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

(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024.

OR
☐
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)
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

52 South Broad Street, Norwich, New York 13815
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (607) 337-2265

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  
NBTB
  
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes  ☒  No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

As of October 31, 2024, there were 47,177,534 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share.

NBT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-Q - Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
  

4

5

6

7

8

10
ITEM 2.
 33
ITEM 3.
52
ITEM 4.
 52


 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
 52
ITEM 1A.
 52
ITEM 2.
 55
ITEM 3.
 55
ITEM 4.
 55
ITEM 5.
 55
ITEM 6.
 56


 

57

2
Table of Contents
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

When references to “NBT”, “we,” “our,” “us,” and “the Company” are made in this report, we mean NBT Bancorp Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates that we refer only to the parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc. When we refer to the “Bank” in this report, we mean its only bank subsidiary, NBT Bank, National Association, and its subsidiaries.

The acronyms and abbreviations identified below are used throughout this report, including the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. You may find it helpful to refer to this page as you read this report.

AFS
available for sale
AIR
accrued interest receivable
AOCI
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
ASC
Accounting Standards Codification
ASU
Accounting Standards Update
BP(S)
basis point(s)
C&I
Commercial & Industrial
CECL
current expected credit losses
CD
certificate of deposit
CME
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Clearing House
CRE
Commercial Real Estate
EPS
earnings per share
Evans
Evans Bancorp, Inc.
Evans Bank
Evans Bank, National Association
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank
FOMC
Federal Open Market Committee
FRB
Federal Reserve Board
FTE
fully taxable equivalent
GAAP
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America
HTM
held to maturity
LGD
loss given default
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
MMDA
money market deposit accounts
NASDAQ
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
NIM
net interest margin
NOW
negotiable order of withdrawal
OCC
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
OREO
other real estate owned
PCD
purchased credit deteriorated
PD
probability of default
Salisbury
Salisbury Bancorp, Inc.
Salisbury Bank
Salisbury Bank and Trust Company
SEC
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SOFR
Secured Overnight Financing Rate
TDRs
troubled debt restructurings

3
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
September 30,
    
December 31,
  
(In thousands, except share and per share data)  
2024
    
2023
  
Assets
            
Cash and due from banks
  
$
250,788
    
$
173,811
  
Short-term interest-bearing accounts
    
231,671
      
31,378
  
Equity securities, at fair value
    
41,974
      
37,591
  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    
1,509,338
      
1,430,858
  
Securities held to maturity (fair value $781,868 and $814,524, respectively)
    
854,941
      
905,267
  
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    
37,732
      
45,861
  
Loans held for sale
    
3,713
      
3,371
  
Loans
    
9,907,041
      
9,650,713
  
Less allowance for loan losses
    
119,500
      
114,400
  
Net loans
  
$
9,787,541
    
$
9,536,313
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
80,133
      
80,675
  
Goodwill
    
362,010
      
361,851
  
Intangible assets, net
    
35,843
      
40,443
  
Bank owned life insurance
    
271,178
      
265,732
  
Other assets
    
372,690
      
395,889
  
Total assets
  
$
13,839,552
    
$
13,309,040
  
Liabilities
                
Demand (noninterest bearing)
  
$
3,476,218
    
$
3,413,829
  
Savings, NOW and money market
    
6,678,936
      
6,230,456
  
Time
    
1,433,124
      
1,324,709
  
Total deposits
  
$
11,588,278
    
$
10,968,994
  
Short-term borrowings
    
204,959
      
386,651
  
Long-term debt
    
29,682
      
29,796
  
Subordinated debt, net
    
120,829
      
119,744
  
Junior subordinated debt
    
101,196
      
101,196
  
Other liabilities
    
272,628
      
276,968
  
Total liabilities
  
$
12,317,572
    
$
11,883,349
  
Stockholders’ equity
                
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. 2,500,000 shares authorized
  
$
-
    
$
-
  
Common stock, $0.01 par value. 100,000,000 shares authorized; 53,974,492 shares issued
    
540
      
540
  
Additional paid-in-capital
    
742,524
      
740,943
  
Retained earnings
    
1,080,245
      
1,021,831
  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    
(125,736
)
    
(160,934
)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 6,797,664 and 6,864,593 shares, respectively
    
(175,593
)
    
(176,689
)
Total stockholders’ equity
  
$
1,521,980
    
$
1,425,691
  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
13,839,552
    
$
13,309,040
  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

4
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands, except per share data)  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Interest, fee and dividend income
                        
Interest and fees on loans
  
$
141,991
    
$
122,097
    
$
411,743
    
$
329,931
  
Securities available for sale
    
7,815
      
7,495
      
22,501
      
22,604
  
Securities held to maturity
    
5,042
      
5,281
      
15,535
      
15,307
  
Other
    
1,382
      
2,221
      
4,154
      
4,033
  
Total interest, fee and dividend income
  
$
156,230
    
$
137,094
    
$
453,933
    
$
371,875
  
Interest expense
                                
Deposits
  
$
49,106
    
$
30,758
    
$
140,133
    
$
61,888
  
Short-term borrowings
    
1,431
      
7,612
      
7,751
      
20,657
  
Long-term debt
    
292
      
294
      
873
      
631
  
Subordinated debt
    
1,810
      
1,612
      
5,416
      
4,281
  
Junior subordinated debt
    
1,922
      
1,923
      
5,743
      
5,372
  
Total interest expense
  
$
54,561
    
$
42,199
    
$
159,916
    
$
92,829
  
Net interest income
  
$
101,669
    
$
94,895
    
$
294,017
    
$
279,046
  
Provision for loan losses
    
2,920
      
12,633
      
17,398
      
20,148
  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  
$
98,749
    
$
82,262
    
$
276,619
    
$
258,898
  
Noninterest income
                                
Service charges on deposit accounts
  
$
4,340
    
$
3,979
    
$
12,676
    
$
11,260
  
Card services income    
5,897
      
5,503
      
16,679
      
15,469
  
Retirement plan administration fees
    
14,578
      
12,798
      
43,663
      
35,995
  
Wealth management
    
10,929
      
9,297
      
30,799
      
25,611
  
Insurance services
    
4,913
      
4,361
      
13,149
      
12,008
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
1,868
      
1,568
      
6,054
      
4,974
  
Net securities gains (losses)
   
476
   
(183
)
    
2,567
   
(9,822
)
Other
    
2,773
      
2,913
      
8,811
      
8,195
  
Total noninterest income
  
$
45,774
    
$
40,236
    
$
134,398
    
$
103,690
  
Noninterest expense
                                
Salaries and employee benefits
  
$
59,641
    
$
49,248
    
$
170,738
    
$
144,237
  
Technology and data services
     9,920       9,677       28,919       27,989  
Occupancy
    
7,754
      
7,090
      
23,523
      
21,233
  
Professional fees and outside services
    
4,871
      
4,149
      
14,289
      
12,486
  
Office supplies and postage
    
1,756
      
1,700
      
5,425
      
5,004
  
FDIC assessment
    
1,815
      
1,657
      
5,217
      
4,397
  
Advertising
    
711
      
667
      
2,396
      
1,841
  
Amortization of intangible assets
    
2,062
      
1,609
      
6,363
      
2,603
  
Loan collection and other real estate owned, net
    
560
      
569
      
1,828
      
2,115
  
Acquisition expenses
    543       7,917       543       9,724  
Other
    
6,112
      
6,514
      
17,865
      
17,284
  
Total noninterest expense
  
$
95,745
    
$
90,797
    
$
277,106
    
$
248,913
  
Income before income tax expense
  
$
48,778
    
$
31,701
    
$
133,911
    
$
113,675
  
Income tax expense
    
10,681
      
7,095
      
29,275
      
25,339
  
Net income
  
$
38,097
    
$
24,606
    
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Earnings per share
                                
Basic
  
$
0.81
    
$
0.54
    
$
2.22
    
$
2.02
  
Diluted
  
$
0.80
    
$
0.54
    
$
2.21
    
$
2.01
  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

5
Table of Contents
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Net income
  
$
38,097
    
$
24,606
    
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                
                                 
Securities available for sale:
                                
Unrealized net holding gains (losses) arising during the period, gross  
$
49,019
    
$
(24,059
)
  
$
45,283
    
$
(35,117
)
Tax effect
    
(12,255
)
    
6,015
      
(11,321
)
    
8,780
  
Unrealized net holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net
  
$
36,764
    
$
(18,044
)
  
$
33,962
    
$
(26,337
)

                               
Reclassification adjustment for net losses in net income, gross
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 9,450  
Tax effect
     -       -       -       (2,363 )
Reclassification adjustment for net losses in net income, net
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 7,087  
                                 
Amortization of unrealized net gains for the reclassification of available for sale securities to held to maturity, gross
  
$
87
    
$
105
    
$
274
    
$
328
  
Tax effect
    
(21
)
    
(26
)
    
(68
)
    
(82
)
Amortization of unrealized net gains for the reclassification of available for sale securities to held to maturity, net
  
$
66
    
$
79
    
$
206
    
$
246
  
                                 
Total securities available for sale, net
  
$
36,830
    
$
(17,965
)
  
$
34,168
    
$
(19,004
)
                                 
Pension and other benefits:
                                
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses, gross
  
$
471
    
$
648
    
$
2,374
    
$
1,946
  
Tax effect
    
(118
)
    
(162
)
    
(594
)
    
(487
)
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses, net
  
$
353
    
$
486
    
$
1,780
    
$
1,459
  
                                 
Increase in unrecognized actuarial loss, gross   $ -     $ -     $ (1,000 )   $ -  
Tax effect     -       -       250       -  
Increase in unrecognized actuarial loss, net   $ -     $ -     $ (750 )   $ -  
                                 
Total pension and other benefits, net
  
$
353
    
$
486
    
$
1,030
    
$
1,459
  
                                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
37,183
    
$
(17,479
)
  
$
35,198
    
$
(17,545
)
Comprehensive income
  
$
75,280
    
$
7,127
    
$
139,834
    
$
70,791
  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

6
Table of Contents
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)  
Common
Stock
    
Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
    
Retained
Earnings
    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    
Common
Stock in
Treasury
    
Total
  
Balance at June 30, 2024
  
$
540
    
$
741,933
    
$
1,058,187
    
$
(162,919
)
  
$
(175,786
)
  
$
1,461,955
  
Net income
    
-
      
-
      
38,097
      
-
      
-
      
38,097
  
Cash dividends - $0.34 per share
    
-
      
-
      
(16,039
)
    
-
      
-
      
(16,039
)
Net issuance of 11,459 shares to employee
and other stock plans
    
-
      
(373
)
    
-
      
-
      
193
      
(180
)
Stock-based compensation
    
-
      
964
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
964
  
Other comprehensive income
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
37,183
      
-
      
37,183
  
Balance at September 30, 2024
  
$
540
    
$
742,524
    
$
1,080,245
    
$
(125,736
)
  
$
(175,593
)
  
$
1,521,980
  
                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2023
  
$
497
    
$
578,322
    
$
996,920
    
$
(190,100
)
  
$
(175,146
)
  
$
1,210,493
  
Net income
    
-
      
-
      
24,606
      
-
      
-
      
24,606
  
Cash dividends - $0.32 per share
    
-
      
-
      
(15,067
)
    
-
      
-
      
(15,067
)
Issuance of 4,322,999 shares of common stock for acquisition
     43       161,680       -       -       -       161,723  
Purchase of 68,500 treasury shares     -       -       -       -       (2,166 )     (2,166 )
Net issuance of 6,334 shares to employee
and other stock plans
    
-
      
(250
)
    
-
      
-
      
136
      
(114
)
Stock-based compensation
    
-
      
825
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
825
  
Other comprehensive (loss)
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
(17,479
)
    
-
      
(17,479
)
Balance at September 30, 2023
  
$
540
    
$
740,577
    
$
1,006,459
    
$
(207,579
)
  
$
(177,176
)
  
$
1,362,821
  

(In thousands, except share and per share data)  
Common
Stock
    
Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
    
Retained
Earnings
    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    
Common
Stock in
Treasury
    
Total
  
Balance at December 31, 2023
  
$
540
    
$
740,943
    
$
1,021,831
    
$
(160,934
)
  
$
(176,689
)
  
$
1,425,691
  
Net income
    
-
      
-
      
104,636
      
-
      
-
      
104,636
  
Cash dividends - $0.98 per share
    
-
      
-
      
(46,222
)
    
-
      
-
      
(46,222
)
Purchase of 7,600 treasury shares
     -       -       -       -       (251 )     (251 )
Net issuance of 74,529 shares to
employee and other stock plans
    
-
      
(3,574
)
    
-
      
-
      
1,347
      
(2,227
)
Stock-based compensation
    
-
      
5,155
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
5,155
  
Other comprehensive income
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
35,198
   
-
      
35,198
Balance at September 30, 2024
  
$
540
    
$
742,524
    
$
1,080,245
    
$
(125,736
)
  
$
(175,593
)
  
$
1,521,980
  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2022
  
$
497
    
$
577,853
    
$
958,433
    
$
(190,034
)
  
$
(173,195
)
  
$
1,173,554
  
Cumulative effect adjustment for ASU 2022-02 implementation as of January 1, 2023
     -       -       502       -       -       502  
Net income
    
-
      
-
      
88,336
      
-
      
-
      
88,336
  
Cash dividends - $0.92 per share
    
-
      
-
      
(40,812
)
    
-
      
-
      
(40,812
)
Issuance of 4,322,999 shares of common stock for acquisition
     43       161,680       -       -       -       161,723  
Purchase of 155,500 treasury shares
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
(4,944
)
    
(4,944
)
Net issuance of 62,275 shares to
employee and other stock plans
    
-
      
(3,093
)
    
-
      
-
      
963
      
(2,130
)
Stock-based compensation
    
-
      
4,137
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
4,137
  
Other comprehensive (loss)
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
(17,545
)
    
-
      
(17,545
)
Balance at September 30, 2023
  
$
540
    
$
740,577
    
$
1,006,459
    
$
(207,579
)
  
$
(177,176
)
  
$
1,362,821
  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

7
Table of Contents
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)  
2024
    
2023
  
Operating activities
            
Net income
  
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
                
Provision for loan losses
    
17,398
      
20,148
  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    
8,609
      
7,808
  
Net amortization on securities
    
1,926
      
2,057
  
Amortization of intangible assets
    
6,363
      
2,603
  
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets
    
5,615
      
5,029
  
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
    
(185
)
    
(239
)
Stock-based compensation expense
    
5,155
      
4,137
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
(6,054
)
    
(4,974
)
Amortization of subordinated debt issuance costs
    
328
      
328
  
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
    
85,479
      
26,108
  
Originations of loans held for sale
    
(85,484
)
    
(29,167
)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
    
(136
)
    
(88
)
Net securities (gains) losses
    
(2,567
)
    
9,822
  
Net gains on sale of other real estate owned
     -       (50 )
Net change in other assets and other liabilities
    
(1,688
)
    
(10,054
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
  
$
139,395
    
$
121,804
  
Investing activities
                
Net cash (used in) provided by acquisitions
   $ (983 )   $ 44,564  
Securities available for sale:
                
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal paydowns
    
101,583
      
90,415
  
Proceeds from sales
     2,284       124,577  
Purchases
    
(135,436
)
    
-
  
Securities held to maturity:
                
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal paydowns
    
121,314
      
81,949
  
Purchases
    
(71,984
)
    
(77,930
)
Equity securities:
                
Purchases
     (18 )     (4 )
Other:
                
Net increase in loans
    
(268,954
)
    
(349,168
)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank stock redemption
    
70,143
      
84,378
  
Purchases of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock    
(62,014
)
    
(88,260
)
Proceeds from settlement of bank owned life insurance
    
608
      
3,185
  
Purchases of premises and equipment, net
    
(8,111
)
    
(6,333
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
     -       229  
Net cash used in investing activities
  
$
(251,568
)
  
$
(92,398
)
Financing activities
                
Net increase in deposits  
$
619,284
    
$
596,543
  
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    
(181,692
)
    
(128,214
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
     -       25,000  
Repayments of long-term debt
    
(114
)
    
(80
)
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee and other stock plans
     61       -  
Cash paid by employer for tax-withholding on stock issuance
    
(1,623
)
    
(1,595
)
Purchase of treasury stock
    
(251
)
    
(4,944
)
Cash dividends
    
(46,222
)
    
(40,812
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
  
$
389,443
    
$
445,898
  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
$
277,270
    
$
475,304
  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    
205,189
      
197,350
  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
482,459
    
$
672,654
  

8
Table of Contents
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (continued)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
 
2024
  
2023
  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
        
Cash paid during the period for:
        
Interest expense
  
$
162,973
    
$
78,130
  
Income taxes paid, net of refund
    
17,115
      
26,663
  
Noncash investing activities:
                
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
   $ 127     $
74  
Acquisitions:                
Fair value of assets acquired, excluding acquired cash and goodwill   $ 1,763     $ 1,417,392  
Fair value of liabilities assumed     -       1,380,386  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

9
Table of Contents
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2024

1.
Description of Business

NBT Bancorp Inc. is a registered financial holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1986, with its principal headquarters located in Norwich, New York. The principal assets of NBT Bancorp Inc. consist of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its subsidiaries, including: NBT Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”), NBT Holdings, Inc. (“NBT Holdings”), CNBF Capital Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust I, NBT Statutory Trust II, Alliance Financial Capital Trust I and Alliance Financial Capital Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”). The principal sources of revenue for NBT Bancorp Inc. are the management fees and dividends it receives from the Bank, NBT Financial and NBT Holdings. Collectively, NBT Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as (the “Company”).

The Company’s business, primarily conducted through the Bank, consists of providing commercial banking, retail banking and wealth management services primarily to customers in its market area, which includes upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, Vermont, southern Maine and central and northwestern Connecticut. The Company has been, and intends to continue to be, a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services. The Company’s business philosophy is to operate as a community bank with local decision-making, providing a broad array of banking and financial services to retail, commercial and municipal customers. The Company completed the acquisition of Salisbury in August of 2023, a commercial bank with $1.46 billion in assets with 13 banking offices in northwestern Connecticut, the Hudson Valley region of New York and southwestern Massachusetts.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NBT Bancorp Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: the Bank, NBT Financial and NBT Holdings. In the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods in accordance with GAAP and in accordance with the instructions for the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes necessary for complete financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts previously reported in the consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current period presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure, and none were identified.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the financial statements.

Estimates associated with the allowance for credit losses and pension accounting are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term.

3.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Issued Not Yet Adopted



In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements, which amends the disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The ASU was issued in response to the SEC’s August 2018 final rule that updated and simplified disclosure requirements that the SEC believed were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated, or superseded. The new guidance is intended to align GAAP requirements with those of the SEC. The ASU will become effective on the earlier of the date on which the SEC removes its disclosure requirements for the related disclosure or June 30, 2027. Early adoption is not permitted. Aside from meeting the new disclosure requirements, the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, to improve the reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring annual and interim disclosure of incremental segment information. In addition, the amendments will enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment and include other disclosure requirements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoption is permitted. Aside from meeting the new disclosure requirements, the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

10

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, that addresses requests for improved income tax disclosures from investors, lenders, creditors and other allocators of capital that use the financial statements to make capital allocation decisions. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures primarily related to existing rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information to help investors better assess how the Company’s operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect the Company’s tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. The ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company on January 1, 2025 and should be applied on a prospective basis. Retrospective application and early adoption are permitted. Aside from meeting the new disclosure requirements, the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

4.
Acquisitions

Pending Acquisition of Evans Bancorp, Inc.

On September 9, 2024, the Company and the Bank, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Evans and Evans Bank, Evans’s subsidiary, pursuant to which the Company will acquire Evans. Evans, with assets of approximately $2.28 billion at September 30, 2024, is headquartered in Williamsville, New York. Its primary subsidiary, Evans Bank, is a federally-chartered national banking association with 18 banking locations in Western New York.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of each party, Evans will merge with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving entity, and immediately thereafter, Evans Bank will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving bank (the “Merger”).

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of Evans common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.91 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of Evans, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.

Prior Period Acquisitions

On August 11, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Salisbury through the merger of Salisbury with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger, for $161.7 million in stock. Salisbury Bank, Salisbury’s subsidiary, was a Connecticut-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Lakeville, Connecticut with 13 banking offices. The acquisition enhanced the Company’s presence in Massachusetts’ Berkshire county, and extended its footprint into New York’s Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties and into Connecticut’s Litchfield county. In connection with the acquisition, the Company issued 4.32 million shares of common stock and acquired approximately $1.46 billion of identifiable assets. Preliminary goodwill of $78.1 million was recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 as a result of the merger and is not amortizable or deductible for tax purposes. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company revised the estimated fair value of premises and equipment, net and related deferred income taxes based upon receipt of land and building appraisals, which resulted in a $1.7 million increase in goodwill. Total goodwill of $79.7 million was recognized as a result of the merger. The effects of the acquired assets and liabilities have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. As a result of the full integration of the operations of Salisbury, it is not practicable to determine all revenue or net income included in the Company’s operating results relating to Salisbury since the date of acquisition as Salisbury results cannot be separately identified.

The Company determined that this acquisition constituted a business combination and therefore was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, as of the date of the acquisition, the Company recorded the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration paid at fair value based on management’s best estimates using information available at the date of the acquisition and these estimates are subject to adjustment based on updated information not available at the time of the acquisition. The amount of goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Company with Salisbury.

11
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

   
August 11, 2023
  
(In thousands)
  
Salisbury Bancorp, Inc.
  
Consideration:
      
Cash paid to shareholders (fractional shares)
  
$
15
  
Common stock issuance
    
161,723
  
Total net consideration
  
$
161,738
  
 
        
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed:
        
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
48,665
  
Securities available for sale
    
122,667
  
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses on purchased credit deteriorated loans
    
1,174,237
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
13,026
  
Core deposit intangibles
    
31,188
  
Wealth management customer intangible
    
4,654
  
Bank owned life insurance
    
30,315
  
Other assets
    
37,631
  
Total identifiable assets acquired
  
$
1,462,383
  
 
        
Deposits
  
$
(1,308,976
)
Borrowings
    
(55,461
)
Other liabilities
    
(15,949
)
Total liabilities assumed
  
$
(1,380,386
)
 
        
Total identifiable assets, net
  
$
81,997
  
 
        
Goodwill
  
$
79,741
  

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used to estimate the fair values of major categories of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company used an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair values for certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities.

Cash and due from banks - The estimated fair value was determined to approximate the carrying amount of these assets.

Securities available for sale - The estimated fair value of the investment portfolio was based on quoted market prices and dealer quotes. The investment securities were sold immediately after the merger and no gains or losses were recorded.

Loans - The estimated fair value of loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology applied on a pooled basis for non-PCD loans and for PCD loans. The valuation considered underlying characteristics including loan type, term, rate, payment schedule and credit rating. Other factors included assumptions related to prepayments, probability of default and loss given default. The discount rates applied were based on a build-up approach considering the funding mix, servicing costs, liquidity premium and factors related to performance risk.

Core deposit intangible - The core deposit intangible was valued utilizing the cost savings method approach, which recognizes the cost savings represented by the expense of maintaining the core deposit base versus the cost of an alternative funding source. The valuation incorporates assumptions related to account retention, discount rates, deposit interest rates, deposit maintenance costs and alternative funding rates.

Wealth management customer intangible - The wealth management customer intangible was valued utilizing the income approach, which employs a present value analysis, which calculates the expected after-tax cash flow benefits of the net revenues generated by the acquired customers over the expected lives of the acquired customers, discounted at a long-term market-oriented after-tax rate of return on investment. The value assigned to the acquired customers represents the future economic benefit from acquiring the customers (net of operating expenses).

Deposits - The fair value of noninterest bearing demand deposits, interest checking, money market and savings deposit accounts from Salisbury were assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand. Certificate of deposit (time deposit accounts) were valued at the present value of the certificates’ expected contractual payments discounted at market rates for similar certificates.

12
Borrowings - The estimated fair value of short-term borrowings was determined to approximate stated value. Subordinated debt was valued using a discounted cash flow approach incorporating a discount rate that incorporated similar terms, maturity and credit rating.

Accounting for Acquired Loans - Acquired loans are classified into two categories: PCD loans and non-PCD loans. PCD loans are defined as a loan or group of loans that have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. Non-PCD loans had an allowance established on acquisition date, which was recognized as an expense through the provision for credit losses. For PCD loans, an allowance was recognized by adding it to the fair value of the loan, which is the amortized cost. There is no provision for credit loss expense recognized on PCD loans because the initial allowance is established by grossing-up the amortized cost of the PCD loan. The allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $8.8 million was recorded through the provision for loan losses within the unaudited interim consolidated statements of income. The following table provides details related to the fair value of acquired PCD loans.

(In thousands)
  
PCD Loans
  
Par value of PCD loans at acquisition
  
$
219,076
  
Allowance for credit losses at acquisition
    
5,772
  
Discount at acquisition
    
(24,512
)
Fair value of PCD loans at acquisition
  
$
200,336
  

Direct costs related to the acquisition were expensed as incurred. Acquisition integration-related expenses were $7.9 million and $9.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. These amounts have been separately stated in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of income and are included in operating activities in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of cash flows.

Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following table presents certain unaudited pro forma financial information for illustrative purposes only, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, as if Salisbury had been acquired on January 1, 2023. This unaudited pro forma information combines the historical results of Salisbury with the Company’s consolidated historical results and includes certain adjustments reflecting the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments for the respective periods. The pro forma information is not indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the year prior to the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma information does not consider any changes to the provision expense resulting from recording loan assets at fair value, cost savings or business synergies. As a result, actual amounts would have differed from the unaudited pro forma information presented and the differences could be significant.

   
Pro Forma (Unaudited)
  
   
Three Months Ended
    
Nine Months Ended
  
(In thousands)
  
September 30, 2023
    
September 30, 2023
  
Total revenue, net of interest expense
  
$
130,881
    
$
404,580
  
Net income
    
12,182
      
81,859
  

Other Acquisitions

In July 2024, the Company, through its subsidiary, NBT Insurance Agency, LLC, a full-service insurance agency, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Karl W. Reynard, Inc. located in Stamford, NY for a total consideration of $1.2 million. Karl W. Reynard, Inc. was a long-established property and casualty agency offering personal and commercial lines. This strategic acquisition expands the presence of NBT Insurance Agency, LLC in the Catskills, where the agency and the Bank are well established. As part of the acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $0.2 million and a $1.0 million contingent consideration recorded in other liabilities on the unaudited interim consolidated balance sheets.

In July 2023, the Company, through its subsidiary, EPIC Advisors Inc., completed its acquisition of certain assets of Retirement Direct, LLC, a retirement plan administration business based near Charlotte, North Carolina for a total consideration of $2.8 million. As part of the acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $0.9 million and a $1.0 million contingent consideration recorded in other liabilities on the unaudited interim consolidated balance sheets.

The operating results of the acquired companies are included in the consolidated results after the date of acquisition.
13
5.
Securities

The amortized cost, estimated fair value and unrealized gains (losses) of AFS securities are as follows:

(In thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Unrealized
Gains
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Estimated
Fair Value
  
As of September 30, 2024
                        
U.S. treasury
   $ 133,704     $ 118     $ (5,284 )   $ 128,538  
Federal agency
    
248,357
      
-
      
(25,718
)
    
222,639
  
State & municipal
    
95,657
      
7
      
(6,761
)
    
88,903
  
Mortgage-backed:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
387,388
      
138
      
(33,068
)
    
354,458
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
72,076
      
14
      
(4,824
)
    
67,266
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
478,051
      
303
      
(36,269
)
    
442,085
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
184,570
      
116
      
(22,642
)
    
162,044
  
Corporate
    
48,472
      
-
      
(5,067
)
    
43,405
  
Total AFS securities
  
$
1,648,275
    
$
696
    
$
(139,633
)
  
$
1,509,338
  
As of December 31, 2023
                                
U.S. treasury
   $ 133,302     $ -     $ (8,278 )   $ 125,024  
Federal agency
    
248,384
      
-
      
(33,644
)
    
214,740
  
State & municipal
    
96,251
      
11
      
(9,956
)
    
86,306
  
Mortgage-backed:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
399,532
      
7
      
(44,264
)
    
355,275
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
74,281
      
14
      
(7,302
)
    
66,993
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
452,715
      
15
      
(48,257
)
    
404,473
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
162,171
      
-
      
(25,100
)
    
137,071
  
Corporate
    
48,442
      
-
      
(7,466
)
    
40,976
  
Total AFS securities
  
$
1,615,078
    
$
47
    
$
(184,267
)
  
$
1,430,858
  

There was no allowance for credit losses on AFS securities as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.


During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, no gains or losses were reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were $4.5 million of gross realized losses reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings and the Company incurred a $5.0 million loss on the write-off of an AFS corporate debt security from a subordinated debt investment of a financial institution that failed. The $5.0 million loss was reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings in net securities gains (losses) in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of income. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company sold the previously written-off security and recognized a gain of $2.3 million into earnings in net securities gains (losses) in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of income.


14
Table of Contents
The amortized cost, estimated fair value and unrealized gains (losses) of HTM securities are as follows:

(In thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Unrealized
Gains
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Estimated
Fair Value
  
As of September 30, 2024
                        
Federal agency
  
$
100,000
    
$
-
    
$
(14,264
)
  
$
85,736
  
Mortgage-backed:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
213,569
      
-
      
(26,732
)
    
186,837
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
15,616
      
2
      
(139
)
    
15,479
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
172,596
      
84
      
(8,240
)
    
164,440
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
61,657
      
-
      
(9,481
)
    
52,176
  
State & municipal
    
291,503
      
169
      
(14,472
)
    
277,200
  
Total HTM securities
  
$
854,941
    
$
255
    
$
(73,328
)
  
$
781,868
  
As of December 31, 2023
                                
Federal agency
  
$
100,000
    
$
-
    
$
(17,784
)
  
$
82,216
  
Mortgage-backed:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
228,720
      
-
      
(31,613
)
    
197,107
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
17,086
      
3
      
(566
)
    
16,523
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                
Government-sponsored enterprises
    
187,457
      
57
      
(12,021
)
    
175,493
  
U.S. government agency securities
    
63,878
      
-
      
(10,908
)
    
52,970
  
State & municipal
    
308,126
      
211
      
(18,122
)
    
290,215
  
Total HTM securities
  
$
905,267
    
$
271
    
$
(91,014
)
  
$
814,524
  

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, all of the mortgage-backed HTM securities were comprised of U.S. government agency and government-sponsored enterprises securities.

The Company recorded no gains from calls on HTM securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

AFS and HTM securities with amortized costs totaling $1.88 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.03 billion at December 31, 2023, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law. Additionally, at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, AFS and HTM securities with an amortized cost totaling $190.7 million and $177.2 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for securities sold under repurchase agreements.

The following tables set forth information with regard to gains and (losses) on equity securities:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
  
Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities
  
$
476
    
$
(183
)
Less: Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the period
    
-
      
-
  
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities still held
  
$
476
    
$
(183
)

 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
  
Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities
  
$
283
    
$
(372
)
Less: Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the period
    
-
      
-
  
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities still held
  
$
283
    
$
(372
)

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying value of equity securities without readily determinable fair values was $1.0 million. The Company performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether the investments were impaired and identified no credit concerns as of September 30, 2024 and 2023. There were no impairments, or downward or upward adjustments recognized for equity securities without readily determinable fair values during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

15
Table of Contents
The following table sets forth information with regard to contractual maturities of debt securities at September 30, 2024:

(In thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Estimated
Fair Value
  
AFS debt securities:
            
Within one year
  
$
40,409
    
$
40,282
  
From one to five years
    
637,648
      
590,469
  
From five to ten years
    
244,195
      
224,850
  
After ten years
    
726,023
      
653,737
  
Total AFS debt securities
  
$
1,648,275
    
$
1,509,338
  
HTM debt securities:
                
Within one year
  
$
94,236
    
$
94,130
  
From one to five years
    
143,062
      
139,223
  
From five to ten years
    
218,104
      
194,873
  
After ten years
    
399,539
      
353,642
  
Total HTM debt securities
  
$
854,941
    
$
781,868
  

Maturities of mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities are 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 and government-sponsored enterprises securities, there were no holdings, when taken in the aggregate, of any single issuer that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

The following table sets forth information with regard to investment securities with unrealized losses, for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded, segregated according to the length of time the securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 
Less Than 12 Months
    
12 Months or Longer
    
Total
  
(In thousands)
  
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Number
of Positions
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Number
of Positions
    
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
Number
of Positions
  
As of September 30, 2024
                                                      
AFS securities:
  
                                                 
U.S. treasury
   $ -     $ -     -     $ 118,430     $ (5,284 )     7     $ 118,430     $ (5,284 )     7  
Federal agency
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
222,639
      
(25,718
)
    
16
      
222,639
      
(25,718
)
    
16
  
State & municipal
    
-
      
-
   
-
      
88,132
      
(6,761
)
    
66
      
88,132
      
(6,761
)
    
66
  
Mortgage-backed
    
15,893
      
(47
)
    
2
      
389,558
      
(37,845
)
    
153
      
405,451
      
(37,892
)
    
155
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
36,841
      
(74
)
    
5
      
510,166
      
(58,837
)
    
119
      
547,007
      
(58,911
)
    
124
  
Corporate     1,455       (24 )     1       41,950       (5,043 )     14       43,405       (5,067 )     15  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  
$
54,189
    
$
(145
)
    
8
    
$
1,370,875
    
$
(139,488
)
    
375
    
$
1,425,064
    
$
(139,633
)
    
383
  
HTM securities:
                                                                        
Federal agency
  
$
-
    
$
-
      
-
    
$
85,736
    
$
(14,264
)
    
4
    
$
85,736
    
$
(14,264
)
    
4
  
Mortgage-backed
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
202,256
      
(26,871
)
    
34
      
202,256
      
(26,871
)
    
34
  
Collateralized mortgage obligation
     -
       -     -
       208,993
       (17,721 )     52
       208,993
       (17,721 )     52
  
State & municipal
    
2,908
      
(2
)
    
3
      
174,003
      
(14,470
)
    
187
      
176,911
      
(14,472
)
    
190
  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  
$
2,908
    
$
(2
)
    
3
    
$
670,988
    
$
(73,326
)
    
277
    
$
673,896
    
$
(73,328
)
    
280
  
As of December 31, 2023
                                                                        
AFS securities:
                                                                        
U.S. treasury
   $ -     $ -       -     $ 125,024     $ (8,278 )     8     $ 125,024     $ (8,278 )     8  
Federal agency
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
214,740
      
(33,644
)
     16      
214,740
      
(33,644
)
    
16
  
State & municipal
     -       -       -       85,528       (9,956 )     66       85,528       (9,956 )     66  
Mortgage-backed
    
53
      
(1
)
    
7
      
421,259
      
(51,565
)
    
156
      
421,312
      
(51,566
)
    
163
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
1,333
      
(6
)
    
2
      
536,678
      
(73,351
)
     118
      
538,011
      
(73,357
)
    
120
  
Corporate
     1,379       (75 )     1       39,597       (7,391 )     14       40,976       (7,466 )     15  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  
$
2,765
    
$
(82
)
    
10
    
$
1,422,826
    
$
(184,185
)
    
378
    
$
1,425,591
    
$
(184,267
)
    
388
  
HTM securities:
                                                                        
Federal agency
   $ -     $ -       -     $ 82,216     $ (17,784 )     4     $ 82,216     $ (17,784 )     4  
Mortgage-backed     12,221       (365 )     1       201,320       (31,814 )     33       213,541       (32,179 )     34  
Collateralized mortgage obligations     -       -       -       219,820       (22,929 )     54       219,820       (22,929 )     54  
State & municipal
    
14,422
      
(127
)
    
21
      
171,904
      
(17,995
)
     189      
186,326
      
(18,122
)
    
210
  
Total securities with unrealized losses
  
$
26,643
    
$
(492
)
    
22
    
$
675,260
    
$
(90,522
)
     280    
$
701,903
    
$
(91,014
)
    
302
  

16
Table of Contents
The Company does not believe that the AFS securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, which consisted of 383 and 388 individual securities, respectively, represented a credit loss impairment. AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses at least quarterly. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the majority of the AFS securities in an unrealized loss position consisted of debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises that carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, which are widely recognized as “risk-free” and have a long history of zero credit losses. Total gross unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates, relative to when the investment securities were purchased, and not due to the credit quality of the investment securities. The Company does not intend to, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. The Company elected to exclude AIR from the amortized cost basis of debt securities. AIR on AFS debt securities totaled $4.1 million at September 30, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses and is reported in the other assets financial statement line.

None of the Bank’s HTM debt securities were past due or on nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. There was no accrued interest reversed against interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 or the year ended December 31, 2023 as all securities remained in accrual status. In addition, there were no collateral-dependent HTM debt securities as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. There was no allowance for credit losses on HTM securities as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 66% of the Company’s HTM debt securities were issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. These securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, which are widely recognized as “risk-free,” and have a long history of zero credit losses. Therefore, the Company did not record an allowance for credit losses for these securities as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The remaining HTM debt securities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were comprised of state and municipal obligations with bond ratings of A to AAA. Based on the Company's CECL methodology, the expected credit loss on the HTM municipal bond portfolio was deemed immaterial, therefore no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. AIR on HTM debt securities totaled $3.8 million at September 30, 2024 and $4.7 million at December 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses and reported in the other assets financial statement line.

6.
Loans


A summary of loans, net of deferred fees and origination costs, by category is as follows:


(In thousands)
  
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
Commercial & industrial
  
$
1,458,926
    
$
1,354,248
  
Commercial real estate
    
3,792,498
      
3,626,910
  
Residential real estate
    
2,143,766
      
2,125,804
  
Home equity
    
328,687
      
337,214
  
Indirect auto
    
1,235,175
      
1,130,132
  
Residential solar
    
839,659
      
917,755
  
Other consumer
    
108,330
      
158,650
  
Total loans
  
$
9,907,041
    
$
9,650,713
  



Included in the above loans are net deferred loan origination (fees) costs totaling ($72.8) million and ($98.2) million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

7.
Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality of Loans

The allowance for credit losses totaled $119.5 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $114.4 million at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans was 1.21% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.19% at December 31, 2023.

The allowance for credit losses calculation incorporated a 6-quarter forecast period to account for forecast economic conditions under each scenario utilized in the measurement. For periods beyond the 6-quarter forecast, the model reverts to long-term economic conditions over a 4-quarter reversion period on a straight-line basis. The Company considers a baseline, upside and downside economic forecast in measuring the allowance.

The quantitative model as of September 30, 2024 incorporated a baseline economic outlook along with an alternative downside scenario sourced from a reputable third-party to accommodate other potential economic conditions in the model. At September 30, 2024, the weightings were 80% and 20% for the baseline and downside economic forecasts, respectively. The baseline outlook reflects an economic environment where the Northeast unemployment rate increases slightly but remains around 4.1% during the forecast period. Northeast GDP’s annualized growth (on a quarterly basis) is expected to start the fourth quarter of 2024 at approximately 3.9% and remains relatively stable during the forecast period. Key assumptions in the baseline economic outlook included the Federal Reserve cutting rates at the September and December meetings, the economy remaining at full employment, and continued tapering of the Federal Reserve balance sheet. The alternative downside scenario assumed deteriorated economic conditions from the baseline outlook. Under this scenario, Northeast unemployment rises from 4.0% in the third quarter of 2024 to a peak of 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. These scenarios and their respective weightings are evaluated at each measurement date and reflect management’s expectations as of September 30, 2024. Additional adjustments were made for factors not incorporated in the forecasts or the model, such as loss rate expectations for certain loan pools, considerations for inflation, and recent trends in asset value indices. Additional monitoring for industry concentrations, loan growth, and policy exceptions was also conducted.
The quantitative model as of June 30, 2024 incorporated a baseline economic outlook along with an alternative downside scenario sourced from a reputable third-party to accommodate other potential economic conditions in the model. At June 30, 2024, the weightings were 80% and 20% for the baseline and downside economic forecasts, respectively. The baseline outlook reflected an economic environment where the Northeast unemployment rate increases slightly from 4.0% to 4.1% during the forecast period. Northeast GDP’s annualized growth (on a quarterly basis) was expected to start the third quarter of 2024 at approximately 3.7% and increase slightly to 3.8% before the end of the forecast period. Key assumptions in the baseline economic outlook included the Federal Reserve cutting rates with two 25 basis point cuts at the September and December meetings, the economy remaining at full employment, and continued tapering of the Federal Reserve balance sheet. The alternative downside scenario assumed deteriorated economic conditions from the baseline outlook. Under this scenario, Northeast unemployment rises from 4.0% in the second quarter of 2024 to a peak of 7.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025. These scenarios and their respective weightings are evaluated at each measurement date and reflect management’s expectations as of June 30, 2024. Additional adjustments were made for factors not incorporated in the forecasts or the model, such as loss rate expectations for certain loan pools, considerations for inflation, and recent trends in asset value indices. Additional monitoring for industry concentrations, loan growth, and policy exceptions was also conducted.

The methodology for prepayment assumptions was revised during the second quarter of 2024 from a static, current rate experience approach to one that includes both current experience and long-term average behavior. The change to the methodology increased the allowance for loan losses by approximately 3% as of June 30, 2024. The longer-average effective life portfolios such as the residential mortgage and residential solar segments experienced a greater impact resulting from the change in methodology. The change in prepayment methodology provided an improved estimate of expected prepayments, particularly for the longer-lived portfolios.

The quantitative model as of December 31, 2023 incorporated a baseline economic outlook along with an alternative downside scenario sourced from a reputable third-party to accommodate other potential economic conditions in the model. At December 31, 2023, the weightings were 70% and 30% for the baseline and downside economic forecasts, respectively. The baseline outlook reflected an unemployment rate environment starting at 3.8% and increasing slightly during the forecast period to 4.1%. Northeast GDP’s annualized growth (on a quarterly basis) was expected to start the first quarter of 2024 at approximately 3.7% before decreasing to a low of 2.9% in the third quarter of 2024 and then increasing to 3.8% by the end of the forecast period. Other utilized economic variable forecasts are mixed compared to the prior year, with retail sales improving, business output mixed and housing starts down. Key assumptions in the baseline economic outlook included currently being in a full employment economy, continued tapering of the Federal Reserve balance sheet and the FOMC beginning to cut rates in the second quarter of 2024. The alternative downside scenario assumed deteriorated economic conditions from the baseline outlook. Under this scenario, Northeast unemployment increases to a peak of 7.0% in the first quarter of 2025. These scenarios and their respective weightings are evaluated at each measurement date and reflect management’s expectations as of December 31, 2023. Additional qualitative adjustments were made for factors not incorporated in the forecasts or the model, such as loss rate expectations for certain loan pools, considerations for inflation and recent trends in asset value indices. Additional monitoring for industry concentrations, loan growth and policy exceptions was also conducted.

There were no loans purchased with credit deterioration during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. There were $219.5 million of PCD loans acquired from Salisbury during the year ended December 31, 2023, which resulted in an allowance for credit losses at acquisition of $5.8 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company purchased $2.0 million of residential loans at a 7.0% premium with a $20 thousand allowance for credit losses recorded for these loans. During 2023, the Company purchased $3.8 million of residential loans at a 7.0% premium with a $31 thousand allowance for credit losses recorded for these loans.

The Company made a policy election to report AIR in the other assets line item on the consolidated balance sheets. AIR on loans totaled $34.2 million at September 30, 2024 and $34.1 million at December 31, 2023 with no estimated allowance for credit losses related to AIR as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 as it is excluded from amortized cost.

The Company’s January 1, 2023 adoption of ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - CECL Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures resulted in an insignificant change to its methodology for estimating the allowance for credit losses on TDRs. The ASU eliminated the guidance on TDRs and requires an evaluation on all loan modifications to determine if they result in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan. The decrease in allowance for credit loss on TDR loans relating to adoption of ASU 2022-02 was $0.6 million.

18
The following tables present the activity in the allowance for credit losses by our portfolio segments:

(In thousands)
  
Commercial
Loans
    
Consumer
Loans
    
Residential
    
Total
  
Balance as of June 30, 2024
  
$
46,708
    
$
47,918
    
$
25,874
    
$
120,500
  
Charge-offs
    
(1,117
)
    
(4,926
)
    
(34
)
    
(6,077
)
Recoveries
    
275
      
1,789
      
93
      
2,157
  
Provision
    
1,372
      
835
      
713
      
2,920
  
Ending balance as of September 30, 2024
  
$
47,238
    
$
45,616
    
$
26,646
    
$
119,500
  
                                 
Balance as of June 30, 2023
  
$
36,963
    
$
47,883
    
$
15,554
    
$
100,400
  
Allowance for credit loss on PCD acquired loans
     5,300       19       453       5,772  
Charge-offs
    
(138
)
    
(6,167
)
    
(16
)
    
(6,321
)
Recoveries
    
474
      
1,549
      
94
      
2,117
  
Provision
    
4,121
   
3,990
      
4,522
   
12,633
  
Ending balance as of September 30, 2023
  
$
46,720
    
$
47,274
    
$
20,607
    
$
114,601
  

(In thousands)
  
Commercial
Loans
    
Consumer
Loans
    
Residential
    
Total
  
Balance as of December 31, 2023
 
$
45,903
    
$
46,427
    
$
22,070
    
$
114,400
  
Charge-offs
    
(2,401
)
    
(15,835
)
    
(148
)
    
(18,384
)
Recoveries
    
765
      
4,999
      
322
      
6,086
  
Provision
    
2,971
      
10,025
      
4,402
      
17,398
  
Ending balance as of September 30, 2024
  
$
47,238
    
$
45,616
    
$
26,646
    
$
119,500
  
                                 
Balance as of January 1, 2023 (after adoption of ASU 2022-02)
  
$
34,662
    
$
50,951
    
$
14,539
    
$
100,152
  
Allowance for credit loss on PCD acquired loans
     5,300       19       453       5,772  
Charge-offs
    
(514
)
    
(16,346
)
    
(460
)
    
(17,320
)
Recoveries
    
1,112
      
4,367
      
370
      
5,849
  
Provision
    
6,160
      
8,283
      
5,705
   
20,148
  
Ending balance as of September 30, 2023
  
$
46,720
    
$
47,274
    
$
20,607
    
$
114,601
  

The allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2024 was consistent with the allowance estimates as of June 30, 2024 and increased compared to the allowance estimates as of December 31, 2023. The increase from December 31, 2023 was primarily due to providing for current year loan growth, the slowing of prepayment speed assumptions, including the changes in prepayment model assumptions and an additional specific reserve established in the second quarter of 2024 relating to a commercial relationship individually evaluated for credit loss. These increases to the allowance for credit losses were partially offset by the change in forecast scenario weightings from 70% baseline and 30% downside to 80% baseline and 20% downside, and the shift in loan composition driven by other consumer and residential solar portfolios that are in a planned run-off status.

The allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2023 incorporated the recording of $14.5 million of allowance for acquired Salisbury loans as of the acquisition date, which included both the $8.8 million of non-PCD allowance recognized through the provision for loan losses and the $5.8 million of PCD allowance reclassified from loans.

Individually Evaluated Loans

The threshold for evaluating classified, commercial and commercial real estate loans risk graded substandard or doubtful, and nonperforming loans individually evaluated for credit loss is $1.0 million. As of September 30, 2024, two relationships were identified for individual credit loss evaluation which had an amortized cost basis of $16.6 million, with $1.7 million of allowance for credit loss. As of December 31, 2023, the same two relationships were identified for individual credit loss evaluation which had an amortized cost basis of $17.3 million, with no allowance for credit loss. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were $1.3 million and $17.3 million, respectively, of loans in nonaccrual status that were individually evaluated for expected credit loss without an allowance for credit losses.

19
The following table sets forth information with regard to past due and nonperforming loans by loan segment:

(In thousands)
  
31-60 Days
Past Due
Accruing
    
61-90 Days
Past Due
Accruing
    
Greater
Than
90 Days
Past Due
Accruing
    
Total
Past Due
Accruing
    
Nonaccrual
    
Current
    
Recorded
Total
Loans
  
As of September 30, 2024
                                          
Commercial loans:
                                          
C&I
  
$
2,485
    
$
97
    
$
-
    
$
2,582
    
$
2,452
    
$
1,455,471
    
$
1,460,505
  
CRE
    
5,439
      
133
      
-
      
5,572
      
18,009
      
3,595,502
      
3,619,083
  
Total commercial loans
  
$
7,924
    
$
230
    
$
-
    
$
8,154
    
$
20,461
    
$
5,050,973
    
$
5,079,588
  
Consumer loans:
                                                        
Auto
  
$
10,200
    
$
1,757
    
$
919
    
$
12,876
    
$
1,679
    
$
1,189,734
    
$
1,204,289
  
Residential solar
    2,973       1,837       1,284       6,094       190       833,375       839,659  
Other consumer
    
1,626
      
1,029
      
754
      
3,409
      
304
      
119,995
      
123,708
  
Total consumer loans
  
$
14,799
    
$
4,623
    
$
2,957
    
$
22,379
    
$
2,173
    
$
2,143,104
    
$
2,167,656
  
Residential
  
$
3,850
    
$
465
    
$
1,024
    
$
5,339
    
$
10,704
    
$
2,643,754
    
$
2,659,797
  
Total loans
  
$
26,573
    
$
5,318
    
$
3,981
    
$
35,872
    
$
33,338
    
$
9,837,831
    
$
9,907,041
  

(In thousands)
  
31-60 Days
Past Due
Accruing
    
61-90 Days
Past Due
Accruing
    
Greater
Than
90 Days
Past Due
Accruing
    
Total
Past Due
Accruing
    
Nonaccrual
    
Current
    
Recorded
Total
Loans
  
As of December 31, 2023
                                          
Commercial loans:
                                          
C&I
  
$
414
    
$
33
    
$
1
    
$
448
    
$
3,441
    
$
1,393,616
    
$
1,397,505
  
CRE
    
803
      
835
      
-
      
1,638
      
18,126
      
3,413,984
      
3,433,748
  
Total commercial loans
  
$
1,217
    
$
868
    
$
1
    
$
2,086
    
$
21,567
    
$
4,807,600
    
$
4,831,253
  
Consumer loans:
                                                        
Auto
  
$
10,115
    
$
2,011
    
$
1,067
    
$
13,193
    
$
2,106
    
$
1,084,143
    
$
1,099,442
  
Residential solar     3,074       1,301       915       5,290       245       912,220       917,755  
Other consumer
    
2,343
      
1,811
      
1,124
      
5,278
      
215
      
164,867
      
170,360
  
Total consumer loans
  
$
15,532
    
$
5,123
    
$
3,106
    
$
23,761
    
$
2,566
    
$
2,161,230
    
$
2,187,557
  
Residential
  
$
3,836
    
$
399
    
$
554
    
$
4,789
    
$
10,080
    
$
2,617,034
    
$
2,631,903
  
Total loans
  
$
20,585
    
$
6,390
    
$
3,661
    
$
30,636
    
$
34,213
    
$
9,585,864
    
$
9,650,713
  

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company has developed an internal loan grading system to evaluate and quantify the Company’s loan portfolio with respect to quality and risk, focusing on, among other things, borrowers financial strength, experience and depth of borrower’s management, primary and secondary sources of repayment, payment history, nature of the business and industry outlook. The internal grading system enables the Company to monitor the quality of the entire loan portfolio on a consistent basis and provide management with an early warning system, which facilitates recognition and response to problem loans and potential problem loans.

Commercial Grading System

For C&I and CRE loans, the Company uses a grading system that relies on quantifiable and measurable characteristics when available. This includes comparison of financial strength to available industry averages, comparison of transaction factors (loan terms and conditions) to loan policy and comparison of credit history to stated repayment terms and industry averages. Some grading factors are necessarily more subjective such as economic and industry factors, regulatory environment and management. C&I and CRE loans are graded Doubtful, Substandard, Special Mention and Pass.

20
Doubtful

A Doubtful loan has a high probability of total or substantial loss, but because of specific pending events that may strengthen the asset, its classification as a loss is deferred. Doubtful borrowers are usually in default, lack adequate liquidity or capital and lack the resources necessary to remain an operating entity. Pending events can include mergers, acquisitions, liquidations, capital injections, the perfection of liens on additional collateral, the valuation of collateral and refinancing. Generally, pending events should be resolved within a relatively short period and the ratings will be adjusted based on the new information. Nonaccrual treatment is required for Doubtful assets because of the high probability of loss.

Substandard

Substandard loans have a high probability of payment default or they have other well-defined weaknesses. They require more intensive supervision by bank management. Substandard loans are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity or marginal capitalization. Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants. For some Substandard loans, the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt and those loans should be placed on nonaccrual. Although Substandard assets in the aggregate will have a distinct potential for loss, an individual asset’s loss potential does not have to be distinct for the asset to be rated Substandard.

Special Mention

Special Mention loans have potential weaknesses that may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date. These loans pose elevated risk, but their weakness does not yet justify a Substandard classification. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends (i.e., declining revenues or margins) or may be struggling with an ill-proportioned balance sheet (i.e., increasing inventory without an increase in sales, high leverage and/or tight liquidity). Adverse economic or market conditions, such as interest rate increases or the entry of a new competitor, may also support a Special Mention rating. Although a Special Mention loan has a higher probability of default than a Pass asset, its default is not imminent.

Pass

Loans graded as Pass encompass all loans not graded as Doubtful, Substandard or Special Mention. Pass loans are in compliance with loan covenants and payments are generally made as agreed. Pass loans range from superior quality to fair quality. Pass loans also include any portion of a government guaranteed loan, including Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Consumer and Residential Grading System

Consumer and Residential loans are graded as either Nonperforming or Performing.

Nonperforming

Nonperforming loans are loans that are (1) over 90 days past due and interest is still accruing or (2) on nonaccrual status.

Performing


All loans not meeting any of the above criteria are considered Performing.
 
21
The following tables illustrate the Company’s credit quality by loan class by vintage and includes gross charge-offs by loan class by vintage. Included in other consumer gross charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded $0.2 million in overdrawn deposit accounts reported as 2023 originations and $0.5 million in overdrawn deposit accounts reported as 2024 originations. Included in other consumer gross charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $0.2 million in overdrawn deposit accounts reported as 2022 originations and $0.8 million in overdrawn deposit accounts reported as 2023 originations.

(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
    
2022
    
2021
    
2020
    
Prior
    
Revolving
Loans
Amortized
Cost Basis
    
Revolving
Loans
Converted
to Term
    
Total
  
As of September 30, 2024
                                                      
C&I
                                                      
By internally assigned grade:
                                                      
Pass
  
$
205,707
    
$
185,044
    
$
210,068
    
$
193,872
    
$
128,275
    
$
106,919
    
$
354,396
    
$
1,006
    
$
1,385,287
  
Special mention
    
-
      
3,627
      
4,333
      
354
      
3,273
      
1,237
      
29,624
      
156
      
42,604
  
Substandard
    
1,574
      
3,590
      
2,234
      
1,465
      
210
      
5,108
      
18,208
      
107
      
32,496
  
Doubtful
    
-
      
86
      
2
      
30
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
118
  
Total C&I
  
$
207,281
    
$
192,347
    
$
216,637
    
$
195,721
    
$
131,758
    
$
113,264
    
$
402,228
    
$
1,269
    
$
1,460,505
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ -     $ (60 )   $ (970 )   $ (46 )   $ -     $ (1,325 )   $ -     $ -     $ (2,401 )
CRE
                                                                        
By internally assigned grade:
                                                                        
Pass
  
$
320,351
    
$
340,273
    
$
531,189
    
$
528,054
    
$
425,647
    
$
954,218
    
$
304,846
    
$
59,356
    
$
3,463,934
  
Special mention
    
1,086
      
5,838
      
13,492
      
5,873
      
5,137
      
18,463
      
2,156
      
1,135
      
53,180
  
Substandard
    
-
      
1,056
      
19,195
      
17,812
      
3,353
      
58,387
      
1,666
      
500
      
101,969
  
Total CRE
  
$
321,437
    
$
347,167
    
$
563,876
    
$
551,739
    
$
434,137
    
$
1,031,068
    
$
308,668
    
$
60,991
    
$
3,619,083
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -
Auto
                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  
$
428,158
    
$
356,542
    
$
267,785
    
$
104,174
    
$
24,059
    
$
20,973
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
1,201,691
  
Nonperforming
    
330
      
688
      
803
      
537
      
147
      
93
      
-
      
-
      
2,598
  
Total auto
  
$
428,488
    
$
357,230
    
$
268,588
    
$
104,711
    
$
24,206
    
$
21,066
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
1,204,289
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ (76 )   $ (1,047 )   $ (1,266 )   $ (692 )   $ (74 )   $ (292 )   $ -     $ -     $ (3,447 )
Residential solar
                                                                       
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  $
2,835
     $
126,251
    
 $
405,550
     $
169,484
     $
58,968
     $
75,097
     $
-
     $
-
     $
838,185
  
Nonperforming
    -
       28
       1,086
       120
       87
       153
       -
       -
       1,474
  
Total residential solar
  $
2,835
     $
126,279
     $
406,636
     $
169,604
     $
59,055
     $
75,250
     $
-
     $
-
     $
839,659
  
Current-period gross charge-offs
  $
-
     $
(441
 )
   $
(3,152
 )
   $
(582
 )
   $
(103
 )
   $
(561
 )
   $
-
     $
-
     $
(4,839
 )
Other consumer
                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  
$
14,484
    
$
7,740
    
$
15,144
    
$
32,682
    
$
13,025
    
$
18,494
    
$
21,058
    
$
23
    
$
122,650
  
Nonperforming
    
-
      
39
      
239
      
419
      
116
      
224
      
1
      
20
      
1,058
  
Total other consumer
  
$
14,484
    
$
7,779
    
$
15,383
    
$
33,101
    
$
13,141
    
$
18,718
    
$
21,059
    
$
43
    
$
123,708
  
Current-period gross charge-offs
  $
(473 )   $ (311 )   $ (1,706 )   $ (3,493 )   $ (831 )   $ (735 )   $ -     $ -     $ (7,549 )
Residential
                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  
$
141,624
    
$
221,221
    
$
369,507
    
$
432,012
    
$
252,908
    
$
956,789
    
$
258,040
    
$
15,968
    
$
2,648,069
  
Nonperforming
    
-
      
796
      
319
      
1,782
      
190
      
8,552
      
-
      
89
      
11,728
  
Total residential
  
$
141,624
    
$
222,017
    
$
369,826
    
$
433,794
    
$
253,098
    
$
965,341
    
$
258,040
    
$
16,057
    
$
2,659,797
  
Current-period gross charge-offs
  $
-     $ (34)     $ -   $ -     $ -     $ (114 )   $ -     $ -     $ (148 )
Total loans
  
$
1,116,149
    
$
1,252,819
    
$
1,840,946
    
$
1,488,670
    
$
915,395
    
$
2,224,707
    
$
989,995
    
$
78,360
    
$
9,907,041
  
Current-period gross charge-offs
  $
(549 )   $ (1,893 )   $ (7,094 )   $ (4,813 )   $ (1,008 )   $ (3,027 )   $ -     $ -      $ (18,384 )

22
(In thousands)
  
2023
    
2022
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
    
Prior
    
Revolving
Loans
Amortized
Cost Basis
    
Revolving
Loans
Converted
to Term
    
Total
  
As of December 31, 2023
                                                      
C&I
                                                      
By internally assigned grade:
                                                      
Pass
  
$
229,249
    
$
270,796
    
$
241,993
    
$
158,051
    
$
74,469
    
$
63,826
    
$
299,248
    
$
2,923
    
$
1,340,555
  
Special mention
    
420
      
1,672
      
277
      
3,524
      
87
      
1,854
      
19,489
      
-
      
27,323
  
Substandard
    
1,496
      
2,461
      
1,609
      
282
      
2,266
      
5,632
      
14,266
      
1,607
      
29,619
  
Doubtful
    
-
      
1
      
2
      
-
      
4
      
1
      
-
      
-
      
8
  
Total C&I
  
$
231,165
    
$
274,930
    
$
243,881
    
$
161,857
    
$
76,826
    
$
71,313
    
$
333,003
    
$
4,530
    
$
1,397,505
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ (24 )   $ (3,021 )   $ (5 )   $ (86 )   $ -     $ (600 )   $ -     $ -     $ (3,736 )
CRE
                                                                        
By internally assigned grade:
                                                                        
Pass
  
$
353,161
    
$
518,201
    
$
561,897
    
$
452,110
    
$
327,804
    
$
739,189
    
$
294,039
    
$
33,705
    
$
3,280,106
  
Special mention
    
3,577
      
4,472
      
10,711
      
7,055
      
9,967
      
39,460
      
2,970
      
-
      
78,212
  
Substandard
    
370
      
731
      
21,807
      
1,146
      
2,996
      
37,418
      
10,962
      
-
      
75,430
  
Total CRE
  
$
357,108
    
$
523,404
    
$
594,415
    
$
460,311
    
$
340,767
    
$
816,067
    
$
307,971
    
$
33,705
    
$
3,433,748
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (114 )   $ (304 )   $ -     $ -     $ (418 )
Auto
                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  
$
474,369
    
$
363,516
    
$
157,251
    
$
42,644
    
$
45,406
    
$
13,071
    
$
12
    
$
-
    
$
1,096,269
  
Nonperforming
    
532
      
1,241
      
830
      
190
      
306
      
74
      
-
      
-
      
3,173
  
Total auto
  
$
474,901
    
$
364,757
    
$
158,081
    
$
42,834
    
$
45,712
    
$
13,145
    
$
12
    
$
-
    
$
1,099,442
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ (102 )   $ (1,183 )   $ (1,066 )   $ (340 )   $ (301 )   $ (295 )   $ -     $ -     $ (3,287 )
Residential solar                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                       
Performing
  $ 155,425
     $ 430,855
     $ 178,839
     $ 65,382
     $ 46,554
     $ 39,540
     $ -
     $ -
     $ 916,595
  
Nonperforming
    -
       837
       205
       18
       47
       53
       -
       -
       1,160
  
Total residential solar
  $ 155,425
     $ 431,692
     $ 179,044
     $ 65,400
     $ 46,601
     $ 39,593
     $ -
     $ -
     $ 917,755
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ (150
 )
   $ (1,930
 )
   $ (923
 )
   $ (45
 )
   $ (558
 )
   $ (345
 )
   $ -
     $ -
     $ (3,951
 )
Other consumer
                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  
$
13,089
    
$
27,394
    
$
57,876
    
$
21,087
    
$
14,548
    
$
15,964
    
$
19,042
    
$
21
    
$
169,021
  
Nonperforming
    
-
      
244
      
685
      
144
      
56
      
161
      
4
      
45
      
1,339
  
Total other consumer
  
$
13,089
    
$
27,638
    
$
58,561
    
$
21,231
    
$
14,604
    
$
16,125
    
$
19,046
    
$
66
    
$
170,360
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ (885 )   $ (3,744 )   $ (7,511 )   $ (1,329 )   $ (832 )   $ (568 )   $ -     $ -     $ (14,869 )
Residential
                                                                        
By payment activity:
                                                                        
Performing
  
$
212,799
    
$
366,860
    
$
453,206
    
$
267,845
    
$
167,860
    
$
876,563
    
$
260,836
    
$
15,300
    
$
2,621,269
  
Nonperforming
    
134
      
430
      
1,121
      
385
      
591
      
7,460
      
-
      
513
      
10,634
  
Total residential
  
$
212,933
    
$
367,290
    
$
454,327
    
$
268,230
    
$
168,451
    
$
884,023
    
$
260,836
    
$
15,813
    
$
2,631,903
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ -     $ -     $ (81 )   $ (30 )   $ -     $ (406 )   $ -     $ -     $ (517 )
Total loans
  
$
1,444,621
    
$
1,989,711
    
$
1,688,309
    
$
1,019,863
    
$
692,961
    
$
1,840,266
    
$
920,868
    
$
54,114
    
$
9,650,713
  
Current-period gross charge-offs   $ (1,161 )   $ (9,878 )   $ (9,586 )   $ (1,830 )   $ (1,805 )   $ (2,518 )   $ -     $ -     $ (26,778 )
 
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

The allowance for losses on unfunded commitments totaled $4.6 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $5.1 million as of December 31, 2023.

The reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $0.3 million for three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to ($0.4) million in the prior quarter and $0.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Included in the reserve for unfunded loan commitments for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $0.8 million of acquisition-related provision for unfunded loan commitments due to the Salisbury acquisition. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments was ($0.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to ($0.3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

23
Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulties



When the Company modifies a loan with financial difficulty, such modifications generally include one or a combination of the following: an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; a change in scheduled payment amount; or principal forgiveness.


The following table shows the amortized cost basis at the end of the reporting period of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, disaggregated by class of financing receivable and type of concession granted:

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
  
   
Term Extension
  
Combination - Term
Extension and Interest Rate
Reduction
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Residential
    
$
576
       0.022 %   $ 254       0.010 %
Total
    
$
576
             $ 254          

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
  
   
Term Extension
  
Interest Rate
Reduction
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Residential
    
$
145
       0.006 %   $ 31       0.001 %
Total
    
$
145
             $ 31          

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
  
   
Term Extension
  
Combination - Term
Extension and Interest Rate
Reduction
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Residential
    
$
1,054
       0.040 %   $ 284       0.011 %
Total
    
$
1,054
             $ 284          

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
  
 
Term Extension
  
Interest Rate Reduction
  
Combination - Term
Extension and Interest Rate
Reduction
  
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing Receivables
  
Amortized
Cost
  
% of Total Class
of Financing
Receivables
  
Residential
  
$
386
      
0.015
%
  
$
31
      
0.001
%
  
$
165
      
0.006
%
Total
  
$
386
            
$
31
            
$
165
          

24
Table of Contents
The following table describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties:

      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Loan Type
  
Term Extension
  
Interest Rate Reduction
Residential
  
Added a weighted-average 8.2 years to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers
  
Interest Rates were reduced by an average of 0.25%



      Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Loan Type
  
Term Extension
  
Interest Rate Reduction
Residential
  
Added a weighted-average 17 years to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers
  
Interest Rates were reduced by an average of 1%



    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Loan Type
  
Term Extension
  
Interest Rate Reduction
Residential
  
Added a weighted-average 6.5 years to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers
  
Interest Rates were reduced by an average of 0.6%


    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Loan Type
  
Term Extension
  
Interest Rate Reduction
Residential
  
Added a weighted-average 15 years to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers
  
Interest Rates were reduced by an average of 2.25%


There were no financing receivables that had a payment default during the three months ended September 30, 2024, that were modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty modified in the twelve months prior to that default. There were $171 thousand in financing receivables with term extension modifications that had payment defaults during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, that were modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty modified in the twelve months prior to that default. There were no financing receivables that had a payment default during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, that were modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty modified in the twelve months prior to that default.


The following table depicts the performance of loans that have been modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that were modified in the prior twelve months:



   
Payment Status (Amortized Cost Basis)
  
(In thousands)
  
Current
    
31-60 Days
Past Due
    
61-90 Days
Past Due
    
Greater than 90
Days Past Due
  
As of September 30, 2024
                        
Residential
  
$
1,232
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
163
  
Total
  
$
1,232
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
163
  

8.
Short-Term Borrowings

In addition to the liquidity provided by balance sheet cash flows, liquidity must also be supplemented with additional sources such as credit lines from correspondent banks as well as borrowings from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank. Other funding alternatives may also be appropriate from time to time, including wholesale and retail repurchase agreements and brokered CD accounts.

Information related to short-term borrowings is summarized as follows:

(In thousands)
  
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
  
$
104,959
    
$
93,651
  
Other short-term borrowings
    
100,000
      
293,000
  
Total short-term borrowings
  
$
204,959
    
$
386,651
  

See Note 5 for additional information regarding securities pledged as collateral for securities sold under the repurchase agreements.

25
9.
Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Plans

The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”) covering substantially all of its employees at September 30, 2024. Benefits paid from the Plan are based on age, years of service, compensation and social security benefits and are determined in accordance with defined formulas. The Company’s policy is to fund the Plan in accordance with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 standards. Assets of the Plan are invested in publicly traded stocks, bonds and mutual funds. In addition to the Plan, the Company provides supplemental employee retirement plans to certain current and former executives. These supplemental employee retirement plans and the Plan are collectively referred to herein as “Pension Benefits.”



In addition, the Company provides certain health care benefits for retired employees. Benefits were accrued over the employees’ active service period. Only employees that were employed by the Company on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to receive post-retirement health care benefits. These post-retirement benefits are referred to herein as “Other Benefits.”



Accounting standards require an employer to: (1) recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit post-retirement plans, which is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, as an asset or liability in its balance sheet; (2) recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income; and (3) measure the defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of its year-end balance sheet.

The Company made no voluntary contributions to the Pension Benefits and Other Benefits plans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

The components of expense for Pension Benefits and Other Benefits are set forth below:

 
Pension Benefits
    
Other Benefits
  
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
    
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Components of net periodic cost:
                        
Service cost
  
$
552
    
$
476
    
$
1
    
$
1
  
Interest cost
    
1,007
      
999
      
58
      
56
  
Expected return on plan assets
    
(1,972
)
    
(1,844
)
    
-
      
-
  
Net amortization
    
472
      
669
      
(1
)
    
(21
)
Total net periodic cost
  
$
59
    
$
300
    
$
58
    
$
36
  

 
Pension Benefits
    
Other Benefits
  
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
    
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Components of net periodic cost:
                        
Service cost
  
$
1,579
    
$
1,440
    
$
3
    
$
3
  
Interest cost
    
3,018
      
3,019
      
168
      
168
  
Expected return on plan assets
    
(5,937
)
    
(5,550
)
    
-
      
-
  
Net amortization
    
2,377
      
2,009
      
(3
)
    
(63
)
Total net periodic cost
  
$
1,037
    
$
918
    
$
168
    
$
108
  

The service cost component of the net periodic cost is included in Salaries and Employee Benefits and the interest cost, expected return on plan assets and net amortization components are included in Other Noninterest Expense on the unaudited interim consolidated statements of income.

26
Table of Contents
10.
Earnings Per Share

Basic 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 units).

The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS for the periods presented in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of income:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
2024
    
2023
  
Basic EPS:
            
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
47,172
      
45,163
  
Net income available to common stockholders
  
$
38,097
    
$
24,606
  
Basic EPS
  
$
0.81
    
$
0.54
  
                 
Diluted EPS:
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
47,172
      
45,163
  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
    
301
      
236
  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    
47,473
      
45,399
  
Net income available to common stockholders
  
$
38,097
    
$
24,606
  
Diluted EPS
  
$
0.80
    
$
0.54
  
                 
Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock outstanding     -       27  


 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
2024
    
2023
  
Basic EPS:
            
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
47,159
      
43,662
  
Net income available to common stockholders
  
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Basic EPS
  
$
2.22
    
$
2.02
  
                 
Diluted EPS:
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
47,159
      
43,662
  
Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock
    
251
      
234
  
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
    
47,410
      
43,896
  
Net income available to common stockholders
  
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Diluted EPS
  
$
2.21
    
$
2.01
  
                 
Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock outstanding     1       25  

27
Table of Contents
11.
Reclassification Adjustments Out of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the reclassification adjustments out of AOCI:

Detail About AOCI Components
  
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
  
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Three Months Ended
    
(In thousands)
  
September 30,
2024
    
September 30,
2023
    
AFS securities:
                    
Amortization of unrealized gains related to securities transfer
   $
87
     $
105
  
Interest income
Tax effect
  
$
(21
)
  
$
(26
)
Income tax (benefit)
Net of tax
  
$
66
    
$
79
    
Pension and other benefits:
                            
Amortization of net losses
  
$
474
    
$
638
  
Other noninterest expense
Amortization of prior service costs
    
(3
)
    
10
  
Other noninterest expense
Tax effect
  
$
(118
)
  
$
(162
)
Income tax (benefit)
Net of tax
  
$
353
    
$
486
    
Total reclassifications, net of tax
  
$
419
    
$
565
    

Detail About AOCI Components
  
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
  
Affected Line item in the
Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Nine Months Ended
    
(In thousands)
  
September 30,
2024
    
September 30,
2023
    
AFS securities:
                  
Losses on AFS securities
   $ -     $ 9,450   Net securities (gains) losses
Amortization of unrealized gains related to securities transfer
    
274
      
328
  
Interest income
Tax effect
  
$
(68
)
  
$
(2,445
)
Income tax (benefit)
Net of tax
  
$
206
    
$
7,333
    
Pension and other benefits:
                        
Amortization of net losses
  
$
2,382
    
$
1,918
  
Other noninterest expense
Amortization of prior service costs
    
(8
)
    
28
  
Other noninterest expense
Tax effect
  
$
(594
)
  
$
(487
)
Income tax (benefit)
Net of tax
  
$
1,780
    
$
1,459
    
Total reclassifications, net of tax
  
$
1,986
    
$
8,792
    

12.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its assets and liabilities and through the use of derivative instruments. Specifically, the Company may enter into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which is determined by interest rates. Generally, the Company may use derivative financial instruments to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments. Currently, the Company has interest rate derivatives resulting from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. The Company manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to facilitate customer transactions and meet their financing needs. These swaps are considered derivatives, but are not designated as hedging relationships. These instruments have interest rate and credit risk associated with them. To mitigate the interest rate risk, the Company enters into offsetting interest rate swaps with counterparties. The counterparty swaps are also considered derivatives and are also not designated as hedging relationships. Interest rate swaps are recorded within other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair value. Changes to the fair value of assets and liabilities arising from these derivatives are included, net, in other operating income in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company is subject to over-the-counter derivative clearing requirements, which require certain derivatives to be cleared through central clearing houses. Accordingly, the Company clears certain derivative transactions through the CME. The CME requires the Company to post initial and variation margin payments to mitigate the risk of non-payment, the latter of which is received or paid daily based on the net asset or liability position of the contracts. A daily settlement occurs through the CME for changes in the fair value of centrally cleared derivatives. Not all of the derivatives are required to be cleared through the daily clearing agent. As a result, the total fair values of loan level derivative assets and liabilities recognized on the Company’s financial statements are not equal and offsetting.

28
In 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced its intention to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. In 2022, the Federal Reserve adopted a final rule implementing the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act by identifying benchmark rates based on SOFR that replaced LIBOR in certain financial contracts after June 30, 2023. In 2023, the Company transitioned all of its financial instruments to an alternative benchmark rate.

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had twenty and twelve risk participation agreements, respectively, with financial institution counterparties for interest rate swaps related to participated loans. Risk participation agreements provide credit protection to the financial institution that originated the swap transaction should the borrower fail to perform on its obligation. The Company enters into both risk participation agreements in which it purchases credit protection from other financial institutions and those in which it provides credit protection to other financial institutions.

The following table summarizes the derivatives outstanding:

(In thousands)
  
Notional
Amount
  
Balance
Sheet
Location
  
Fair
Value
    
Notional
Amount
  
Balance
Sheet
Location
  
Fair
Value
  
As of September 30, 2024
                            
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                            
Interest rate derivatives
  
$
1,393,024
  
Other assets
  
$
80,351
    
$
1,393,024
  
Other liabilities
  
$
80,218
  
Risk participation agreements
    
91,093
  
Other assets
    
136
      
19,740
  
Other liabilities
    
8
  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                          
$
80,487
                            
$
80,226
  
Netting adjustments(1)
              
17,120
                
(10
)
Net derivatives in the balance sheet
                          
$
63,367
                            
$
80,236
  
Derivatives not offset on the balance sheet
                          
$
9,696
                            
$
9,696
  
Cash collateral(2)
              
-
                
-
  
Net derivative amounts
                          
$
53,671
                            
$
70,540
  
As of December 31, 2023
                                    
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                                    
Interest rate derivatives
  
$
1,303,711
  
Other assets
  
$
95,972
    
$
1,303,711
  
Other liabilities
  
$
95,869
  
Risk participation agreements
    
62,112
  
Other assets
    
19
      
16,146
  
Other liabilities
    
6
  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                          
$
95,991
                            
$
95,875
  
Netting adjustments(1)
               20,849                 -  
Net derivatives in the balance sheet
                           $ 75,142                             $ 95,875  
Derivatives not offset on the balance sheet
                           $ 2,930                             $ 2,930  
Cash collateral(2)
              
-
                
-
  
Net derivative amounts
                          
$
72,212
                            
$
92,945
  
(1)
Netting adjustments represents the amounts recorded to convert derivative assets and liabilities from a gross basis to a net basis in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance on the settle to market rules for cleared derivatives. The CME legally characterizes the variation margin posted between counterparties as settlements of the outstanding derivative contracts instead of cash collateral.

(2)
Cash collateral represents the amount that cannot be used to offset our derivative assets and liabilities from a gross basis to a net basis in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. The other collateral consists of securities and is exchanged under bilateral collateral and master netting agreements that allow us to offset the net derivative position with the related collateral. The application of the other collateral cannot reduce the net derivative position below zero. Therefore, excess other collateral, if any, is not reflected above.

The following table indicates the gain or loss recognized in income on derivatives not designated as a hedging relationship:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
  

2023
    
2024
  
2023
  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
      

   
   
 
Increase (decrease) in other income
  
$
65
 
$
(65
)
  
$
151
 
$
(65
)

13.
Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP states that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy exists within GAAP that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

29
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities, many other sovereign government obligations, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company does not adjust the quoted prices for such instruments.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations or quote from alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain common equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs (exchange quoted prices). Other investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The prices for Level 2 instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Management reviews the methodologies used by its third-party providers in pricing the securities.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions. Valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate will be used. Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis that were accounted for at fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

(In thousands)
  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
September 30, 2024
  
Assets:
                        
AFS securities:
                        
U.S. treasury
   $
128,538     $
-     $
-     $
128,538  
Federal agency
  

-
    

222,639
    

-
    

222,639
  
State & municipal
    
-
      
88,903
      
-
      
88,903
  
Mortgage-backed
    
-
      
421,724
      
-
      
421,724
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
-
      
604,129
      
-
      
604,129
  
Corporate
    
-
      
43,405
      
-
      
43,405
  
Total AFS securities
  
$
128,538
    
$
1,380,800
    
$
-
    
$
1,509,338
  
Equity securities
    
40,974
      
1,000
      
-
      
41,974
  
Derivatives
    
-
      
63,367
      
-
      
63,367
  
Total
  
$
169,512
    
$
1,445,167
    
$
-
    
$
1,614,679
  
Liabilities:
                                
Derivatives
  
$
-
    
$
80,236
    
$
-
    
$
80,236
  
Total
  
$
-
    
$
80,236
    
$
-
    
$
80,236
  

(In thousands)
  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
December 31, 2023
  
Assets:
                        
AFS securities:
                        
U.S. treasury
   $
125,024     $
-     $
 -     $
125,024  
Federal agency
  

-
    

214,740
    

-
    

214,740
  
State & municipal
    
-
      
86,306
      
-
      
86,306
  
Mortgage-backed
    
-
      
422,268
      
-
      
422,268
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
-
      
541,544
      
-
      
541,544
  
Corporate
    
-
      
40,976
      
-
      
40,976
  
Total AFS securities
  
$
125,024
    
$
1,305,834
    
$
-
    
$
1,430,858
  
Equity securities
    
36,591
      
1,000
      
-
      
37,591
  
Derivatives
    
-
      
75,142
      
-
      
75,142
  
Total
  
$
161,615
    
$
1,381,976
    
$
-
    
$
1,543,591
  
Liabilities:
                                
Derivatives
  
$
-
    
$
95,875
    
$
-
    
$
95,875
  
Total
  
$
-
    
$
95,875
    
$
-
    
$
95,875
  

30
Table of Contents
GAAP requires disclosure of assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis such as goodwill, loans held for sale, other real estate owned, collateral-dependent loans individually evaluated for expected credit losses and HTM securities. Loans with fair value of $3.0 million as of September 30, 2024 were individually evaluated for expected credit losses where the amortized cost was adjusted to fair value. There were no loans individually evaluated for expected credit losses where the amortized cost was adjusted to fair value as of December 31, 2023. The Company uses the fair value of underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to estimate the allowance for credit losses for individually evaluated collateral dependent loans. The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses ranging from 10% to 50%. Based on the valuation techniques used, the fair value measurements for collateral dependent individually evaluated loans are classified as Level 3.

The following table sets forth information with regard to estimated fair values of financial instruments. This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value. Financial instruments for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, AFS securities, equity securities, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings, accrued interest payable and derivatives.

       
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
(In thousands)
  
Fair Value
Hierarchy
    
Carrying
Amount
    
Estimated
Fair Value
    
Carrying
Amount
    
Estimated
Fair Value
  
Financial assets:
                              
HTM securities
    
2
    
$
854,941
    
$
781,868
    
$
905,267
    
$
814,524
  
Net loans
    
3
      
9,791,254
      
9,536,670
      
9,539,684
      
9,216,162
  
Financial liabilities:
                                        
Time deposits
    
2
    
$
1,433,124
    
$
1,424,694
    
$
1,324,709
    
$
1,285,999
  
Long-term debt
    
2
      
29,682
      
29,666
      
29,796
      
29,416
  
Subordinated debt
    
1
      
121,138
      
117,140
      
120,380
      
113,757
  
Junior subordinated debt
    
2
      
101,196
      
103,968
      
101,196
      
102,337
  

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 wealth operation that contributes net fee income annually. The wealth 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.

HTM Securities

The fair value of the Company’s HTM securities is primarily measured using information from a third-party pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Net Loans

Net loans include portfolio loans and loans held for sale. Loans were first segregated by type and then further segmented into fixed and variable rate and loan quality categories. Expected future cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments, and those expected future cash flows also includes credit risk, illiquidity risk and other market factors to calculate the exit price fair value in accordance with ASC 820.

31
Table of Contents
Time Deposits

The fair value of time deposits was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments. The fair values of the Company’s time deposit liabilities do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.

Long-Term Debt

The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.

Subordinated Debt

The fair value of subordinated debt has been measured using the observable market price as of the period reported.

Junior Subordinated Debt

The fair value of junior subordinated debt has been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.

14.
Commitments and Contingencies

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 certain agricultural real estate loans sold to investors with recourse, with the sold portion having a government guarantee that is assignable back to the Company upon repurchase of the loan in the event of default. 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 credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with extending loans to customers and is subject to normal credit policies. Collateral may be obtained based on management’s assessment of the customer’s creditworthiness. Commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit totaled $2.86 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.68 billion at December 31, 2023.

Since many loan commitments, standby letters of credit and guarantees and indemnification contracts expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not necessarily indicative of future cash flows. 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 standby letters of credit to third-parties. These standby letters of credit are generally issued in support of third-party debt, such as corporate debt issuances, industrial revenue bonds and municipal securities. The risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers and letters of credit 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 one year expirations with an option to renew upon annual review; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit totaled $47.5 million at September 30, 2024 and $44.7 million at December 31, 2023. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Company’s standby letters of credit was not significant.

32
Table of Contents
NBT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to provide a concise description of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc. (“NBT”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including NBT Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), NBT Financial Services, Inc. (“NBT Financial”) and NBT Holdings, Inc. (“NBT Holdings”) (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”). This discussion will focus on results of operations, financial condition, capital resources and asset/liability management. Reference should be made to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in this Form 10‑Q as well as to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for an understanding of the following discussion and analysis. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the full year ending December 31, 2024 or any future period.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this filing and future filings by the Company with the SEC, in the Company’s press releases or other public or stockholder 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 of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “will,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or other similar terms. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) local, regional, national and international economic conditions, including actual or potential stress in the banking industry, and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers, and the Company’s assessment of that impact; (2) changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (3) changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; (4) the effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the FRB; (5) inflation, interest rates, securities market and monetary fluctuations; (6) political instability; (7) acts of war, including international military conflicts, or terrorism; (8) the timely development and acceptance of new products and services and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users; (9) changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits; (10) changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers; (11) technological changes; (12) acquisition and integration of acquired businesses; (13) governmental approvals of the Evans merger may not be obtained, or adverse regulatory conditions may be imposed in connection with governmental approvals of the merger; (14) the shareholders of Evans may fail to approve the merger; (15) the ability to increase market share and control expenses; (16) changes in the competitive environment among financial holding companies; (17) the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply, including those under the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018; (18) 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 FASB and other accounting standard setters; (19) changes in the Company’s organization, compensation and benefit plans; (20) 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; (21) greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business; and (22) the Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.

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

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

Non-GAAP Measures

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Where non-GAAP disclosures are used in this Form 10-Q, the comparable GAAP measure, as well as a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure, is provided in the accompanying tables. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information that is important to an understanding of the results of the Company’s core business as well as provide information standard in the financial institution industry. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP and investors should consider the Company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Amounts previously reported in the consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.

33
Critical Accounting Estimates

SEC guidance requires disclosure of “critical accounting estimates.” The SEC defines “critical accounting estimates” as those estimates made in accordance with GAAP that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the registrant. The Company follows financial accounting and reporting policies that are in accordance with GAAP. The more significant of these policies are summarized in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Refer to Note 3 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for recently adopted accounting standards. Not all significant accounting policies require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments. The allowance for credit losses and the allowance for unfunded commitments policies are deemed to meet the SEC’s definition of a critical accounting estimate.

Allowance for Credit Losses and Unfunded Commitments

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for credit losses and the allowance for losses on unfunded commitments. The measurement of CECL on financial instruments requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure (or pool of exposures). The estimate of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts. Historical loss experience is generally the starting point for estimating expected credit losses. The Company then considers whether the historical loss experience should be adjusted for asset-specific risk characteristics or current conditions at the reporting date that did not exist over the period from which historical experience was used. Finally, the Company considers forecasts about future economic conditions that are reasonable and supportable. The allowance for credit losses for loans, as reported in our consolidated statements of financial condition, is adjusted by an expense for credit losses, which is recognized in earnings, and reduced by the charge-off of loan amounts, net of recoveries. The allowance for losses on unfunded commitments represents the expected credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments such as unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. However, a liability is not recognized for commitments unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for losses on unfunded commitments is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss rates on those draws.

Management of the Company considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for credit losses to be a critical accounting estimate given the uncertainty in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover management’s estimate of all expected credit losses over the expected contractual life of our loan portfolio. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of the then-existing loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance for credit losses in those future periods. While management’s current evaluation of the allowance for credit losses indicates that the allowance is appropriate, the allowance may need to be increased under adversely different conditions or assumptions. The impact of utilizing the CECL methodology to calculate the reserve for credit losses will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan portfolio, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts utilized. Material changes to these and other relevant factors may result in greater volatility to the reserve for credit losses, and therefore, greater volatility to our reported earnings.

One of the most significant judgments involved in estimating the Company’s allowance for credit losses relates to the macroeconomic forecasts used to estimate expected credit losses over the forecast period. As of September 30, 2024, the quantitative model incorporated a baseline economic outlook along with an alternative downside scenario sourced from a reputable third-party to accommodate other potential economic conditions in the model. At September 30, 2024, the weightings were 80% and 20% for the baseline and downside economic forecasts, respectively. The baseline outlook reflects an economic environment where the Northeast unemployment rate increases slightly but remains around 4.1% during the forecast period. Northeast GDP’s annualized growth (on a quarterly basis) is expected to start the fourth quarter of 2024 at approximately 3.9% and remains relatively stable during the forecast period. Key assumptions in the baseline economic outlook included the Federal Reserve cutting rates at the September and December meetings, the economy remaining at full employment, and continued tapering of the Federal Reserve balance sheet. The alternative downside scenario assumed deteriorated economic conditions from the baseline outlook. Under this scenario, Northeast unemployment rises from 4.0% in the third quarter of 2024 to a peak of 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. These scenarios and their respective weightings are evaluated at each measurement date and reflect management’s expectations as of September 30, 2024. Additional adjustments were made for factors not incorporated in the forecasts or the model, such as loss rate expectations for certain loan pools, considerations for inflation, and recent trends in asset value indices. Additional monitoring for industry concentrations, loan growth, and policy exceptions was also conducted. To demonstrate the sensitivity of the allowance for credit losses estimate to macroeconomic forecast weightings assumptions as of September 30, 2024, the Company attributed the change in scenario weightings to the change in the allowance for credit losses, with a 10% decrease to the downside scenario and a 10% increase to the baseline scenario causing a 4% decrease in the overall estimated allowance for credit losses. To further demonstrate the sensitivity of the allowance for credit losses estimate to macroeconomic forecast weightings assumptions as of September 30, 2024, the Company increased the downside scenario to 100% which resulted in a 33% increase in the overall estimated allowance for credit losses.

34
The Company’s policies on the CECL methodology for allowance for credit losses are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. All accounting policies are important and as such, the Company encourages the reader to review each of the policies included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K to obtain a better understanding of how the Company’s financial performance is reported. Refer to Note 3 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for recently adopted accounting standards.

Evans Bancorp, Inc. Merger

On September 9, 2024, the Company and the Bank, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Evans and Evans Bank, Evans’s subsidiary, pursuant to which the Company will acquire Evans. Evans, with assets of approximately $2.28 billion at September 30, 2024, is headquartered in Williamsville, New York. Its primary subsidiary, Evans Bank, is a federally-chartered national banking association with 18 banking locations in Western New York.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of each party, Evans will merge with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving entity, and immediately thereafter, Evans Bank will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving bank (the “Merger”).

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of Evans common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.91 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of Evans, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.

The Company incurred acquisition expenses related to the merger with Evans of $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. Merger

On August 11, 2023, NBT completed its acquisition of Salisbury. Salisbury Bank was a Connecticut-chartered commercial bank with 13 banking offices in northwestern Connecticut, the Hudson Valley region of New York, and southwestern Massachusetts. In connection with the acquisition, the Company issued 4.32 million shares of common stock and acquired approximately $1.46 billion of identifiable assets, including $1.18 billion of loans, $122.7 million in investment securities which were sold immediately after the merger, $31.2 million of core deposit intangibles and $4.7 million in a wealth management customer intangible, as well as $1.31 billion in deposits. As of the acquisition date, the fair value discount was $78.7 million for loans, net of the reclassification of the purchase credit deteriorated allowance, and was $3.0 million for subordinated debt. The Company established a $14.5 million allowance for acquired Salisbury loans which included both the $5.8 million allowance for PCD loans reclassified from loans and the $8.8 million allowance for non-PCD loans recognized through the provision for loan losses.

The Company incurred acquisition expenses related to the merger with Salisbury of $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

35
Executive Summary

Significant factors management reviews to evaluate the Company’s operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to, net income and EPS, return on average assets and equity, NIM, noninterest income, operating expenses, asset quality indicators, loan and deposit growth, capital management, liquidity and interest rate sensitivity, enhancements to customer products and services, technology advancements, market share and peer comparisons.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $38.1 million, up $13.5 million from the third quarter of 2023 and up $5.4 million from the second quarter of 2024. Diluted earnings per share were $0.80 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, up $0.26 from the third quarter of 2023 and up $0.11 from the second quarter of 2024. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $104.6 million, or $2.21 per diluted common share, up $16.3 million from $88.3 million, or $2.01 per diluted common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Operating net income(1), a non-GAAP measure, which excludes acquisition expenses, acquisition-related provision for credit losses and securities gains (losses), net of tax, was $38.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $0.84 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2023 and $0.69 per diluted common share for the second quarter of 2024. Operating net income(1), for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $103.1 million, or $2.17 per diluted common share, down $7.9 million from $110.9 million, or $2.53 per diluted common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

In the first quarter of 2023, the Company incurred a $5.0 million securities loss on the write-off of an AFS subordinated debt investment of a failed financial institution. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company sold the previously written-off subordinated debt security and recognized a gain of $2.3 million. In the second quarter 2023, the Company incurred a $4.5 million securities loss on the sale of two subordinated debt securities held in the AFS portfolio.

The following information should be considered in connection with the Company’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:


 ●
Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $101.7 million, up $6.8 million, or 7.1%, from the third quarter of 2023 and up $4.5 million, or 4.6%, from the second quarter of 2024. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $294.0 million, up $15.0 million, or 5.4%, from the same period in 2023.

●
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $12.6 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $8.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. Provision for loan losses was $17.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 down $2.8 million from the same period in 2023. Included in the provision expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $8.8 million of acquisition-related provision for loan losses.

●
Excluding securities gains (losses), noninterest income represented 31% of total revenues and was $45.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, up $4.9 million, or 12.1%, from the third quarter of 2023 and up $2.0 million, or 4.6%, from the second quarter of 2024. Excluding securities gains (losses), noninterest income was $131.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 up $18.3 million from the same period in 2023.

●
Noninterest expense, excluding acquisition expenses, was up $12.3 million, or 14.9%, from the third quarter of 2023 and was up $5.6 million, or 6.3%, from the second quarter of 2024. Noninterest expense, excluding acquisition expenses, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was up $37.4 million, or 15.6%, for the same period in 2023.

●
Period end total loans were $9.91 billion, up $256.3 million, or 3.5% annualized, from December 31, 2023.

●
Credit quality metrics including net charge-offs to average loans were 0.17%, annualized, and allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.21%.

●
Period end total deposits were $11.59 billion, up $619.3 million, or 5.6%, from December 31, 2023.

(1)
Non-GAAP measure - Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation below.

36
Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain financial highlights:

   
Three Months Ended
    
Nine Months Ended
  
   
September 30,
2024
    
June 30,
2024
    
September 30,
2023
    
September 30,
2024
    
September 30,
2023
  
Performance:
                              
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
0.80
    
$
0.69
    
$
0.54
    
$
2.21
    
$
2.01
  
Return on average assets(2)
    
1.12
%
    
0.98
%
    
0.76
%
    
1.04
%
    
0.97
%
Return on average equity(2)
    
10.21
%
    
9.12
%
    
7.48
%
    
9.62
%
    
9.54
%
Return on average tangible common equity(2)
    
14.54
%
    
13.23
%
    
10.73
%
    
13.89
%
    
13.00
%
Net interest margin, (FTE)(2)
    
3.27
%
    
3.18
%
    
3.21
%
    
3.20
%
    
3.34
%
Capital:
                                        
Equity to assets
    
11.00
%
    
10.83
%
    
9.86
%
    
11.00
%
    
9.86
%
Tangible equity ratio
    
8.36
%
    
8.11
%
    
7.15
%
    
8.36
%
    
7.15
%
Book value per share
  
$
32.26
    
$
31.00
    
$
28.94
    
$
32.26
    
$
28.94
  
Tangible book value per share
  
$
23.83
    
$
22.54
    
$
20.39
    
$
23.83
    
$
20.39
  
Leverage ratio
    
10.29
%
    
10.16
%
    
10.23
%
    
10.29
%
    
10.23
%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
    
11.86
%
    
11.70
%
    
11.31
%
    
11.86
%
    
11.31
%
Tier 1 capital ratio
    
12.77
%
    
12.61
%
    
12.23
%
    
12.77
%
    
12.23
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
    
15.02
%
    
14.88
%
    
14.45
%
    
15.02
%
    
14.45
%

The following table provides non-GAAP reconciliations:

   
Three Months Ended
    
Nine Months Ended
  
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
September 30,
2024
    
June 30,
2024
    
September 30,
 2023
    
September 30,
2024
    
September 30,
2023
  
Return on average tangible common equity:
                              
Net income
  
$
38,097
    
$
32,716
    
$
24,606
    
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Amortization of intangible assets (net of tax)
    
1,547
      
1,600
      
1,206
      
4,772
      
1,952
  
Net income, excluding intangible amortization
  
$
39,644
    
$
34,316
    
$
25,812
    
$
109,408
    
$
90,288
  
Average stockholders’ equity
  
$
1,483,998
    
$
1,443,351
    
$
1,305,686
    
$
1,452,433
    
$
1,238,192
  
Less: average goodwill and other intangibles
    
399,113
      
399,968
      
350,912
      
400,275
      
309,309
  
Average tangible common equity
  
$
1,084,885
    
$
1,043,383
    
$
954,774
    
$
1,052,158
    
$
928,883
  
Return on average tangible common equity(2)
    
14.54
%
    
13.23
%
    
10.73
%
    
13.89
%
    
13.00
%
Tangible equity ratio:
                                        
Stockholders’ equity
  
$
1,521,980
    
$
1,461,955
    
$
1,362,821
    
$
1,521,980
    
$
1,362,821
  
Intangibles
    
397,853
      
398,686
      
402,745
      
397,853
      
402,745
  
Assets
  
$
13,839,552
    
$
13,501,909
    
$
13,827,628
    
$
13,839,552
    
$
13,827,628
  
Tangible equity ratio
    
8.36
%
    
8.11
%
    
7.15
%
    
8.36
%
    
7.15
%
Tangible book value per share:
                                        
Stockholders’ equity
  
$
1,521,980
    
$
1,461,955
    
$
1,362,821
    
$
1,521,980
    
$
1,362,821
  
Intangibles
    
397,853
      
398,686
      
402,745
      
397,853
      
402,745
  
Tangible equity
  
$
1,124,127
    
$
1,063,269
    
$
960,076
    
$
1,124,127
    
$
960,076
  
Diluted common shares outstanding
    
47,177
      
47,165
      
47,088
      
47,177
      
47,088
  
Tangible book value per share
  
$
23.83
    
$
22.54
    
$
20.39
    
$
23.83
    
$
20.39
  
Operating net income:
                                        
Net income
  
$
38,097
    
$
32,716
    
$
24,606
    
$
104,636
    
$
88,336
  
Acquisition expenses
    
543
      
-
      
7,917
      
543
      
9,724
  
Acquisition-related provision for credit losses
    
-
      
-
      
8,750
      
-
      
8,750
  
Acquisition-related reserve for unfunded loan commitments
    
-
      
-
      
836
      
-
      
836
  
Securities (gains) losses
    
(476
)
    
92
      
183
      
(2,567
)
    
9,822
  
Adjustments to net income
  
$
67
    
$
92
    
$
17,686
    
$
(2,024
)
  
$
29,132
  
Adjustments to net income (net of tax)
  
$
52
    
$
72
    
$
13,730
    
$
(1,579
)
  
$
22,577
  
Operating net income
  
$
38,149
    
$
32,788
    
$
38,336
    
$
103,057
    
$
110,913
  
Operating diluted earnings per share
  
$
0.80
    
$
0.69
    
$
0.84
    
$
2.17
    
$
2.53
  
(2)
Annualized.

37
Net Interest Income

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

Net interest income was $101.7 million for the third quarter of 2024, up $4.5 million, or 4.6%, from the previous quarter. The FTE net interest margin was 3.27% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 9 bps from the previous quarter. Interest income increased $5.5 million, or 3.6%, as the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 9 bps from the prior quarter to 5.01%, while average interest-earning assets of $12.45 billion increased $79.2 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to organic loan growth slightly offset by a decrease in the average balance of securities. Interest expense was up $1.0 million, or 1.8%, as the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 2 bps to 2.60% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, driven by interest-bearing deposit costs increasing 6 bps, which were partially offset by lower average balances of short-term borrowings. Included in net interest income was $2.7 million of acquisition-related net accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $2.6 million of acquisition-related net accretion for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Net interest income was $101.7 million for the third quarter of 2024, up $6.8 million, or 7.1%, from the third quarter of 2023. The FTE net interest margin was 3.27% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 6 bps from the third quarter of 2023. Interest income increased $19.1 million, or 14.0%, as the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 38 bps from the same period in 2023 to 5.01%, while average interest-earning assets increased $644.2 million, or 5.5%, from the third quarter of 2023 primarily due to the Salisbury acquisition and organic loan growth. Interest expense increased $12.4 million, or 29.3%, as the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 42 bps to 2.60% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to both a 67 bps increase in interest-bearing deposit costs and a $1.13 billion increase in interest-bearing deposits as a result of the Salisbury acquisition, which were partially offset by a decrease of $491.5 million in the average balance of short-term borrowings and the 574 bps rate paid on those borrowings. Included in net interest income was $2.7 million of acquisition-related net accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $1.4 million of acquisition-related net accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $294.0 million, up $15.0 million, or 5.4%, from the same period in 2023. FTE net interest margin was 3.20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of 14 bps from the same period in 2023. Interest income increased $82.1 million, or 22.1%, as the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 49 bps from the same period in 2023 to 4.93%, while average interest-earning assets of $12.36 billion increased $1.13 billion primarily due to the Salisbury acquisition and organic loan growth, partially offset by the decrease in securities. Interest expense was up $67.1 million, or 72.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 driven by interest-bearing deposit costs increasing 109 bps and a $1.47 billion increase in interest-bearing deposits as a result of the Salisbury acquisition, partially offset by a decrease of $347.0 million in the average balances of short-term borrowings and the 548 bps rate paid on those borrowings. Included in net interest income was $7.8 million of acquisition-related net accretion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and $1.4 million of acquisition-related net accretion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

38
Average Balances and Net Interest Income

The following tables include the condensed consolidated average balance sheet, an analysis of interest income/expense and average yield/rate for each major category of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on a taxable equivalent basis.

Three Months Ended
  
September 30, 2024
    
September 30, 2023
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
    
Yield/
Rates
    
Average
Balance
    
Interest
    
Yield/
Rates
  
Assets:
                                    
Short-term interest-bearing accounts
  
$
62,210
    
$
762
      
4.87
%
  
$
121,384
    
$
1,304
      
4.26
%
Securities taxable(1)
    
2,266,930
      
11,359
      
1.99
%
    
2,364,809
      
11,314
      
1.90
%
Securities tax-exempt(1) (3)
    
217,251
      
1,897
      
3.47
%
    
219,427
      
1,850
      
3.34
%
FRB and FHLB stock
    
35,395
      
620
      
6.97
%
    
53,841
      
917
      
6.76
%
Loans(2) (3)
    
9,865,412
      
142,231
      
5.74
%
    
9,043,582
      
122,277
      
5.36
%
Total interest-earning assets
  
$
12,447,198
    
$
156,869
      
5.01
%
  
$
11,803,043
    
$
137,662
      
4.63
%
Other assets
    
1,072,277
                      
968,220
                  
Total assets
  
$
13,519,475
                    
$
12,771,263
                  
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                                
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
3,342,845
    
$
30,907
      
3.68
%
  
$
2,422,451
    
$
17,739
      
2.91
%
NOW deposit accounts
    
1,600,547
      
3,511
      
0.87
%
    
1,513,420
      
2,165
      
0.57
%
Savings deposits
    
1,566,316
      
188
      
0.05
%
    
1,707,094
      
176
      
0.04
%
Time deposits
    
1,442,424
      
14,500
      
4.00
%
    
1,178,352
      
10,678
      
3.60
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
  
$
7,952,132
    
$
49,106
      
2.46
%
  
$
6,821,317
    
$
30,758
      
1.79
%
Federal funds purchased
    
2,609
      
35
      
5.34
%
    
6,033
      
82
      
5.39
%
Repurchase agreements
    
98,035
      
691
      
2.80
%
    
71,516
      
253
      
1.40
%
Short-term borrowings
    
48,875
      
705
      
5.74
%
    
540,380
      
7,277
      
5.34
%
Long-term debt
    
29,696
      
292
      
3.91
%
    
29,800
      
294
      
3.91
%
Subordinated debt, net
    
120,594
      
1,810
      
5.97
%
    
109,160
      
1,612
      
5.86
%
Junior subordinated debt
    
101,196
      
1,922
      
7.56
%
    
101,196
      
1,923
      
7.54
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  
$
8,353,137
    
$
54,561
      
2.60
%
  
$
7,679,402
    
$
42,199
      
2.18
%
Demand deposits
    
3,389,894
                      
3,498,424
                  
Other liabilities
    
292,446
                      
287,751
                  
Stockholders’ equity
    
1,483,998
                      
1,305,686
                  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
13,519,475
                    
$
12,771,263
                  
Net interest income (FTE)
          
$
102,308
                    
$
95,463
          
Interest rate spread
                    
2.41
%
                    
2.45
%
Net interest margin (FTE)
                    
3.27
%
                    
3.21
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          
$
639
                    
$
568
          
Net interest income
          
$
101,669
                    
$
94,895
          
(1)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
(2)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loan balances outstanding.
(3)
Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to an FTE basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21%.

39
Nine Months Ended
  
September 30, 2024
    
September 30, 2023
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
    
Yield/
Rates
    
Average
Balance
    
Interest
    
Yield/
Rates
  
Assets:
                                    
Short-term interest-bearing accounts
  
$
53,048
    
$
1,963
      
4.94
%
  
$
61,677
    
$
1,751
      
3.80
%
Securities taxable(1)
    
2,275,212
      
33,336
      
1.96
%
    
2,400,237
      
34,218
      
1.91
%
Securities tax-exempt(1) (3)
    
224,557
      
5,950
      
3.54
%
    
207,812
      
4,675
      
3.01
%
FRB and FHLB stock
    
39,310
      
2,191
      
7.45
%
    
48,860
      
2,282
      
6.24
%
Loans(2) (3)
    
9,771,118
      
412,448
      
5.64
%
    
8,516,793
      
330,314
      
5.19
%
Total interest-earning assets
  
$
12,363,245
    
$
455,888
      
4.93
%
  
$
11,235,379
    
$
373,240
      
4.44
%
Other assets
    
1,064,080
                      
880,655
                  
Total assets
  
$
13,427,325
                    
$
12,116,034
                  
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                                
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
3,242,453
    
$
88,185
      
3.63
%
  
$
2,207,126
    
$
36,107
      
2.19
%
NOW deposit accounts
    
1,601,507
      
9,630
      
0.80
%
    
1,525,089
      
4,989
      
0.44
%
Savings deposits
    
1,586,834
      
541
      
0.05
%
    
1,732,205
      
462
      
0.04
%
Time deposits
    
1,395,520
      
41,777
      
4.00
%
    
893,407
      
20,330
      
3.04
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
  
$
7,826,314
    
$
140,133
      
2.39
%
  
$
6,357,827
    
$
61,888
      
1.30
%
Federal funds purchased
    
17,387
      
721
      
5.54
%
    
32,784
      
1,266
      
5.16
%
Repurchase agreements
    
88,986
      
1,340
      
2.01
%
    
66,162
      
416
      
0.84
%
Short-term borrowings
    
138,812
      
5,690
      
5.48
%
    
485,804
      
18,975
      
5.22
%
Long-term debt
    
29,734
      
873
      
3.92
%
    
22,373
      
631
      
3.77
%
Subordinated debt, net
    
120,237
      
5,416
      
6.02
%
    
101,114
      
4,281
      
5.66
%
Junior subordinated debt
    
101,196
      
5,743
      
7.58
%
    
101,196
      
5,372
      
7.10
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  
$
8,322,666
    
$
159,916
      
2.57
%
  
$
7,167,260
    
$
92,829
      
1.73
%
Demand deposits
    
3,356,923
                      
3,439,275
                  
Other liabilities
    
295,303
                      
271,307
                  
Stockholders’ equity
    
1,452,433
                      
1,238,192
                  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
13,427,325
                    
$
12,116,034
                  
Net interest income (FTE)
          
$
295,972
                    
$
280,411
          
Interest rate spread
                    
2.36
%
                    
2.71
%
Net interest margin (FTE)
                    
3.20
%
                    
3.34
%
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          
$
1,955
                    
$
1,365
          
Net interest income
          
$
294,017
                    
$
279,046
          
(1)
Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
(2)
For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loan balances outstanding.
(3)
Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to an FTE basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21%.

40
The following table presents changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume (change in average balance multiplied by prior year rate), changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume) and the net change in net interest income. The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.

Three Months Ended September 30,
  
Increase (Decrease)
2024 over 2023
  
(In thousands)
  
Volume
    
Rate
    
Total
  
Short-term interest-bearing accounts
  
$
(707
)
  
$
165
    
$
(542
)
Securities taxable
    
(492
)
    
537
      
45
  
Securities tax-exempt
    
(19
)
    
66
      
47
  
FRB and FHLB stock
    
(325
)
    
28
      
(297
)
Loans
    
11,327
      
8,627
      
19,954
  
Total FTE interest income
  
$
9,784
    
$
9,423
    
$
19,207
  
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
7,745
    
$
5,423
    
$
13,168
  
NOW deposit accounts
    
130
      
1,216
      
1,346
  
Savings deposits
    
(15
)
    
27
      
12
  
Time deposits
    
2,546
      
1,276
      
3,822
  
Federal funds purchased
    
(46
)
    
(1
)
    
(47
)
Repurchase agreements
    
119
      
319
      
438
  
Short-term borrowings
    
(7,071
)
    
499
      
(6,572
)
Long-term debt
    
(2
)
    
-
      
(2
)
Subordinated debt, net
    
167
      
31
      
198
  
Junior subordinated debt
    
-
      
(1
)
    
(1
)
Total FTE interest expense
  
$
3,573
    
$
8,789
    
$
12,362
  
Change in FTE net interest income
  
$
6,211
    
$
634
    
$
6,845
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
Increase (Decrease)
2024 over 2023
  
(In thousands)
  
Volume
    
Rate
    
Total
  
Short-term interest-bearing accounts
  
$
(268
)
  
$
480
    
$
212
  
Securities taxable
    
(1,795
)
    
913
      
(882
)
Securities tax-exempt
    
399
      
876
      
1,275
  
FRB and FHLB stock
    
(489
)
    
398
      
(91
)
Loans
    
51,553
      
30,581
      
82,134
  
Total FTE interest income
  
$
49,400
    
$
33,248
    
$
82,648
  
Money market deposit accounts
  
$
21,618
    
$
30,460
    
$
52,078
  
NOW deposit accounts
    
262
      
4,379
      
4,641
  
Savings deposits
    
(41
)
    
120
      
79
  
Time deposits
    
13,754
      
7,693
      
21,447
  
Federal funds purchased
    
(632
)
    
87
      
(545
)
Repurchase agreements
    
183
      
741
      
924
  
Short-term borrowings
    
(14,165
)
    
880
      
(13,285
)
Long-term debt
    
216
      
26
      
242
  
Subordinated debt, net
    
852
      
283
      
1,135
  
Junior subordinated debt
    
-
      
371
      
371
  
Total FTE interest expense
  
$
22,047
    
$
45,040
    
$
67,087
  
Change in net FTE interest income
  
$
27,353
    
$
(11,792
)
  
$
15,561
  

41
Noninterest Income

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Service charges on deposit accounts
  
$
4,340
    
$
3,979
    
$
12,676
    
$
11,260
  
Card services income
    
5,897
      
5,503
      
16,679
      
15,469
  
Retirement plan administration fees
    
14,578
      
12,798
      
43,663
      
35,995
  
Wealth management
    
10,929
      
9,297
      
30,799
      
25,611
  
Insurance services
    
4,913
      
4,361
      
13,149
      
12,008
  
Bank owned life insurance income
    
1,868
      
1,568
      
6,054
      
4,974
  
Net securities gains (losses)
    
476
      
(183
)
    
2,567
      
(9,822
)
Other
    
2,773
      
2,913
      
8,811
      
8,195
  
Total noninterest income
  
$
45,774
    
$
40,236
    
$
134,398
    
$
103,690
  

Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $45.8 million, up $2.5 million, or 5.9%, from the prior quarter and up $5.5 million, or 13.8%, from the third quarter of 2023. Excluding net securities gains (losses), noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $45.3 million, up $2.0 million, or 4.6%, from the prior quarter and up $4.9 million, or 12.1%, from the third quarter of 2023. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily driven by an increase in wealth management fees and insurance services. Wealth management fees increased from the prior quarter due to organic growth and seasonal activity-based fees. Insurance services increased from the prior quarter due to seasonal renewals. The increase from the third quarter of 2023 was driven by an increase in retirement plan administration fees, wealth management fees and insurance services. Retirement plan administration fees increased from the third quarter of 2023 driven by organic growth and higher market levels. Wealth management fees increased in the third quarter of 2023 driven by the addition of Salisbury revenues, organic growth and market performance. Insurance services increased from the third quarter of 2023 due to organic growth.

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $134.4 million, up $30.7 million, or 29.6%, from the same period in 2023. Excluding net securities gains (losses), noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $131.8 million, up $18.3 million, or 16.1%, from the same period in 2023. The increase from the prior year was primarily due to an increase in retirement plan administration fees and wealth management fees. The increase in retirement plan administration fees was driven by higher market level, the acquisition of Retirement Direct, LLC, organic growth and higher activity based fees. The increase in wealth management fees was driven by the addition of Salisbury revenues, organic growth and market performance.

42
Noninterest Expense

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Salaries and employee benefits
  
$
59,641
    
$
49,248
    
$
170,738
    
$
144,237
  
Technology and data services
    
9,920
      
9,677
      
28,919
      
27,989
  
Occupancy
    
7,754
      
7,090
      
23,523
      
21,233
  
Professional fees and outside services
    
4,871
      
4,149
      
14,289
      
12,486
  
Office supplies and postage
    
1,756
      
1,700
      
5,425
      
5,004
  
FDIC assessment
    
1,815
      
1,657
      
5,217
      
4,397
  
Advertising
    
711
      
667
      
2,396
      
1,841
  
Amortization of intangible assets
    
2,062
      
1,609
      
6,363
      
2,603
  
Loan collection and other real estate owned, net
    
560
      
569
      
1,828
      
2,115
  
Acquisition expenses
    
543
      
7,917
      
543
      
9,724
  
Other
    
6,112
      
6,514
      
17,865
      
17,284
  
Total noninterest expense
  
$
95,745
    
$
90,797
    
$
277,106
    
$
248,913
  

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $95.7 million, up $6.2 million, or 6.9%, from the prior quarter and up $4.9 million, or 5.4%, from the third quarter of 2023. Excluding acquisition expenses, noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $95.2 million, up $5.6 million, or 6.3%, from the prior quarter and up $12.3 million, or 14.9%, from the third quarter of 2023. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily driven by higher salaries and employee benefits due to one additional payroll day and an increase in other benefits including higher levels of incentive compensation. In addition, the increase from the prior quarter was driven by higher technology and data services due to timing of planned initiatives and continued investment in digital platform solutions. The increase from the third quarter of 2023 was driven by higher salaries and employee benefits due to the Salisbury acquisition, merit pay increases, higher levels of incentive compensation, along with higher medical and other benefit costs. In addition, the increase in occupancy expense, professional fees and outside services and amortization of intangible assets were impacted by additional expenses from the Salisbury acquisition.

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $277.1 million, up $28.2 million, or 11.3%, from the same period in 2023. Excluding acquisition expenses, noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $276.6 million, up $37.4 million, or 15.6%, from the same period in 2023. The increase from the prior year was driven by higher salaries and employee benefits due to the Salisbury acquisition, merit pay increases, higher levels of incentive compensation and higher medical and other benefit costs. In addition, the increase in occupancy expense, professional fees and outside services and amortization of intangible assets were impacted by additional expenses from the Salisbury acquisition.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $10.7 million, up $1.5 million from the prior quarter and up $3.6 million from the third quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate was 21.9% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 22.0% for the prior quarter and 22.4% for the third quarter of 2023.

Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $29.3 million, up $3.9 million from the same period in 2023 due to an increase in pre-tax net income. The effective tax rate was 21.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 22.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2023 was due to a higher level of tax-exempt income as a percentage of total taxable income.

43
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities

Total securities increased $32.5 million, or 1.4%, from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024. The securities portfolio represented 17.4% of total assets as of September 30, 2024 as compared to 17.8% of total assets as of December 31, 2023.

The following table details the composition of securities AFS, securities HTM and equity securities for the periods indicated:

   
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
Mortgage-backed securities:
            
With maturities 15 years or less
    
12
%
    
12
%
With maturities greater than 15 years
    
9
%
    
10
%
Collateral mortgage obligations
    
37
%
    
36
%
Municipal securities
    
16
%
    
17
%
U.S. agency notes
    
22
%
    
21
%
Corporate
    
2
%
    
2
%
Equity securities
    
2
%
    
2
%
Total
    
100
%
    
100
%

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities, U.S. agency notes and collateralized mortgage obligations are all guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHLB, Federal Farm Credit Banks or Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”). GNMA securities are considered similar in credit quality to U.S. Treasury securities, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Currently, there are no subprime mortgages in our investment portfolio.

Loans

A summary of the loan portfolio by major categories(1), net of deferred fees and origination costs, for the periods indicated is as follows:

(In thousands)
  
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
Commercial & industrial
  
$
1,458,926
    
$
1,354,248
  
Commercial real estate
    
3,792,498
      
3,626,910
  
Residential real estate
    
2,143,766
      
2,125,804
  
Home equity
    
328,687
      
337,214
  
Indirect auto
    
1,235,175
      
1,130,132
  
Residential solar
    
839,659
      
917,755
  
Other consumer
    
108,330
      
158,650
  
Total loans
  
$
9,907,041
    
$
9,650,713
  
(1)
Loans are summarized by business line which do not align to how the Company assesses credit risk in the allowance for credit losses.

Total loans increased by $256.3 million, or 3.5% annualized, from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Excluding the other consumer and residential solar portfolios that are in a planned run-off status, period end loans increased $384.4 million, or 6.0% annualized. Commercial and industrial loans increased $104.7 million to $1.46 billion; commercial real estate loans increased $165.6 million to $3.79 billion; and total consumer loans decreased $13.9 million to $4.66 billion. Total loans represent approximately 71.6% of assets as of September 30, 2024, as compared to 72.5% as of December 31, 2023.

Loans in the C&I and CRE portfolios consist primarily of loans made to small and medium-sized entities. The Company offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our commercial customers including term loans, time notes and lines of credit. Such loans are made available to businesses for working capital needs such as inventory and receivables, business expansion, equipment purchases, livestock purchases and seasonal crop expenses. These loans are usually collateralized by business assets such as equipment, accounts receivable and perishable agricultural products, which are exposed to industry price volatility. The Company extends CRE loans to facilitate various real estate transactions, encompassing acquisitions, refinancing, expansions and enhancements to both commercial and agricultural properties. These loans are secured by liens on real estate assets, covering a spectrum of properties including apartments, commercial structures, healthcare facilities and others, whether occupied by owners or non-owners. Risks associated with the CRE portfolio pertain to the borrowers’ capacity to meet interest and principal payments throughout the loan’s duration, as well as their ability to secure financing upon the loan’s maturity. The Company has a risk management framework that includes rigorous underwriting standards, targeted portfolio stress testing, interest rate sensitivities on commercial borrowers and comprehensive credit risk monitoring mechanisms. The Company remains vigilant in monitoring market trends, economic indicators and regulatory developments to promptly adapt our risk management strategies as needed.

44
Within the CRE portfolio, approximately 81% comprises Non-Owner Occupied CRE, with the remaining 19% being Owner-Occupied CRE. Non-Owner Occupied CRE includes diverse sectors across the Company’s markets such as residential rental properties (43%), and office spaces (18%), along with retail, manufacturing, mixed use, hotels and others. Notably, office CRE loans account for 6% of the total outstanding loans, predominantly serving suburban medical and professional tenants across suburban and small urban markets. These loans carry an average size of $1.9 million, with 10% maturing over the next two years. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the total CRE construction and development loans amounted to $286.9 million and $347.2 million, respectively.

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

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02 Financial Instruments - CECL Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures which resulted in an insignificant change to the Company’s methodology for estimating the allowance for credit losses on TDRs since December 31, 2022. The January 1, 2023 decrease in the allowance for credit loss on TDR loans relating to the adoption of ASU 2022-02 was $0.6 million, which increased retained earnings by $0.5 million and decreased the deferred tax asset by $0.1 million.

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

The CECL methodology requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of a loan (or pool of loans). The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from, or added to, the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net, lifetime amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance when management believes a loan balance is confirmed to be uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.

Required additions or reductions to the allowance for credit losses are made periodically by charges or credits to the provision for loan losses. These are necessary to maintain the allowance at a level which management believes is reasonably reflective of the overall loss expected over the contractual life of the loan portfolio, adjusted for expected prepayments. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additions or reductions to the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another. These fluctuations are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio content and/or changes in management’s assessment of any or all of the determining factors discussed above. Management considers the allowance for credit losses to be appropriate based on evaluation and analysis of the loan portfolio.

Management estimates the allowance balance for credit losses using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Company historical loss experience was supplemented with peer information when there was insufficient loss data for the Company. Significant management judgment is required at each point in the measurement process.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis, with both a quantitative and qualitative analysis that is applied on a quarterly basis, when similar risk characteristics exist. The respective quantitative allowance for each segment is measured using an econometric, discounted probability of default and loss given default modeling methodology in which distinct, segment-specific multi-variate regression models are applied to multiple, probabilistically weighted external economic forecasts. Under the discounted cash flows methodology, expected credit losses are estimated over the effective life of the loans by measuring the difference between the net present value of modeled cash flows and amortized cost basis. After quantitative considerations, management applies additional qualitative adjustments so that the allowance for credit loss is reflective of the estimate of lifetime losses that exist in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.

Portfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. Upon adoption of CECL, management revised the manner in which loans were pooled for similar risk characteristics. Management developed segments for estimating loss based on type of borrower and collateral which is generally based upon federal call report segmentation and have been combined or subsegmented as needed to ensure loans of similar risk profiles are appropriately pooled.

Additional information about our allowance for credit losses is included in Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as in the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company’s management considers the allowance for credit losses to be appropriate based on evaluation and analysis of the loan portfolio.

45
The allowance for credit losses totaled $119.5 million at September 30, 2024, as compared to $120.5 million at June 30, 2024 and $114.6 million at September 30, 2023. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans was 1.21% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.22% at June 30, 2024 and 1.19% at September 30, 2023. The allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2024 was consistent with the allowance estimates as of June 30, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses from September 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024 was primarily due to providing for organic loan growth, the slowing of prepayment speed assumptions, including the change in prepayment model assumptions and an additional specific reserve established in the second quarter of 2024 relating to a commercial relationship individually evaluated for credit loss. These increases to the allowance for credit losses were partially offset by a change in forecast scenario weightings from 70% baseline and 30% downside to 80% baseline and 20% downside, and the shift in loan composition driven by other consumer and residential solar portfolios that are in a planned run-off status.

The allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2023 incorporates the recording of $14.5 million of allowance for acquired Salisbury loans as of the acquisition date, which included both the $8.8 million of non-PCD allowance recognized through the provision for loan losses and the $5.8 million of PCD allowance reclassified from loans.

The allowance for credit losses was 320.21% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 316.37% at June 30, 2024 and 472.31% at September 30, 2023. The allowance for credit losses was 358.45% of nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 346.71% of nonaccrual loans at June 30, 2024 and 552.67% of nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2023. The decline in the coverage of the allowance to nonperforming and nonaccrual loans from September 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024 largely relates to one nonperforming relationship that is individually evaluated for purposes of the allowance for credit losses which had a $1.7 million specific reserve established during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

The provision for loan losses was $2.9 million for three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $8.9 million in the prior quarter and $12.6 million for the same period in the prior year. Included in the provision expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $8.8 million of acquisition-related provision for loan losses due to the Salisbury acquisition. Provision expense decreased compared to the prior quarter due lower levels of loan growth the third quarter of 2024 including the run-off of the other consumer and residential solar portfolios, the stabilization of expected prepayment assumptions impacting the expected life of the loan portfolio and a specific reserve established in the prior quarter relating to a commercial relationship previously placed in nonaccrual in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net charge-offs totaled $3.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $3.7 million during the second quarter of 2024 and $4.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net charge-offs to average loans was 16 bps for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 15 bps for the second quarter of 2024 and 18 bps for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

The provision for loan losses was $17.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Provision expense decreased from the same period in the prior year due to the $8.8 million of acquisition-related provision for loan losses due to the Salisbury acquisition recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, partially offset by providing for current year loan growth, the slowing of prepayment speed assumptions in the current year, changes in model assumptions including the extension of the expected duration of the portfolio and a specific reserve related to a commercial relationship previously placed in nonaccrual in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net charge-offs totaled $12.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $11.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Net charge-offs to average loans was 17 bps for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 18 bps for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

As of September 30, 2024, the unfunded commitment reserve totaled $4.6 million, compared to $4.3 million as of June 30, 2024 and $4.8 million as of September 30, 2023.

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans over 90 days past due and still accruing, troubled loans modifications, OREO and nonperforming securities. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when principal or interest payments become 90 days past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans may also be placed on nonaccrual when circumstances indicate that the borrower may be unable to meet the contractual principal or interest payments. The threshold for evaluating classified commercial and commercial real estate loans risk graded substandard or doubtful, and nonperforming loans individually evaluated for credit loss is $1.0 million. OREO represents property acquired through foreclosure and is valued at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less any estimated disposal costs.

46
   
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Amount
    
%
    
Amount
    
%
  
Nonaccrual loans:
                        
Commercial
  
$
20,461
      
61
%
  
$
21,567
      
63
%
Residential
    
9,944
      
30
%
    
9,632
      
28
%
Consumer
    
2,173
      
7
%
    
2,566
      
8
%
Troubled loan modifications
    
760
      
2
%
    
448
      
1
%
Total nonaccrual loans
  
$
33,338
      
100
%
  
$
34,213
      
100
%
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing:
                                
Commercial
  
$
-
      
-
    
$
1
      
-
  
Residential
    
1,024
      
26
%
    
554
      
15
%
Consumer
    
2,957
      
74
%
    
3,106
      
85
%
Total loans over 90 days past due and still accruing
  
$
3,981
      
100
%
  
$
3,661
      
100
%
Total nonperforming loans
  
$
37,319
            
$
37,874
          
OREO
    
127
              
-
          
Total nonperforming assets
  
$
37,446
            
$
37,874
          
Total nonaccrual loans to total loans
    
0.34
%
            
0.35
%
        
Total nonperforming loans to total loans
    
0.38
%
            
0.39
%
        
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
    
0.27
%
            
0.28
%
        
Total allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans
    
320.21
%
            
302.05
%
        
Total allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
    
358.45
%
            
334.38
%
        

Total nonperforming assets were $37.4 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $37.9 million at December 31, 2023 and $24.3 million at September 30, 2023. Nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024 were $37.3 million or 0.38% of total loans, compared with $37.9 million or 0.39% of total loans at December 31, 2023 and $24.3 million or 0.25% of total loans at September 30, 2023. The increase in nonperforming assets from the same period in the prior year was attributable to a diversified, multi-tenant commercial real estate development relationship that was placed into a nonaccrual status in the fourth quarter of 2023, in which NBT is a participant. The relationship is being actively managed, as noted above, a $1.7 million specific reserve was established during the three months ended June 30, 2024 for this relationship. Total nonaccrual loans were $33.3 million or 0.34% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $34.2 million or 0.35% of total loans at December 31, 2023 and $20.7 million or 0.21% of total loans at September 30, 2023. Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.36% at September 30, 2024, up from 0.32% at December 31, 2023 and down from 0.49% at September 30, 2023.

In addition to nonperforming loans discussed above, the Company has also identified approximately $119.9 million in potential problem loans at September 30, 2024 as compared to $87.7 million at December 31, 2023 and $92.4 million at September 30, 2023. Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, with a possibility of loss if weaknesses are not corrected. Such loans may need to be disclosed as nonperforming at some time in the future. Potential problem loans are classified by the Company’s loan rating system as “substandard.” Potential problem loans have increased to more normalized levels and the increase primarily relates to a few commercial real estate relationships reflecting changing conditions in commercial real estate markets including construction delays, rising costs and delays in leasing up spaces. The increase in potential problem loans at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 is primarily due to the net migration of commercial loan balances of $32.9 million and $27.2 million, respectively, to substandard, the majority of which is adequately secured by real estate collateral. 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 over 90 days past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become troubled loans modifications or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses. To mitigate this risk the Company maintains a diversified loan portfolio, has no significant concentration in any particular industry and originates loans primarily within its footprint.

Deposits

Total deposits were $11.59 billion at September 30, 2024, up $619.3 million, or 5.6%, from December 31, 2023. As of September 30, 2024, there were $250.0 million of brokered time deposits, up from $155.2 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase in deposits was primarily due to higher consumer deposit balances and accounts and the inflow of seasonal municipal deposits. The Company continues to experience some incremental migration from noninterest bearing and low interest checking and savings accounts into higher cost money market and time deposit instruments. The Company’s composition of total deposits is diverse and granular with over 563,000 accounts with an average per account balance of $20,560 as of September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 the estimated amounts of uninsured deposits based on the methodologies and assumptions used for the bank regulatory reporting were $4.81 billion and $4.08 billion, respectively. Total average deposits increased $1.39 billion, or 14.1%, from the same period last year. The increase in average balances was primarily due to the $1.31 billion in deposits acquired from Salisbury in the third quarter of 2023.

47
Borrowed Funds

The Company’s borrowed funds consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $205.0 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $386.7 million at December 31, 2023. Long-term debt was $29.7 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $29.8 million at December 31, 2023.

For more information about the Company’s borrowing capacity and liquidity position, see “Liquidity Risk” below.

Subordinated Debt

On June 23, 2020, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5.00% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2030. The subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital, bear interest at an annual rate of 5.00%, payable semi-annually in arrears commencing on January 1, 2021, and a floating rate of interest equivalent to the three-month SOFR plus a spread of 4.85%, payable quarterly in arrears commencing on October 1, 2025. The subordinated debt issuance cost of $2.2 million is being amortized on a straight-line basis into interest expense over five years. The Company repurchased $2.0 million of the subordinated notes in 2022 at a discount of $0.1 million.

Subordinated notes assumed in connection with the Salisbury acquisition included $25.0 million of 3.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2031. The subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital, bear interest at an annual rate of 3.50%, payable quarterly in arrears commencing on June 30, 2021, and a floating rate of interest equivalent to the three-month SOFR plus a spread of 2.80%, payable quarterly in arrears commencing on June 30, 2026. As of the acquisition date, the fair value discount was $3.0 million, which will be amortized into interest expense over the expected call or maturity date.

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 the subordinated debt net of unamortized issuance costs and fair value discount was $120.8 million and $119.7 million, respectively.

Capital Resources

Stockholders’ equity of $1.52 billion represented 11.00% of total assets at September 30, 2024 compared with $1.43 billion, or 10.71% of total assets, as of December 31, 2023. Stockholders’ equity increased $96.3 million from December 31, 2023 driven by net income generation of $104.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and a decrease of $35.2 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss due primarily to the change in the fair value of securities available for sale, partially offset by dividends declared of $46.2 million.

The Company did not purchase shares of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company purchased 7,600 shares of its common stock in the first and second quarters of 2024 at an average price of $33.02 per share under its previously announced share repurchase program. The Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time to mitigate the potential dilutive effects of stock-based incentive plans and other potential uses of common stock for corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2024, there were 1,992,400 shares available for repurchase under this plan authorized on December 18, 2023, which is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

As the capital ratios in the following table indicate, the Company remained “well capitalized” at September 30, 2024 under applicable bank regulatory requirements. Capital measurements are well in excess of regulatory minimum guidelines and meet the requirements to be considered well capitalized for all periods presented. To be considered well capitalized, tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 capital, tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital ratios must be 5%, 6.5%, 8% and 10%, respectively.

Capital Measurements
  
September 30, 2024
    
December 31, 2023
  
Tier 1 leverage ratio
    
10.29
%
    
9.71
%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
    
11.86
%
    
11.57
%
Tier 1 capital ratio
    
12.77
%
    
12.50
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
    
15.02
%
    
14.75
%
Cash dividends as a percentage of net income
    
44.17
%
    
47.05
%
Per common share:
                
Book value
  
$
32.26
    
$
30.26
  
Tangible book value(1)
  
$
23.83
    
$
21.72
  
Tangible equity ratio(2)
    
8.36
%
    
7.93
%
(1)
Stockholders’ equity less goodwill and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding.
(2)
Non-GAAP measure - Stockholders’ equity less goodwill and intangible assets divided by total assets less goodwill and intangible assets.

48
In March 2020, the OCC, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the FDIC announced an interim final rule to delay the estimated impact on regulatory capital stemming from the implementation of CECL. Under the modified CECL transition provision, the regulatory capital impact of the January 1, 2020 CECL adoption date adjustment to the allowance for credit losses (after-tax) has been deferred and will phase into regulatory capital at 25% per year commencing January 1, 2022. For the ongoing impact of CECL, the Company was allowed to defer the regulatory capital impact of the allowance for credit losses in an amount equal to 25% of the change in the allowance for credit losses (pre-tax) recognized through earnings for each period between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. The cumulative adjustment to the allowance for credit losses between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021, will also phase into regulatory capital at 25% per year commencing January 1, 2022. The Company adopted the capital transition relief over the permissible five-year period.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

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.

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

The primary tool utilized by the ALCO to manage interest rate risk is earnings at risk modeling (interest rate sensitivity analysis). Information, such as principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, cash flows, next repricing date (if needed) and current rates are uploaded into the model to create an ending balance sheet. In addition, the ALCO makes certain assumptions regarding prepayment speeds for loans and mortgage related investment securities along with any optionality within the deposits and borrowings. The model is first run under an assumption of a flat rate scenario (i.e. no change in current interest rates) with a static balance sheet. Four additional models are run in which a gradual increase of 200 bps, a gradual increase of 100 bps, a gradual decrease of 100 bps and a gradual decrease of 200 bps 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 in them are handled accordingly based on the interest rate scenario. The resulting changes in net interest income are then measured against the flat rate scenario. The Company also runs other interest rate scenarios to highlight potential interest rate risk.

49
The Company’s Interest Rate Sensitivity has remained in a near neutral position. In the declining rate scenario, net interest income is projected to modestly 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 and rolling over at lower yields at a faster pace than interest-bearing liabilities decline and/or reach their floors. In the rising rate scenarios, net interest income is near neutral, impacted by slowing prepayments speeds and increased deposit reactivity; the magnitude of potential impact on earnings may be affected by the ability to lag deposit repricing on NOW, savings, money market deposit accounts and time accounts. Net interest income for the next twelve months in the +200/+100/-100/-200 bp scenarios, as described above, is within the internal policy risk limits of not more than a 7.5% reduction in net interest income. The following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income in the rising and declining rate scenarios over a 12-month period from the forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario using the September 30, 2024 balance sheet position:

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
  
Change in interest rates
Percent change in
(in bps)
net interest income
+200
0.05%
+100
0.35%
-100
(0.41)%
-200
(0.44%)

The Company anticipates that the trajectory of net interest income will continue to depend significantly on the timing and path of short to mid-term interest rates which are heavily driven by inflationary pressures and FOMC monetary policy. In response to the economic impact of the pandemic, the federal funds rate was reduced to near zero in March 2020, term interest rates fell sharply across the yield curve and the Company reduced deposit rates. Post-pandemic, inflationary pressures have resulted in a higher overall yield curve with Federal Funds increases of 425 bps in 2022 with an additional 100 bps of increases in 2023. However, the tightening cycle ended in September of 2024 with the Federal Reserve lowering the federal funds rate by 50 bps. While deposit rates increased meaningfully in 2023 and have continued to increase in early 2024 in conjunction with elevated short-term interest rates, the recent federal funds rate reduction has provided the catalyst for the Company to begin reducing deposit rates. The Company continues to focus on managing deposit expense in an environment of still elevated but declining short-term interest rates while allowing assets to reprice upward in relation to existing portfolio asset yields.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Company may not be able to satisfy current or future financial commitments or may become unduly reliant on alternate funding sources. The objective of liquidity management is to ensure the Company can fund balance sheet growth, meet the cash flow requirements of depositors wanting to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. 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, along with regular monitoring of liquidity and testing of the contingent liquidity plan. Requirements change as loans grow, deposits and securities mature and payments on borrowings are made. Liquidity management includes a focus on interest rate sensitivity management with a goal of avoiding widely fluctuating net interest margins through periods of changing economic conditions. Loan repayments and maturing investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds. However, deposit flows, calls of investment securities and prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities are strongly influenced by interest rates, the housing market, general and local economic conditions, and competition in the marketplace. Management continually monitors marketplace trends to identify patterns that might improve the predictability of the timing of deposit flows or asset prepayments.

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 September 30, 2024, the Company’s Basic Surplus measurement was 16.4% of total assets, or $2.26 billion, as compared to the December 31, 2023 Basic Surplus of 11.6%, or $1.54 billion, and was above the Company’s minimum of 5% (calculated at $692.0 million and $665.5 million of period end total assets as September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) set forth in its liquidity policies.

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At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, FHLB advances outstanding totaled $129.6 million and $322.7 million, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank had $194.0 million and $77.0 million, respectively, of collateral encumbered by municipal letters of credit. The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and had additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB of approximately $1.63 billion at September 30, 2024 and $1.11 billion at December 31, 2023. In addition, unpledged securities could have been used to increase borrowing capacity at the FHLB by an additional $807.7 million and $823.3 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, or used to collateralize other borrowings, such as repurchase agreements. The Company also has the ability to issue brokered time deposits and to borrow against established borrowing facilities with other banks (federal funds), which could provide additional liquidity of $2.06 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.01 billion at December 31, 2023. In addition, the Bank has a “Borrower-in-Custody” program with the FRB with the addition of the ability to pledge automobile and residential solar loans as collateral. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank had the capacity to borrow $1.12 billion and $1.02 billion, respectively, from this program. The Company’s internal policy authorizes borrowing up to 25% of assets. Under this policy, remaining available borrowing capacity totaled $3.41 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.99 billion at December 31, 2023.

This Basic Surplus approach enables the Company to appropriately manage liquidity from both operational and contingency perspectives. By tempering the need for cash flow liquidity with reliable borrowing facilities, the Company is able to operate with a more fully invested and, therefore, higher interest income generating securities portfolio. The makeup and term structure of the securities portfolio is, in part, impacted by the overall interest rate sensitivity of the balance sheet. Investment decisions and deposit pricing strategies are impacted by the liquidity position. The Company considers its Basic Surplus position to be strong. However, certain events may adversely impact the Company’s liquidity position in 2024. While short-term interest rates have declined, they remain elevated related to recent history, which could result in deposit declines as depositors have alternative opportunities for yield on their excess funds. In the current economic environment, draws against lines of credit could drive asset growth higher. Disruptions in wholesale funding markets could spark increased competition for deposits. These scenarios could lead to a decrease in the Company’s Basic Surplus measure below the minimum policy level of 5%. Note, enhanced liquidity monitoring was put in place to quickly respond to the changing environment during the pandemic including increasing the frequency of monitoring and adding additional sources of liquidity. While the pandemic has come to an end, this enhanced monitoring continues as elevated interest rates and the recent bank failures have led to a deposit decline in the banking system and increased volatility to liquidity risk.

At September 30, 2024, a portion of the Company’s loans and securities were pledged as collateral on borrowings. Therefore, once on-balance sheet liquidity is reduced, 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.

The Company’s primary source of funds is dividends from its subsidiaries. Various laws and regulations restrict the ability of banks to pay dividends to their stockholders. 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.

Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the 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 specified in applicable OCC regulations. At September 30, 2024, approximately $95.8 million of the total stockholders’ equity of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the Company without approval by the OCC. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to the Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the State of Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company may declare and pay dividends either out of accumulated net retained earnings or capital surplus.

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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information called for by Item 3 is contained in the Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2024, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

Except as set for below, there are no material changes to the risk factors as previously discussed in Part I, Item 1A. of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Risks Related to the Merger
 
The Merger is subject to a number of conditions, including the receipt of waivers and/or approvals from governmental authorities, that may delay the Merger or adversely impact the Company’s and Evans’s ability to complete the Merger.

The completion of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions. Before the Merger may be completed, certain approvals, waivers or consents must be obtained from federal governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the OCC. Satisfying the requirements of these governmental authorities may delay the date of completion of the Merger. In addition, these governmental authorities may include conditions on the completion of the Merger or require changes to the terms of the Merger. While it is currently anticipated that the Merger will be completed promptly following the receipt of all required regulatory and shareholder approvals, there can be no assurance that the conditions to closing will be satisfied in a timely manner or at all, or that an effect, event, development or change will not transpire that could delay or prevent these conditions from being satisfied or impose additional costs on or limit the revenues of the Company following the Merger, any of which might have a material adverse effect on the Company following the Merger. The parties are not obligated to complete the Merger should any regulatory approval contain a condition, restriction or requirement that our Board of Directors reasonably determines in good faith would, individually or in the aggregate, materially reduce the benefits of the Merger to such a degree that the Company would not have entered into the Merger Agreement had such condition, restriction or requirement been known at the date of the Merger Agreement.

The Company and Evans cannot provide any assurances with respect to the timing of the closing of the Merger, whether the Merger will be completed at all or when Evans shareholders would receive the consideration for the Merger, if at all.

52
The market price of the Company’s common stock may decline as a result of the Merger and the market price of the Company’s common stock after the consummation of the Merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting the price of the Company’s common stock before the Merger.

The market price of the Company’s common stock may decline as a result of the Merger if the Company does not achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger or the effect of the Merger on the Company’s financial results is not consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts.

In addition, the consummation of the Merger will result in the combination of two companies that currently operate as independent companies. The business of the Company and the business of Evans differ. As a result, while the Company expects to benefit from certain synergies following the Merger, the Company may also encounter new risks and liabilities associated with these differences. Following the Merger, shareholders of the Company and Evans will own interests in a combined company operating an expanded business and may not wish to continue to invest in the Company, or for other reasons may wish to dispose of some or all of the Company’s common stock. If, following the effective time of the Merger, large amounts of the Company’s common stock are sold, the price of the Company’s common stock could decline.

Further, the results of operations of the Company and the market price of the Company’s common stock after the Merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of the Company and Evans and the market price of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, the Company’s historical market prices and financial results may not be indicative of these matters for the Company after the Merger.

The Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the Merger may not be completed.

The Company and Evans can mutually agree to terminate the Merger Agreement at any time before the Merger has been completed, and either company can terminate the Merger Agreement if:
 

 ●
any regulatory approval required for consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement has been denied by final, nonappealable action of any regulatory authority, or an application for regulatory approval has been permanently withdrawn at the request of a governmental authority;
 

 ●
the required approval of the Merger Agreement by the Evans shareholders is not obtained;
 

 ●
the other party materially breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement (provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the Merger Agreement), which breach is not cured within 30 days of written notice of the breach, or by its nature cannot be cured prior to the closing of the Merger, and such breach would entitle the non-breaching party not to consummate the Merger; or
 

 ●
the Merger is not consummated by September 15, 2025, unless the failure to consummate the Merger by such date is due to a material breach of the Merger Agreement by the terminating party.

In addition, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement if:
 

 ●
Evans materially breaches the non-solicitation provisions in the Merger Agreement; or
 

 ●
the Evans Board of Directors:
 

 ●
fails to recommend approval of the Merger Agreement, or withdraws, modifies or changes such recommendation in a manner adverse to the Company’s interests;
 

 ●
recommends, proposes or publicly announces its intention to recommend or propose to engage in an acquisition transaction with any person other than the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or
 

 ●
Evans fails to call, give notice of, convene and hold its special meeting.

53
Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact the stock price of the Company and its future business and financial results.

Completion of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including approval by Evans shareholders of the Merger. The Company cannot guarantee when or if these conditions will be satisfied or that the Merger will be successfully completed. The consummation of the Merger may be delayed, the Merger may be consummated on terms different than those contemplated by the Merger Agreement, or the Merger may not be consummated at all. If the Merger is not completed, the ongoing business of the Company may be adversely affected, and the Company will be subject to several risks, including the following:
 

 ●
the Company could incur substantial costs relating to the proposed Merger, such as legal, accounting, financial advisor, filing, printing and mailing fees; and
 

 ●
the Company’s management’s and employees’ attention may be diverted from their day-to-day business and operational matters as a result of efforts relating to the attempt to consummate the Merger.

In addition, if the Merger is not completed, the Company may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from its customers and employees. The Company also could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or to enforcement proceedings commenced against the Company to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement. If the Merger is not completed, the Company cannot assure its stockholders that the risks described above will not materialize and will not materially affect the Company’s business and financial results or the stock price of the Company.

The integration of the Company and Evans will present significant challenges and expenses that may result in the combined business not operating as effectively as expected, or in the failure to achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits of the transaction.

The benefits and synergies expected to result from the proposed Merger will depend in part on whether the operations of Evans can be integrated in a timely and efficient manner with those of the Company. The Company will face challenges and costs in consolidating its functions with those of Evans, and integrating the organizations, procedures and operations of the two businesses. The integration of the Company and Evans will be complex and time-consuming, and the management of both companies will have to dedicate substantial time and resources to it. These efforts could divert management’s focus and resources from serving existing customers or other strategic opportunities and from day-to-day operational matters during the integration process. Failure to successfully integrate the operations of the Company and Evans could result in the failure to achieve some of the anticipated benefits from the transaction, including cost savings and other operating efficiencies, and the Company may not be able to capitalize on the existing relationships of Evans to the extent anticipated, or it may take longer, or be more difficult or expensive than expected to achieve these goals. This could have an adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company and/or the Bank after the transaction.

Unanticipated costs relating to the merger could reduce the Company’s future earnings per share.

The Company BT has incurred substantial legal, accounting, financial advisory and other Merger-related costs, and management has devoted considerable time and effort in connection with the Merger. If the Merger is not completed, the Company will bear certain fees and expenses associated with the Merger without realizing the benefits of the Merger. If the Merger is completed, the Company expects to incur substantial expenses in connection with integrating the business, operations, network, systems, technologies, policies and procedures of the two companies. The fees and expenses may be significant and could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company believes that it has reasonably estimated the likely costs of integrating the operations of the Company and Evans, and the incremental costs of operating as a combined company. However, it is possible that unexpected transaction costs such as taxes, fees or professional expenses or unexpected future operating expenses such as increased personnel costs or increased taxes, as well as other types of unanticipated adverse developments, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the combined company. If unexpected costs are incurred, the Merger could have a dilutive effect on the Company’s earnings per share. In other words, if the Merger is completed, the earnings per share of the Company’s common stock could be less than anticipated or even less than if the Merger had not been completed.

Estimates as to the future value of the combined company are inherently uncertain.

Any estimates as to the future value of the combined company, including estimates regarding the earnings per share of the combined company, are inherently uncertain. The future value of the combined company will depend upon, among other factors, the combined company’s ability to achieve projected revenue and earnings expectations and to realize the anticipated synergies, all of which are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in these risk factors.

54
Following the Merger, the Company may not continue to pay dividends at or above the rate currently paid.

Following the Merger, the Company’s stockholders may not receive dividends at the same rate that they did as stockholders of the Company prior to the Merger for various reasons, including the following:
 

 ●
the Company may not have enough cash to pay such dividends due to changes in its cash requirements, capital spending plans, cash flow or financial position;
 

 ●
decisions on whether, when and in what amounts to make any future dividends will remain at all times entirely at the discretion of the Board of Directors, which reserves the right to change the Company’s dividend practices at any time and for any reason; and
 

 ●
the amount of dividends that the Company’s  subsidiaries may distribute to the Company may be subject to restrictions imposed by state law and restrictions imposed by the terms of any current or future indebtedness that these subsidiaries may incur.

The Company’s stockholders will have no contractual or other legal right to dividends that have not been declared by the Board of Directors.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a)
Not applicable

(b)
Not applicable

(c)
None

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

During the three months ended September 30, 2024, there were no Rule 10b5-1 plans or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements adopted, modified or terminated by any director or officer of the Company.

55
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

2.1
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through July 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q, filed on August 10, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of NBT Bancorp Inc. effective May 22, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on May 23, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3
Certificate of Designation of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
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.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

56
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, this 8th day of November 2024.

 
NBT BANCORP INC.
  
     
By:
/s/ Annette L. Burns
  
 
Annette L. Burns
  
 
Chief Financial Officer
  


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