Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2011
 
¨
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: 000-51584
 
 
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
04-3510455
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
24 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
 
01201
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (413) 443-5601
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes x     No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one)
 
Large Accelerated Filer ¨        Accelerated Filer x       Non-Accelerated Filer ¨     Smaller Reporting Company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
 
Yes ¨  No x
 
The Registrant had 21,128,868 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of August 2, 2011.

 
 

 

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-Q

INDEX

   
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
4
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
5
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
6
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
41
     
 
Selected Financial Data
44
     
 
Average Balances and Average Yields/Rates
45
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
53
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
53
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
54
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
55
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
55
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
55
     
Item 4.
Removed and Reserved
56
     
Item 5.
Other Information
56
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
56
     
Signatures
 
58

 
2

 

PART I
ITEM 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 30,912     $ 24,643  
Short-term investments
    11,005       19,497  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    41,917       44,140  
                 
Trading security
    16,025       16,155  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    306,073       310,242  
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $56,414 and $57,594)
    55,061       56,436  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted securities
    23,120       23,120  
Total securities
    400,279       405,953  
                 
Loans held for sale
    -       1,043  
                 
Residential mortgages
    808,225       644,973  
Commercial mortgages
    988,342       925,573  
Commercial business loans
    345,364       286,087  
Consumer loans
    309,758       285,529  
Total loans
    2,451,689       2,142,162  
Less:  Allowance for loan losses
    (31,919 )     (31,898 )
Net loans
    2,419,770       2,110,264  
                 
Premises and equipment, net
    44,026       38,546  
Other real estate owned
    1,700       3,386  
Goodwill
    178,068       161,725  
Other intangible assets
    14,523       11,354  
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies
    56,865       46,085  
Other assets
    68,406       58,907  
Total assets
  $ 3,225,554     $ 2,881,403  
                 
Liabilities
               
Demand deposits
  $ 351,249     $ 297,502  
NOW deposits
    216,256       212,143  
Money market deposits
    792,160       716,078  
Savings deposits
    315,161       237,594  
Time deposits
    810,989       741,124  
Total deposits
    2,485,815       2,204,441  
                 
Short-term debt
    7,770       47,030  
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    237,429       197,807  
Junior subordinated debentures
    15,464       15,464  
Total borrowings
    260,663       260,301  
Other liabilities
    34,106       28,014  
Total liabilities
    2,780,584       2,492,756  
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock ($.01 par value; 26,000,000 shares authorized; 18,509,376 shares issued and 16,721,075 shares outstanding in 2011; 15,848,825 shares issued and 13,916,094 shares outstanding in 2010)
    185       158  
Additional paid-in capital
    392,864       337,537  
Unearned compensation
    (2,145 )     (1,776 )
Retained earnings
    103,642       103,972  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,694 )     (6,410 )
Treasury stock, at cost (1,788,301 shares in 2011 and 1,772,677 shares in 2010)
    (44,882 )     (44,834 )
Total stockholders' equity
    444,970       388,647  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 3,225,554     $ 2,881,403  

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

 
3

 

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest and dividend income
                       
Loans
  $ 28,607     $ 24,490     $ 53,213     $ 48,437  
Securities and other
    3,446       3,473       6,753       7,008  
Total interest and dividend income
    32,053       27,963       59,966       55,445  
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    5,768       6,787       11,483       13,683  
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
    2,084       2,305       4,136       4,594  
Total interest expense
    7,852       9,092       15,619       18,277  
Net interest income
    24,201       18,871       44,347       37,168  
Non-interest income
                               
Loan related fees
    780       756       1,371       1,712  
Deposit related fees
    3,366       2,819       5,907       5,279  
Insurance commissions and fees
    2,782       3,197       6,512       6,670  
Wealth management fees
    1,389       1,140       2,581       2,316  
Total fee income
    8,317       7,912       16,371       15,977  
Gain on sale of securities, net
    6       -       6       -  
Non-recurring gain
    124       -       124       -  
Other
    (277 )     (301 )     (197 )     (220 )
Total non-interest income
    8,170       7,611       16,304       15,757  
Total net revenue
    32,371       26,482       60,651       52,925  
Provision for loan losses
    1,500       2,200       3,100       4,526  
Non-interest expense
                               
Compensation and benefits
    12,027       10,960       23,178       21,957  
Occupancy and equipment
    3,546       2,963       6,981       5,998  
Technology and communications
    1,531       1,373       2,997       2,756  
Marketing and professional services
    1,557       1,116       2,770       2,413  
Supplies, postage and delivery
    507       542       961       1,115  
FDIC premiums and assessments
    741       874       1,768       1,647  
Other real estate owned
    700       -       1,309       27  
Amortization of intangible assets
    935       768       1,651       1,536  
Merger related expenses
    5,451       -       7,159       21  
Other
    1,628       1,432       3,038       2,750  
Total non-interest expense
    28,623       20,028       51,812       40,220  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    2,248       4,254       5,739       8,179  
Income tax expense
    371       816       1,027       1,375  
Net income
  $ 1,877     $ 3,438     $ 4,712     $ 6,804  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.25     $ 0.31     $ 0.49  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.25     $ 0.31     $ 0.49  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    16,580       13,856       15,269       13,845  
Diluted
    16,601       13,894       15,299       13,875  

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

 
4

 

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  
                                        
Accumulated
             
                     
Additional
   
Unearned
         
other comp-
             
   
Common stock
   
Preferred
   
paid-in
   
compen-
   
Retained
   
rehensive
   
Treasury
       
(In thousands)
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
stock
   
capital
   
sation
   
earnings
   
income (loss)
   
stock
   
Total
 
             
Balance at December 31, 2009
    13,916     $ 158     $ -     $ 338,822     $ (1,318 )   $ 99,597     $ (2,968 )   $ (49,146 )   $ 385,145  
                                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       6,804       -       -       6,804  
Other net comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,011 )     -       (3,011 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                                    3,794  
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (4,492 )     -       -       (4,492 )
Forfeited shares
    (10 )     -       -       14       190       -       -       (204 )     -  
Exercise of stock options
    13       -       -       -       -       (108 )     -       318       210  
Restricted stock grants
    130       -       -       (1,149 )     (2,166 )     -       -       3,315       -  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       3       781       -       -       -       784  
Other, net
    (12 )     -       -       -       -       16       -       (205 )     (189 )
                                                                         
Balance at June 30, 2010
    14,037       158       -       337,690       2,513       101,818       (5,979 )     (46,213 )     385,252  
                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2010
    14,076       158       -       337,537       (1,776 )     103,972       (6,410 )     (44,834 )     388,647  
                                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       4,712       -       -       4,712  
Other net comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,716       -       1,716  
Total comprehensive income
                                                                    6,428  
Acquisition of Rome Bancorp, Inc.
    2,661       27       -       55,463       -       -       -       -       55,490  
Rome ESOP loan repayment
    (44 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       (943 )     (943 )
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (4,930 )     -       -       (4,930 )
Forfeited shares
    (21 )     -       -       33       426       -       -       (459 )     -  
Exercise of stock options
    13       -       -       -       -       (112 )     -       326       214  
Restricted stock grants
    59       -       -       (242 )     (1,261 )     -       -       1,503       -  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       2       471       -       -       -       473  
Net tax expense related to stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       66       -       -       -       -       66  
Other, net
    (23 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       (475 )     (475 )
                                                                         
Balance at June 30, 2011
    16,721     $ 185     $ -     $ 392,859     $ (2,140 )   $ 103,642     $ (4,694 )   $ (44,882 )   $ 444,970  

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

 
5

 

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 4,712     $ 6,804  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    3,100       4,526  
Net amortization of securities
    595       1,347  
Change in unamortized net loan costs and premiums
    475       388  
Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense
    2,159       1,848  
Write down of other real estate owned
    1,200       -  
Stock-based compensation amortization expense
    473       784  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,651       1,536  
Income from cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies
    (872 )     (583 )
Gain on sale of securities
    (253 )     -  
Loss on sale of real estate
    104       -  
Net decrease in loans held for sale
    1,043       990  
Net change in other
    2,324       3,371  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    16,711       21,011  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Trading account security:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments
    130       218  
Securities available for sale:
               
Sales
    3,525       3,159  
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments
    70,196       49,947  
Purchases
    (68,360 )     (24,756 )
Securities held to maturity:
               
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments
    6,058       11,897  
Purchases
    (4,683 )     (12,894 )
                 
Loan originations, net
    (55,391 )     (66,479 )
Proceeds from sale of other real estate
    382       -  
Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    3,571       -  
Acquisition of Rome Bancorp, Inc., net of cash paid
    10,849       -  
Additions to life insurance
    -       2,217  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (2,907 )     (2,420 )
Net cash used by investing activities
    (36,630 )     (39,111 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
    51,984       53,409  
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
    105,480       116,380  
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
    (135,118 )     (137,767 )
Net proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock
    214       210  
Excess tax benefit from stock based payment arrangements
    66       -  
Common stock cash dividends paid
    (4,930 )     (4,492 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    17,696       27,740  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,223 )     9,640  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    44,140       32,608  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 41,917     $ 42,248  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Interest paid on deposits
    11,536       13,708  
Interest paid on borrowed funds
    4,045       4,616  
Income taxes paid, net
    55       (619 )
Transfers into other real estate owned
    -       1,000  
                 
Acquisition of non-cash assets and liabilities:
               
Assets acquired
    322,305       -  
Liabilities assumed
    (259,524 )     -  
Rome stock owned by the Company
    668       -  
Other non-cash changes:
               
Other net comprehensive loss
    1,716       -  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
6

 

1.
GENERAL

Basis of presentation and consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “Berkshire”) have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, these financial statements, including year-end consolidated balance sheet data presented, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation are reflected in the interim financial statements and consist of normal recurring entries. These financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. (“BIG”) and Berkshire Bank (the “Bank”), together with the Bank’s consolidated subsidiaries. One of the Bank’s consolidated subsidiaries is Berkshire Bank Municipal Bank, a New York chartered limited-purpose commercial bank. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Business
 
Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities through its offices in western Massachusetts, southern Vermont and northeastern and central New York. The Company also provides asset-based middle-market commercial lending throughout New England and its New York markets.  Its primary deposit products are checking, NOW, money market, savings, and time deposit accounts.  Its primary lending products are residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, commercial business loans and consumer loans. The Company offers electronic banking, cash management, other transaction and reporting services and interest rate swap contracts to commercial customers. The Company offers wealth management services including trust, financial planning, and investment services. The Company is also an agent for complete lines of property and casualty, life, disability, and health insurance.
 
Business segments
 
An operating segment is a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The Company has two reportable operating segments, Banking and Insurance, which are delineated by the consolidated subsidiaries of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.  Banking includes the activities of the Bank and its subsidiaries, which provide commercial and consumer banking services.  Insurance includes the activities of BIG and its subsidiaries, which provides commercial and consumer insurance services.  The only other consolidated financial activity of the Company consists of the transactions of its parent, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Use of estimates
 
In preparing the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheets and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of deferred tax assets; the estimates related to the initial measurement of goodwill and intangible assets and subsequent impairment analyses; the determination of other-than-temporary impairment of securities; and the determination of fair value of financial instruments and subsequent impairment analysis.

 
7

 

Significant accounting policies
 
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2010 Form 10-K.  The following policies have since been refined or added and are described below:

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
The allowance for loan losses is established based upon the level of estimated probable losses in the current loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is doubtful. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach applied to groups of loans and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment. The formula-based approach emphasizes loss factors derived from actual historical and industry portfolio loss rates, which are combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine the allowance amounts allocated to the various loan categories. Allowance amounts are determined based on an estimate of historical average annual percentage rate of loan loss for each loan segment, a temporal estimate of the incurred loss emergence and confirmation period for each loan category, and certain qualitative risk factors considered in the computation of the allowance for loan losses.

Qualitative risk factors impacting the inherent risk of loss within the portfolio include the following:

 
• 
National and local economic and business conditions

 
• 
Level and trend of delinquencies

 
• 
Level and trend of charge-offs and recoveries

 
• 
Trends in volume and terms of loans

 
• 
Risk selection, lending policy and underwriting standards

 
• 
Experience and depth of management

 
• 
Banking industry conditions and other external factors

 
• 
Concentration risk

Actual historical loss rates for commercial mortgage and commercial business loans are assessed by internal risk rating. Historical loss rates for residential mortgages, home equity and other consumer loans are not risk graded but are assessed based on the total of each loan segment. This approach incorporates qualitative adjustments based upon management’s assessment of various market and portfolio specific risk factors into its formula-based estimate. Due to the imprecise nature of the loan loss estimation process and ever changing conditions, the qualitative risk attributes may not adequately capture amounts of incurred loss in the formula-based loan loss components used to determine allocations in the Company’s analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

 
8

 

The Company evaluates certain loans individually for specific impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Loans are selected for evaluation based upon a change in internal risk rating, occurrence of delinquency, loan classification, or non-accrual status. A specific allowance amount is allocated to an individual loan when such loan has been deemed impaired and when the amount of the probable loss is able to be estimated. Estimates of loss may be determined by the present value of anticipated future cash flows or the loan’s observable fair market value, or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. However, for collateral dependent loans, the amount of the recorded investment in a loan that exceeds the fair value of the collateral is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses in lieu of an allocation of a specific allowance amount when such an amount has been identified definitively as uncollectible.

Large groups of small-balance homogeneous loans such as the residential mortgage, home equity and other consumer portfolios are collectively evaluated for impairment. As such, the Company does not typically identify individual loans within these groupings as impaired loans or for impairment evaluation and disclosure. The Company evaluates all TDRs for impairment on an individual loan basis regardless of loan type.

In the first quarter of 2011, management made refinements to its allowance for loan loss methodology to better incorporate the Company’s internal risk ratings into its formula-based approach. This refinement did not have a significant effect on the first and second quarter’s loan loss provision or the total allowance for loan loss.

Acquired Loans

Loans that we acquire in acquisitions subsequent to January 1, 2009 are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Determining the fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest.

For loans that meet the criteria stipulated in ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality”, the Company shall recognize the accretable yield, which is defined as the excess of all cash flows expected at acquisition over the initial fair value of the loan, as interest income on a level-yield basis over the expected remaining life of the loan. This accretable yield shall not be recorded on the balance sheet. The excess of the loan’s contractually required payments over the cash flows expected to be collected is the nonaccretable difference.  The nonaccretable difference shall not be recognized as an adjustment of yield, a loss accrual, or a valuation allowance.  Going forward, the Company shall continue to evaluate whether the timing and the amount of cash to be collected are reasonably expected.  Subsequent significant increases in cash flows we expect to collect will first reduce previously recognized valuation allowance and then be reflected prospectively as an increase to the level yield.  Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows may result in the loan being considered impaired.  Interest income shall not be recognized to the extent that the net investment in the loan would increase to an amount greater than the payoff amount.

For loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria, the Company shall accrete interest income on a level yield basis using the contractually required cash flows.

The expected prepayments used to determine the accretable yield shall be consistent between the cash flows expected to be collected and projections of contractual cash flows so as to not affect the nonaccretable difference.  Differences in the actual and expected prepayments impact the accretable yield but not the nonaccretable difference.

Acquired loans that met the criteria for nonaccrual of interest prior to the acquisition are considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if we can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if we expect to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, we may no longer consider the loan to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable yield. We have determined that we can reasonably estimate future cash flows on our current portfolio of acquired loans that are past due 90 days or more and on which we are accruing interest and we expect to fully collect the carrying value of the loans.

 
9

 

Earnings Per Share
 
Earnings per share have been computed based on the following (average diluted shares outstanding are calculated using the treasury stock method):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income
  $ 1,877     $ 3,438     $ 4,712     $ 6,804  
                                 
Average number of shares outstanding
    16,730       14,033       15,425       14,012  
Less: average number of unvested stock award shares
    (150 )     (177 )     (156 )     (167 )
Average number of basic shares outstanding
    16,580       13,856       15,269       13,845  
                                 
Plus: average number of dilutive unvested stock award shares
    21       25       (126 )     17  
Plus: average number of dilutive stock options
    -       13       156       13  
Average number of diluted shares outstanding
    16,601       13,894       15,299       13,875  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.25     $ 0.31     $ 0.49  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.25     $ 0.31     $ 0.49  

For the quarter ended June 30, 2011, 129 thousand shares of restricted stock and 127 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the quarter ended June 30, 2010, 158 thousand shares of restricted stock and 257 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations.

Recent accounting pronouncements
 
FASB ASU No. 2010-20, “Receivables (Topic 310), Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses”. In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20 which requires an entity to provide disclosures that facilitate financial statement users’ evaluation of (1) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s loan portfolio (2) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for loan and lease losses and (3) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses. For public entities, the disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance resulted in significant additional loan disclosures included in Note 6.
 
FASB ASU No. 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations”. In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29 which clarifies the presentation of pro forma information required for business combinations when a public company presents comparative financial information. The amendments in this guidance are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance required addition disclosures included in Note 3.
 
FASB ASU No. 2011-02,A Creditor’s Determination of Whether Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring”.  In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02 which clarifies when a loan modification or restructuring is considered a troubled debt restructuring.  The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and is to be applied retrospectively to modifications occurring on or after the beginning of the annual period of adoption.  The adoption of this guidance could result in additional loans being classified as troubled debt restructurings and will require additional loan disclosures which the Company is in the process of assessing.
 
FASB ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”.  In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05 which requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, and is to be applied retrospectively.  The adoption of this guidance will require addition disclosures.

 
10

 
 
2. 
CORRECTION OF IMMATERIAL  ERROR
 
During the second quarter of 2011, the Company corrected an immaterial error in its prior period accounting treatment for certain tax credit investment limited partnership interests.  These interests primarily relate to low income housing, community development, and solar energy related investments.  As a result of this error, the Company’s non-interest income and income tax expense were overstated in 2010 and in the first quarter of 2011.  On the corresponding balance sheets, the Company’s tax credit investment limited partnership interests were overstated in 2010 and in the first quarter of 2011.  The overstatement of the tax credit investment balance in each period was more than offset by an understatement of the Company’s deferred tax asset balance.  These balances are included as components of other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company assessed the materiality of this error for each previously issued quarterly and annual period that were effected in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and determined that the error was immaterial.  The Company determined that the cumulative error is immaterial to our estimated income for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 but was material to our trend in earnings.   Accordingly, the Company has revised its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 and the consolidated statement of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010.  The Company intends to revise its consolidated financial statements for certain quarterly and annual periods through subsequent periodic filings.  The effect of correcting this immaterial error in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010, and for the fiscal 2010 and 2011 quarterly periods to be reported in subsequent periodic filings is as follows:

    
For the Quarter Ended
   
For the Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2010
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
As Reported
   
As Revised
   
As Reported
   
As Revised
 
                         
Consolidated statement of operations information:
                       
Non-interest income
  $ 7,963     $ 7,611     $ 16,461     $ 15,757  
Income tax expense
    1,198       816       2,139       1,375  
Net income
    3,408       3,438       6,744       6,804  
Basic earnings per share
    0.25       0.25       0.49       0.49  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.25       0.25       0.49       0.49  
                                 
Consolidated balance sheet information:
                               
Other assets
    68,484       69,111       68,484       69,111  
Retained earnings
    101,193       101,820       101,193       101,820  

   
For the Quarter Ended
   
For the Quarter Ended
   
For the Year Ended
   
For the Quarter Ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2011
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
As Reported
   
As Revised
   
As Reported
   
As Revised
   
As Reported
   
As Revised
   
As Reported
   
As Revised
 
                                                 
Consolidated statement of operations information:
                                               
Non-interest income
  $ 6,915     $ 6,563     $ 7,783     $ 7,431     $ 31,159     $ 29,751     $ 8,502     $ 8,134  
Income tax expense
    1,081       699       893       511       4,113       2,585       1,061       656  
Net income
    3,424       3,454       3,570       3,600       13,378       13,858       2,798       2,835  
Basic earnings per share
    0.25       0.25       0.26       0.26       0.99       1.00       0.20       0.20  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.25       0.25       0.26       0.26       0.99       1.00       0.20       0.20  
                                                                 
Consolidated balance sheet information:
                                                               
Other assets
    68,408       69,065       58,220       58,907       58,220       58,907       59,122       59,846  
Retained earnings
    102,270       102,927       103,285       103,972       103,285       103,972       103,720       104,444  

 
11

 

3. 
ACQUISITION
 
Rome Bancorp, Inc.

On April 1, 2011, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Rome Bancorp, Inc. ("Rome"), the parent company of The Rome Savings Bank. Concurrently, Rome Bancorp merged into Berkshire Hills Bancorp and The Rome Savings Bank merged into Berkshire Bank. Rome had five banking offices serving Rome, Lee, and New Hartford, New York.  This business combination is an extension of the Berkshire Hills franchise and the goodwill recognized results from the expected synergies and earnings accretion from this combination, including future cost savings related to the Rome operations.  The combination was negotiated between the companies and was approved unanimously by their boards of directors.

Rome shareholders received 2.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock and $22.7 million in cash.  On the acquisition date, Rome had 6.7 million outstanding common shares.  Through a cash/stock election procedure, the Company paid $11.25 per share for 30% of the outstanding Rome common shares and exchanged its stock in a ratio of 0.5658 shares of the Company’s common stock for each share of the remaining 70% outstanding Rome shares.  The 2.7 million shares of Company common stock issued in this exchange were valued at $20.83 per share based on the closing price of Berkshire Hills posted on March 31, 2011.  In addition to the above consideration, the Company owned 59 thousand shares of Rome stock which had been previously acquired at an average cost of $9.22 per share.  Berkshire Hills recorded a $123 thousand gain on these shares which was recorded in non-interest income on the date of acquisition.  Berkshire Hills paid $0.4 million in cash to retire outstanding Rome stock options.

The results of Rome’s operations are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition. In connection with the merger, the consideration paid, the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, as summarized in the following tables, in thousands, as of April 1, 2011:
 
Consideration Paid:
     
Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock issued to Rome common stockholders
  $ 55,419  
Cash consideration paid to Rome common shareholders
    22,683  
Value of Rome stock previously purchased by Berkshire Hills
    668  
Cash consideration paid for Rome employee stock options
    354  
Total consideration paid
    79,124  
         
Recognized Amounts of Identifiable Assets Aquired and (Liabilities Assumed), At Fair Value:
       
Cash and short term investments
    33,533  
Investment securities
    418  
Loans
    257,604  
Federal Home Loan Bank common stock
    3,571  
Bank owned life insurance
    9,908  
Premises and equipment
    4,732  
Core deposit intangibles
    4,820  
Other assets
    7,719  
Deposits
    (229,390 )
Borrowings
    (30,000 )
Other liabilities
    (134 )
Total identifiable net assets
    62,781  
         
Goodwill
  $ 16,343  

 
12

 

Goodwill

The fair values for most loans acquired from Rome were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms.  Cash flows were adjusted by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments.  Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans.  To estimate the fair value of problem loans, we analyzed the value of the underlying collateral of the loans, assuming the fair values of the loans were derived from the eventual sale of the collateral.  We discounted those values using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral.  There was no carryover of Rome’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans we acquired as the loans were initially recorded at fair value.

Information about the acquired loan portfolio as of April 1, 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition
  $ 262,718  
 Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)
    (4,880 )
 Expected cash flows at acquisition
    257,838  
 Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)
    (234 )
 Fair value of aquired loans
  $ 257,604  

The core deposit intangible asset recognized as part of the Rome merger is being amortized over its estimated useful life of approximately ten years utilizing an accelerated method.

The goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, was assigned to our banking segment and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of savings and transaction deposit accounts acquired from Rome was assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand.  Certificates of deposit were valued by comparing the contractual cost of the portfolio to an identical portfolio bearing current market rates.  The projected cash was calculated by discounting their contractual cash flows at a market rate for a certificate of deposit with a corresponding maturity.

The fair value of borrowings assumed was equal to carrying value, since these were overnight borrowings at the time of the merger.

Rome had no insurance related operations, so no goodwill was recognized in connection with the insurance segment of Berkshire Hills.

Financial Information

The following table presents selected pro forma financial information reflecting the Rome acquisition assuming it was completed as of the beginning of the respective periods.   The pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial results of the combined companies had the Rome acquisition actually been completed at the beginning of the periods presented, nor does it indicate future results for any other interim or full-year period.   Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated using Berkshire Hills’ actual weighted-average shares outstanding for the periods presented, plus the incremental shares issued, assuming the Rome acquisition occurred at the beginning of the periods presented.    The pro forma information is based on the actual financial statements of Berkshire Hills and Rome for the periods shown.  This pro forma information gives effect to certain adjustments, including purchase accounting fair value adjustments, amortization of core deposit and other intangibles and related income tax effects. Merger related costs recorded by Berkshire Hills are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and these costs are also included on a pro forma basis in the 2010 pro forma financial information below.  Planned cost savings are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma amounts for the periods shown.  Pro forma results in 2011 include certain non-routine charges recorded by Rome in 2011 prior to the time of the merger.  The Company has determined that it is impracticable to report the amounts of revenue and earnings of Rome since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement due to the integration of Rome operations with those of the Company subsequent to its acquisition.  Pro forma net income for the first six months of 2010 is adjusted by non-recurring items consisting of a $465 thousand credit representing the reversal of the Rome loan loss provision and a $5.498 million charge representing merger related expenses recorded by Berkshire in 2010 and 2011.

 
13

 

Information in the following table is shown in thousands, except earnings per share:

   
Pro Forma
 
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net interest income
  $ 47,560     $ 44,158  
Non-interest income
    17,343       17,520  
Net income
    2,499       4,576  
                 
Pro forma earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.15     $ 0.28  
Diluted
  $ 0.15     $ 0.28  
 
4. 
TRADING ACCOUNT SECURITY
 
The Company holds a tax advantaged economic development bond that is being accounted for at fair value. The security had an amortized cost of $14.3 million and $14.6 million, and a fair value of $16.0 million and $16.2 million, at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. As discussed further in Note 11 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities, the Company has entered into a swap contract to swap-out the fixed rate of the security in exchange for a variable rate. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent of selling them in the near term, and there are no other securities in the trading portfolio at June 30, 2011.
 
 
14

 

5. 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
 
The following is a summary of securities available for sale and held to maturity:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
June 30, 2011
                       
Securities available for sale
                       
Debt securities:
                       
Municipal bonds and obligations
  $ 73,788     $ 1,860     $ (123 )   $ 75,525  
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
    17,901       363       -       18,264  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    164,113       2,905       (116 )     166,902  
Corporate bonds
    4,995       34       (36 )     4,993  
Trust preferred securities
    20,120       460       (2,049 )     18,531  
Other bonds and obligations
    681       2       -       683  
Total debt securities
    281,598       5,624       (2,324 )     284,898  
Equity securities:
                               
Marketable equity securities
    18,612       2,826       (263 )     21,175  
Total securities available for sale
    300,210       8,450       (2,587 )     306,073  
                                 
Securities held to maturity
                               
Municipal bonds and obligations
    6,069       -       -       6,069  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    81       4       -       85  
Tax advantaged economic development bonds
    48,384       1,349       -       49,733  
Other bonds and obligations
    527       -       -       527  
Total securities held to maturity
    55,061       1,353       -       56,414  
                                 
Total
  $ 355,271     $ 9,803     $ (2,587 )   $ 362,487  
                                 
December 31, 2010
                               
Securities available for sale
                               
Debt securities:
                               
Municipal bonds and obligations
  $ 79,292     $ 1,008     $ (394 )   $ 79,906  
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
    25,801       370       (7 )     26,164  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    144,493       2,806       (580 )     146,719  
Corporate bonds
    18,307       73       (90 )     18,290  
Trust preferred  securities
    22,222       316       (2,683 )     19,855  
Other bonds and obligations
    402       2       (1 )     403  
Total debt securities
    290,517       4,575       (3,755 )     291,337  
Equity securities:
                               
Marketable equity securities
    15,756       3,217       (68 )     18,905  
Total securities available for sale
    306,273       7,792       (3,823 )     310,242  
                                 
Securities held to maturity
                               
Municipal bonds and obligations
    7,069       -       -       7,069  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    83       3       -       86  
Tax advantaged economic development bonds
    48,861       1,155       -       50,016  
Other bonds and obligations
    423       -       -       423  
Total securities held to maturity
    56,436       1,158       -       57,594  
                                 
Total
  $ 362,709     $ 8,950     $ (3,823 )   $ 367,836  
 
 
15

 
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale (“AFS”) and held to maturity (“HTM”) securities, segregated by contractual maturity at June 30, 2011 are presented below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.  Mortgage-backed securities are shown in total, as their maturities are highly variable.  Equity securities have no maturity and are also shown in total.

   
Available for sale
   
Held to maturity
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
                         
Within 1 year
  $ 310     $ 311     $ 2,434     $ 2,434  
Over 1 year to 5 years
    2,996       2,959       1,792       1,792  
Over 5 years to 10 years
    18,167       18,569       31,488       32,216  
Over 10 years
    78,111       77,893       19,266       19,887  
Total bonds and obligations
    99,584       99,732       54,980       56,329  
                                 
Marketable equity securities
    18,612       21,175       -       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    182,014       185,166       81       85  
                                 
Total
  $ 300,210     $ 306,073     $ 55,061     $ 56,414  
 
Securities with unrealized losses, segregated by the duration of their continuous unrealized loss positions, are summarized as follows:

    
Less Than Twelve Months
   
Over Twelve Months
   
Total
 
   
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
       
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
 
June 30, 2011
                 
                                     
Securities available for sale
                                   
Debt securities:
                                   
Municipal bonds and obligations
  $ 123     $ 7,453     $ -     $ -     $ 123     $ 7,453  
Government-sponsored residential  mortgage-backed securities
    101       26,208       15       11,841       116       38,049  
Corporate bonds
    -       -       36       2,959       36       2,959  
Trust preferred securities
    -       -       2,049       3,591       2,049       3,591  
Total debt securities
    224       33,661       2,100       18,391       2,324       52,052  
                                                 
Marketable equity securities
    263       4,236       -       -       263       4,236  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 487     $ 37,897     $ 2,100     $ 18,391     $ 2,587     $ 56,288  
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                     
                                                 
Securities available for sale
                                               
Debt securities:
                                               
Municipal bonds and obligations
  $ 335     $ 15,630     $ 59     $ 1,195     $ 394     $ 16,825  
Government guaranteed residential   mortgage-backed securities
    7       5,125       -       -       7       5,125  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    580       54,056       -       -       580       54,056  
Corporate bonds
    15       1,985       75       2,920       90       4,905  
Trust preferred securities
    5       2,041       2,678       4,529       2,683       6,570  
Other bonds and obligations
    -       -       1       309       1       309  
Total debt securities
    942       78,837       2,813       8,953       3,755       87,790  
                                                 
Marketable equity securities
    -       -       68       1,432       68       1,432  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 942     $ 78,837     $ 2,881     $ 10,385     $ 3,823     $ 89,222  

 
16

 

Debt Securities

The Company expects to recover its amortized cost basis on all debt securities in its AFS and HTM portfolios. Furthermore, the Company does not intend to sell nor does it anticipate that it will be required to sell any of its securities in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2011, prior to this recovery. The Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery is supported by the Company’s strong capital and liquidity positions as well as its historical low portfolio sales. The following summarizes, by investment security type, the basis for the conclusion that the debt securities in an unrealized loss position within the Company’s AFS portfolio were not other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011:

AFS municipal bonds and obligations

At June 30, 2011, 10 out of a total of 129 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS municipal bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented less than 2% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The securities are all investment grade rated, all insured except for one AAA bond, and all general obligation or water and sewer revenue bonds. The Company continually monitors the municipal bond sector of the market carefully and periodically evaluates the appropriate level of exposure to have to the market.  At this time, the Company feels that the bonds in this portfolio carry minimal risk of default and that we are appropriately compensated for that risk.  There were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2011. All securities are performing.

AFS residential mortgage-backed securities

At June 30, 2011, 8 out of a total of 105 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS residential mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented less than 1% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) guarantees the contractual cash flows of the Company’s AFS residential mortgage-backed securities. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2011. All securities are performing.

AFS corporate bonds

At June 30, 2011, 1 of 2 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS corporate bonds was in an unrealized loss position. The aggregate unrealized loss represents less than 2% of the amortized cost. The security is investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2011. The security is performing.

AFS trust preferred securities

At June 30, 2011, 3 of 6 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS trust preferred securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 36% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Company’s evaluation of the present value of expected cash flows on these securities supports its conclusions about the recoverability of the securities’ amortized cost basis.  Except for the security discussed below, the aggregate unrealized loss on the other securities in unrealized loss positions represented 4% of their amortized cost.  All securities are performing.

At June 30, 2011, $1.9 million of the total unrealized losses was attributable to a $2.6 million investment in a Mezzanine Class B tranche of a $360 million pooled trust preferred security issued by banking and insurance entities.  The Company evaluated the security, with a Level 3 fair value of $0.7 million, for potential other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at June 30, 2011 and determined that OTTI was not evident based on both the Company’s more likely than not ability to hold the security until the recovery of its remaining amortized cost and the protection from credit loss afforded by $27 million in excess subordination above current defaults and deferrals.

 
17

 

AFS other bonds and obligations

At June 30, 2011, 2 out of a total of 8 securities in the Company’s portfolio of other bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented less than 1% of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2011. All securities are performing.

Marketable Equity Securities

In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolio for OTTI, the Company considers its more likely than not ability to hold an equity security to recovery of its cost basis in addition to various other factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI is recognized immediately through earnings.

At June 30, 2011, 3 of the 18 securities in the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities were in an unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss represented 6% of the cost of the securities in an unrealized loss position. The Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities until a recovery of their cost bases and does not consider the securities other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011. As new information becomes available in future periods, changes to the Company’s assumptions may be warranted and could lead to a different conclusion regarding the OTTI of these securities.
 
6.           LOANS 

 
Loans consist of the following:
  
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Residential mortgages
           
1-4 family
  $ 782,644     $ 619,969  
Construction
    25,581       25,004  
Total residential mortgages
    808,225       644,973  
                 
Commercial mortgages:
               
Construction
    110,057       126,824  
Single and multifamily
    90,992       86,925  
Commercial real estate
    787,293       711,824  
Total commercial mortgages
    988,342       925,573  
                 
Commercial business loans
               
Asset based lending
    133,520       98,239  
Other commercial business loans
    211,844       187,848  
Total commercial business loans
    345,364       286,087  
                 
Total commercial loans
    1,333,706       1,211,660  
                 
Consumer loans:
               
Home equity
    246,859       226,458  
Other
    62,899       59,071  
Total consumer loans
    309,758       285,529  
                 
Total loans
  $ 2,451,689     $ 2,142,162  

 
18

 

 
The following table presents the outstanding principal balance and the related carrying amount of the acquired Rome loans included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet:

(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
 
Outstanding principal balance
  $ 249,003  
Carrying amount
    245,040  

The following table presents changes in the accretable discount on loans acquired in the Rome acquisition for the three months ended June 30, 2011:

(In thousands)
     
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 234  
Rome Accretion
    (50 )
Balance at June 30, 2011
  $ 184  

 
19

 

The following is a summary of past due loans at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
Historical Loans
(in thousands)
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater
Than 90
Days Past
Due
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total
Loans
   
Past Due
> 90 days
and
Accruing
 
June 30, 2011
                                         
Residential mortgages:
                                         
1-4 family
  $ 1,048     $ 435     $ 3,804     $ 5,287     $ 642,793     $ 648,080     $ 1,125  
Construction
    1,838       -       235       2,073       23,061       25,134       103  
Total
    2,886       435       4,039       7,360       665,854       673,214       1,228  
Commercial mortgages:
                                                       
Construction
    -       -       3,011       3,011       106,880       109,891       -  
Single and multi-family
    160       -       327       487       88,697       89,184       327  
Commercial real estate
    4,514       1,209       4,213       9,936       735,345       745,281       -  
Total
    4,674       1,209       7,551       13,434       930,922       944,356       327  
Commercial business loans:
                                                       
Asset based lending
    -       -       -       -       133,520       133,520       -  
Other commercial business loans
    642       9       1,407       2,058       181,851       183,909       2  
Total
    642       9       1,407       2,058       315,371       317,429       2  
Consumer loans:
                                                       
Home equity
    266       50       788       1,104       225,669       226,773       -  
Other
    355       129       115       599       44,278       44,877       41  
Total
    621       179       903       1,703       269,947       271,650       41  
Total
  $ 8,823     $ 1,832     $ 13,900     $ 24,555     $ 2,182,094     $ 2,206,649     $ 1,598  
 
Acquired Loans
(in thousands)
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater
Than 90
Days Past
Due
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total
Loans
   
Past Due
> 90 days
and
Accruing
 
June 30, 2011
                                         
Residential mortgages:
                                         
1-4 family
  $ 213     $ 608     $ 627     $ 1,448     $ 133,116     $ 134,564     $ 627  
Construction
    -       -       -       -       447       447       -  
Total
    213       608       627       1,448       133,563       135,011       627  
Commercial mortgages:
                                                       
Construction
    -       -       -       -       166       166       -  
Single and multi-family
    -       -       -       -       1,808       1,808       -  
Commercial real estate
    165       192       2,904       3,261       38,751       42,012       528  
Total
    165       192       2,904       3,261       40,725       43,986       528  
Commercial business loans - other
    107       54       487       648       27,287       27,935       128  
Consumer loans:
                                                       
Home equity
    -       -       -       -       20,086       20,086       -  
Other
    120       87       11       218       17,804       18,022       11  
Total
    120       87       11       218       37,890       38,108       11  
Total
  $ 605     $ 941     $ 4,029     $ 5,575     $ 239,465     $ 245,040     $ 1,294  

 
20

 
 
                
Greater
                     
Past Due >
 
               
Than 90
                     
90 days
 
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
Days Past
   
Total Past
         
Total
   
and
 
(in thousands)
 
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Due
   
Due
   
Current
   
Loans
   
Accruing
 
December 31, 2010
                                         
Residential mortgages:
                                         
1-4 family
  $ 2,103     $ 1,598     $ 1,936     $ 5,637     $ 614,332     $ 619,969     $ -  
Construction
    -       104       237       341       24,663       25,004       -  
Total
    2,103       1,702       2,173       5,978       638,995       644,973       -  
Commercial mortgages:
                                                       
Construction
    -       -       1,962       1,962       124,862       126,824       -  
Single and multi-family
    -       -       1,514       1,514       85,411       86,925       88  
Commercial real estate
    389       74       6,442       6,905       704,919       711,824       342  
Total
    389       74       9,918       10,381       915,192       925,573       430  
                                                         
Commercial business loans - other
    111       128       1,617       1,856       284,231       286,087       312  
Consumer loans:
                                                       
Home equity
    119       20       856       995       225,463       226,458       147  
Other
    780       245       202       1,227       57,844       59,071       165  
Total
    899       265       1,058       2,222       283,307       285,529       312  
Total
  $ 3,502     $ 2,169     $ 14,766     $ 20,437     $ 2,121,725     $ 2,142,162     $ 1,054  
 
There were no acquired loans as of December 31, 2010 to disclose.
 
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:
 
Historical Loans
(In thousands)
 
Residential
mortgages
   
Commercial
mortgages
   
Commercial
business
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 3,077     $ 19,461     $ 6,038     $ 2,099     $ 1,223     $ 31,898  
Charged-off loans
    501       1,569       681       570       -       3,321  
Recoveries on charged-off loans
    151       9       23       59       -       242  
Provision for loan losses
    (32 )     4,749       (837 )     252       (1,032 )     3,100  
Balance at June 30, 2011
    2,695       22,650       4,543       1,840       191       31,919  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
    15       522       490       15       -       1,042  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 2,680     $ 22,128     $ 4,053     $ 1,825     $ 191     $ 30,877  
 
Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
 
Residential
mortgages
   
Commercial
mortgages
   
Commercial
business
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Charged-off loans
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Recoveries on charged-off loans
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Provision for loan losses
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Balance at June 30, 2011
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
(In thousands)
 
Total
 
       
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 31,816  
         
Charged-off loans
    (6,348 )
Recoveries on charged-off loans
    1,854  
Net loans charged-off
    (4,494 )
         
Provision for loan losses
    4,526  
         
Balance at June 30, 2010
  $ 31,848  

 
21

 


The following is a summary of impaired loans at June 30, 2011 and for the six months then ended:
 
    
At June 30, 2011
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid Principal
Balance
   
Related Allowance
   
Average Recorded
Investment
   
Cash Basis
Interest Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance:
                             
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family
  $ 1,623     $ 1,623     $ -     $ 930     $ 11  
Residential mortgages - construction
    50       50       -       53       -  
Commercial-construction
    -       -       -       157       -  
Commercial mortgages - single and multifamily
    -       -       -       107       -  
Commercial mortgages - real estate
    8,588       8,588       -       7,994       84  
Commercial business loans
    -       -       -       46       -  
Consumer-home equity
    198       198       -       361       2  
                                         
With an allowance recorded:
                                       
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family
  $ 173     $ 188     $ 15     $ 633     $ 3  
Residential mortgages - construction
    -       -       -       32       -  
Commercial business loans
    157       647       490       357       1  
Commercial-construction
    2,821       3,011       190       2,335       -  
Commercial mortgages - single and multifamily
    -       -       -       548       3  
Commercial mortgages - real estate
    736       1,068       332       2,484       8  
Consumer-home equity
    165       180       15       30       -  
                                         
Total
                                       
Residential mortgages
  $ 1,846     $ 1,861     $ 15     $ 1,648     $ 14  
Commercial mortgages
    12,145       12,667       522       13,625       95  
Commercial business loans
    157       647       490       403       1  
Consumer loans
    363       378       15       391       2  
Total impaired loans
  $ 14,511     $ 15,553     $ 1,042     $ 16,067     $ 112  
 
There were no acquired loans considered impaired at June 30, 2011.
 
The following is a summary of impaired loans at December 31, 2010:
 
   
At December 31, 2010
 
(In thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid Principal
Balance
   
Related Allowance
 
With no related allowance:
                 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family
  $ 201     $ 201     $ -  
Residential mortgages - construction
    -       -       -  
Commercial business - other
    8,596       8,596       -  
Consumer - home equity
    397       397       -  
                         
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family
  $ 973     $ 1,206     $ 233  
Residential mortgages - construction
    178       191       13  
Commercial mortgages - construction
    1,432       1,735       303  
Commercial mortgages - single and multifamily
    772       1,211       439  
Commercial mortgages - real estate
    1,594       3,003       1,409  
Commercial business - other
    10       102       92  
                         
Total
                       
Residential mortgages
  $ 1,352     $ 1,598     $ 246  
Commercial mortgages
    3,798       5,949       2,151  
Commercial business
    8,606       8,698       92  
Consumer
    397       397       -  
Total impaired loans
  $ 14,153     $ 16,642     $ 2,489  

 
22

 
 
The following is summary information pertaining to non-accrual loans at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Historical loans
   
Acquired loans
   
Total
       
Residential mortgages:
                       
1-4 family
  $ 2,679     $ -     $ 2,679     $ 1,936  
Construction
    132       -       132       237  
Total
    2,811       -       2,811       2,173  
                                 
Commercial mortgages:
                               
Construction
    3,011       -       3,011       1,962  
Single and multi-family
    -       2,376       2,376       1,426  
Other
    4,213       -       4,213       6,100  
Total
    7,224       2,376       9,600       9,488  
                                 
Commercial business loans - other
    1,405       359       1,764       1,305  
                                 
Consumer loans:
                               
Home equity
    788       -       788       709  
Other
    74       -       74       37  
Total
    862       -       862       746  
                                 
Total non-accrual loans
  $ 12,302     $ 2,735     $ 15,037     $ 13,712  
 
Credit Quality Information
 
The Bank utilizes a twelve grade internal loan rating system for each of its commercial real estate, construction and commercial loans as follows:

1
Substantially Risk Free

Borrowers in this category are of unquestioned credit standing and are at the pinnacle of credit quality. Credits in this category are generally cash secured with strong management depth and experience and exhibit a superior track record.

2
Minimal Risk

A relationship which provides an adequate return on investment to the Company, have been stable during the last three years and have a superior financial condition as determined by a comparison with the industry.  In addition, management must be of unquestionable character and have strong abilities as measured by their long-term financial performance.

3
Moderate Risk

A relationship which does not appear to possess more than the normal degree of credit risk.  Overall, the borrower’s financial statements compare favorably with the industry.  A strong secondary repayment source exists and the loan is performing as agreed.
 
4
Better than Average Risk

A relationship which possesses most of the characteristics found in the Moderate Risk category and range from definitely sound to those with minor risk characteristics. Operates in a reasonably stable industry that may be moderately affected by the business cycle and moderately open to changes. Has a satisfactory track record and the loan is performing as agreed.

 
23

 
  
5
Average Risk

A relationship which possesses most of the characteristics found in the Better than Average Risk category but may have recently experienced a loss year often as a result of their operation in a cyclical industry. The relationship has smaller margins of debt service coverage with some elements of reduced strength. Good secondary repayment source exists and the loan is performing as agreed.  Start-up businesses and construction loans will generally be assigned to this category as well.

6
Acceptable Risk

 Borrowers in this category may be more highly leveraged than their industry peers and experience moderate losses relative to net worth.  Trends and performance i.e. sales and earnings, leverage, etc. may be negative.  Management’s ability may be questionable, or perhaps untested.  The industry may be experiencing either temporary or long term pressures.  Collateral values are seen as more important in assessing risk than in higher quality loans.  Failure to meet required line clean-up periods or other terms and conditions, including some slow payments may also predicate this grade.

7
Special Mention

A classification assigned to all relationships for credits with potential weaknesses which present a higher than normal credit risk, but not to the point of requiring a Substandard loan classification.  No loss of principal or interest is anticipated, however, these credits are followed closely, and if necessary, remedial plans to reduce the Company’s risk exposure are established.

8
Substandard – Performing

A classification assigned to a credit that is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquation of the debt.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Substandard loans will be evaluated on at least a quarterly basis to determine if an additional allocation of the Company’s allowance for loan loss is warranted.

9
Substandard – Non-Performing

A classification given to Substandard credits which have deteriorated to the point that management has placed the accounts on non-accrual status due to delinquency exceeding 90 days or where the Company has determined that collection of principal and interest in full is unlikely.

10
Doubtful

Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, highly questionable and improbable.  Collection in excess of 50% of the balance owed is not expected.

11
Loss

Loans classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted.  This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be possible in the future.

100
Small Business Express

Grade established for all small business credits deemed pass rated or better.

 
24

 

The Company risk rates its residential mortgages, including 1-4 family and residential construction loans, based on a three rating system: Pass, Special Mention and Substandard.  Loans that are current within 59 days are rated Pass.  Residential mortgages that are 60-89 days delinquent are rated Special Mention. Loans delinquent for 90 days or greater are rated Substandard and generally placed on non-accrual status.  Home equity loans are risk rated based on the same rating system as the Company's residential mortgages.
 
Other consumer loans, including auto loans, are rated based on a two rating system. Loans that are current within 119 days are rated Performing while loans delinquent for 120 days or more are rated Non-performing. Other consumer loans are placed on non-accrual at such time as they become Non-performing.

 
25

 

The following table presents the Company’s loans by risk rating at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
Historical  Loans

Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

   
1-4 family
   
Construction
   
Total residential mortgages
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Grade:
                                   
Pass
  $ 643,842     $ 616,435     $ 24,900     $ 24,663     $ 668,742     $ 641,098  
Special mention
    435       1,598       -       104       435       1,702  
Substandard
    3,803       1,936       234       237       4,037       2,173  
Total
  $ 648,080     $ 619,969     $ 25,134     $ 25,004     $ 673,214     $ 644,973  

 
Commercial Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category

    
Construction
   
Single and multi-family
   
Real estate
   
Total commercial mortgages
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Grade:
                                               
Pass
  $ 80,183     $ 100,737     $ 86,511     $ 82,017     $ 649,179     $ 626,571     $ 815,873     $ 809,325  
Special mention
    9,360       10,803       171       381       27,269       27,377       36,800       38,561  
Substandard
    20,348       15,095       2,502       4,527       68,709       57,752       91,559       77,374  
Doubtful
    -       189       -       -       124       124       124       313  
Loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 109,891     $ 126,824     $ 89,184     $ 86,925     $ 745,281     $ 711,824     $ 944,356     $ 925,573  
 
Commercial Business Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category

    
Asset based lending
   
Other
   
Total commercial business loans
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Grade:
                                   
Pass
  $ 133,520     $ 98,239     $ 174,422     $ 180,321     $ 307,942     $ 278,560  
Special mention
    -       -       1,895       1,281       1,895       1,281  
Substandard
    -       -       7,495       6,164       7,495       6,164  
Doubtful
    -       -       97       82       97       82  
Loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 133,520     $ 98,239     $ 183,909     $ 187,848     $ 317,429     $ 286,087  
 
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity

   
Home equity
   
Other
   
Total consumer loans
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Performing
  $ 225,985     $ 225,749     $ 44,803     $ 59,034     $ 270,788     $ 284,783  
Nonperforming
    788       709       74       37       862       746  
Total
  $ 226,773     $ 226,458     $ 44,877     $ 59,071     $ 271,650     $ 285,529  

 
26

 
 
Acquired  Loans

Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

    
1-4 family
   
Construction
   
Total residential mortgages
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Grade:
                                   
Pass
  $ 133,329     $ -     $ 447     $ -     $ 133,776     $ -  
Special mention
    608       -       -       -       608       -  
Substandard
    627       -       -       -       627       -  
Total
  $ 134,564     $ -     $ 447     $ -     $ 135,011     $ -  
 
Commercial Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category

   
Construction
   
Single and multi-family
   
Real estate
   
Total commercial mortgages
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Grade:
                                               
Pass
  $ 166     $ -     $ 1,805     $ -     $ 38,606     $ -     $ 40,577     $ -  
Special mention
    -       -       -       -       310       -       310       -  
Substandard
    -       -       3       -       3,096       -       3,099       -  
Doubtful
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 166     $ -     $ 1,808     $ -     $ 42,012     $ -     $ 43,986     $ -  
 
Commercial Business Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category

   
Asset based lending
   
Other
   
Total commercial business loans
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Grade:
                                   
Pass
  $ -     $ -     $ 24,897     $ -     $ 24,897     $ -  
Special mention
    -       -       882       -       882       -  
Substandard
    -       -       2,156       -       2,156       -  
Doubtful
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ 27,935     $ -     $ 27,935     $ -  
 
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity

    
Home equity
   
Other
   
Total consumer loans
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Performing
  $ 20,086     $ -     $ 18,022     $ -     $ 38,108     $ -  
Nonperforming
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 20,086     $ -     $ 18,022     $ -     $ 38,108     $ -  
 
7.           DEPOSITS 

 
A summary of time deposits is as follows:

 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Time less than $100,000
  $ 415,693     $ 368,770  
Time $100,000 or more
    395,296       372,354  
Total time deposits
  $ 810,989     $ 741,124  

 
27

 

8.           STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 


 
The Bank’s actual and required capital ratios were as follows:
  
               
FDIC Minimum
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
to be Well Capitalized
 
                   
Total capital to risk weighted assets
    11.3 %     10.6 %     10.0 %
                         
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
    10.0       9.3       6.0  
                         
Tier 1 capital to average assets
    8.4       8.0       5.0  

At each date shown, Berkshire Bank met the conditions to be classified as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table above.

9.           STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS 

 
A combined summary of activity in the Company’s stock award and stock option plans for the six months ended June 30, 2011 is presented in the following table:
 
   
Non-vested Stock
             
   
Awards Outstanding
   
Stock Options Outstanding
 
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
Number of
   
Grant Date
   
Number of
   
Exercise
 
(Shares in thousands)
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Price
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
    171     $ 18.42       152     $ 24.41  
Granted
    59       21.24       -       -  
Stock options exercised
    -       -       (13 )     16.75  
Stock awards vested
    (61 )     19.51       -       -  
Expired
    -       -       (36 )     19.80  
Forfeited
    (21 )     19.61       -       -  
Balance as of June 30, 2011
    148     $ 18.94       103     $ 26.93  
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, proceeds from stock option exercises totaled $12 thousand and $210 thousand, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, there were 61 thousand shares issued in connection with vested stock awards.  During the six months ended June 30, 2010, there were 43 thousand shares issued in connection with vested stock awards.  All of these shares were issued from available treasury stock.  Stock-based compensation expense totaled $584 thousand and $784 thousand during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards.

10.         OPERATING SEGMENTS 


 
The Company has two reportable operating segments, Banking and Insurance, which are delineated by the consolidated subsidiaries of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.  Banking includes the activities of the Bank and its subsidiaries, which provide retail and commercial banking, along with wealth management and investment services.  Insurance includes the activities of BIG, which provides retail and commercial insurance services.  The only other consolidated financial activity of the Company is the Parent, which consists of the transactions of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Management fees for corporate services provided by the Bank to BIG and the Parent are eliminated.

 
28

 

The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as those of the Company.  The Insurance segment and the Parent reimburse the Bank for administrative services provided to them.  Income tax expense for the individual segments is calculated based on the activity of the segments, and the Parent records the tax expense or benefit necessary to reconcile to the consolidated total.  The Parent does not allocate capital costs.  Average assets include securities available-for-sale based on amortized cost.

A summary of the Company’s operating segments was as follows:

(In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Parent
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Three months ended June 30, 2011
                             
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 24,410     $ -     $ (209 )   $ -     $ 24,201  
Provision for loan losses
    1,500       -       -       -       1,500  
Non-interest income
    5,389       2,781       (629 )     629       8,170  
Non-interest expense
    23,778       2,194       2,650       1       28,623  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    4,521       587       (3,488 )     628       2,248  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,296       240       (1,165 )     -       371  
Net income
  $ 3,225     $ 347     $ (2,323 )   $ 628     $ 1,877  
                                         
Average assets (in millions)
  $ 3,167     $ 34     $ 405     $ (392 )   $ 3,214  
                                         
Three months ended June 30, 2010
                                       
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 19,088     $ -     $ (217 )   $ -     $ 18,871  
Provision for loan losses
    2,200       -       -       -       2,200  
Non-interest income
    4,396       3,213       3,685       (3,683 )     7,611  
Non-interest expense
    17,474       2,303       252       (1 )     20,028  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    3,810       910       3,216       (3,682 )     4,254  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    635       373       (192 )     -       816  
Net income
  $ 3,175     $ 537     $ 3,408     $ (3,682 )   $ 3,438  
                                         
Average assets (in millions)
  $ 2,659     $ 34     $ 362     $ (333 )   $ 2,720  
                                         
Six months ended June 30, 2011
                                       
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 44,764     $ -     $ (416 )   $ (1 )   $ 44,347  
Provision for loan losses
    3,100       -       -       -       3,100  
Non-interest income
    9,792       6,512       3,515       (3,515 )     16,304  
Non-interest expense
    42,731       4,449       4,632       -       51,812  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    8,725       2,063       (1,533 )     (3,516 )     5,739  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    2,246       844       (2,063 )     -       1,027  
Net income
  $ 6,479     $ 1,219     $ 530     $ (3,516 )   $ 4,712  
                                         
Average assets (in millions)
  $ 3,005     $ 33     $ 380     $ (372 )   $ 3,046  
                                         
Six months ended June 30, 2010
                                       
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 37,598     $ -     $ (430 )   $ -     $ 37,168  
Provision for loan losses
    4,526       -       -       -       4,526  
Non-interest income
    9,057       6,698       7,334       (7,332 )     15,757  
Non-interest expense
    35,044       4,612       566       (2 )     40,220  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    7,085       2,086       6,338       (7,330 )     8,179  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    926       856       (407 )     -       1,375  
Net income
  $ 6,159     $ 1,230     $ 6,745     $ (7,330 )   $ 6,804  
                                         
Average assets (in millions)
  $ 2,676     $ 31     $ 392     $ (400 )   $ 2,699  

 
29

 

11.         DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES 

 
As of June 30, 2011, the Company held derivatives with a total notional amount of $497 million. Of this total, interest rate swaps with a combined notional amount of $160 million were designated as cash flow hedges and $308 million have been designated as economic hedges.  The remaining $29 million notional amount represents commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale and commitments to sell residential mortgage loans, which are also accounted for as derivative financial instruments. At June 30, 2011, no derivatives were designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations.  Additionally, the Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements involve the risk of dealing with both Bank customers and institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. The agreements are entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and contain master netting and collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party. The derivatives program is overseen by the Risk Management Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Based on adherence to the Company’s credit standards and the presence of the netting and collateral provisions, the Company believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts was not significant at June 30, 2011.

The Company pledged collateral to derivative counterparties in the form of cash totaling $6.6 million and securities with an amortized cost of $26.7 million and a fair value of $27.5 million as of June 30, 2011. The Company does not typically require its Commercial customers to post cash or securities collateral on its program of back-to-back economic hedges, however certain language is written into the ISDA and loan documents where, in default situations, the Bank is allowed to access collateral supporting the loan relationship to recover any losses suffered on the derivate asset or liability. The Company may need to post additional collateral in the future in proportion to potential increases in unrealized loss positions.

Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities at June 30, 2011, follows:
          
Weighted
               
Estimated
 
   
Notional
   
Average
   
Weighted Average Rate
   
Fair Value
 
   
Amount
   
Maturity
   
Received
   
Paid
   
Asset (Liability)
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In years)
               
(In thousands)
 
Cash flow hedges:
                             
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings
  $ 105,000       2.2       0.26 %     4.00 %   $ (7,010 )
Forward-starting Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings
    40,000       2.3       0.00       3.13       (743 )
Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated debentures
    15,000       2.9       2.11       5.54       (1,139 )
Total cash flow hedges
    160,000                               (8,892 )
                                         
Economic hedges:
                                       
Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond
    14,330       18.4       0.56       5.09       (1,826 )
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers
    146,766       6.1       2.82       5.96       (8,314 )
Back to back interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers
    146,766       6.1       5.96       2.82       8,163  
Total economic hedges
    307,862                               (1,977 )
                                         
Non-hedging derivatives:
                                       
Commitments to originate residential mortgage loans to be sold
    14,671       0.2                       (71 )
Commitments to sell residential mortgage loans
    14,671       0.2                       48  
Total non-hedging derivatives
    29,342                               (23 )
                                         
Total
  $ 497,204                             $ (10,892 )
 
 
30

 

Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2010, follows:
         
Weighted
               
Estimated
 
   
Notional
   
Average
   
Weighted Average Rate
   
Fair Value
 
   
Amount
   
Maturity
   
Received
   
Paid
   
Asset (Liability)
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In years)
               
(In thousands)
 
Cash flow hedges:
                             
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings
  $ 105,000       2.7       0.29 %     4.00 %   $ (7,696 )
Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings
    40,000       2.8       -       3.13       (468 )
Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated debentures
    15,000       3.4       2.13       5.54       (1,142 )
Total cash flow hedges
    160,000                               (9,306 )
                                         
Economic hedges:
                                       
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond
    14,559       18.9       0.63       5.09       (1,757 )
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers
    137,295       6.5       2.93       6.04       (7,374 )
Back to back interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers
    137,295       6.5       6.04       2.93       7,406  
Total economic hedges
    289,149                               (1,725 )
                                         
Non-hedging derivatives:
                                       
Commitments to originate residential mortgage loans
    13,172       0.2                       (280 )
Commitments to sell residential mortgage loans
    13,172       0.2                       267  
Total non-hedging derivatives
    26,344                               (13 )
                                         
Total
  $ 475,493                             $ (11,044 )
 
Cash flow hedges
 
The effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges is reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Each quarter, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.
 
The Company has entered into several interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $105 million to convert the LIBOR based floating interest rates on a $105 million portfolio of FHLBB advances to fixed rates, with the objective of fixing the Company’s monthly interest expense on these borrowings.  In the third quarter of 2010, the Company terminated $40 million notional amount of interest rate swaps that were used to convert floating based FHLBB advances to a fixed rate.  The Company has retained the floating rate advances and fully anticipates holding these advances until maturity.  Net gains and losses for terminated cash flow hedges remain in accumulated other comprehensive income and are amortized into earnings in the same period or periods during which the originally hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.  Management’s decision to terminate the swaps was based on its assessment that these hedges were no longer needed to execute management’s balance sheet management strategy.

The Company has also entered into four forward-starting interest rate swaps each with a notional value of $10 million. Two of these swaps take effect in April 2012 and the other two take effect in April 2013. All swaps have a one year duration. This hedge strategy converts the LIBOR based rate of interest on certain FHLB advances to fixed interest rates, thereby protecting the Company from floating interest rate variability.

The Company has entered into an interest rate swap with a notional value of $15 million to convert the floating rate of interest on its junior subordinated debentures to a fixed rate of interest. The purpose of the hedge was to protect the Company from the risk of variability arising from the floating rate interest on the debentures.

 
31

 

 
Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in the other comprehensive income section of the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows, were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings:
                       
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (666 )   $ (3,943 )   $ 433     $ (5,304 )
                                 
Reclassification of realized gain from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other non-interest income for termination of swaps
    235       -       470       -  
                                 
Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other non-interest income for hedge ineffectiveness
    10       -       20       -  
                                 
Net tax benefit  (expense) on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    255       1,634       (196 )     2,249  
 
                               
Reclassification of unrealized deferred tax benefit from accumulated other comprehensive loss to tax expense for terminated swaps
    (98 )     -       (196 )     -  
 
                               
Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated debentures:
                               
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (151 )     (334 )     3       (482 )
                                 
Net tax benefit (expense) on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    62       137       (2 )     204  
Other comprehensive (loss) income recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects
  $ (353 )   $ (2,506 )   $ 532     $ (3,333 )
                                 
Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on hedged FHLBB borrowings
  $ 1,218     $ 1,409     $ 2,424     $ 2,821  
                                 
Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on junior subordinated debentures
  $ 129     $ 126     $ 256     $ 255  

The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $4.7 million at June 30, 2011. Of this loss, $14.4 million was attributable to accumulated losses on cash flow hedges, net of deferred tax benefits of $6.0 million, and $5.9 million was attributable to accumulated gains on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax expenses of $2.2 million.

The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $6.4 million at December 31, 2010. Of this loss, $15.3 million was attributable to accumulated losses on cash flow hedges, net of deferred tax benefits of $6.4 million, and $4.0 million was attributable to accumulated gains on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax expenses of $1.5 million.

Hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was immaterial to the Company’s financial statements during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  The Company does not anticipate material events or transactions within the next twelve months that are likely to result in a reclassification of unrealized gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate liabilities. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $5.2 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives

The Company has an interest rate swap with a $14.3 million notional amount to swap out the fixed rate of interest on an economic development bond bearing a fixed rate of 5.09%, currently within the Company’s trading portfolio under the fair value option, in exchange for a LIBOR-based floating rate. The intent of the economic hedge is to improve the Company’s asset sensitivity to changing interest rates in anticipation of favorable average floating rates of interest over the 21-year life of the bond.  The fair value changes of the economic development bond are mostly offset by fair value changes of the related interest rate swap.

 
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The Company also offers certain derivative products directly to qualified commercial borrowers.  The Company economically hedges derivative transactions executed with commercial borrowers by entering into mirror-image, offsetting derivatives with third-party financial institutions.  The transaction allows the Company’s customer to convert a variable-rate loan to a fixed rate loan. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts mostly offset each other in earnings. Credit valuation adjustments arising from the difference in credit worthiness of the commercial loan and financial institution counterparties totaled $152 thousand as of June 30, 2011 and were not material to the financial statements.  The interest income and expense on these mirror image swaps exactly offset each other.

The Company enters into commitments with certain of its retail customers to originate fixed rate mortgage loans and simultaneously enters into an agreement to sell these fixed rate mortgage loans to the Federal National Mortgage Association.  These commitments are considered derivative financial instruments and are recorded at fair value with any changes in fair value recorded through earnings.

Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Economic hedges
                       
Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond:
                       
Net interest expense recognized in interest and dividend income on securities
  $ (164 )   $ (166 )   $ (325 )   $ (334 )
                                 
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income
    (359 )     (1,135 )     (69 )     (1,294 )
                                 
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:
                               
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income
    2,511       4,973       940       6,578  
                                 
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:
                               
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income
    (2,511 )     (4,973 )     (940 )     (6,578 )
                                 
(Unfavorable) favorable change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income
  $ (225 )   $ (323 )   $ (183 )   $ 53  
                                 
Non-hedging derivatives
                               
Commitments to originate residential mortgage loans to be sold:
                               
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income
  $ (71 )   $ (153 )   $ (110 )   $ (185 )
                                 
Commitments to sell residential mortgage loans:
                               
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income
  $ 48     $ 161     $ 74     $ 209  
 
12.         FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 

 
A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried at fair value.

 
33

 

Recurring fair value measurements

The following table summarizes assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value. There were no transfers between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2011.
    June 30, 2011  
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
(In thousands)
 
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Trading account security
  $ -     $ -     $ 16,025     $ 16,025  
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Municipal bonds and obligations
    -       75,525       -       75,525  
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       18,264       -       18,264  
Government sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       166,902       -       166,902  
Corporate bonds
    -       4,993       -       4,993  
Trust preferred securities
    -       17,850       681       18,531  
Other bonds and obligations
    -       683       -       683  
Marketable equity securities
    21,175       -       -       21,175  
Derivative assets
    -       8,210       -       8,210  
Derivative liabilities
    -       19,102       -       19,102  

   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
(In thousands)
 
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Trading account security
  $ -     $ -     $ 16,155     $ 16,155  
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Municipal bonds and obligations
    -       79,906       -       79,906  
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       26,164       -       26,164  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       146,719       -       146,719  
Corporate bonds
    -       18,290       -       18,290  
Trust preferred securities
    -       19,637       218       19,855  
Other bonds and obligations
    -       403       -       403  
Marketable equity securities
    17,428       -       1,477       18,905  
Derivative assets
    -       7,673       -       7,673  
Derivative liabilities
    -       18,717       -       18,717  

Trading Security at Fair Value. The Company holds one security designated as a trading security. It is a tax advantaged economic development bond issued by the Company to a local nonprofit organization which provides wellness and health programs. The determination of the fair value for this security is determined based on a discounted cash flow methodology. Certain inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable and there is little to no market activity in the security, therefore, the security meets the definition of a Level 3 security.

Securities Available for Sale. AFS securities classified as Level 1 consist of publicly-traded equity securities for which the fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. AFS securities classified as Level 2 include most of the Company’s debt securities. The pricing on Level 2 was primarily sourced from third party pricing services and is based on models that consider standard input factors such as 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 condition, among other things. The Company holds one trust preferred security. The security’s fair value is based on unobservable issuer-provided financial information and discounted cash flow models derived from the underlying structured pool.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities. The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves.

 
34

 

The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings.

Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties.  However, as of June 30, 2011, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company enters into various commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale and commitments to sell residential mortgage loans. Such commitments are considered to be derivative financial instruments and are carried at estimated fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale is adjusted to reflect estimates for fall-out rates, associated servicing and origination costs. These assumptions are considered significant unobservable inputs resulting in a Level 2 classification. As of June 30, 2011, liabilities derived from commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale totaled $71 thousand. The estimated fair values of commitments to sell residential mortgage loans were calculated by reference to prices quoted by the Federal National Mortgage Association in secondary markets. These valuations result in a Level 2 classification. As of June 30, 2011, assets derived from commitments to sell residential mortgage loans totaled $48 thousand.

 
35

 

The table below presents the changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
Assets
 
   
Trading
   
Securities
 
   
Account
   
Available
 
(In thousands)
 
Security
   
for Sale
 
             
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 16,155     $ 1,695  
                 
Unrealized (loss) recognized in other non-interest income
    (257 )     -  
Unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    -       498  
Amortization of trading account security
    (117 )     -  
Balance as of March 31, 2011
  $ 15,781     $ 2,193  
                 
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income
    357       -  
Unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    -       112  
Amortization of trading account security
    (113 )     -  
Transfer out of Level 3
    -       (1,624 )
Balance as of June 30, 2011
  $ 16,025     $ 681  
                 
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at June 30, 2011
  $ 1,694     $ (1,918 )

   
Assets
 
   
Trading
   
Securities
 
   
Account
   
Available
 
(In thousands)
 
Security
   
for Sale
 
             
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 15,880     $ 2,016  
                 
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income
    46       -  
Unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    -       267  
Amortization of trading account security
    (110 )     -  
Balance as of March 31, 2010
  $ 15,816     $ 2,283  
                 
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income
    1,206       -  
Unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    -       348  
Amortization of trading account security
    (108 )     -  
Balance as of June 30, 2010
  $ 16,914     $ 2,631  
                 
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at June 30, 2010
  $ 2,133     $ (1,510 )

 
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Non-recurring fair value measurements

The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. The following is a summary of applicable non-recurring fair value measurements. There are no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

   
June 30, 2011
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
 
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
Assets
                 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 4,052  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       1,700  
Mortgage servicing rights
    -       -       2,241  
                         
Total Assets
  $ -     $ -     $ 7,993  
                         
   
December 31, 2010
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
 
Inputs
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
Assets
                       
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 4,960  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       3,386  
Mortgage servicing rights
    -       -       2,035  
                         
Total Assets
  $ -     $ -     $ 10,381  

Securities held to maturity. Held to maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost and are evaluated periodically for impairment. No impairments were recorded on securities held to maturity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. Held for maturity securities are fair valued using the same methodologies applied to the available for sales securities portfolio.  Most securities in the held to maturity portfolio consist of economic development bonds and issues to local municipalities that are not actively traded and are priced using a discounted cash flows model.  The Company views these as Level 3 pricing.

Restricted equity securities. The Company’s restricted equity securities balance is primarily composed of FHLBB stock having a carrying value of $21.0 million as of June 30, 2011. FHLBB stock is recorded at par and periodically evaluated for impairment.  The FHLBB is a cooperative that provides services to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for joining the FHLBB was to obtain funding from the FHLBB and the purchase of stock in the FHLBB is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. The Company purchases FHLBB stock proportional to the volume of funding received and views the purchases as a necessary long-term investment for the purposes of balance sheet liquidity and not for investment return.

The FHLBB reported positive net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and has reinstated its dividend payment in the second quarter of 2011. The Company also reviewed recent public filings, rating agency’s analysis which showed investment-grade ratings, capital position which exceeds all required capital levels, and other factors. As a result of the Company’s review for OTTI, management deemed the investment in the FHLBB stock not to be OTTI at June 30, 2011. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of management’s future evaluation of the Company’s investment in the FHLBB and it will continue to be monitored closely.

 
37

 

Loans. Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records non-recurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Non-recurring adjustments can also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation amount does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan.  Real estate collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace.  However, the choice of observable data is subject to significant judgment, and there are often adjustments based on judgment in order to make observable data comparable and to consider the impact of time, the condition of properties, interest rates, and other market factors on current values.  Additionally, commercial real estate appraisals frequently involve discounting of projected cash flows, which relies inherently on unobservable data.  Therefore, real estate collateral related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments have generally been classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value used for other collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3.

Loans held for sale. Loans originated and held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. No fair value adjustments were recorded on loans held for sale during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company holds loans in the held for sale category for a period generally less than 3 months and as a result fair value approximates carrying value.

Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights.   A loan servicing right asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans are expected to more than adequately compensate the Company for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Adjustments are only recorded when the discounted cash flows derived from the valuation model are less than the carrying value of the asset. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other real estate owned (“OREO”). OREO results from the foreclosure process on residential or commercial loans issued by the Bank. Upon assuming the real estate, the Company records the property at the fair value of the asset less the estimated sales costs. Thereafter, OREO properties are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. OREO fair values are primarily determined based on Level 3 data including sales comparables and appraisals.

Intangibles and Goodwill. The Company’s other intangible assets totaled $14.5 million and $11.4 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Other intangibles include core deposit intangibles, insurance customer relationships, and non-compete agreements assumed by the Company as part of historical acquisitions.  Other intangibles are initially recorded at fair value based on Level 3 data, such as internal appraisals and customized discounted criteria, and are amortized over their estimated lives on a straight-line or accelerated basis ranging from five to ten years.  No impairment was recorded on other intangible assets during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

The Company’s Goodwill balance as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $178.1 million and $161.7 million, respectively. The Company tests goodwill impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is possible. No impairment was recorded by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 
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Summary of estimated fair values of financial instruments

The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments follow. Certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented herein may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
                         
Financial Assets
                       
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 41,917     $ 41,917     $ 44,140     $ 44,140  
Trading security
    16,025       16,025       16,155       16,155  
Securities available for sale
    306,073       306,073       310,242       310,242  
Securities held to maturity
    55,061       56,414       56,436       57,594  
Restricted equity securities
    23,120       23,120       23,120       23,120  
Net loans
    2,419,770       2,422,398       2,110,264       2,051,829  
Loans held for sale
    -       -       1,043       1,043  
Accrued interest receivable
    9,410       9,410       8,769       8,769  
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies
    56,865       56,865       46,085       46,085  
Derivative assets
    8,210       8,210       7,673       7,673  
                                 
Financial Liabilities
                               
                                 
Total deposits
  $ 2,485,815     $ 2,496,108     $ 2,204,441     $ 2,215,307  
Short-term debt
    7,770       7,770       47,030       47,030  
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    237,429       241,541       197,807       200,746  
Junior subordinated debentures
    15,464       9,897       15,464       9,742  
Derivative liabilities
    19,102       19,102       18,717       18,717  
 
Other than as discussed above, the following methods and assumptions were used by management to estimate the fair value of significant classes of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and cash equivalents. Carrying value is assumed to represent fair value for cash and cash equivalents that have original maturities of ninety days or less.

Restricted equity securities. Carrying value approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the issuers.

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Carrying value approximates fair value.

Loans, net. The carrying value of the loans in the loan portfolio is based on the cash flows of the loans discounted over their respective loan origination rates. The origination rates are adjusted for substandard and special mention loans to factor the impact of declines in the loan’s credit standing. The fair value of the loans is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans with similar terms would be made to borrowers of similar credit quality.

Accrued interest receivable. Carrying value approximates fair value.

Deposits. The fair value of demand, non-interest bearing checking, savings and money market deposits is determined as the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using market rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Borrowed funds. The fair value of borrowed funds is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using market rates for similar borrowings.  Such funds include all categories of debt and debentures in the table above.

 
39

 

Junior subordinated debentures. The Company utilizes a pricing service along with internal models to estimate the valuation of its junior subordinated debentures. The junior subordinated debentures re-price every ninety days.

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments. Off-balance-sheet financial instruments include standby letters of credit and other financial guarantees and commitments considered immaterial to the Company’s financial statements.
 
13.         SUBSEQUENT EVENT 

 
On July 21, 2011, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Legacy Bancorp, Inc. ("Legacy"), the parent company of Legacy Banks. Concurrently, Legacy Bancorp merged into Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Legacy Banks merged into Berkshire Bank. At the time of the merger, Legacy had 19 branch offices located in western Massachusetts and eastern New York State.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Legacy shareholders received 4.35 million shares of the Company and $10.0 million cash. As of June 30, 2011, Legacy had assets with a carrying value of $891 million, including loans outstanding with a carrying value of $587 million, as well as deposits with a carrying value of $660 million.  The results of Legacy's operations will be included in our Consolidated Statement of Income from the date of acquisition. As a result of the proximity of the closing of the merger with Legacy to the date these consolidated financial statements are available to be issued, the Company is still evaluating the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Accordingly, the amount of any goodwill to be recognized in connection with this transaction is also yet to be determined.

In addition, on July 13, 2011, the Company and Legacy, entered into an agreement to sell four Legacy Banks branches in Berkshire County to NBT Bank, N.A. (NBT Bank), the banking subsidiary of NBT Bancorp Inc.  The four branches to be divested are located in Massachusetts’ Berkshire County in the towns of Great Barrington, Lee, Pittsfield, and North Adams.  The branches had deposits totaling $158 million, loans totaling $47 million and fixed assets totaling $2.7 million.  The branches will be sold for a 6% deposit premium, and the transaction is expected to close by October 31, 2011.  In accordance with the merger agreement between Berkshire and Legacy, a cash payment will be made to former Legacy stockholders as of the record date after the divestiture is completed in an amount equal to 50% of the premium in excess of 3.50% (net of applicable taxes).  Based on the agreement with NBT Bank, this payment to Legacy stockholders is expected to be approximately $0.15 per Legacy share.

 
40

 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 


OVERVIEW

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this document and with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the following discussion, income statement comparisons are against the same period of the previous year and balance sheet comparisons are against the previous fiscal year-end, unless otherwise noted. Operating results discussed herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year 2011 or any future period. In management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, certain reclassifications have been made to make prior periods comparable. Tax-equivalent adjustments are the result of increasing income from tax-advantaged securities by an amount equal to the taxes that would be paid if the income were fully taxable based on a 41.5% effective income tax rate.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp (“the Company” or “Berkshire”) is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It had $3.2 billion in assets at June 30, 2011 and is the parent of Berkshire Bank — America’s Most Exciting BankSM (“the Bank”).  Berkshire completed the acquisition of Rome Bancorp, Inc. on April 1, 2011.  Berkshire acquired Legacy Bancorp, with $0.9 billion in assets on July 21, 2011.  Including the Legacy operations, Berkshire provides personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services through more than 60 full service branch offices in western Massachusetts, northeastern New York, and southern Vermont.  Berkshire Bank provides 100% deposit insurance protection on all deposit accounts, regardless of amount, based on a combination of FDIC insurance and membership in the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). For more information, visit www.berkshirebank.com or call 800-773-5601.

Berkshire is a regional financial services company that seeks to distinguish itself based on the following attributes:

 
Strong growth from organic, de novo, product and acquisition strategies
 
Solid capital, core funding and risk management culture
 
Experienced executive team focused on earnings and stockholder value
 
Distinctive brand and culture as America’s Most Exciting BankSM
 
Diversified integrated financial service revenues
 
Positioned to be regional consolidator in attractive markets

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this document that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (referred to as the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (referred to as the Securities Exchange Act), and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  You can identify these statements from the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including among other things, changes in general economic and business conditions.

Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the filings made by Berkshire with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Berkshire Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form S-4 filed by Berkshire with the SEC on February 2, 2011 for the Rome acquisition and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form S-4 filed by Berkshire with the SEC on May 6, 2011 for the Legacy acquisition.  Because of these and other uncertainties, Berkshire’s actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, Berkshire’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate Berkshire’s combined future results. You should not place undue reliance on any of the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made.  Berkshire is not undertaking an obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even though its situation may change in the future, except as required under federal securities law. Berkshire qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 
41

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES, AND NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.   Please see those policies in conjunction with this discussion. The accounting and reporting policies followed by the Company conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company bases estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The SEC defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of Management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in future periods.  Management believes that the following policies would be considered critical under the SEC’s definition:

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the Company’s estimate of probable credit losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio at the financial statement date.  Management uses historical information, as well as current economic data, to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses as it is affected by changing economic conditions and various external factors, which may impact the portfolio in ways currently unforeseen.  Although we believe that we use appropriate available information to establish the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary if certain future events occur that cause actual results to differ from the assumptions used in making the evaluation. Conditions in the local economy and real estate values could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses, which would negatively impact earnings.

Acquired Loans.  Due to the bank acquisitions in 2011, the Company added a significant accounting policy related to acquired loans.  This policy addresses the estimates made to record loans at fair value, with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses.  Please see the further discussion of this new significant accounting policy in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s asset and liabilities.  The realization of the net deferred tax asset generally depends upon future levels of taxable income and the existence of prior years’ taxable income, to which “carry back” refund claims could be made. A valuation allowance is maintained for deferred tax assets that management estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made.  Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities.  In determining the valuation allowance, the Company uses historical and forecasted future operating results, based upon approved business plans, including a review of the eligible carryforward periods, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations. These underlying assumptions can change from period to period. For example, tax law changes or variances in future projected operating performance could result in a change in the valuation allowance.  Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those considered by management, the actual realization of the net deferred tax asset could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements. If the Company is not able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination was made.

 
42

 

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets.  Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are recorded as a result of business acquisitions and combinations.  These assets are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.   There have been no such events or changes in circumstance since the Company’s most recent report on Form 10-K.  When these assets are evaluated for impairment, if the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income.  The fair value is based on observable market prices, when practicable. Other valuation techniques may be used when market prices are unavailable, including estimated discounted cash flows and market multiples analyses.  These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. In the event of future changes in fair value, the Company may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

Determination of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Securities.  The Company evaluates debt and equity securities within the Company’s available for sale and held to maturity portfolios for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.  For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings.  Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.  In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolios for OTTI, the Company considers its intent and ability to hold an equity security to recovery of its cost basis in addition to various other factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI on marketable equity securities is recognized immediately through earnings.  Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those expected by management, the actual realization of gains or losses on investment securities could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.   The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Trading assets, securities available for sale, and derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, or to establish a loss allowance or write-down based on the fair value of impaired assets.  Further, the notes to financial statements include information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used and its impact to earnings.  Additionally, for financial instruments not recorded at fair value, the notes to financial statements disclose the estimate of their fair value.  Due to the judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimation process, the estimates could result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

For additional information regarding critical accounting policies, refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to consolidated financial statements and the sections captioned “Critical Accounting Policies” and “Loan Loss Allowance” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2010 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s application of critical accounting policies since year-end 2010. Please refer to the note on Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of this report for a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements.  Please see the note on Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of this report for a discussion of policies that have been refined or added in 2011.

 
43

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The following summary data is based in part on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, and other information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
 
   
At or for the Three Months Ended
   
At or for the Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
                       
Return on average assets
    0.23 %     0.51 %     0.31 %     0.50 %
Return on average equity
    1.67       3.54       2.28       3.48  
Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent
    3.52       3.25       3.41       3.24  
                                 
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS
                               
Net charge-offs (annualized)/average loans
    0.24 %     0.44 %     0.27 %     0.46 %
Non-performing assets/total assets
    0.52       0.71       0.52       0.71  
Loan loss allowance/total loans
    1.30       1.58       1.30       1.58  
Allowance loan losses/non-accruing loans
    212       193       212       193  
                                 
CAPITAL
                               
Stockholders' equity to total assets
    13.80 %     13.97 %     13.80 %     13.97 %
                                 
PER SHARE DATA
                               
Net earnings, diluted
  $ 0.11     $ 0.25     $ 0.31     $ 0.49  
Total book value
    26.61       27.43       26.61       27.43  
Dividends
    0.16       0.16       0.32       0.32  
Stock price:
                               
High
    22.85       22.84       22.92       22.84  
Low
    20.45       16.81       20.45       16.20  
Close
    22.39       19.48       22.39       19.48  
                                 
FINANCIAL DATA: (In millions)
                               
Total assets
  $ 3,226     $ 2,748     $ 3,226     $ 2,748  
Total loans
    2,452       2,020       2,452       2,020  
Allowance for loan losses
    32       32       32       32  
Other earning assets
    411       412       411       412  
Total intangible assets
    193       175       193       175  
Deposits
    2,486       2,040       2,486       2,040  
Borrowings and debentures
    261       285       261       285  
Stockholders' equity
    445       385       445       385  
                                 
FOR THE PERIOD: (In thousands)
                               
Net interest income
  $ 24,201     $ 18,871     $ 44,347     $ 37,168  
Provision for loan losses
    1,500       2,200       3,100       4,526  
Non-interest income
    8,170       7,611       16,304       15,757  
Non-interest expense
    28,623       20,028       51,812       40,220  
Net income
    1,877       3,438       4,712       6,804  
                                 

(1)
All performance ratios are annualized and are based on average balance sheet amounts, where applicable.

 
44

 

AVERAGE BALANCES AND AVERAGE YIELDS/RATES
 
The following table presents average balances and an analysis of average rates and yields on an annualized fully taxable equivalent basis for the periods included.

    
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield/Rate
(FTE basis)
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield/Rate
(FTE basis)
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield/Rate 
(FTE basis)
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield/Rate 
(FTE basis)
 
Assets
                                               
Loans:
                                               
Residential mortgages
  $ 802       4.97 %   $ 636       5.26 %   $ 727       5.01 %   $ 625       5.29 %
Commercial mortgages
    974       4.74       877       4.96       952       4.71       867       4.95  
Commercial business loans
    334       4.89       181       4.99       309       4.79       176       4.93  
Consumer loans
    311       3.97       303       3.93       296       3.80       307       3.98  
Total loans
    2,421       4.74       1,997       4.90       2,284       4.70       1,975       4.91  
Securities
    406       4.07       408       4.09       405       4.04       410       4.07  
Fed funds sold & short-term investments
    5       0.19       10       0.10       8       0.16       9       0.15  
Total earning assets
    2,831       4.64       2,415       4.75       2,697       4.58       2,394       4.75  
Other assets
    383               305               349               305          
Total assets
  $ 3,214             $ 2,720             $ 3,046             $ 2,699          
                                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
                                                               
Deposits:
                                                               
NOW
  $ 230       0.31 %   $ 197       0.35 %   $ 223       0.32 %   $ 196       0.37 %
Money market
    778       0.69       598       0.98       762       0.72       570       1.00  
Savings
    317       0.26       221       0.25       276       0.28       222       0.29  
Time
    810       2.00       748       2.68       774       2.09       753       2.70  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,135       1.08       1,764       1.54       2,035       1.14       1,741       1.57  
Borrowings and debentures
    270       3.10       267       3.46       250       3.36       274       3.36  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,405       1.31       2,031       1.79       2,285       1.38       2,015       1.81  
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    334               276               314               273          
Other liabilities
    25               25               26               23          
Total liabilities
    2,764               2,332               2,625               2,311          
                                                                 
Total stockholders' equity
    450               388               421               388          
                                                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 3,214             $ 2,720             $ 3,046             $ 2,699          
                                                                 
Net interest spread
            3.33 %             2.96 %             3.20 %             2.93 %
Net interest margin
            3.52               3.25               3.41               3.24  
                                                                 
Supplementary data
                                                               
Total deposits (In millions)
  $ 2,469             $ 2,040             $ 2,349             $ 2,014          
Fully taxable equivalent income adj. (In thousands)
    675               693               1,354               1,339          
Cost of deposits
            0.94               1.33               0.99               1.36  
Cost of funds
            1.15               1.58               1.22               1.60  
 

(1) The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, loans held for sale, and deferred fees and costs.
(2) The average balance for securities available for sale is based on amortized cost.
 
 
45

 

SUMMARY

Berkshire’s second quarter 2011 net income was $1.9 million ($0.11 per share).  Second quarter results included $5.3 million in net non-core expenses related to the mergers of Rome and Legacy.  Excluding these expenses (after-tax), Berkshire’s adjusted net income was $5.8 million ($0.35 per share).  These adjusted results were an increase of 40% over prior year second quarter EPS of $0.25, and a 17% increase over similarly adjusted results in the first quarter of 2011.  This growth reflects the benefit of positive operating leverage related to organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management.  It also includes an estimated $0.03 per share in accretive earnings from acquired Rome operations in the most recent quarter.  Results in the most recent quarter included the issuance of approximately 2.7 million shares to Rome shareholders as merger consideration on April 1, 2011.  Berkshire has now reported five consecutive quarters with year over year earnings per share growth exceeding 25% before merger related expenses and non-recurring charges.

Second quarter financial highlights are shown below.  Revenue and expense comparisons are to the prior year second quarter, unless otherwise noted.  Second quarter results include the operations of Rome Bancorp beginning on April 1, 2011.  Organic growth numbers exclude acquired Rome balances.

 
·
16% organic annualized commercial loan growth
 
·
9% organic annualized total loan growth
 
·
3% organic annualized deposit growth
 
·
3.52% net interest margin, improved from 3.30% in the first quarter of 2011
 
·
22% increase in wealth management fee income
 
·
0.52% non-performing assets/total assets
 
·
0.24% annualized net loan charge-offs/average loans
 
·
0.62% accruing delinquent loans/loans

Berkshire completed the Rome and Legacy acquisitions as planned, and the Rome integration was substantially completed in the second quarter.  The Legacy integration is planned for completion in the fourth quarter of 2011, including the planned divestiture of four Legacy branches.  Berkshire expects to achieve its cost savings targets approximating 35% of the anticipated non-interest expense of Rome and 42% of the non-interest expense of Legacy, with full completion of all cost savings expected by the end of 2011.  Berkshire’s tangible book value per share at mid-year improved from where it was before these acquisitions were announced, reflecting its financial disciplines to produce targeted earnings accretion while carefully managing any impact on tangible equity.  Berkshire’s book value per share decreased over this period due to the $20.83 share price recorded for the Rome shares issued.

All major business lines produced organic growth in the second quarter.  Growth has been led by the commercial lending teams recruited in recent years, as Berkshire continues to increase its market share in supporting business activity in its regional markets.  Berkshire opened a new branch in Rotterdam, New York in the first half of the year, and plans to open an additional New York branch by the end of the year.

The net interest margin improved to 3.52% in the most recent quarter, from 3.30% in the prior quarter, including the benefit of the acquired Rome operations.  Measured on an operating basis before merger related expenses, Berkshire’s return on assets and return on equity improved.  The marginal return on equity in the second quarter exceeded 10%, which was in line with Berkshire’s investment objectives.  This measure compares the increase in operating earnings to the increase in average equity resulting from the stock issuance.   Including the merger related expenses, the return on assets and return on equity decreased in the most recent quarter.  Under current accounting standards, transaction costs related to a merger must be expensed in the current period.  Under previous standards, such costs were capitalized to goodwill as a component of the total merger cost.  The Company does not view the current GAAP measure of profitability as indicative of its economic success with these merger transactions.

 
46

 

COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT JUNE 30, 2011 AND DECEMBER 31, 2010

Summary: Total assets increased to $3.2 billion from $2.9 billion, primarily due to the addition of $0.3 million in Rome assets during the second quarter.  Organic growth of commercial loans was the primary contributor to 5% annualized organic loan growth in the first half of the year.  This growth was funded by 5% annualized organic deposit growth.  Asset quality and capital metrics remained favorable and improving.  Total equity increased by $56 million (14%) primarily due to the issuance of common stock for Rome merger consideration.  Total intangible assets increased by $20 million also due to the Rome transaction.

Securities.  The total portfolio of investment securities decreased by 1% to $400 million during the first half of the year, primarily due to maturities of short duration corporate bonds.  Securities purchases were concentrated in purchases of mortgage backed securities with 3-4 year durations.  Rome did not contribute significant new securities balances since its portfolio was liquidated to provide the cash consideration related to that merger.  The net unrealized gain on securities improved slightly to 2.0% of cost from 1.4% primarily due to lower market rates at midyear.  The annualized yield on the portfolio improved to 4.07% in the most recent quarter from 3.94% in last year’s fourth quarter, including the benefit of dividend yielding equity securities purchased in recent quarters.  Berkshire owned a $0.5 million investment in Rome common stock, which resulted in recognition of a $123 thousand gain at the time of the merger in the second quarter.  Berkshire owned $3.6 million in Legacy common stock, which resulted in a gain of approximately $2.0 million on the July 21, 2011 merger date, which will be recorded in third quarter income.  There were no material credit rating downgrades of securities in the portfolio during the most recent quarter.  The Company had one investment in a pooled trust preferred security with a $2.6 million book value and a $0.7 million fair value at quarter-end.  This security was performing and the impairment was viewed as temporary; this security is described more fully in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  The estimated fair value of this security improved by $0.5 million since year-end 2010.

Loans. Total loans increased by $310 million in the first half of the year to $2.45 billion, including $258 million in acquired Rome loans.  Total loans increased at a 5% organic annualized rate, primarily due to 8% organic annualized commercial loan growth.  Residential mortgages increased at a 6% annualized rate, and this growth offset a decrease in consumer loans due to planned runoff of indirect auto loans.  Commercial business loans accounted for the majority of organic commercial loan growth, including ongoing growth in loans managed by the Asset Based Lending Group which was recruited at the beginning of 2010.  The midyear balance of commercial loans originated in 2011 totaled $98 million with an average yield of 4.24%.  Among these, the five largest loans outstanding were mostly commercial business loans and had midyear loan balances in the $4-6 million range.  Berkshire continues to take commercial market share from national competitors as a result of the capabilities and responsiveness of the commercial banking teams that it has recruited in recent years.  Berkshire is adhering to strong underwriting and pricing disciplines as it captures larger market share with high grade loan originations in all of its commercial lending areas.

The $258 million in acquired Rome loans included $143 million in residential mortgages, $74 million in commercial loans, and $41 million in consumer loans.  The Rome loans were recorded at estimated net fair value.  The recorded value was net of $5.1million in discounts from Rome’s carrying value, including $4.9 million in non-accretable impairment discounts and $0.2 million in net accretable discounts related to interest rates.  Based on its review under its policy for accounting for acquired loans, all non-performing Rome loans were designated as performing on Berkshire’s books on the acquisition date.

The average yield on total loans was 4.74% in the most recent quarter, compared to 4.77% in the final quarter of 2010.  Yields on mortgage loans have decreased slightly in the continuing low rate environment, while yields on commercial business loans and consumer loans have improved modestly. Berkshire benefited from the higher yields on the smaller average balance Rome commercial loans.

Several key asset quality metrics remained favorable and improving through midyear.  Total non-performing assets decreased slightly to $16.7 million at midyear from $17.1 million at the start of the year.  Non-performing assets decreased to 0.52% of total assets, and annualized net loan charge-offs decreased to 0.24% of average loans during the second quarter.  Accruing delinquent loans increased but remained favorable at 0.62% of total loans as of midyear.  Classified assets are those rated substandard or lower in the Company’s internal rating systems.  The ratio of classified assets to Tier 1 regulatory capital plus the loan loss allowance measured 39% at midyear compared to 36% at the start of the year.  There were two loans over $3 million which were added to classified assets in the first half of 2011.  These were performing commercial real estate loans totaling $5.4 million and $4.7 million which were not deemed impaired.  The total carrying value of loans deemed impaired decreased to $15.6 million from $16.6 million during the first half of the year.  The specific allowance for losses related to these loans decreased to $1.0 million from $2.5 million.  The ratio of assets rated special mention to Tier 1 regulatory capital plus the loan loss allowance decreased to 15% at midyear from 17% at the start of the year.

 
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Loan Loss Allowance.  The loan loss allowance remained flat at $31.9 million during the first half of 2011.  Based on current accounting standards, there was no loan loss allowance established for Rome loans as of the acquisition date.  Accordingly, the ratio of the allowance to total loans decreased to 1.30% as of midyear.  The ratio of the allowance to non-performing loans decreased to 212% as of that date.  The allowance includes specific reserves for impaired loans, which were discussed above.  Additionally, the allowance includes a general allowance for pools of loans.  The methodology for computing the general allowance was enhanced in 2011.  This methodology includes a historical loss component and an environmental factors component.  The historical loss component is based on the attribution of loss factors based on Moody’s historical corporate default and recovery rates.  The environmental factors component assesses loss potential as it may be affected by economic business conditions, lending policies and procedures, portfolio characteristics, management and staff changes, problem loan trends, and credit concentration trends.  The historical loss and environmental factors components are assessed for fifteen homogeneous pools in the loan portfolio.

Deposits and Borrowings.  Total deposits increased by $281 million (13%) in the first half of the year to $2.49 billion, including $229 million in acquired Rome deposits.  Annualized organic deposit growth was 5% in the first half of the year.  This growth resulted mainly from $78 million in growth in New York deposits, reaching $460 million at midyear, benefiting from the de novo branch program and growth in commercial deposit balances.  Due to ongoing promotions, 11% annualized organic growth of demand deposits offset a similar decrease in NOW balances.  Money market balances grew at a 16% organic annualized rate while savings balances decreased at a 9% organic annualized rate.  Time deposits increased slightly at 1% organic annualized rate.  In the ongoing low rate environment, the cost of deposits has been reduced to 0.94% in the most recent quarter from 1.15% in the final quarter of 2010.  The $229 million in acquired Rome deposits included $54 million in transaction account balances, $108 million in savings and money market balances, and $67 million in time account balances.  Total borrowings were little changed at midyear 2011 compared to the start of the year.  Loan growth was funded by deposit growth and decreases in short and long term investments.  Rome had prepaid its fixed rate Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, converting them to overnight borrowings.  The average cost of borrowings was 3.10% in the most recent quarter compared to 2.92% in the final quarter of 2010.  This increase reflected lower average short term borrowings.  The loan/deposit ratio remained strong at 99% at midyear.

Stockholders’ Equity.  Total stockholders’ equity increased by $56 million to $445 million in the first half of 2011.  Berkshire issued 2.7 million shares in consideration for Rome, which were recorded at $20.83 per share for a total amount of $55 million.  Total shares outstanding increased to 16.7 million at midyear, net of a 44 thousand share repurchase related to the repayment of the acquired loan to the Rome Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  Berkshire paid a $0.16 per share cash dividend in each of the first two quarters of 2011.  Reflecting the benefit of the Rome merger, the ratio of tangible equity/tangible assets increased to 8.3% at midyear, with total equity/assets increasing to 13.8%.  Midyear tangible book value per share was $15.07, while total book value per share was $26.61.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010

Summary.  Berkshire’s second quarter 2011 net income was $1.9 million ($0.11 per share).  Second quarter results included $5.3 million in net non-core expenses related to the mergers of Rome and Legacy.  Excluding these expenses (after-tax), Berkshire’s adjusted net income was $5.8 million ($0.35 per share).  In comparison, net income was $3.4 million ($0.25 per share) in the second quarter of 2010.  Earnings per share in 2011 reflect the issuance of approximately 2.7 million shares to Rome shareholders as merger consideration on April 1, 2011.  Second quarter adjusted net income was up 69% in 2011 over prior year results, while adjusted earnings per share were up 40%.

 
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Berkshire’s net income for the first half of 2011 was $4.7 million ($0.31 per share), including $7.0 million in net non-core merger related expense.  Excluding these expenses (after-tax), Berkshire’s adjusted net income was $10.0 million ($0.66 per share) in the first half of 2011.  In comparison, first half 2010 net income was $6.8 million ($0.49 per share).  First half 2011 adjusted net income increased 47% over prior year results, while adjusted earnings per share increased by 35%.

Growth in ongoing operating earnings has included the benefit of positive operating leverage from strong revenue growth, disciplined expense management, and the benefit of a lower loan loss provision related to improved asset quality.  The Company has maintained an asset sensitive net interest income profile, as management has chosen to sacrifice current yield to protect earnings in the event of future rate increases.  The Company is also absorbing the costs of ongoing branch and business expansion in its cost of operations.  Results in 2011 included an increase in the first half net interest margin to 3.41% from 3.25%, which benefited from disciplined loan and deposit pricing strategies in the ongoing low interest rate environment.  Earnings per share in 2011 included an estimated $0.03 per share benefit from ongoing Rome operations in the second quarter.

Merger related expenses were transaction expenses directly related to the mergers of Rome and Legacy and are not ongoing operating expenses of Berkshire.  Transaction expenses consisted primarily of severance and benefit related costs related to the change in control of the acquired entities.  Transaction expenses also included professional fees and contract termination costs.   In some cases, transaction related expenses were recorded by the acquired entities before the effective time of the merger, including expenses reported in previous periods.

Due to the merger related expenses, profitability ratios declined from year to year.  Measured on an operating basis before merger related expenses, Berkshire’s return on assets and return on equity improved.  Excluding merger related costs, the second quarter return on assets improved to 0.72% and the return on equity improved to 5.2%.  Including merger related costs, these measures were 0.23% and 1.67%, respectively.  Berkshire believes that its 2011 results show good progress towards its long term objectives to produce a return on assets exceeding 1% and a return on equity exceeding 10%.

Revenue.   Total net revenue increased by $5.9 million (22%) and by $7.7 million (15%) in the second quarter and first half of 2011 compared to 2010.  Most of this increase was driven by higher net interest income, which benefited from organic growth, the improved net interest margin, and the acquired Rome operations.  Annualized net revenue increased to $129 million in the most recent quarter.  Annualized net revenue per share improved to $7.80 in the second quarter of 2011, compared to $7.62 in the same quarter of 2010.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income has grown sequentially in the last eight quarters.  Second quarter net interest income increased by $5.3 million (28%) and the first half increase was $7.2 million (19%) in 2011 compared to 2010.  Growth in the most recent quarter included a $4.1 million increase compared to the prior quarter.  Rome’s net interest income in the prior quarter (before it was acquired) was reported at $3.1 million; these operations were included in Berkshire’s results at the beginning of the second quarter.  In addition to the merger benefits, higher net interest income in 2011 was related to organic growth in loans and deposits, as well as an improved net interest margin related primarily to lower funding costs.  During 2011, the yield compression on loans reflects the impact of run-off of higher rate loans, along with a shift in the portfolio mix.  Similarly, the reduction in deposit costs reflects both the gradual repricing of accounts and a shift in the portfolio from time deposit accounts and towards lower cost money market accounts.  As a result of the above factors, the net interest margin improved to 3.52% in the second quarter and to 3.41% in the first half of 2011, compared to 3.25% and 3.24%, respectively, in 2010.  Average earning assets increased by $270 million in the most recent quarter, compared to the prior quarter, including the benefit of $258 million in acquired Rome loan balances as of April 1, 2011.

 
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Non-Interest Income.   Non-interest income increased by $0.6 million (7%) in the second quarter and $0.5 million (3%) in the first six months of 2011 compared to 2010.  Non-interest income included the benefit of the Rome operations, which had reported $0.6 million in operating non-interest income in the first quarter of 2011.  Berkshire has maintained deposit fee income around 55 basis points annualized compared to average deposits, and has therefore offset the minor reduction in overdraft fee income related to the implementation of Regulation E in the third quarter of 2010.  For the first half of the year, loan related income decreased primarily due to lower demand for commercial loan interest rate swaps in 2011.  First half wealth management fees increased by 11% from year to year, including the benefit of new business development at a 13% annualized rate for the first half of 2011.  Including the wealth management business acquired after mid-year with the Legacy acquisition, Berkshire’s total assets under management now exceed $900 million for its combined wealth management business.  Six month insurance commission income increased 6% year-to-year, including the benefit of commercial account growth.  Six month insurance fee revenue included the impact of a $0.4 million year-to-year reduction in insurance contingency income as a result of lower payouts from major carriers due to industry conditions.  Of note, Rome did not have wealth management and insurance revenues, so all combined results reflect existing Berkshire operations for these business lines.  Non-interest income in 2011 included a $123 thousand non-recurring gain recognized on Rome stock previously owned by Berkshire.  Beginning in the second quarter, as noted in the consolidated financial statements, Berkshire corrected its accounting related to investment tax credit limited partnership interests.  In the first half of 2011, Berkshire recorded a $0.9 million charge to non-interest income representing the book loss on these investments, and a $1.1 million credit to income tax expense representing the related tax credits.  Income and expense for prior periods have been revised for this immaterial change in accounting.  Fee income totaled 27% of total revenue in the first half of 2011.  Berkshire’s goal is to increase this ratio over time in order to diversify its revenues and to obtain the benefit of cross sales and increased wallet share of financial services in its market area.  In the near term, this ratio is expected to decline due to the lower proportionate fee based revenues of the acquired Rome operations in the second quarter and the Legacy operations beginning in the third quarter.

Loan Loss Provision.  The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in an amount sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The level of the allowance is a critical accounting estimate, which is subject to uncertainty.  The level of the loan loss allowance remained unchanged in the first half of 2011 and was included in the earlier discussion of financial condition.  The first half loan loss provision decreased to $3.1 million in 2011 from $4.5 million in 2010, reflecting improvement in asset quality as demonstrated in asset performance and net loan charge-off ratios.

Non-Interest Expense and Income Tax Expense.  Non-interest expense increased by $8.6 million in the second quarter and $11.6 million in the first half of 2011 compared to 2010.  Excluding merger related expenses, these increases totaled $3.1 million (16%) and $4.4 million (11%), respectively.  Growth in non-interest expense included the new Rome operations in the most recent quarter.  Rome reported $2.7 million in operating non-interest expense in the first quarter of 2011, its final quarter of operations.  Berkshire is progressing with its plan to reduce these Rome operating expenses by 35% as a result of merger efficiencies.  Berkshire’s expenses include the costs from Berkshire’s ongoing de novo branch expansion, along with other expenses related to infrastructure investment.  Full time equivalent employees totaled 652 at June 30, 2011, compared to 599 at year-end 2010, including employees in acquired Rome operations.  Rome reported 97 full time equivalent employees year-end 2010.  At the beginning of the most recent quarter, the FDIC implemented new banking industry deposit insurance assessment rates and formulas.  This change reduced FDIC insurance expense, which measured 0.12% of average deposits (annualized) in the most recent quarter, compared to 0.18% (annualized) in the prior quarter.  Expense of other real estate owned increased by $1.3 million in 2011 due to write-downs of foreclosed real estate to facilitate the liquidation of these assets.  Berkshire’s second quarter efficiency ratio improved to 66% in 2011 from 70% in 2010.  This ratio excludes merger related expenses and the decrease indicates improving efficiency, which has resulted from operating leverage related to revenue growth and disciplined expense management, together with the benefit of the Rome merger.  Berkshire is targeting further improvements in the efficiency ratio following the Legacy merger in the third quarter.  Berkshire’s effective income tax rate was 18% in the first half of 2011, compared to 17% in the prior year.  The 2011 effective tax rate was calculated based on an estimated 2011 annual effective tax before the effects of the Legacy merger.  The effective tax rate was less than the statutory rate of 35% due primarily to earnings from tax-exempt investments and the benefit of investment tax credits.  These savings were partially offset by state income taxes.  Berkshire estimates that the first half 2011 income tax rate on operations before merger related expenses was approximately 21% which represents an increase from the 17% tax rate in the first half of 2010.  This is due to the higher operating income in 2011, and the lower proportionate benefit of tax advantaged income sources.  The tax rate includes the impact of investment tax credits as previously discussed in the non-interest income section above.

Results of Segment and Parent Operations. The Company has designated two operating segments for financial statement disclosure: banking and insurance. Additional information about the Company’s accounting for segment operations is contained in the notes to the financial statements. The Bank’s results reflect the benefit of higher operating revenues and earnings, including the benefit of Rome operations acquired in the most recent quarter.  The Bank’s net income growth was reduced due to the impact of merger related expenses.  Insurance segment results reflect the revenue factors discussed previously for non-interest income, with a reduction in revenue due to lower contingency fee income.  Expenses were lower as a result of a reorganization early in 2010, and as a result, net income was essentially flat for the first half of the year in 2011, compared to 2010.  Expenses for the parent increased primarily due to merger related expense, and as a result, consolidated net income decreased from year-to-year for the second quarter and first six months of the year.

 
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Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is a component of total stockholders’ equity on the balance sheet. It includes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which consist of changes (after tax) in the unrealized market gains and losses on securities available for sale and the net gain (loss) on derivative instruments used as cash flow hedges, including a terminated hedge. The Company recorded first half comprehensive income of $6.4 million in 2011, including net income of $4.7 million and a $1.7 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to improvement in the fair values of investment securities and interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges.  Total first half comprehensive income was $3.8 million in 2010, including net income of $6.8 million and a $3.0 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss due primarily to a decrease in the fair value of interest rate swaps as a result of near record low interest rates.

Liquidity and Cash Flows. The Company’s primary source of funds was deposit growth in the first half of 2011, and the primary use of funds was net loan growth.  Deposit growth is expected to continue to be the primary source of funds for the remainder of the year, and net loan growth is expected to be the primary use of funds.  Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank are a significant source of liquidity for daily operations and for borrowings targeted for specific asset/liability purposes. The Company also uses interest rate swaps in managing its funds sources and uses.   At midyear 2011, the Company had in excess of $400 million in borrowing availability with the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp had a cash balance totaling $11 million at midyear 2011, and this cash was expected to fund all routine uses of cash for dividends, debt service, and operating costs.  The primary long run routine sources of funds for the holding company are expected to be dividends from Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Insurance Group, as well as cash from the exercise of stock options.  As a result of the loss recorded in 2009, Berkshire Bank is not currently eligible to pay dividends to its parent under Massachusetts state banking statutes. The Company expects that, as a result of current and anticipated retained earnings, the Bank will again become eligible to pay dividends according to these statutes in the second half of 2011.  As noted above, the Company expects to meet all of its routine cash needs prior to that time from existing cash balances on hand, including anticipated shareowner cash dividends. Additional discussion about the Company’s liquidity and cash flows is contained in the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K in Item 7.

The Company acquired Rome Bancorp for cash and stock consideration on April 1, 2011 as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  The cash portion of the consideration was funded by cash held at Rome Bancorp which was up streamed in the first quarter as a capital distribution from The Rome Savings Bank which was funded through the liquidation of short and long term investments during the quarter.  The Company completed the acquisition of Legacy Bancorp on July 21, 2011 for cash and stock consideration.  Legacy Banks provided a $10 million capital distribution to Legacy Bancorp in July, 2011 from liquid funds in the bank.  This cash was used to fund the $10 million cash consideration issued in the Legacy merger.  Legacy Bancorp had additional liquidity at June 30, 2011 which was available for Legacy Bancorp merger related expenses and to supplement cash balances at Berkshire Hills Bancorp.

Capital Resources. Please see the “Stockholders’ Equity” section of the Comparison of Financial Condition for a discussion of stockholders’ equity. At June 30, 2011, Berkshire Bank continued to be classified as “well capitalized.” Additional information about regulatory capital is contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and in the 2010 Form 10-K.

As discussed in the 2010 Form 10-K, there are financial system reforms which became federal law in July 2010 and which constitute the most significant regulatory and systemic reform since the 1930s.  It cannot be determined at this time what the full impacts of the reforms will be.  Some of the reforms are intended to increase required capital levels in the banking system.

 
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The Company issued common stock as partial consideration for the shares of Rome Bancorp on April 1, 2011 and the Company issued common stock as 90% of the consideration for the shares of Legacy Bancorp in the merger on July 21, 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations. In the normal course of operations, Berkshire engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in the Company’s financial statements.  These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit. A further presentation of the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements is presented in the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K. Information relating to payments due under contractual obligations is presented in the 2010 Form 10-K.  With the acquisition of Rome Bancorp, Berkshire became obligated for the payment of merger consideration and for the assumption of various Rome contractual liabilities as disclosed in its previous SEC filings, as well as obligations related to change in control and for the early termination of certain vendor contacts.  Merger related obligations were reflected in Berkshire’s financial records in the most recent quarter, including components of goodwill and merger related expense.  At midyear 2011, Berkshire was obligated under its definitive merger agreement with Legacy Bancorp which was completed on July 21, 2011.   With the acquisition of Legacy Bancorp in the third quarter, Berkshire became obligated for the payment of merger consideration and for the assumption of various Legacy contractual liabilities as disclosed in its previous SEC filings, as well as obligations related to change in control and for the early termination of certain vendor contacts.  Merger related obligations will be reflected in Berkshire’s financial records in the third quarter, including components of goodwill and merger related expense.  Additionally, as of the merger date, Berkshire became obligated under an agreement entered into in July, 2011 for the disposition of four Legacy branch offices, which is anticipated to be completed early in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Fair Value Measurements. The Company records fair value measurements of certain assets and liabilities, as described in the related note in the financial statements.  Acquired Rome assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value as of the April 1, 2011 acquisition date and there were no significant changes in these values during the second quarter.  There was significant improvement in the fair value of Berkshire financial instruments during first six months of 2011.  The loan portfolio had an estimated $58 million (2.8%) fair value discount at year-end 2010, reflecting market conditions for loans with higher than normal risk.  During the first half of 2011, the market conditions for loans with normal risk improved significantly, including reflecting the lower interest rates prevailing at midyear.  As a result, the loan portfolio has an estimated fair value premium of $3 million (0.1%) at midyear 2011, which was the first time the portfolio was above breakeven in value for a number of quarters.  This change represented a significant improvement in the economic value of the Company’s equity.  The excess fair value of time deposits and borrowings over book value reflects the impact of lower interest rates and, in the case of the subordinated debt obligation, wider market risk spreads compared to conditions prevailing at the time of origination.  There were no significant changes in these excess fair values during the first half of 2011.

 
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ITEM 3.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


There have been no material changes to the way that the Company measures market risk or in the Company’s net market risk position during the first six months of 2011.  The addition of Rome increased interest bearing assets and liabilities, but as noted below did not materially change modeled interest rate sensitivity.  For further discussion about the Company’s Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk, please review Item 7A of the Report 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

As discussed in Item 2, Berkshire has a targeted position to maintain a moderately asset sensitive interest rate profile.  Federal interventions to avoid a financial crisis unexpectedly drove short-term interest rates to near zero where they have remained since the fourth quarter of 2008.  Berkshire maintains a discipline to avoid undue risks to net interest income and to the market value of equity which would result from taking on excessive fixed rate assets in the current environment.

Management believes that net interest income might increase by more than the modeled amount in the expected scenarios of rising interest rates.    Management might decide to retain more, longer duration assets, after interest rates increase, and this would contribute additional income in the case of a parallel shift in the yield curve.  Also, the Company has experienced certain market floors on deposit pricing in the current near zero short-term interest rate environment.  In the case of rising rates, deposits might not increase in rate as quickly as they are modeled since they are presently above other comparable market rates in some cases.  Additionally, in some scenarios, the Company’s fee income might also increase as a result of improved economic and market conditions that might be related to higher market interest rates.

Rome’s interest rate risk analysis as set forth in its 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K demonstrated a modestly asset sensitive profile at year-end 2010.  Based on Berkshire’s review of Rome’s balance sheet and balance sheet changes subsequent to the merger, Berkshire models that the interest rate risk of Rome’s operations was modestly liability sensitive.  This is estimated to minimally reduce the asset sensitivity of the combined banks, but this change is not estimated to be material compared to Berkshire’s existing interest rate profile.  Legacy’s 2010 Annual Report indicated a modestly liability sensitive profile at that time.  Based on anticipated adjustments to Legacy’s profile after the acquisition date, Berkshire estimates that it will continue to remain modestly asset sensitive following the full integration of both Rome and Legacy.

ITEM 4.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

 
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out by the Company's management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. The Company evaluated changes in its internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the last fiscal quarter.  This included the acquisition of Rome Bancorp, which did not have control certifications from its prior management for the first quarter of 2011.  Additionally, the Company evaluated changes in its financial reporting as a result of the resignation of its Controller shortly after the end of the most recent quarter, and the utilization of temporary accounting resources on an interim basis for the current financial reporting.  The Company determined that these changes were not changes that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II

ITEM 1.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 


At June 30, 2011, neither the Company nor the Bank was involved in any pending legal proceedings believed by management to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to the Bank’s business. However, neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes, in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.
 
Following the public announcement of the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 12, 2010 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company and Rome Bancorp, Inc. (“Rome Bancorp”), on October 18, 2010, Stephen Bushansky filed a stockholder class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of the Bronx, on October 27, 2010, James and LilianaDiCastro filed a stockholder class action lawsuit in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware, and on November 15, 2010, Samuel S. Rapasodi filed a stockholder class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Oneida, each against Rome Bancorp, the Directors of Rome Bancorp, and the Company.  The lawsuit filed in Delaware was subsequently withdrawn voluntarily.  The active lawsuits in New York state (collectively, the "Rome shareholder litigation") purported to be brought on behalf of all of Rome Bancorp's public stockholders and alleged that the directors of Rome Bancorp breached their fiduciary duties to Rome Bancorp's stockholders by failing to take steps necessary to obtain a fair and adequate price for Rome Bancorp's common stock and that the Company knowingly aided and abetted Rome Bancorp directors' breach of fiduciary duty.  
 
On February 23, 2011, solely to avoid the costs, risks and uncertainties inherent in litigation and to allow Rome Bancorp's stockholders to vote on the proposals required in connection with the merger, Rome Bancorp entered into a memorandum of understanding with plaintiffs’ counsel and other named defendants regarding the settlement of the Rome shareholder litigation.  Under the terms of the memorandum negotiated by Rome Bancorp, Rome Bancorp, the other named defendants and the plaintiffs agreed to settle the two lawsuits subject to court approval. The Company and the other defendants vigorously denied, and continue to vigorously deny, that they committed or aided and abetted in the commission of any violation of law or engaged in any of the wrongful acts that were or could have been alleged in the Rome shareholder litigation, and expressly maintain that, to the extent applicable, they diligently and scrupulously complied with their fiduciary and other legal burdens and entered into the contemplated settlement solely to eliminate the burden and expense of further litigation, to put the claims that were or could have been asserted to rest, and to avoid any possible delay in the consummation of the merger.  
 
In connection with the settlement, plaintiffs sought an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses not to exceed $395,000, subject to court approval.  Rome Bancorp's insurance carrier agreed to pay the legal fees and expenses of plaintiffs’ counsel, in an amount not to exceed $395,000 and ultimately to be determined by the court. This payment will not be made by the Company and did not affect the amount of merger consideration paid in the merger.
 
On July 18, 2011, the New York trial courtgave final approval of the parties’ proposed settlement of the Rome shareholder litigation.  The court’s order and final judgment approving the settlement dismissed with prejudice all claims in all actions that were or could have been brought challenging any aspect of the merger, the Merger Agreement, and any disclosure made in connection therewith (but excluding claims for appraisal under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law). As a result of the settlement, the Rome shareholder litigation had no material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.

 
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ITEM 1A.      RISK FACTORS 


In addition to the other information set forth in this report, and the Economic and Financial Conditions Risk Factor discussed below, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.  Additionally, the Company has reported risk factors in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus forms filed with the SEC related to the Rome and Legacy acquisitions, including risks related to merger integration and expected cost savings.  While the mergers have been completed, including the Legacy merger on July 21, 2011, the Company continues to recognize the risks related to integration and management of the acquired operations which were previously identified in the subject SEC filings.  Additionally, in connection with the Legacy merger, the Company has entered into an agreement for the divestiture of four Legacy branches, and there is a risk factor related to the planned completion of this divestiture and possible additional regulatory involvement if the divestiture is not completed as planned.

Economic and Financial Conditions Risk Factor.
 
In addition to the risk discussed above, the national and global financial systems and economic outlook demonstrate the potential for further risks.  Such factors include the potential downgrade of U.S. Treasury obligations, uncertainties related to U.S. federal budgetary and fiscal management (and related impacts on states and municipalities), financial system stresses in Europe, and adverse trends in U.S. employment and economic growth.  A deterioration of business and economic conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of the Company’s loans, results of operations and financial condition.
 
The Standard & Poor’s downgrade in the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating,and in the credit ratings of instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by certain related institutions, agencies and instrumentalities, could result in risks to the Company and general economic conditions that we are not able to predict.
 
On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the United Stateslong-term debt rating from its AAA rating to AA+.  On August 8, 2011, Standard & Poor's downgraded the credit ratings of certain long-term debt instruments issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and other U.S. government agencies linked to long-term U.S. debt. Instruments of this nature are key assets on the balance sheets of financial institutions, including the Bank.  These downgrades could adversely affect the market value of such instruments, and could adversely impact our ability to obtain funding that is collateralized by affected instruments, as well as affecting the pricing of that funding when it is available. We cannot predict if, when or how these changes to the credit ratings will affect economic conditions. These ratings downgrades could result in a significant adverse impact to the Company, and could exacerbate the other risks to which the Company is subject, including those described under Risk Factors  in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 2.       UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 


(a)
No Company unregistered securities were sold by the Company during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
(b)
Not applicable.
(c)
The following table provides certain information with regard to shares repurchased by the Company in the second quarter of 2011.
 
               
Total number of shares
   
Maximum number of
 
               
purchased as part of
   
shares that may yet
 
   
Total number of
   
Average price
   
publicly announced
   
be purchased under
 
Period
 
shares purchased (1)
   
paid per share
   
plans or programs
   
the plans or programs
 
April 1-31, 2011
    1,028     $ 21.52       -       97,993  
May 1-28, 2011
    -       -       -       97,993  
June 1-30, 2011
    -       -       -       97,993  
Total
    1,028     $ 21.52       -       97,993  

(1) Shares represent common stock withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements on the vesting of shares under the Company’s benefit plans.

On December 14, 2007, the Company authorized the purchase of up to 300,000 additional shares, from time to time, subject to market conditions. The repurchase plan will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors.  The Company has no plans that it has elected to terminate prior to expiration or under which it does not intend to make further purchases.

ITEM 3.       DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 
None.

 
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ITEM 4.       (REMOVED AND RESERVED) 


Not applicable.

ITEM 5.       OTHER INFORMATION 


None.

ITEM 6.       EXHIBITS 

 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 21, 2010, by and between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Legacy Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (2)
3.2
Bylaws of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.(3)
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (2)
10.1
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Michael P. Daly (4)
10.2
Amended and Restated Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Kevin P. Riley (4)
10.3
Amended and Restated Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Sean A. Gray(7)
10.4
Separation and Release and Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Michael J. Oleksak (5)
10.5
Amended and Restated Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Richard M. Marotta (6)
10.6
Amended and Restated Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Linda A. Johnston (7)
10.7
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Berkshire Bank and Michael P. Daly (8)
10.8
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (9)
10.9
Form of Berkshire Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (3)
10.10
Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Patrick J. Sullivan, dated as of December 21, 2010 (10)
10.11
Settlement Agreement by and among Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Legacy Bancorp, Inc., Legacy Banks and Patrick J. Sullivan, dated as of December 21, 2010 (10)
10.12
Severance Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Patrick J. Sullivan, dated as of December 21, 2010 (10)
10.13
Amended and Restated Settlement Agreement by and among Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Legacy Bancorp,, Inc., Legacy Banks and J. Williar Dunlaevy, dated as of April 6, 2011 (10)
10.14
Non-Competition and Consulting Agreement by and among Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Berkshire Bank and J. Williar Dunlaevy, dated as of April 6, 2011 (10)
10.15
Legacy Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (11)
10.16
Form of Split Dollar Agreement entered into with Michael P. Daly, Kevin P. Riley, Sean A. Gray, Richard M. Marotta and Linda A. Johnston (12)
11.0
Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”
21.0
Subsidiary Information is incorporated herein by reference to Part I, Item 1, “Business - Subsidiary Activities” of the Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2010
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T:  (i) the Consolidated Statements of Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements tagged as blocks of text and in detail (13)

 
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(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2010.
(2)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form S-1, Registration Statement and amendments thereto, initially filed on March 10, 2000, Registration No. 333-32146.
(3)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on February 29, 2008.
(4)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on January 6, 2009.
(5)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on May 5, 2011.
(6)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2010.
(7)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2011.
(8)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2009.
(9)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Appendix to the Proxy Statement as filed on March 24, 2011.
(10)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 as filed on April 20, 2011, Registration No. 333-173404.
(11)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K filed by Legacy Bancorp, Inc. on December 22, 2010.
(12)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 8-K as filed on January 19, 2011.
(13)
As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not field for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 
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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.

 
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
     
Dated: August 9, 2011
By: 
/s/ Michael P. Daly
   
Michael P. Daly
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
     
Dated: August 9, 2011
By: 
/s/ Kevin P. Riley
   
Kevin P. Riley
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
   
Officer

 
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