and the Company continued to experience positive trends in several credit quality measures. As a result of improved economic conditions and the reduction of risk from loans from acquired banks noted above, the level of unallocated reserve was decreased in 2004. Offsetting the decrease in unallocated reserve was an increase in reserve for commercial and agricultural loans as well as consumer loans in 2004. The increase in reserve allocations for these segments of the loan and lease portfolio was the result of portfolio growth and increases in historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends.
 
At December 31, 2005, approximately 62.4% of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate located in central and northern New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the Company’s portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions of those areas. Management is not aware of any material concentrations of credit to any industry or individual borrowers.
 
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 Asset Liability Committee (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 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 December 31, 2005, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 5.2% of total assets or $228 million, which was above the Company’s minimum of 5% (calculated at $221 million of period end total assets at December 31, 2005) 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 December 31, 2005, the Company considered its Basic Surplus position as tightening. The Company anticipates the merger with CNB will improve its Basic Surplus measurement, in the range of 6% to 7% in the first quarter of 2006. Despite this expected improvement in liquidity, certain events may adversely impact the Company’s liquidity position in 2006. Continued improvement in the economy may increase demand for equity related products or increase competitive pressure on deposit pricing, which in turn, could result in a decrease in the Company’s deposit base or increase funding costs. Additionally, liquidity will come under additional pressure if loan growth continues to exceed deposit growth in 2006. Lastly, unexpected run-off of deposits from the CNB merger will adversely impact liquidity. These scenarios could lead to a decrease in the Company’s basic surplus measure below the minimum policy level of 5%. To manage this risk, the Company has the ability to purchase brokered time deposits, established borrowing facilities with other banks (Federal funds), and has the ability to enter into repurchase agreements with investment companies. The additional liquidity that could be provided by these measures amounted to $594 million at December 31, 2005.
 
At December 31, 2005, a portion of the Company’s loans and securities were pledged as collateral on borrowings. Therefore, future growth of earning assets will depend upon the Company’s ability to obtain additional funding, through growth of core deposits and collateral management, and may require further use of brokered time deposits, or other higher cost borrowing arrangements.
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $65.1 million in 2005 and $96.6 million in 2004. The critical elements of net operating cash flows include net income, after adding back provision for loan and lease losses, and depreciation and amortization. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2005 compared to 2004 resulted primarily from the net increase in proceeds from the sale of loans, which totaled of $16.9 million in 2004 as compared to a $3.0 million decrease in 2005 as originations exceeded sales.
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $206.1 million in 2005 and $224.7 million in 2004. Critical elements of investing activities are loan and investment securities transactions. The decrease in investing activities in 2004 was due primarily to the net increase in loans which totaled $255.0 million in 2004 compared to $157.0 million in 2005 offset by purchases of securities available for sale and held to maturity exceeding proceeds from sales, maturities, calls and pay downs which totaled $30.5 million in 2005 compared with proceeds from sales, maturities, calls and pay downs of securities available for sale and held to maturity exceeding purchases which totaled $37.9 million for 2004.
 
Net cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $176.8 million in 2005 and $106.8 million in 2004. The critical elements of financing activities are proceeds from deposits, long-term debt, short-term borrowings, and stock issuances. In addition, financing activities are impacted by dividends and treasury stock transactions.
 
In connection with its financing and operating activities, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations. The Company’s future minimum cash payments, excluding interest, associated with its contractual obligations pursuant to its borrowing agreements and operating leases at December 31, 2005 are as follows:
 
 
Contractual Obligations
  
(In thousands)
  
   
Payments Due by Period
  
   
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
  
2010
  
Thereafter
  
Total
  
Long-term debt obligations
   $ 
85,000
  $
65,000
  $
115,261
  $
75,000
  $
25,000
  $
49,069
  $
414,330
 
Trust preferred debentures
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
23,875
   
23,875
 
Operating lease obligations
    
2,590
   
2,341
   
1,804
   
1,384
   
1,031
   
6,620
   
15,770
 
Total contractual obligations
  
$
87,590
  
$
67,341
  
$
117,065
  
$
76,384
  
$
26,031
  
$
79,564
  
$
453,975
  
 
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT
 
The Company makes contractual commitments to extend credit, which include unused lines of credit, which are subject to the Company’s credit approval and monitoring procedures. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, commitments to extend credit in the form of loans, including unused lines of credit, amounted to $497.1 million and $507.4 million, respectively. In the opinion of management, there are no material commitments to extend credit, including unused lines of credit, that represent unusual risks. All commitments to extend credit in the form of loans, including unused lines of credit, expire within one year.
 
STAND-BY LETTERS OF CREDIT

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN No. 45), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others; an Interpretation of FASB Statements Nos. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.” FIN No. 45 requires certain new disclosures and potential liability-recognition for the fair value at issuance of guarantees that fall within its scope. Under FIN No. 45, the Company does not issue any guarantees that would require liability-recognition or disclosure, other than its stand-by letters of credit.
 
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. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, outstanding stand-by letters of credit were approximately $42.9 million and $31.6 million, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s stand-by letters of credit at December 31, 2005 and 2004 was not significant. The following table sets forth the commitment expiration period for stand-by letters of credit at December 31, 2005:
 
 
Commitment Expiration of Stand-by Letters of Credit
  
Within one year
  
$
28,104
  
After one but within three years
    
13,422
 
After three but within five years
    
1,340
 
Total
  
$
42,866
  

 
LOANS SERVICED FOR OTHERS AND LOANS SOLD WITH RECOURSE
 
The total amount of loans serviced by the Company for unrelated third parties was approximately $81.2 million and $70.8 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company serviced $5.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of loans sold with recourse. Due to collateral on these loans, no reserve is considered necessary at December 31, 2005 and 2004.
 
CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Consistent with its goal to operate a sound and profitable financial institution, the Company actively seeks to maintain a “well-capitalized” institution in accordance with regulatory standards. The principal source of capital to the Company is earnings retention. The Company’s capital measurements are in excess of both regulatory minimum guidelines and meet the requirements to be considered well capitalized.
 
The Company’s principal source of funds to pay interest on trust preferred debentures and pay cash dividends to its shareholders is dividends from its subsidiaries. Various laws and regulations restrict the ability of banks to pay dividends to their shareholders. Generally, the payment of dividends by the Company in the future as well as the payment of interest on the capital securities will require the generation of sufficient future earnings by its subsidiaries.
 
The Bank also is subject to substantial regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to the Company. Under OCC regulations, the Bank may not pay a dividend, without prior OCC approval, if the total amount of all dividends declared during the calendar year, including the proposed dividend, exceed the sum of its retained net income to date during the calendar year and its retained net income over the preceding two years. At December 31, 2005, approximately $58.5 million of the total stockholders’ equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends also is subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements.
 
STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
 
On January 24, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a new repurchase program whereby the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1,500,000 shares (approximately 5%) of its outstanding common stock. At that time, there were 719,800 shares remaining under the January 26, 2004 authorization that was superseded by the new repurchase program. During 2005, the Company repurchased 1,008,114 shares of its own common stock for $23.2 million at an average price of $22.97 per share. At December 31, 2005, there were 503,151 shares available for repurchase under the January 24, 2005 authorization.
 

On January 23, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a new repurchase program whereby the Company is authorized to repurchase up to an additional 1,000,000 shares (approximately 3%) of its outstanding common stock. The shares remaining under the 2005 authorization will be combined with the 2006 authorization, increasing the total shares available for repurchase to 1,503,151.
 
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:
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Service charges on deposit accounts
  
$
16,894
  
$
16,470
  
$
15,833
  
Broker/dealer and insurance revenue
    
3,186
    
6,782
    
6,869
  
Trust
    
5,029
    
4,605
    
4,041
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
1,347
    
1,487
    
815
  
ATM/Debit Card fees
    
6,162
    
5,530
    
5,307
  
Retirement plan administration fees
    
4,426
    
-
   
-
 
Other
    
6,741
    
5,799
    
4,738
  
Total before net securities (losses) gains
    
43,785
    
40,673
    
37,603
  
Net securities (losses) gains
    
(1,236
)
  
216
    
175
 
  Total
  
$
42,549
  
$
40,889
  
$
37,778
  

 
Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2005, was $42.5 million, up $1.6 million from $40.9 million for the same period in 2004. Excluding net securities losses of $1.2 million for 2005 and net securities gains of $0.2 million in 2004, total noninterest income increased $3.1 million or 8% from the same period in 2004. Net securities losses of $1.2 million resulted from the sale of $47.8 million in securities available for sale to improve investment portfolio yield going forward. Retirement plan administration fees were $4.4 million. This is a new service from the acquisition of EPIC Advisors, Inc. in January 2005. ATM and debit card fees increased $0.6 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 $0.9 million from increases in consumer banking fees, mortgage banking income and title insurance revenue. Offsetting these increases was a $3.6 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 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 years indicated:
 
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Salaries and employee benefits
  
$
60,005
  
$
55,204
  
$
50,439
  
Occupancy
    
10,452
   
9,905
   
9,328
 
Equipment
    
8,118
   
7,573
   
7,627
 
Data processing and communications
    
10,349
   
10,972
   
10,752
 
Professional fees and outside services
    
6,087
   
6,175
   
5,433
 
Office supplies and postage
    
4,628
   
4,459
   
4,216
 
Amortization of intangible assets
    
544
   
284
   
620
 
Capital securities
    
-
   
-
   
732
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    
1,002
   
1,241
   
1,840
 
Goodwill impairment
    
-
   
1,950
   
-
 
Other
    
14,120
   
12,014
   
13,530
 
Total noninterest expense
  
$
115,305
  
$
109,777
  
$
104,517
  

 
Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005, was $115.3 million, up $5.5 million or 5% from $109.8 million for the same period in 2004. The increase in noninterest expense was due largely to increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy, equipment and other expense offset by a decrease in data processing and communications expense. Also, 2004 included a $2.0 million goodwill impairment charge. Salaries and employee benefits increased $4.8 million primarily from merit increases as well as an increase in retirement costs and incentive compensation. Occupancy expense increased $0.5 million, driven principally by branch expansion and rising energy costs. Equipment expense increased $0.5 million from various technology upgrades. Other operating expense increased $2.1 million, principally from the reversal of a previously accrued $1.4 million liability that was determined in the fourth quarter of 2004 to no longer be required. The $2.0 million goodwill impairment charge in 2004 resulted from the expected sale of the Company’s broker/dealer subsidiary, M Griffith, Inc. in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease in data processing and communications of $0.6 million was driven by a contract renewal with the Company’s core data system service provider in 2005.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
In 2005, income tax expense was $23.5 million, as compared to $21.9 million in 2004 and $21.5 million in 2003. The Company’s effective tax rate was 30.9%, 30.5%, and 31.3% in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. The 2005 effective rate included a reversal of a $0.7 million accrued tax liability in the third quarter of 2005 that was determined to no longer be required and a $0.4 million permanent difference related to a $1.1 million taxable gain for the sale of M. Griffith Inc. The 2004 effective rate included a reversal of a $0.8 million accrued tax liability in the fourth quarter of 2004 that was determined to no longer be required.


The proposed 2006 New York State budget bill contains a provision that would disallow the exclusion of dividends paid by a real estate investment trust subsidiary (“REIT”). The bill, if enacted as proposed would be effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, and the Company would lose the tax benefit associated with the REIT. Until there is resolution to this proposal, the Company may have to increase the 2006 tax provision by approximately $300K per quarter as compared to 2005 and may have to begin recording the increased provision in the first quarter of 2006. Additionally, the proposed legislation would reduce the statutory tax rate on the taxable income base from 7.50% to 6.75%.
 
We calculate our current and deferred tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed during the subsequent year. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified, which is generally in the third quarter of the subsequent year for U.S. federal and state provisions.

The amount of income taxes we pay is subject at times to ongoing audits by federal and state tax authorities, which often result in proposed assessments. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. We believe we have adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are proposed or resolved or when statutes of limitation on potential assessments expire. As a result, our effective tax rate may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly or annual basis.
 
2004 OPERATING RESULTS AS COMPARED TO 2003 OPERATING RESULTS
 
NET INTEREST INCOME

 
On a tax equivalent basis, the Company’s net interest income for 2004 was $154.7 million, up from $148.9 million for 2003. The Company’s net interest margin declined to 4.03% for 2004 from 4.16% for 2003. The decline in the net interest margin resulted primarily from earning assets repricing downward faster than interest bearing liabilities. The yield on earning assets decreased 33 basis points (bp), from 5.91% for 2003 to 5.58% for 2004. Meanwhile, the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased 24 bp, from 2.07% for 2003 to 1.83% for 2004. Offsetting the decline in net interest margin was an increase in average earning assets of $260.3 million or 7%, driven primarily by a $268.9 million increase in average loans and leases.
 
LOANS AND LEASES AND CORRESPONDING INTEREST AND FEES ON LOANS
 
The average balance of loans and leases increased 11%, totaling $2.7 billion in 2004 compared to $2.5 billion in 2003. The yield on average loans and leases decreased from 6.46% in 2003 to 5.99% in 2004, as long-term interest rates remained at relatively historic low levels for much of 2004. Interest income from loans and leases on a FTE basis increased 3%, from $159.8 million in 2003 to $164.3 million in 2004. The increase in interest income from loans and leases was due primarily to the increase the average balance of loans and leases noted above offset somewhat by a the decline in yield on loans and leases in 2004 compared to 2003.
 

Total loans and leases increased 9% at December 31, 2004, totaling $2.9 billion from $2.6 billion at December 31, 2003. The increase in loans and leases was driven by strong growth in home equity loans, real estate construction and development (primarily comprised of commercial real estate), lease financing and modest growth in commercial loans and commercial real estate. Home equity loans increased $55.3 million or 16% from $336.5 million at December 31, 2003 to $391.8 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in home equity loans was due to strong product demand as the Bank’s prime lending rate (which the home equity line product is tied to) remained at historic lows for the first-half of 2004. Additionally, the Bank was successful in marketing its home equity product in its newer markets. Real estate construction and development loans increased $50.9 million or 59% from $86.0 million at December 31, 2003 to $136.9 million at December 31, 2004, as the Bank originated several large commercial construction development loans in 2004 in its newer markets. Lease financing increased $18.0 million or 29% from $62.7 million at December 31, 2003 to $80.7 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in lease financing resulted from the Bank’s expanded presence in the northeastern Pennsylvania market in 2004. Commercial loans and commercial real estate increased $64.5 million or 7% from $954.0 million at December 31, 2003 to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2004, as the Bank continued to expand its commercial banking presence in Albany, Binghamton, and northeastern Pennsylvania.
 
SECURITIES AND CORRESPONDING INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
 
The average balance of securities available for sale in 2004 was $970.0 million, a decrease of $14.6 million, or 1%, from $984.6 million in 2003. The yield on average securities available for sale was 4.60% for 2004 compared to 4.70% in 2003. The slight decrease in yield on securities available for sale resulted from continued efforts to shorten the duration and weighted average life of the securities available for sale portfolio in 2004. At December 31, 2004, approximately 67% of securities available for sale were comprised of fifteen/ten year mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations and 9% were comprised of thirty/twenty year mortgaged-backed securities. At December 31, 2003, the mix was 63% fifteen/ten year mortgage-backed securities and 10% thirty/twenty year mortgaged-backed securities. Furthermore, the Company shortened the estimated weighted average life of the total securities portfolio from 5.0 years at December 31, 2003 to 4.6 years at December 31, 2004. In the event of a rising rate environment, the Company should be positioned to reinvest cash flows at a faster rate from shortening the expected life of the portfolio.
 
The average balance of securities held to maturity decreased from $90.6 million in 2003 to $85.8 million in 2004. At December 31, 2004, securities held to maturity were comprised primarily of tax-exempt municipal securities. The yield on securities held to maturity decreased slightly from 5.14% in 2003 to 5.11% in 2004. Investments in FRB and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock increased to $34.8 million in 2004 from $28.1 million in 2003. This increase was driven primarily by an increase in the investment in FHLB resulting from an increase in the Company’s borrowing capacity at FHLB. The yield from investments in FRB and FHLB Banks declined from 3.04% in 2003 to 2.45% in 2004. In 2003, the FHLB disclosed it had capital concerns and credit issues in their investment security portfolio. As a result of these issues, the FHLB suspended a quarterly dividend payment in 2003 and reduced their dividend rate in 2004.
 
 
BORROWINGS
 
Average short-term borrowings increased $111.9 million to $302.3 million in 2004. The average rate paid on short-term borrowings increased from 1.14% in 2003 to 1.35% in 2004, as the Federal Reserve Bank increased the discount rate (which directly impacts short-term borrowing rates) 125 bp in 2004. The increases in the average balance and the average rate paid caused interest expense on short-term borrowings to increase $1.9 million from $2.2 million in 2003 to $4.1 million in 2004. Average long-term debt increased $20.8 million, from $360.9 million in 2003 to $381.8 million in 2004. The increases in long-term debt and short-term borrowings resulted primarily from loan growth exceeding deposit growth in 2004.
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
Noninterest income before securities losses increased $3.1 million or 8% to $40.7 million for 2004 from $37.6 million for 2003. Fees from service charges on deposit accounts increased $0.6 million or 4% for 2004 when compared to 2003, primarily from an increase in deposits pricing adjustments related to overdraft fees. Broker/dealer and insurance fees remained relatively unchanged as the Company’s insurance subsidiary CFS , which no longer provided insurance services in May 2003, had revenues of $0.4 million for 2003 compared to no revenue for 2004. Offsetting this decrease was a $0.3 million increase in revenue from the Company’s financial services division in 2004 from continued growth from this relatively new business initiative, which was launched in 2003. Trust revenue increased $0.6 million or 14% in 2004, primarily from growth in assets under management and increased trust accounts. Other income increased $1.3 million or 13%, in 2004, from growth in ATM and other consumer and commercial banking fee income. Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income increased $0.7 million in 2004 compared to 2003 as the Company recognized a full year of BOLI income in 2004 compared to 6 months of BOLI income in 2003 due to the $30 million purchase of BOLI in June 2003.
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
Total noninterest expense increased $5.3 million or 5% from $104.5 million in 2003 to $109.8 million in 2004. Salaries and benefits increased $4.8 million or 9% in 2004 from increases in salaries of $2.1 million, incentive compensation of $0.8 million, and medical insurance of $1.4 million. The increase in salaries was driven primarily by merit increases and an increase in full-time equivalent employees (from market expansion). Incentive compensation increased from increases in revenue generator incentive payments, financial services commissions and 401(K)/ESOP contributions as the Company’s focus has shifted to a variable compensation structure for sales-oriented employees. Rising health care costs drove the increase in medical insurance. Occupancy expense increased $0.6 million or 6% in 2004 from increases in depreciation, rent and property taxes from branch expansion in the Albany and Binghamton markets in 2004 and 2003. Professional fees and outside services increased $0.7 million or 14% in 2004 compared to 2003 from increases in audit costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and courier expense (market expansion and increased fuel costs). In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company took a $2.0 million goodwill impairment charge related to its broker/dealer subsidiary MGI. The goodwill impairment charge stems from the purchase price agreed to in a definitive agreement signed in the fourth quarter 2004 for the sale of MGI, which closed in the first quarter of 2005. The sale of MGI was due to the Company’s decision to change its strategy in delivering financial services directly through its Bank and Trust Department.
 
 
Offsetting these increases were decreases in 2004 in other operating expense of $1.5 million and $0.6 million in loan collection and OREO costs. The decrease in other operating expense resulted from a $1.4 million reversal of an accrued liability that was determined to no longer be required in the fourth quarter of 2004. The decrease in loan collection and OREO costs resulted from lower collection costs from a decrease in nonperforming loans.
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Interest rate risk is 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 or are immaterial to the results of operations.
 
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 the 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. Two additional models are run in which a gradual increase of 200 bp and 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 faster than interest-bearing liabilities. The inability to effectively lower deposit rates will likely reduce or eliminate the otherwise normal expected 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. Net interest income for the next twelve months in the +200/- 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 December 31, 2005 balance sheet position:

 
Table 10. Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
      
Change in interest rates
(In basis points)
  
Percent change
in net interest income
  
+200
    
(2.15
%)
-200
    
(1.09
%)

 
Under the flat rate scenario with a static balance sheet, net interest income is anticipated to decrease approximately 1.8% from total net interest income for 2005. The Company anticipates under current conditions, interest expense is expected to increase at a faster rate that interest income as the Company is somewhat liability sensitive. In order to protect net interest income from anticipated net interest margin compression, the Company will continue to focus on increasing earning assets through loan growth and leverage opportunities. However, if the Company cannot increase the level of earning assets at December 31, 2005, the Company expects net interest income to decline in 2006.
 
 
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, limiting its exposure to long-term fixed rate assets. 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, from time to time during 2005, the Company has increased its long-term debt to offset exposure to long-term earning assets.
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
NBT Bancorp Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NBT Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, cash flows and comprehensive income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NBT Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of NBT Bancorp Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 6, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.


/S/ KPMG LLP
 
 
Albany, New York
March 6, 2006


 
   
As of December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
  
2005
  
2004
  
           
Assets
          
Cash and due from banks
  
$
134,501
  
$
98,437
  
Short-term interest bearing accounts
    
7,987
    
8,286
  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    
954,474
    
952,542
  
Securities held to maturity (fair value $93,701 and $82,712)
    
93,709
    
81,782
  
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    
40,259
    
36,842
  
Loans and leases
    
3,022,657
    
2,869,921
  
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
    
47,455
    
44,932
  
Net loans and leases
    
2,975,202
    
2,824,989
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
63,693
    
63,743
  
Goodwill
    
47,544
    
45,570
  
Intangible assets, net
    
3,808
    
2,013
  
Bank owned life insurance
    
33,648
    
32,302
  
Other assets
    
71,948
    
65,798
  
Total assets
  
$
4,426,773
  
$
4,212,304
  
Liabilities
              
Demand (noninterest bearing)
  
$
593,422
  
$
520,218
  
Savings, NOW, and money market
    
1,325,166
    
1,435,561
  
Time
    
1,241,608
    
1,118,059
  
Total deposits
    
3,160,196
    
3,073,838
  
Short-term borrowings
    
444,977
    
338,823
  
Long-term debt
    
414,330
    
394,523
  
Trust preferred debentures
    
23,875
    
18,720
  
Other liabilities
    
49,452
    
54,167
  
Total liabilities
    
4,092,830
    
3,880,071
  
Stockholders’ equity
              
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized 2,500,000 shares at December 31, 2005 and 2004.
    
-
    
-
  
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares at December 31, 2005 and 2004; issued 34,400,925 and 34,401,008 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively
    
344
   
344
 
Additional paid-in-capital
    
219,157
   
218,012
 
Unvested restricted stock
    
(457
)
  
(296
)
Retained earnings
    
163,989
   
137,323
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    
(6,477
)
  
4,989
 
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 2,101,382 and 1,544,247 shares
    
(42,613
)
  
(28,139
)
Total stockholders’ equity
    
333,943
    
332,233
  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
4,426,773
  
$
4,212,304
  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
               
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Interest, fee, and dividend income
              
Interest and fees on loans and leases
  
$
189,714
  
$
163,795
  
$
159,118
  
Securities available for sale
    
41,120
   
42,264
   
43,851
 
Securities held to maturity
    
3,407
   
3,044
   
3,391
 
Other
    
2,126
   
1,076
   
938
 
Total interest, fee, and dividend income
    
236,367
   
210,179
   
207,298
 
Interest expense
                    
Deposits
    
49,932
   
39,761
   
45,941
 
Short-term borrowings
    
10,984
   
4,086
   
2,171
 
Long-term debt
    
16,114
   
15,022
   
14,762
 
Trust preferred debentures
    
1,226
   
823
   
-
 
Total interest expense
    
78,256
   
59,692
   
62,874
 
Net interest income
    
158,111
   
150,487
   
144,424
 
Provision for loan and lease losses
    
9,464
   
9,615
   
9,111
 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses
    
148,647
   
140,872
   
135,313
 
Noninterest income
                    
Service charges on deposit accounts
    
16,894
   
16,470
   
15,833
 
Broker/ dealer and insurance revenue
    
3,186
   
6,782
   
6,869
 
Trust
    
5,029
   
4,605
   
4,041
 
Net securities (losses) gains
    
(1,236
)
  
216
   
175
 
Bank owned life insurance
    
1,347
   
1,487
   
815
 
ATM/Debit card Fees
    
6,162
   
5,530
   
5,307
 
Retirement plan administration fees
    
4,426
   
-
   
-
 
Other
    
6,741
   
5,799
   
4,738
 
Total noninterest income
    
42,549
   
40,889
   
37,778
 
Noninterest expense
                    
Salaries and employee benefits
    
60,005
   
55,204
   
50,439
 
Occupancy
    
10,452
   
9,905
   
9,328
 
Equipment
    
8,118
   
7,573
   
7,627
 
Data processing and communications
    
10,349
   
10,972
   
10,752
 
Professional fees and outside services
    
6,087
   
6,175
   
5,433
 
Office supplies and postage
    
4,628
   
4,459
   
4,216
 
Amortization of intangible assets
    
544
   
284
   
620
 
Capital securities
    
-
   
-
   
732
 
Loan collection and other real estate owned
    
1,002
   
1,241
   
1,840
 
Goodwill impairment
    
-
   
1,950
   
-
 
Other
    
14,120
   
12,014
   
13,530
 
Total noninterest expense
    
115,305
   
109,777
   
104,517
 
Income before income tax expense
    
75,891
   
71,984
   
68,574
 
Income tax expense
    
23,453
   
21,937
   
21,470
 
Net income
  
$
52,438
  
$
50,047
  
$
47,104
  
Earnings per share
                    
Basic
  
$
1.62
  
$
1.53
  
$
1.45
  
Diluted
    
1.60
   
1.51
   
1.43
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
                               
Years ended December 31,
2005, 2004, and 2003
(In thousands except share and per share data)
  
Common
stock
  
Additional
Paid-in-
capital
  
Unvested
Restricted
Stock
  
Retained
earnings
  
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss)/ income
  
Common
stock in
treasury
  
Total
  
                                             
Balance at December 31, 2002
  
$ 
344
 
$
215,363
 
$
(127
)
$
90,165
 
$
16,531
 
$
(29,894
)
$
292,382
 
Net income
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
47,104
   
-
   
-
   
47,104
 
Cash dividends- $0.68 per share
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
(22,173
)
  
-
   
-
   
(22,173
)
Purchase of 369,313 treasury shares
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,489
)
  
(6,489
)
Issuance of 41,980 shares in exchange for 20,172 shares received as consideration for the exercise of incentive stock options
    
-
   
360
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(360
)
  
-
 
Net issuance of 494,948 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    
-
   
912
   
-
   
(2,449
)
  
-
   
9,212
   
7,675
 
Grant of 11,846 shares of restricted stock awards
    
-
   
1
   
(203
)
  
-
   
-
   
202
   
-
 
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    
-
   
-
   
133
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
133
 
Other comprehensive loss
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(8,598
)
  
-
   
(8,598
)
Balance at December 31, 2003
    
344
   
216,636
   
(197
)
  
112,647
   
7,933
   
(27,329
)
  
310,034
 
Net income
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
50,047
   
-
   
-
   
50,047
 
Cash dividends- $0.74 per share
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
(24,251
)
  
-
   
-
   
(24,251
)
Purchase of 423,989 treasury shares
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(9,149
)
  
(9,149
)
Net issuance of 458,593 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    
-
   
1,317
   
-
   
(1,120
)
  
-
   
8,103
   
8,300
 
Grant of 14,547 shares of restricted stock awards
    
-
   
59
   
(312
)
  
-
   
-
   
253
   
-
 
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    
-
   
-
   
196
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
196
 
Forfeited 963 shares of restricted stock
    
-
   
-
   
17
   
-
   
-
   
(17
)
  
-
 
Other comprehensive loss
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2,944
)
  
-
   
(2,944
)
Balance at December 31, 2004
  
 
344
  
 
218,012
  
 
(296
)
 
137,323
  
 
4,989
  
 
(28,139
)
 
332,233
  
Net income
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
52,438
   
-
   
-
   
52,438
 
Cash dividends- $0.76 per share
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
(24,673
)
  
-
   
-
   
(24,673
)
Purchase of 1,008,114 treasury shares
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(23,165
)
  
(23,165
)
Net issuance of 415,976 shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans, including tax benefit
    
-
   
1,292
   
-
   
(1,099
)
  
-
   
8,025
   
8,218
 
Grant of 35,003 shares of restricted stock awards
    
-
   
(147
)
  
(519
)
  
-
   
-
   
666
   
-
 
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    
-
   
-
   
358
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
358
 
Other comprehensive loss
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(11,466
)
  
-
   
(11,466
)
Balance at December 31, 2005
  
$
344
  
$
219,157
  
$
(457
)
$
163,989
  
$
(6,477
)
$
(42,613
)
$
333,943
  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

             
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Operating activities
              
Net income
  
$
52,438
  
$
50,047
  
$
47,104
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
                    
Provision for loan and lease losses
    
9,464
   
9,615
   
9,111
 
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    
6,296
   
6,057
   
6,507
 
Net accretion on securities
    
1,362
   
2,406
   
4,806
 
Amortization of intangible assets
    
544
   
284
   
620
 
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    
358
   
196
   
133
 
Bank owned life insurance income
    
(1,347
)
  
(1,487
)
  
(815
)
Deferred income tax expense
    
743
   
7,602
   
6,357
 
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
    
24,690
   
19,541
   
8,886
 
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
    
(27,674
)
  
(2,631
)
  
(2,812
)
Net loss on disposal of premises and equipment
    
-
   
-
   
166
 
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
    
(55
)
  
(89
)
  
-
 
Net security losses (gains)
   
1,236
   
(216
)
  
(175
)
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned
    
(351
)
  
(909
)
  
(927
)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    
1,057
   
1,336
   
1,294
 
Writedown of nonmarketable securities
    
-
   
-
   
620
 
Purchase of Bank owned life insurance
    
-
   
-
   
(30,000
)
Goodwill impairment
    
-
   
1,950
   
-
 
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
    
1,803
   
2,164
   
(2,524
)
Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities
    
(5,506
)
  
696
   
(2,629
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
65,058
   
96,562
   
45,722
 
Investing activities
                    
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by acquisitions
    
-
   
-
   
10,594
 
Cash paid for the acquisition of EPIC Advisors, Inc.
    
(6,129
)
  
-
   
-
 
Cash received for the sale of M. Griffith Inc.
    
1,016
   
-
   
-
 
Securities available for sale:
                    
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    
173,460
   
262,999
   
458,327
 
Proceeds from sales
    
53,044
   
12,950
   
206,754
 
Purchases
    
(250,003
)
  
(253,469
)
  
(657,578
)
Securities held to maturity:
                    
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns
    
44,624
   
55,770
   
53,991
 
Purchases
    
(56,654
)
  
(40,388
)
  
(68,752
)
Net increase in loans
    
(156,998
)
  
(254,985
)
  
(296,981
)
Net increase in Federal Reserve and FHLB stock
    
(3,417
)
  
(2,799
)
  
(10,344
)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net
    
(6,055
)
  
(7,357
)
  
(7,827
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    
1,022
   
2,582
   
4,076
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(206,090
)
  
(224,697
)
  
(307,740
)
Financing activities
                    
Net increase in deposits
    
86,358
   
72,487
   
66,011
 
Net increase in short-term borrowings
    
106,154
   
35,892
   
197,329
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    
60,000
   
30,000
   
125,000
 
Repayments of long-term debt
    
(40,193
)
  
(5,177
)
  
(100,775
)
Proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred debentures
    
5,155
   
-
   
-
 
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
    
7,161
   
6,964
   
6,381
 
Purchase of treasury stock
    
(23,165
)
  
(9,149
)
  
(6,489
)
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares
    
(24,673
)
  
(24,251
)
  
(22,173
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
    
176,797
   
106,766
   
265,284
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    
35,765
   
(21,369
)
  
3,266
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    
106,723
   
128,092
   
124,826
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  
$
142,488
  
$
106,723
  
$
128,092
  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
                   
Cash paid during the year for:
                    
Interest
  
$
76,563
  
$
60,181
  
$
64,334
  
Income taxes
    
23,582
   
10,696
   
12,700
 
Noncash investing activities:
                    
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  
$
360
  
$
885
  
$
1,363
  
Fair value of assets acquired
    
6,565
   
-
   
1,155
 
Fair value of assets sold
    
1,405
   
-
   
-
 
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    
435
   
-
   
13,311
 
Fair value of liabilities transferred
    
389
   
-
   
-
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net income
  
$
52,438
  
$
50,047
  
$
47,104
  
                     
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                    
                     
Unrealized net holding losses arising during the year (pre-tax amounts of $20,308, $4,531 and $13,764)
    
(12,209
)
  
(2,724
)
  
(8,276
)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (pre-tax amounts of $0, ($147), and ($362))
    
-
   
(89
)
  
(217
)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) related to securities available for sale included in net income (pre-tax amounts of $1,236, ($216), and ($174)]
    
743
   
(131
)
  
(105
)
Total other comprehensive loss
    
(11,466
)
  
(2,944
)
  
(8,598
)
Comprehensive income
  
$
40,972
  
$
47,103
  
$
38,506
  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 
NBT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES:
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004
(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The accounting and reporting policies of NBT Bancorp Inc. (Bancorp) and its subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. (NBT Bank) and NBT Financial Services, Inc., conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and to general practices within the banking industry. Collectively, Bancorp and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “the Company.”
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the valuation of other real estate owned acquired in connection with foreclosures. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the valuation of other real estate owned, management obtains appraisals for properties.
 
The following is a description of significant policies and practices:
 
 
CONSOLIDATION
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries mentioned above. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts previously reported in the consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform with the current year’s presentation. In the “Parent Company Financial Information,” the investment in subsidiaries is carried under the equity method of accounting.
 
The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. The Company consolidates voting interest entities in which it has all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, variable interest entities (VIEs) are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in an entity is present when an enterprise has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests, that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries CNBF Capital Trust I and NBT Statutory Trust I are VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of these entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 
SEGMENT REPORTING
 
The Company’s operations are primarily in the community banking industry and include the provision of traditional banking services. The Company operates solely in the geographical regions of central and northern New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. The Company has identified separate operating segments; however, these segments did not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure.
 
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
The Company considers amounts due from correspondent banks, cash items in process of collection, and institutional money market mutual funds to be cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
 
SECURITIES
 
The Company classifies its securities at date of purchase as either 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 other-than-temporary impairment are generally placed on non-accrual status.
 
Nonmarketable equity securities are carried at cost, with the exception of investments owned by NBT Bank’s small business investment company (SBIC) subsidiary, which are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses recognized currently in income in accordance with SBIC rules.

Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.

Investments in Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock are required for membership in those organizations and are carried at cost since there is no market value available.

 
LOANS AND LEASES
 
Loans are recorded at their current unpaid principal balance, net of unearned income and unamortized loan fees and expenses, which are amortized under the effective interest method over the estimated lives of the loans. Interest income on loans is accrued based on the principal amount outstanding.
 
Lease receivables primarily represent automobile financing to customers through direct financing leases and are carried at the aggregate of the lease payments receivable and the estimated residual values, net of unearned income and net deferred lease origination fees and costs. Net deferred lease origination fees and costs are amortized under the effective interest method over the estimated lives of the leases. The estimated residual value related to the total lease portfolio is reviewed quarterly, and if there has been a decline in the estimated fair value of the total residual value that is judged by management to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recognized. Adjustments related to such other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value are recorded in noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Loans and leases are placed on nonaccrual status when timely collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. Loans and leases are transferred to a nonaccrual basis generally when principal or interest payments become ninety days delinquent, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection, or sooner when management concludes circumstances indicate that borrowers may be unable to meet contractual principal or interest payments. When a loan or lease is transferred to a nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued in the current period but not collected is reversed against interest income in that period. Interest accrued in a prior period and not collected is charged-off against the allowance for loan and lease losses.
 
If ultimate repayment of a nonaccrual loan is expected, any payments received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment of principal is not expected, any payment received on a nonaccrual loan is applied to principal until ultimate repayment becomes expected. Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to principal and interest or demonstrate a period of performance under the contractual terms and, in the opinion of management, are fully collectible as to principal and interest. When in the opinion of management the collection of principal appears unlikely, the loan balance is charged-off in total or in part.
 
Commercial type loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the borrower will not repay the loan according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, and all loan types are considered impaired if the loan is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring.
 
A loan is considered to be a trouble debt restructured loan (TDR) when the Company grants a concession to the borrower because of the borrower’s financial condition that it would not otherwise consider. Such concessions include the reduction of interest rates, forgiveness of principal or interest, or other modifications at interest rates that are less than the current market rate for new obligations with similar risk. TDR loans that are in compliance with their modified terms and that yield a market rate may be removed from the TDR status after a period of performance.
 
 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
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.

 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of premises and equipment is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred.
 
 
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED
 
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 market value of the assets received, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the allowance for loan 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.
 
 
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under Statement No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives, such as core deposit intangibles, continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over a maximum of 10 years using the straight-line methods for all periods presented.

When facts and circumstances indicate potential impairment of amortizable intangible assets, the Company evaluates the recoverability of the asset carrying value, using estimates of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining asset life. Any impairment loss is measured by the excess of carrying value over fair value. Goodwill impairment tests are performed on an annual basis or when events or circumstances dictate. In these tests, the fair values of each reporting unit, or segment, is compared to the carrying amount of that reporting unit in order to determine if impairment is indicated. If so, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to its carrying amount and the impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value over fair value.

 
TREASURY STOCK
 
Treasury stock acquisitions are recorded at cost. Subsequent sales of treasury stock are recorded on an average cost basis. Gains on the sale of treasury stock are credited to additional paid-in-capital. Losses on the sale of treasury stock are charged to additional paid-in-capital to the extent of previous gains, otherwise charged to retained earnings.
 
 
INCOME TAXES
 
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company files a consolidated tax return 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. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. On January 1, 1996, The Company adopted SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS No.123), which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period the estimated fair value of all stock based awards measured on the date of grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share disclosures for employee stock-based grants made in 1995 and thereafter as if the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosures of SFAS No. 123.
 

At December 31, 2005, the Company had two stock option plans (Plans). Under the terms of the Plans, options are granted to directors and key employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Options granted have a vesting period of four years and terminate eight or ten years from the date of the grant.
 
The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2005, 2004, and 2003 was $5.88, $5.81, and $4.03, respectively. The fair value of each award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2005
2004
2003
Dividend yield
3.05%-3.70%
3.01%-3.74%
3.11%-3.97%
Expected volatility
28.67%-30.00%
29.82%-31.65%
31.34%-31.45%
Risk-free interest rates
3.85%-4.36%
3.56%-4.41%
2.98%-3.98%
Expected life
7 years
7 years
7 years

 
Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the estimated fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net income
              
As reported
  
$
52,438
  
$
50,047
  
$
47,104
  
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    
370
   
119
   
80
 
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects
    
(1,571
)
  
(1,215
)
  
(1,072
)
Pro forma net income
  
$
51,237
  
$
48,951
  
$
46,112
  
                     
Basic earnings per share
                    
As reported
  
$
1.62
  
$
1.53
  
$
1.45
  
Pro forma
    
1.58
    
1.50
    
1.42
  
                     
Diluted earnings per share
                    
As reported
    
1.60
    
1.51
    
1.43
  
Pro forma
    
1.56
    
1.48
    
1.40
  
 

The Company expects to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Share-Based Payment (Revised 2004),” on January 1, 2006. Among other things, SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation using APB No. 25 and requires that such transactions be recognized as compensation cost in the income statement based on their fair values on the date of grant. SFAS No. 123R is effective for the Company on January 1, 2006. See Note 1 - New Accounting Pronouncement - Share-Based Payment for additional information.
 
PER SHARE AMOUNTS
 
Basic earnings per share (EPS) 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 EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as the Company’s dilutive stock options and restricted stock).
 
 
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The Company is a party to certain other financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk such as commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, as well as certain mortgage loans sold to investors with recourse. The Company’s policy is to record such instruments when funded.
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
At the Company, comprehensive income represents net income plus other comprehensive income, which consists of the net change in unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale, and minimum pension liability, net of income taxes, for the period. Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income represents the net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale, net of income taxes, as of the consolidated balance sheet dates.
 
 
PENSION COSTS
 
The Company maintains a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, as well as supplemental employee retirement plans covering certain executives. Costs associated with these plans, based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits for employees, are charged to current operating expenses.
 
 
TRUST
 
Assets held by the Company in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, since such assets are not assets of the Company. Such assets totaled $2.2 billion and $2.0 billion at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Trust income is recognized on the accrual method based on contractual rates applied to the balances of trust accounts.
 
New Accounting Pronouncement - Accounting Changes and Error Corrections


SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.” SFAS 154 establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to a newly adopted accounting principle. Previously, most changes in accounting principle were recognized by including the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle in net income of the period of the change. Under SFAS 154, retrospective application requires (i) the cumulative effect of the change to the new accounting principle on periods prior to those presented to be reflected in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the first period presented, (ii) an offsetting adjustment, if any, to be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity) for that period, and (iii) financial statements for each individual prior period presented to be adjusted to reflect the direct period-specific effects of applying the new accounting principle. Special retroactive application rules apply in situations where it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. Indirect effects of a change in accounting principle are required to be reported in the period in which the accounting change is made. SFAS 154 carries forward the guidance in APB Opinion 20 “Accounting Changes,” requiring justification of a change in accounting principle on the basis of preferability. SFAS 154 also carries forward without change the guidance contained in APB Opinion 20, for reporting the correction of an error in previously issued financial statements and for a change in an accounting estimate. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect SFAS 154 will significantly impact its financial statements upon its adoption on January 1, 2006.

New Accounting Pronouncement - Share-Based Payments

SFAS No. 123, “Share-Based Payment (Revised 2004).” SFAS 123R establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity (i) exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, or (ii) incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of the equity instruments. SFAS 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation using APB 25 and requires that such transactions be recognized as compensation cost in the income statement based on their fair values on the measurement date, which is generally the date of the grant. SFAS 123R was to be effective for the Company on July 1, 2005; however, the required implementation date was delayed until January 1, 2006. The Company will transition to fair-value based accounting for stock-based compensation using a modified version of prospective application (“modified prospective application”). Under modified prospective application, as it is applicable to the Company, SFAS 123R applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after January 1, 2006. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered (generally referring to non-vested awards) that are outstanding as of January 1, 2006 must be recognized as the remaining requisite service is rendered during the period of and/or the periods after the adoption of SFAS 123R. The attribution of compensation cost for those earlier awards will be based on the same method and on the same grant-date fair values previously determined for the pro forma disclosures required for companies that did not adopt the fair value accounting method for stock-based employee compensation. Based on the stock-based compensation awards related to stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2005 for which the requisite service is not expected to be fully rendered prior to January 1, 2006 and new awards granted in 2006, the Company expects to recognize total pre-tax, quarterly compensation cost of approximately $530 thousand, beginning in the first quarter of 2006, in accordance with the accounting requirements of SFAS 123R. Future levels of compensation cost recognized related to stock-based compensation awards (including the aforementioned expected costs during the period of adoption) may be impacted by new awards and/or modifications, repurchases and cancellations of existing awards before and after the adoption SFAS 123R.


New Accounting Pronouncement - The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments

FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 115-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” FSP 115-1 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. If, after consideration of all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investment, 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. FSP 115-1 nullifies certain provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” while retaining the disclosure requirements of EITF 03-1 which were adopted in 2003. FSP 115-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect FSP 115-1 will significantly impact its financial statements upon its adoption on January 1, 2006.

 
(2)
MERGER AND ACQUISITION ACTIVITY
 
A)
EPIC Advisors, Inc.
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.

B)
M. Griffith Inc.
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.

C)
CNB Bancorp, Inc. (unaudited)
As of December 31, 2005, the transaction detailed below was pending.

On February 10, 2006, the Company acquired CNB Bancorp, Inc. (“CNB”), a bank holding company headquartered in Gloversville, New York. The acquisition was accomplished by merging CNB with and into the Company (the "Merger"). By virtue of this acquisition, CNB’s banking subsidiary, City National Bank and Trust Company was merged with and into NBT Bank, N.A. City National Bank and Trust Company operated 9 full-service community banking offices - located in Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery and Saratoga counties, with approximately $400 million in assets. The Merger increases the Company’s assets to approximately $4.9 billion.

In connection with the Merger, the Company issued an aggregate of 2.1 million shares of Company common stock and $39 million in cash to the former holders of CNB common stock. In connection with acquisition of CNB, the Company formed NBT Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”) in February 2006 to fund the cash portion of the acquisition as well as to provide regulatory capital. The Company raised $51.5 million through Trust II in February 2006.

CNB nonqualified stock options, entitling holders to purchase CNB common stock outstanding, were cancelled on the closing date and such option holders received an option payment subject to the terms of the merger agreement. The total number of CNB nonqualified stock options that were canceled was 103,545, which resulted in a cash payment to option holders before any applicable federal or state withholding tax, of approximately $1.3 million. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, all outstanding CNB incentive stock options as of the effective date were assumed by the Company. At that time, there were 144,686 CNB incentive stock options that were exchanged for 237,278 replacement incentive stock options of the Company.

Based on the $22.42 per share closing price of the Company’s common stock on February 10, 2006, the transaction is valued at approximately $88 million.


(3)
EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years presented in the consolidated statements of income:
 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
   
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
Net
income
  
Weighted
average
shares
  
Per share
amount
  
Net
income
  
Weighted
average
shares
  
Per share
amount
  
Net
income
  
Weighted
average
shares
  
Per share
amount
  
Basic earnings per share
  
$
52,438
    
32,437
  
$
1.62
  
$
50,047
    
32,739
  
$
1.53
  
$
47,104
    
32,540
  
$
1.45
  
Effect of dilutive securities
                                                        
Stock based compensation
          
265
                
336
                
285
        
Contingent shares
          
8
                
12
                
19
        
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
52,438
    
32,710
  
$
1.60
  
$
50,047
    
33,087
  
$
1.51
  
$
47,104
    
32,844
  
$
1.43
  
                                                         

There were approximately 386,000, 5,000, and 229,000 weighted average stock options for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, that were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the stock options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price during these periods.
 

(4)
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK REQUIREMENT
 
The Company is required to maintain reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. The required average total reserve for NBT Bank for the 14-day maintenance period ending December 21, 2005 was $59.5 million.
 
(5)
SECURITIES
The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities available for sale are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
  
Amortized cost
  
Unrealized gains
  
Unrealized losses
  
Estimated fair value
  
December 30, 2001
                  
U.S. Treasury
  
$
10,005
  
$
-
  
$
-
    
10,005
 
Federal Agency
    
236,410
   
41
   
3,015
   
233,436
 
State & municipal
    
76,574
   
2,861
   
30
   
79,405
 
Mortgage-backed
    
448,496
   
1,186
   
10,517
   
439,165
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
178,263
   
-
   
4,284
   
173,979
 
Corporate
    
1,184
   
137
   
-
   
1,321
 
Other securities
    
13,806
   
3,394
   
37
   
17,163
 
Total securities available for sale
  
$
964,738
  
$
7,619
  
$
17,883
  
$
954,474
  
December 30, 2000
                          
U.S. Treasury
  
$
10,037
  
$
1
  
$
61
  
$
9,976
  
Federal Agency
    
120,511
   
381
   
773
   
120,119
 
State & municipal
    
79,848
   
4,906
   
-
   
84,754
 
Mortgage-backed
    
574,417
   
5,072
   
2,774
   
576,715
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
135,202
   
592
   
811
   
134,983
 
Corporate
    
1,183
   
133
   
-
   
1,316
 
Other securities
    
22,537
   
2,640
   
498
   
24,679
 
Total securities available for sale
  
$
943,735
  
$
13,725
  
$
4,917
  
$
952,542
  

 
In the available for sale category at December 31, 2005, federal agency securities were comprised of Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) securities; Mortgaged-backed securities were comprised of GSEs with an amortized cost of $395.5 million and a fair value of $386.0 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $53.0 million and a fair value of $53.2 million; Collateralized mortgage obligations were comprised of GSEs with an amortized cost of $102.6 million and a fair value of $100.2 million and US Government Agency securities with an amortized cost of $75.7 million and a fair value of $73.8 million.
 
 
The following table sets forth information with regard to sales transactions of securities available for sale:
 
   
Years ended December 31
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Proceeds from sales
  
$
53,044
  
$
12,950
  
$
206,742
  
Gross realized gains
  
$
816
  
$
457
  
$
4,339
  
Gross realized losses
    
(2,052
)
  
(241
)
  
(4,164
)
Net securities (losses) gains
  
$
(1,236
)
$
216
  
$
175
  

 
 
At December 31, 2005 and 2004, securities available for sale with amortized costs totaling $887.4 million and $881.8 million, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law. Additionally, at December 31, 2005, securities available for sale with an amortized cost of $74.7 million were pledged as collateral for securities sold under the repurchase agreements.
 
The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of securities held to maturity are as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
  
Amortized
cost
  
Unrealized
gains
  
Unrealized
losses
  
Estimated
fair value
  
December 30, 2001
                  
Mortgage-backed
  
$
4,354
  
$
128
  
$
-
  
$
4,482
  
State & municipal
    
87,582
   
352
   
488
   
87,446
 
Other securities
    
1,773
   
-
   
-
   
1,773
 
Total securities held to maturity
  
$
93,709
  
$
480
  
$
488
  
$
93,701
  
December 30, 2000
                          
Mortgage-backed
  
$
6,412
  
$
294
  
$
-
  
$
6,706
  
State & municipal
    
75,128
   
772
   
136
   
75,764
 
Other securities
    
242
   
-
   
-
   
242
 
Total securities held to maturity
  
$
81,782
  
$
1,066
  
$
136
  
$
82,712
  

 
At December 31, 2005, all of the mortgaged-backed securities held to maturity were comprised of US Government Agency securities.
 
Other securities include nonmarketable equity securities, including certain securities acquired by NBT Bank’s small business investment company (SBIC) subsidiary, and trust preferred securities.
 
The following table sets forth information with regard to investment securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2005, segregated according to the length of time the securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
 
   
Less than 12 months
  
12 months or longer
  
Total
  
Security Type:
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
losses
  
Mortgage-backed
  
$
172,102
  
$
(2,495
)
$
386,371
  
$
(12,298
)
$
558,473
  
$
(14,793
)
Federal agency
    
163,016
    
(1,924
)
  
59,966
   
(1,094
)
  
222,982
    
(3,018
)
State and municipal
    
22,781
    
(235
)
  
9,053
   
(285
)
  
31,834
    
(520
)
Total securities with unrealized losses
  
$
357,899
  
$
(4,654
)
$
455,390
  
$
(13,677
)
$
813,289
  
$
(18,331
)

At December 31, 2004, the Company had $110.6 million of mortgaged-backed securities with unrealized losses of $2.5 million twelve months or longer and $3.2 million of state and municipal securities with unrealized losses of $0.1 million twelve months or longer.
 
Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any
anticipated recovery in fair value.

Management has the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as held to maturity until they mature, at which time the Company will receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2005, management also had the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as available for sale for a period of time sufficient for a recovery of cost. The unrealized losses are largely due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2005, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary and no impairment loss has been realized in the Company’s consolidated income statement.
 

The following tables set forth information with regard to contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2005:
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
  
Estimated fair value
  
Debt securities classified as available for sale
          
Within one year
  
$
45,264
  
$
44,914
  
From one to five years
    
217,765
    
215,440
  
From five to ten years
    
89,812
    
89,840
  
After ten years
    
598,091
    
587,117
  
   
$
950,932
  
$
937,311
  
Debt securities classified as held to maturity
              
Within one year
  
$
26,451
  
$
26,452
  
From one to five years
    
31,724
    
31,526
  
From five to ten years
    
19,360
    
19,169
  
After ten years
    
16,174
    
16,554
  
   
$
93,709
  
$
93,701
  
 
 
 
Maturities of mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities are stated based on their estimated average lives. Actual maturities may differ from estimated average lives or contractual maturities because, in certain cases, borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
Except for U.S. Government securities, there were no holdings, when taken in the aggregate, of any single issues that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2005 and 2004.
 

(6)
LOANS AND LEASES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

A summary of loans and leases, net of deferred fees and origination costs, by category is as follows:
 
 
   
At December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
Residential real estate mortgages
  
$
701,734
  
$
721,615
  
Commercial and commercial real estate mortgages
    
1,032,977
    
1,018,548
  
Real estate construction and development
    
163,863
    
136,934
  
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages
    
114,043
    
108,181
  
Consumer
    
463,955
    
412,139
  
Home equity
    
463,848
    
391,807
  
Lease financing
    
82,237
    
80,697
  
Total loans and leases
  
$
3,022,657
  
$
2,869,921
  
 
FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on the Company’s residential real estate mortgages.
 
Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the three years ended December 31, 2005, are summarized as follows:
 
 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Balance at January 1
  
$
44,932
  
$
42,651
  
$
40,167
  
Provision
    
9,464
   
9,615
   
9,111
 
Recoveries
    
4,078
   
4,272
   
5,216
 
Charge-offs
    
(11,019
)
  
(11,606
)
  
(11,843
)
Balance at December 31
  
$
47,455
  
$
44,932
  
$
42,651
  
 

The following table sets forth information with regard to nonperforming loans:
 
 
   
At December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Loans in nonaccrual status
  
$
13,419
  
$
14,991
  
$
13,861
  
Loans contractually past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest
    
878
    
1,186
    
968
  
Total nonperforming loans
  
$
14,297
  
$
16,177
  
$
14,829
  

 
There were no material commitments to extend further credit to borrowers with nonperforming loans. There are no loans classified as troubled debt restructures at December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

Accumulated interest on the above nonaccrual loans of approximately $0.5 million, $1.0 million , and $1.7 million would have been recognized as income in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, had these loans been in accrual status. Approximately $0.4 million, $0.8 million, and $1.2 million of interest on the above nonaccrual loans was collected in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Impaired loans, which primarily consist of nonaccruing commercial type loans decreased slightly, totaling $9.4 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $10.5 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2005, $2.9 million of the total impaired loans had a specific reserve allocation of $0.0 million or 0% compared to $0.5 million of total impaired loans at December 31, 2004 which had a specific reserve allocation of $0.2 million or 30%.

The following provides additional information on impaired loans for the periods presented:
 
 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Average recorded investment on impaired loans
  
$
9,908
  
$
9,478
  
$
12,741
  
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
    
207
   
499
   
608
 
Cash basis interest income recognized on impaired loans
    
207
   
499
   
608
 
 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has made loans at prevailing rates and terms to directors, officers, and other related parties. Such loans, in management’s opinion, do not present more than the normal risk of collectibility or incorporate other unfavorable features. The aggregate amount of loans outstanding to qualifying related parties and changes during the years are summarized as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
Balance at January 1
  
$
16,820
  
$
16,394
  
New loans
    
2,823
   
7,942
 
Repayments
    
(3,737
)
  
(7,516
)
Balance at December 31
  
$
15,906
  
$
16,820
  
 
 
(7)
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET
 
A summary of premises and equipment follows:
 
   
December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
Land, buildings, and improvements
  
$
76,889
  
$
74,948
  
Equipment
    
62,497
    
58,671
  
Construction in progress
    
236
    
198
  
     
139,622
    
133,817
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
75,929
    
70,074
  
Total premises and equipment
  
$
63,693
  
$
63,743
  
 
 
Land, buildings, and improvements with a carrying value of approximately $3.8 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, are pledged to secure long-term borrowings.
 
 
Rental expense included in occupancy expense amounted to $3.0 million in 2005, $2.7 million in 2004, and $2.4 million in 2003. The future minimum rental payments related to noncancelable operating leases with original terms of one year or more are as follows at December 31, 2005 (in thousands):
 
Future Minimum Rental Payments
  
       
2006
  
$
2,590
  
2007
    
2,341
 
2008
    
1,804
 
2009
    
1,384
 
2010
    
1,031
 
Thereafter
    
6,620
 
Total
    
15,770
 
 
 

(8)
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
A summary of goodwill by operating subsidiaries follows:
 
(In thousands)
  
January 1,
2005
  
Goodwill
Acquired
  
Goodwill
Disposed
  
Impairment
Loss
  
December 31,
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
  
 
   
January 1,
2004
  
Goodwill
Acquired
  
Goodwill
Disposed
  
Impairment
Loss
  
December 31,
2004
  
NBT Bank, N.A.
  
$
44,520
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
44,520
  
NBT Financial Services, Inc.
    
3,001
   
-
   
-
   
1,951
   
1,050
 
Total
  
$
47,521
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
1,951
  
$
45,570
  

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.
 
 
The Company has intangible assets with definite useful lives capitalized on its consolidated balance sheet in the form of core deposit and identified intangible assets. These intangible assets continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives in accordance with SFAS No. 142, which range from one to twenty-five years. There were no adjustments to the useful lives of these intangible assets as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 142.
 
 
A summary of core deposit and other intangible assets follows:
 
   
December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
Core deposit intangibles
          
Gross carrying amount
  
$
2,186
  
$
2,186
  
Less: accumulated amortization
    
1,561
    
1,329
  
Net carrying amount
    
625
    
857
  
               
Identified intangible assets
              
Gross carrying amount
    
3,196
    
857
  
Less: accumulated amortization
    
530
    
218
  
Net carrying amount
    
2,666
    
639
  
               
Intangibles that will not amortize
    
517
    
517
  
               
Total intangibles with definite useful lives
              
Gross carrying amount
    
5,899
    
3,560
  
Less: accumulated amortization
    
2,091
    
1,547
  
Net carrying amount
  
$
3,808
  
$
2,013
  
 
 
Amortization expense on intangible assets with definite useful lives totaled $0.5 million for 2005, $0.3 million for 2004 and $0.6 million for 2003. Amortization expense on intangible assets with definite useful lives is expected to total $0.5 million for 2006, 2007, and 2008, and $0.3 million for 2009 and 2010.


(9)
DEPOSITS
 
The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of time deposits at December 31, 2005 (in thousands):
 
 
Time deposits
      
Within one year
  
$
775,911
  
After one but within two years
    
304,635
 
After two but within three years
    
119,564
 
After three but within four years
    
22,376
 
After four but within five years
    
10,722
 
After five years
    
8,400
 
Total
  
$
1,241,608
  

 
Time deposits of $100,000 or more aggregated $591.8 million and $477.8 million at year end 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 

(10)
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings total $445.0 million and $338.8 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and consist of Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, which generally represent overnight borrowing transactions, and other short-term borrowings, primarily Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances, with original maturities of one year or less. The Company has unused lines of credit with the FHLB available for short-term financing and access to brokered deposits of approximately $594 million and $545 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
Included in the information provided above, the Company has two lines of credit available with the FHLB, which are automatically renewed on July 30th of each year. The first is an overnight line of credit for approximately $100.0 million with interest based on existing market conditions. The second is a one-month overnight repricing line of credit for approximately $100.0 million with interest based on existing market conditions. As of December 31, 2005, there was $87.5 million (included in federal funds purchased) outstanding on these lines of credit. Borrowings on these lines are secured by FHLB stock, certain securities and one-to-four family first lien mortgage loans. Securities collateralizing repurchase agreements are held in safekeeping by nonaffiliated financial institutions and are under the Company’s control.
 

Information related to short-term borrowings is summarized as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Federal funds purchased
              
Balance at year-end
  
$
145,000
  
$
65,000
  
$
59,000
  
Average during the year
    
84,845
    
62,436
    
55,797
  
Maximum month end balance
    
145,000
    
106,000
    
89,000
  
Weighted average rate during the year
    
3.55
%
  
1.48
%
  
1.22
%
Weighted average rate at December 31
    
4.30
%
  
2.36
%
  
1.14
%
                     
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
                    
Balance at year-end
  
$
74,727
  
$
73,573
  
$
68,681
  
Average during the year
    
82,658
    
76,120
    
68,044
  
Maximum month end balance
    
91,409
    
93,000
    
101,192
  
Weighted average rate during the year
    
1.86
%
  
0.93
%
  
1.02
%
Weighted average rate at December 31
    
2.82
%
  
0.92
%
  
0.92
%
                     
Other short-term borrowings
                    
Balance at year-end
  
$
225,250
  
$
200,250
  
$
175,250
  
Average during the year
    
186,141
    
163,720
    
66,491
  
Maximum month end balance
    
225,250
    
200,250
    
175,250
  
Weighted average rate during the year
    
3.46
%
  
1.49
%
  
1.20
%
Weighted average rate at December 31
    
4.41
%
  
2.41
%
  
1.20
%
 
 
(11)
LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of obligations having an original maturity at issuance of more than one year. A majority of the Company’s long-term debt is comprised of FHLB advances collateralized by the FHLB stock owned by the Company, certain of its mortgage-backed securities and a blanket lien on its residential real estate mortgage loans. A summary as of December 31, 2005 is as follows:
 
 
   
As of December 31, 2005
  
                   
Maturity
  
Amount
  
Weighted
Average
Rate
  
Callable
Amount
  
Weighted
Average
Rate
  
2006
    
85,000
    
4.23
%
  
-
   
0.00
%
2007
    
65,000
    
2.84
%
  
25,000
    
3.02
%
2008
    
115,261
    
3.82
%
  
35,000
    
5.29
%
2009
    
75,000
    
5.25
%
  
75,000
    
5.25
%
2010
    
25,000
    
3.07
%
  
25,000
    
3.07
%
2013
    
25,000
    
3.21
%
  
25,000
    
3.21
%
2014
    
20,000
    
3.39
%
  
20,000
    
3.39
%
2025
    
4,069
    
2.75
%
  
-
       
   
$
414,330
        
$
205,000
        
 
 
 
(12)
Trust Preferred Debentures
 
The Company has issued a total of $23.9 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to two wholly owned Delaware statutory business trusts, CNBF Capital Trust I (“CNBF Trust I”) and NBT Statutory Trust I (“NBT Trust I) and collectively referred to as the (‘Trusts”). The trusts are considered variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of the trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information about the Company’s consolidation policy. Details of the Company’s transactions with these trusts are presented below.

In June 1999, CNBF Trust I issued $18 million of floating rate (three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points) trust preferred securities, which represent beneficial interests in the assets of the trust. The trust preferred securities will mature on August 31, 2029 and are redeemable with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board in whole or in part at the option of the Company at any time after September 1, 2009 and in whole at any time upon the occurrence of certain events affecting their tax or regulatory capital treatment. Distributions on the trust preferred securities are payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. CNBF Trust I also issued $0.7 million of common equity securities to the Company. The proceeds of the offering of the trust preferred securities and common equity securities were used to purchase $18.7 million of floating rate (three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points) junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued by the Company, which have terms substantially similar to the trust preferred securities.


In November 2005, NBT Trust I issued $5 million of fixed rate (at 6.30%) trust preferred securities, which represent beneficial interests in the assets of the trust. The trust preferred securities will mature on December 1, 2035 and are redeemable with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board in whole or in part at the option of the Corporation at any time after December 1, 2010 and in whole at any time upon the occurrence of certain events affecting their tax or regulatory capital treatment. Distributions on the trust preferred securities are payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year. NBT Trust I also issued $0.2 million of common equity securities to the Company. The proceeds of the offering of the trust preferred securities and common equity securities were used to purchase $5.2 million of fixed rate (at 6.30%) junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued by the Corporation, which have terms substantially similar to the trust preferred securities.

In connection with the acquisition of CNB, the Company formed NBT Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”) in February 2006 to fund the cash portion of the acquisition as well as to provide regulatory capital. The Company raised $51.5 million through Trust II in February 2006 at a fixed rate of 6.195% for five years, variable rate thereafter at 3-mos LIBOR plus 140 bp; callable after five years.

The Company has the right to defer payments of interest on the debentures at any time or from time to time for a period of up to ten consecutive semi-annual periods with respect to each deferral period in the case of the debentures issued to the Trusts. Under the terms of the debentures, in the event that under certain circumstances there is an event of default under the debentures or the Company has elected to defer interest on the debentures, the Company may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay any dividends or distributions on its capital stock or purchase or acquire any of its capital stock.

Payments of distributions on the trust preferred securities and payments on redemption of the trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Company on a limited basis. The Company also entered into an agreement as to expenses and liabilities with the Trusts pursuant to which it agreed, on a subordinated basis, to pay any costs, expenses or liabilities of each trust other than those arising under the trust preferred securities. The obligations of the Company under the junior subordinated debentures, the related indentures, the trust agreements establishing the trusts, the guarantees and the agreements as to expenses and liabilities, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of each trust’s obligations under the trust preferred securities.

Despite the fact that the accounts of CNBF Trust I and NBT Trust I are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the $22 million of the $23 million in trust preferred securities issued by these subsidiary trusts are included in the Tier 1 capital of the Company for regulatory capital purposes as allowed by the Federal Reserve Board (NBT Bank, NA owns $1.0 million of CNBF Trust I securities). In February 2005, the Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust preferred securities in the Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies. The Board’s final rule limits the aggregate amount of restricted core capital elements (which includes trust preferred securities, among other things) that may be included in the Tier 1 capital of most bank holding companies to 25% of all core capital elements, including restricted core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Large, internationally active bank holding companies (as defined) are subject to a 15% limitation. Amounts of restricted core capital elements in excess of these limits generally may be included in Tier 2 capital. The final rule provides a five-year transition period, ending March 31, 2009, for application of the quantitative limits. The Corporation does not expect that the quantitative limits will preclude it from including the $22 million in trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital. However, the trust preferred securities could be redeemed without penalty if they were no longer permitted to be included in Tier 1 capital.


(13)
INCOME TAXES

The significant components of income tax expense attributable to operations are:
 

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Current
              
Federal
 
$
22,125
  
$
13,853
  
$
12,723
  
State
    
585
   
482
   
2,390
 
     
22,710
   
14,335
   
15,113
 
                     
Deferred
                    
Federal
   
(177
)
  
6,351
   
7,980
 
State
    
920
   
1,251
   
(1,623
)
     
743
   
7,602
   
6,357
 
Total income tax expense
  
$
23,453
  
$
21,937
  
$
21,470
  

 

Not included in the above table is income tax benefit of approximately ($8.8 million), ($3.3 million), and ($6.9 million) for 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, relating to unrealized loss on available for sale securities, tax benefits recognized with respect to stock options exercised, and tax benefit related to minimum pension liability, which were recorded directly in stockholders’ equity.
 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
 
 
   
December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
 
2004
 
Deferred tax assets
          
Allowance for loan and lease losses
  
$
17,975
  
$
17,032
  
Deferred compensation
    
5,156
   
4,878
 
Postretirement benefit obligation
    
1,678
   
1,743
 
Writedowns on corporate debt securities
    
657
   
2,261
 
Accrued liabilities
    
523
   
844
 
New York State tax credit and net operating loss carryforward
    
784
   
975
 
Other
    
841
   
557
 
Total deferred tax assets
    
27,614
   
28,290
 
Deferred tax liabilities
              
Pension and executive retirement
    
6,837
   
6,627
 
Premises and equipment, primarily due to accelerated depreciation
    
3,039
   
3,610
 
Equipment leasing
    
20,999
   
21,715
 
Deferred loan costs
    
519
   
338
 
Intangible amortization
    
3,025
   
1,996
 
Other
    
652
   
386
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
    
35,071
   
34,672
 
Net deferred tax liability at year-end
    
(7,457
)
  
(6,382
)
Net deferred tax liability at beginning of year
    
(6,382
)
  
1,220
 
Increase in net deferred tax liability
    
1,075
   
7,602
 
Purchase accounting adjustment
    
(332
)
  
-
 
Deferred tax expense
  
$
743
  
$
7,602
  
 

 
The above table does not include the recorded deferred tax asset of $4.1 million as of December 31, 2005 and the deferred tax liability of $3.5 million as of December 31, 2004 related to the net unrealized holding gain/loss in the available-for-sale securities portfolio. The table also excludes a deferred tax asset of $0.2 million as of both December 31, 2005 and 2004, related to the minimum SERP liability. The changes in these deferred assets and liabilities are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
 
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 December 31, 2005 and 2004.
 
At December 31, 2005, the Company has a New York State tax credit carryforward of $1.2 million which may be carried forward indefinitely.
 
 
The proposed 2006 New York State budget bill contains a provision that would disallow the exclusion of dividends paid by a real estate investment trust subsidiary (“REIT”). The bill, if enacted as proposed would be effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, and the Company would lose the tax benefit associated with the REIT. Until there is resolution to this proposal, the Company may have to increase the 2006 tax provision by approximately $0.3 million per quarter as compared to 2005 and may have to begin recording the increased provision in the first quarter of 2006. Additionally, the proposed legislation would reduce the statutory tax rate on the taxable income base from 7.50% to 6.75%.
 

The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the applicable Federal statutory rate of 35% to income before taxes:
 

   
Years ended December 31
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Federal income tax at statutory rate
  
$
26,562
  
$
25,193
  
$
24,001
  
Tax exempt income
    
(2,577
)
  
(2,427
)
  
(2,545
)
Net increase in CSV of life insurance
    
(808
)
  
(756
)
  
(513
)
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit
    
978
   
1,125
   
501
 
Other, net
    
(702
)
  
(1,198
)
  
26
 
Income tax expense
  
$
23,453
  
$
21,937
  
$
21,470
  
 
 

(14)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the 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 December 31, 2005, approximately $58.5 million of the total stockholders’ equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends also is subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The 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.
 
In October 2004, the Company adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (Plan) designed to ensure that any potential acquirer of the Company negotiate with the board of directors and that all Company stockholders are treated equitably in the event of a takeover attempt. At that time, the Company paid a dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right (Right) for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company. Similar rights are attached to each share of the Company’s common stock issued after November 16, 2004. Under the Plan, the Rights will not be exercisable until a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock, begins a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Additionally, until the occurrence of such an event, the Rights are not severable from the Company’s common stock and, therefore, the Rights will be transferred upon the transfer of shares of the Company’s common stock. Upon the occurrence of such events, each Right entitles the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, and $0.01 stated value per share of the Company at a price of $70.

The Plan also provides that upon the occurrence of certain specified events, the holders of Rights will be entitled to acquire additional equity interests, in the Company or in the acquiring entity, such interests having a market value of two times the Right’s exercise price of $70. The Rights, which expire October 24, 2014, are redeemable in whole, but not in part, at the Company’s option prior to the time they are exercisable, for a price of $0.001 per Right.


(15)
REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Bancorp and NBT Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, NBT Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of NBT Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and NBT Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company and NBT Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject.
 
Under their prompt corrective action regulations, regulatory authorities are required to take certain supervisory actions (and may take additional discretionary actions) with respect to an undercapitalized institution. Such actions could have a direct material effect on an institution’s financial statements. The regulations establish a framework for the classification of banks into five categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, under capitalized, significantly under capitalized, and critically under capitalized. As of December 31, 2005, the most recent notification from NBT Bank’s regulators categorized NBT Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized NBT Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 capital to average asset ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed NBT Bank’s category.
 
 
The Company and NBT Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented as follows:
 
   
Actual
  
Regulatory ratio requirements
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Amount
  
Ratio
  
Minimum
capital adequacy
  
For classification
as well capitalized
  
As of December 31, 2005
                  
Total capital (to risk weighted assets):
                  
Company combined
  
$
350,819
    
11.05
%
  
8.00
%
  
10.00
%
NBT Bank
    
336,900
    
10.65
%
  
8.00
%
  
10.00
%
                           
Tier I Capital (to risk weighted assets)
                          
Company combined
    
311,033
    
9.80
%
  
4.00
%
  
6.00
%
NBT Bank
    
297,255
    
9.40
%
  
4.00
%
  
6.00
%
                           
Tier I Capital (to average assets)
                          
Company combined
    
311,033
    
7.16
%
  
4.00
%
  
5.00
%
NBT Bank
    
297,255
    
6.89
%
  
4.00
%
  
5.00
%
                           
As of December 31, 2004
                          
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
                          
Company combined
  
$
334,617
    
11.04
%
  
8.00
%
  
10.00
%
NBT Bank
    
317,835
    
10.65
%
  
8.00
%
  
10.00
%
                           
Tier I Capital (to risk weighted assets)
                          
Company combined
    
296,631
    
9.78
%
  
4.00
%
  
6.00
%
NBT Bank
    
280,446
    
9.40
%
  
4.00
%
  
6.00
%
                           
Tier I Capital (to average assets)
                          
Company combined
    
296,631
    
7.13
%
  
4.00
%
  
5.00
%
NBT Bank
    
280,446
    
6.83
%
  
4.00
%
  
5.00
%

 
(16)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 
PENSION PLAN
 
The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees at December 31, 2005. 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. Assets of the plan are invested in publicly traded stocks and bonds. Prior to January 1, 2000, the Company’s plan was a traditional defined benefit plan based on final average compensation. On January 1, 2000, the plan was converted to a cash balance plan with grandfathering provisions for existing participants.
 

The net periodic pension expense and the funded status of the plan are as follows:
 

   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Components of net periodic benefit cost
             
Service cost
  
$
1,868
  
$
1,655
  
$
1,347
  
Interest cost
    
2,249
   
2,154
   
2,028
 
Expected return on plan assets
    
(3,828
)
  
(3,740
)
  
(3,175
)
Amortization of initial unrecognized asset
    
(192
)
  
(192
)
  
(192
)
Amortization of prior service cost
    
1,107
   
186
   
153
 
Amortization of unrecognized net gain
    
587
   
447
   
295
 
Net periodic pension cost
    
1,791
   
510
   
456
 
                     
Change in projected benefit obligation
                   
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
    
(40,277
)
  
(36,791
)
  
(31,942
)
Service cost
    
(1,868
)
  
(1,655
)
  
(1,347
)
Interest cost
    
(2,249
)
  
(2,154
)
  
(2,028
)
Actuarial loss
    
(64
)
  
(952
)
  
(3,512
)
Benefits paid
    
3,253
   
2,481
   
2,412
 
Prior service cost
    
(30
)
  
(1,206
)
  
(374
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    
(41,235
)
  
(40,277
)
  
(36,791
)
                     
Change in plan assets
                   
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    
44,500
   
43,905
   
32,602
 
Actual return on plan assets
    
1,922
   
2,195
   
5,216
 
Employer contributions
    
1,487
   
881
   
8,500
 
Benefits paid
    
(3,253
)
  
(2,481
)
  
(2,412
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    
44,656
   
44,500
   
43,906
 
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation
    
3,421
   
4,223
   
7,115
 
Unrecognized portion of net asset at transition
    
(598
)
  
(789
)
  
(981
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
12,908
   
11,524
   
9,475
 
Unrecognized prior service cost
    
1,692
   
2,768
   
1,748
 
Prepaid pension cost
    
17,423
   
17,726
   
17,357
 
                     
Accumulated benefit obligation
  
$
(40,337
)
$
(38,962
)
$
(35,381
)
                     
Weighted average assumptions as of December 31
                   
Discount rate
    
5.50
%
  
5.75
%
  
6.00
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    
8.50
%
  
8.75
%
  
8.75
%
Rate of compensation increase
    
3.75
%
  
3.75
%
  
3.75
%
                     
The following assumptions were used to determine net periodic pension cost:
                    
Discount rate
    
5.75
%
  
6.00
%
  
6.50
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    
8.75
%
  
8.75
%
  
8.75
%
Rate of compensation increase
    
3.75
%
  
3.75
%
  
4.00
%
 
 
The following is a summary of the plan’s weighted average asset allocation at December 31, 2005:

(In thousands)
  
Actual
Allocation
  
Percentage
Allocation
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  
$
2,291
    
5.10
%
Equity Mutual Funds
  
 
5,101
    
11.40
%
US Government Bonds
    
7,555
    
16.90
%
Corporate Bonds
    
4,461
    
10.00
%
Foreign Bonds
    
245
    
0.60
%
Common Stock
    
21,840
    
48.90
%
Preferred Stock
    
994
    
2.20
%
Foreign Equity
    
2,169
    
4.90
%
Total
  
$
44,656
    
100.00
%


 
PLAN INVESTMENT POLICY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005:
 
The Company’s key investment objectives in managing its defined benefit plan assets are to ensure that present and future benefit obligations to all participants and beneficiaries are met as they become due; to provide a total return that, over the long-term, maximizes the ratio of the plan assets to liabilities, while minimizing the present value of required Company contributions, at the appropriate levels of risk; to meet statutory requirements and regulatory agencies’ requirements; and to satisfy applicable accounting standards. The Company periodically evaluates the asset allocations, funded status, rate of return assumption and contribution strategy for satisfaction of our investment objectives. Generally, the investment manager allocates investments as follows: of 20-40% of the total portfolio in fixed income, 40-80% in equities, and 0-20% in cash. Only high-quality bonds should be included in the portfolio. All issues that are rated lower than A by Standard and Poor’s should be excluded. Equity securities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 do not include any NBT Bancorp Inc. common stock.
 
 
The following table sets forth estimated future benefit payments:

Estimated future benefit payments
      
 
Year
Estimated future payment
 
2006
$
5,001
 
2007
  
2,800
 
2008
  
2,890
 
2009
  
3,118
 
2010
  
3,144
 
2011 - 2015
  
16,491
 
 
DETERMINATION OF ASSUMED RATE OF RETURN
 
The expected long-term rate-of-return on plan assets reflects long-term earnings expectations on existing plan assets. In estimating that rate, appropriate consideration is given to historical returns earned by plan assets as well as historical returns of comparable market indexes aligned with the Company’s plan assets. Average rates of return over the past 10 and 15 year periods were considered and the results are summarized as follows:
 

   
Percentage
Allocation
  
Comparable Market Index
  
Expected
Return
Average
  
Expected
Weighted
Return
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
5.10
%
  
Citigroup Treasury Bill - 3 Month Index
    
3.77
%
  
0.19
%
American Funds New Perspective R3
    
3.30
%
  
MSCI World Index
    
6.92
%
  
0.23
%
Ishares MSCI Emerging
    
1.00
%
  
MSCI EAFE Index
    
5.17
%
  
0.05
%
Ishares MSCI EAFE
    
2.50
%
  
MSCI EAFE Index
    
5.17
%
  
0.13
%
Ishares Russell 2000
    
1.10
%
  
Russell 2000 Index
    
10.66
%
  
0.12
%
Midcap Spider S&P 400
    
3.50
%
  
S&P 500 Index
    
10.76
%
  
0.38
%
US Government Bonds
    
16.90
%
  
Lehman Bros. 5-10 year Govt Index
    
6.57
%
  
1.11
%
Corporate Bonds
    
10.00
%
  
Lehman Bros. Corp. Index
    
6.46
%
  
0.65
%
Foreign Bonds
    
0.60
%
  
Lehman Bros. Aggregate Bond Fund
    
6.16
%
  
0.04
%
Common Stock
    
48.90
%
  
S&P 500 Index
    
10.76
%
  
5.26
%
Preferred Stock
    
2.20
%
  
S&P 500 Index
    
10.76
%
  
0.24
%
Foreign Equity
    
4.90
%
  
MSCI World Index
    
6.92
%
  
0.34
%
 
          
Expected Average Return:
          
8.74
%

The Company is not required to make contributions to the plan in 2006.

In addition to the Company’s noncontributory defined benefit retirement and pension plan, the Company provides a supplemental employee retirement plans to certain current and former executives. The amount of the liabilities recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets associated with these plans was $10.8 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The charges to expense with respect to these plans amounted to $1.7 million, $1.3 million, and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. The discount rate used in determining the actuarial present values of the projected benefit obligations was 5.50%, 5.75%, and 6.00%, at December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.
 
 
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
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 on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to receive postretirement health care benefits. The plan is contributory for participating retirees, requiring participants to absorb certain deductibles and coinsurance amounts with contributions adjusted annually to reflect cost sharing provisions and benefit limitations called for in the plan. Employees become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. The Company funds the cost of postretirement health care as benefits are paid. The Company elected to recognize the transition obligation on a delayed basis over twenty years.
 
 

   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Components of net periodic benefit cost
              
Service cost
  
$
3
  
$
35
  
$
131
  
Interest cost
    
212
   
277
   
365
 
Amortization of transition obligation
    
23
   
39
   
39
 
Amortization of losses
    
167
   
186
   
161
 
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    
(265
)
  
(265
)
  
(159
)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
    
140
   
272
   
537
 
Change in accumulated benefit obligation
                    
Benefit obligation at beginning of the year
    
4,841
   
4,777
   
7,516
 
Service cost
    
3
   
35
   
131
 
Interest cost
    
212
   
277
   
365
 
Plan participants’ contributions
    
282
   
272
   
-
 
Actuarial loss
    
(712
)
  
152
   
117
 
Amendments
    
-
   
-
   
(3,045
)
Benefits paid
    
(774
)
  
(672
)
  
(304
)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
    
3,852
   
4,841
   
4,780
 
Components of accrued benefit cost
                    
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
    
(3,852
)
  
(4,841
)
  
(4,780
)
Unrecognized transition obligation
    
-
   
23
   
62
 
Unrecognized prior service cost
    
(2,688
)
  
(2,953
)
  
(3,219
)
Unrecognized actuarial net loss
    
2,953
   
3,831
   
3,866
 
Accrued benefit cost
  
$
(3,587
)
$
(3,940
)
$
(4,071
)
Weighted average discount rate
    
5.50
%
  
5.75
%
  
6.00
%

 
 
For measurement purposes, the annual rates of increase in the per capita cost of covered medical and prescription drug benefits for fiscal year 2005 were assumed to be 10.0 and 13.0 percent, respectively. The rates were assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0 percent for fiscal year 2014 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on amounts reported for health care plans. A one-percentage point change in the health care trend rates would have the following effects as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005:
 
 
(In thousands)
  
1-Percentage point increase
  
1-Percentage point decrease
  
Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost components
  
$
18
  
$
(17
)
Increase (decrease) on postretirement accumulated benefit obligation
    
353
   
(330
)

 
EMPLOYEE 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
 
At December 31, 2005, the Company maintains a 401(k) and employee stock ownership plan (the Plan). The Company contributes to the Plan based on employees’ contributions out of their annual salary. In addition, the Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Plan based on profitability. Participation in the plan is contingent upon certain age and service requirements. The recorded expenses associated with this plan was $1.6 million in 2004, $1.4 million in 2004, and $1.5 million in 2003.
 
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
The following is a summary of changes in options outstanding:
 
   
Number of options
  
Weighted average of
exercise price of options
under the plans
  
Balance at December 31, 2002
    
2,192,223
 
$
14.96
  
Granted
    
398,888
   
17.72
 
Exercised
    
(489,253
)
  
12.42
 
Lapsed
    
(37,284
)
  
14.89
 
Balance at December 31, 2003
    
2,064,574
   
16.09
 
Granted
    
381,109
   
22.19
 
Exercised
    
(448,669
)
  
15.26
 
Lapsed
    
(22,975
)
  
18.53
 
Balance at December 31, 2004
    
1,974,039
   
17.43
 
Granted
    
426,855
   
23.16
 
Exercised
    
(413,176
)
  
16.45
 
Lapsed
    
(71,094
)
  
20.78
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
    
1,916,624
 
$
18.79
  
 
The following table summarizes information concerning stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005:
 
 
   
Options outstanding
  
Options exercisable
  
Range of exercise
prices
  
Number
outstanding
  
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)
  
Weighted
average
exercise
price
  
Number
exercisable
  
Weighted average exercise price
  
$10.00 - $13.75
    
75,128
    
3.32
  
$
10.94
    
75,128
  
$
10.94
  
$13.76 - $17.50
    
579,861
    
5.36
    
15.12
    
513,649
    
15.22
  
$17.51 - $21.25
    
565,413
    
5.35
    
18.65
    
424,577
    
18.83
  
$21.26 - $25.00
    
696,222
    
8.67
    
22.82
    
195,154
    
22.51
  
$10.00 - $25.00
    
1,916,624
    
6.48
  
$
18.79
    
1,208,508
  
$
17.40
  

 

 
(17)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company’s concentrations of credit risk are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. The concentrations of credit risk with standby letters of credit, unused lines of credit, commitments to originate new loans and loans sold with recourse generally follow the loan classifications.
 
At December 31, 2005, approximately 62% of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate located in central and northern New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the Company’s portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions of those areas. Management is not aware of any material concentrations of credit to any industry or individual borrowers.
 
The Company is a party to certain financial instruments with off balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and as certain mortgage loans sold to investors with recourse. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and loans sold with recourse is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit standards in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on balance sheet instruments.
 
The total amount of loans serviced by the Company for unrelated third parties was approximately $81.2 million and $70.8 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
In the normal course of business there are various outstanding legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, the aggregate amount involved in such proceedings is not material to the consolidated balance sheets or results of operations of the Company.
 
   
At December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
Unused lines of credit
  
$
230,863
  
$
228,789
  
Commitments to extend credits, primarily variable rate
    
266,274
   
278,610
 
Standby letters of credit
    
42,866
   
31,616
 
Loans sold with recourse
    
5,750
   
5,594
 
 

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN No. 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others; an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.” FIN No. 45 requires certain new disclosures and potential liability-recognition for the fair value at issuance of guarantees that fall within its scope. Under FIN No. 45, the Company does not issue any guarantees that would require liability-recognition or disclosure, other than its standby letters of credit.
 
 
 
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. The fair value of the Company’s stand-by letters of credit at December 31, 2005 and 2004 was not significant.
 
 
(18)
PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
Assets
          
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
10,229
  
$
5,949
  
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value
    
11,345
    
8,363
  
Investment in subsidiaries, on equity basis
    
342,699
    
334,423
  
Other assets
    
17,363
    
23,205
  
Total assets
  
$
381,636
  
$
371,940
  
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
              
Total liabilities
  
$
47,693
  
$
39,707
  
Stockholders’ equity
    
333,943
    
332,233
  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
381,636
  
$
371,940
  
 
 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
    
2005
    
2004
    
2003
  
Dividends from subsidiaries
    
35,400
   
29,732
   
28,715
 
Management fee from subsidiaries
    
54,373
   
47,872
   
44,736
 
Interest and other dividend income
    
839
   
258
   
206
 
Net gain on sale of securities available for sale
    
-
   
4
   
-
 
     
90,612
   
77,866
   
73,657
 
Operating expense
    
55,201
   
50,442
   
45,692
 
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    
35,411
   
27,424
   
27,965
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
    
(728
)
  
(993
)
  
272
 
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    
16,299
   
21,630
   
19,411
 
Net income
  
$
52,438
  
$
50,047
  
$
47,104
  
 
 


 
   
Years ended December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Operating activities
              
Net income
  
$
52,438
  
$
50,047
  
$
47,104
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
                    
Net gains on sale of securities available for sale
    
-
   
8
   
-
 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    
1,057
   
1,336
   
1,294
 
Distributions in excess of equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    
(16,299
)
  
(21,630
)
  
(19,411
)
Other, net
    
5,540
   
(2,061
)
  
(4,008
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
42,736
   
27,700
   
24,979
 
Investing activities
                    
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
    
-
   
1,000
   
-
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
    
(2,834
)
  
(2,342
)
  
(1,534
)
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(2,834
)
  
(1,342
)
  
(1,534
)
Financing activities
                    
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans
    
7,161
   
6,964
   
6,381
 
Payment on long-term debt
    
(100
)
  
(90
)
  
(85
)
Proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred debentures
    
5,155
   
-
   
-
 
Purchase of treasury shares
    
(23,165
)
  
(9,149
)
  
(6,489
)
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares
    
(24,673
)
  
(24,251
)
  
(22,173
)
Net cash used in financing activities
    
(35,622
)
  
(26,526
)
  
(22,366
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    
4,280
   
(168
)
  
1,079
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    
5,949
   
6,117
   
5,038
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  
$
10,229
  
$
5,949
  
$
6,117
  
 
 
(19)
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
 
 
SHORT TERM INSTRUMENTS
 
For short-term instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest payable, and short term borrowings, carrying value approximates fair value.
 
 
SECURITIES
 
Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, where available. Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.
 
 
LOANS
 
For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated through discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms and credit quality. Nonperforming loans are valued based upon recent loss history for similar loans.
 
 
DEPOSITS
 
The fair values disclosed for savings, money market, and noninterest bearing accounts are, by definition, equal to their carrying values at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that applies interest rates currently offered to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

 
LONG-TERM DEBT
 
The fair value of long-term debt has been estimated using discounted cash flow analysis that applies interest rates currently offered for notes with similar terms.
 
 
COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT AND STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT
 
The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are estimated using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit worthiness of the counterparties. Carrying amounts, which are comprised of the unamortized fee income, are not significant.

 
TRUST PREFERRED DEBENTURES
 
A significant portion of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2005 is variable rate in nature, as such the carrying value approximates fair value.
 

Estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31 are as follows:

 
   
2005
  
2004
  
(In thousands)
  
Carrying
amount
  
Estimated
fair value
  
Carrying
amount
  
Estimated
fair value
  
Financial assets
                  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
142,488
  
$
142,488
  
$
106,723
  
$
106,723
  
Securities available for sale
    
954,474
   
954,474
   
952,542
   
952,542
 
Securities held to maturity
    
93,709
   
93,701
   
81,782
   
82,712
 
Loans (1)
    
3,022,657
   
2,949,799
   
2,869,921
   
2,835,643
 
Less allowance for loan losses
    
47,455
   
-
   
44,932
   
-
 
Net loans
    
2,975,202
   
2,949,799
   
2,824,989
   
2,835,643
 
Accrued interest receivable
    
19,008
   
19,008
   
15,652
   
15,652
 
Financial liabilities
                          
Savings, NOW, and money market
  
$
1,325,166
  
$
1,325,166
  
$
1,435,561
  
$
1,435,561
  
Time deposits
    
1,241,608
   
1,234,680
   
1,118,059
   
1,115,118
 
Noninterest bearing
    
593,422
   
593,422
   
520,218
   
520,218
 
Short-term borrowings
    
444,977
   
444,977
   
338,823
   
338,823
 
Long-term debt
    
414,330
   
407,783
   
394,523
   
421,113
 
Accrued interest payable
    
8,077
   
8,077
   
6,384
   
6,384
 
Trust preferred debentures
    
23,875
   
23,875
   
18,720
   
18,720
 
 
1.
Lease receivables, although excluded from the scope of SFAS No. 107, are included in the estimated fair value amounts at their carrying amounts.
 
 
 
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For example, the Company has a substantial trust and investment management operation that contributes net fee income annually. The trust and investment management operation is not considered a financial instrument, and its value has not been incorporated into the fair value estimates. Other significant assets and liabilities include the benefits resulting from the low-cost funding of deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market, and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimate of fair value.

 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
 
None.

 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an evaluation was carried out by the Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. No changes were made to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

The management of NBT Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

As of December 31, 2005, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on the assessment, management determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on those criteria.

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. The report, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is included in this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of NBT Bancorp Inc.

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that NBT Bancorp Inc. (the Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the NBT Bancorp Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of NBT Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, cash flows, and comprehensive income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, and our report dated March 6, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.


/s/ KPMG LLP
Albany, NY
March 6, 2006

OTHER INFORMATION
None.

PART III


 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 2, 2006 (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the Company’s 2005 fiscal year end.
 
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 2, 2006 (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the Company’s 2005 fiscal year end.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED MATTERS
 
 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

As of December 31, 2005, the following table summarizes the Company’s equity compensation plans:
 
Plan Category
  
A. Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
 outstanding options
  
B. Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding
options
  
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column A.)
  
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
    
1,916,624
  
$
18.79
    
2,195,302
  
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
    
None
    
None
    
None
  

 
 
The remaining information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
 
 
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
 

PART IV
 
EXHIBITS ANDFINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)
(1)
The following Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Part II,
Item 8 hereof:
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
 
95
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a)
(2)
There are no financial statement schedules that are required to be filed as part of this form since they are not applicable or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements.
(a)
(3)
See below for all exhibits filed herewith and the 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. as amended through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended and restated through July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3
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, file number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein).
3.4
Certificate of Designation of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration’s Form 8-K, file Number 0-14703, filed on November 18, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1
Specimen common stock certificate for NBT’s common stock (filed as exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1
NBT Bancorp Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement, file number 333-71830 filed on October 18, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.2
NBT Bancorp Inc. Non-Employee Director, Divisional Director and Subsidiary Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement, file number 333-73038 filed on November 9, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.3
CNB Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of CNB Bancorp, Inc.’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 4, 1998 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.4
NBT Bancorp Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.5
NBT Bancorp Inc. Non-employee Directors Restricted and Deferred Stock Plan (filed as Appendix A of Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed on April 4, 2003, and incorporated by reference herein).
10.6
NBT Bancorp Inc. Performance Share Plan (filed as Appendix B of Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed on April 4, 2003, and incorporated by reference herein).
NBT Bancorp Inc. 2006 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.8
CNB Bancorp, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of CNB Bancorp, Inc.’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 14, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.9
Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Daryl R. Forsythe made as of August 2, 2003. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, filed on November 13, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10 Amendment dated December 19, 2005 to Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Daryl R. Forsythe made as of August 2, 2003.
Supplemental Retirement Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Daryl R. Forsythe as amended and restated Effective January 1, 2005.
Death Benefits Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Daryl R. Forsythe made August 22, 1995.

 
10.13
Amendment dated January 28, 2002 to Death Benefits Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Daryl R. Forsythe made August 22, 1995. (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.14
Split-Dollar Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Daryl R. Forsythe made January 25, 2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed on March 15, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Martin A. Dietrich as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
10.16
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Martin A. Dietrich as amended and restated January 20, 2006.
10.17
Change in control agreement with Martin A. Dietrich as amended and restated July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001, filed on November 14, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Michael J. Chewens as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
10.19
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Michael J. Chewens made as of July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001, filed on November 14, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.20
Change in control agreement with Michael J. Chewens as amended and restated July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001, filed on November 14, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and David E. Raven as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
10.22
Change in control agreement with David E. Raven as amended and restated July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001, filed on November 14, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.23
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and David E. Raven made as of January 1, 2004. (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed on March 15, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Ronald M. Bentley made as of August 16, 2005.
Change in control agreement with Ronald M. Bentley dated August 22, 2005.
Description for Arrangement for Directors Fees.
A list of the subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, NBT Bancorp Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

NBT BANCORP INC. (Registrant)
  
   
March 14, 2006
  
   
/S/ Martin A. Dietrich
  
Martin A. Dietrich
  
Chief Executive Officer
  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/S/ Daryl R. Forsythe
Daryl R. Forsythe
Chairman and Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Martin A. Dietrich
Martin A. Dietrich
NBT Bancorp Inc. President,CEO, and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ John C. Mitchell
 
John C. Mitchell, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Joseph G. Nasser
 
Joseph G. Nasser, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Peter B. Gregory
 
Peter B. Gregory, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006


/S/ William C. Gumble
 
William C. Gumble, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Michael Hutcherson
 
Michael Hutcherson, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Richard Chojnowski
 
Richard Chojnowski, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Michael Murphy
 
Michael Murphy, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Michael J. Chewens
Michael J. Chewens
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ William L. Owens
 
William L. Owens, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Van Ness D. Robinson
 
Van Ness D. Robinson, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Joseph A. Santangelo
 
Joseph A. Santangelo, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006


/S/ Janet H. Ingraham
 
Janet H. Ingraham, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Paul Horger
 
Paul Horger, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Andrew S. Kowalczyk, Jr
 
Andrew S. Kowalczyk, Jr., Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
   
/S/ Patricia T. Civil
 
Patricia T. Civil, Director
Date:
March 14, 2006
 
 
100