NWBI 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2011 | Alphaminr
Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

NWBI 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
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10-Q 1 v237850_10q.htm FORM 10-Q 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 September 30, 2011
or
¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from____________________to______________________

Commission File Number 001-34582

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
27-0950358
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

100 Liberty Street, Warren, Pennsylvania
16365
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(814) 726-2140
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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 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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer x
Accelerated Filer ¨
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 o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock ($0.01 par value) 97,501,918 shares outstanding as of October 31, 2011

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
INDEX

PAGE
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
1
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
2
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Unaudited
7
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of Operations
44
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
63
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
64
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
64
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
65
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
66
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
67
Item 4.
Removed and Reserved
67
Item 5.
Other Information
67
Item 6.
Exhibits
67
Signatures
68
Certifications

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)
September 30,
December 31,
2011
2010
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$ 90,493 40,708
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
579,915 677,771
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
633 632
Marketable securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $949,789 and $945,571)
971,543 950,463
Marketable securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $274,803 and $354,126)
268,517 357,922
Total cash and investments
1,911,101 2,027,496
Loans held for sale
926 11,376
Residential mortgage loans
2,349,196 2,386,928
Home equity loans
1,094,609 1,095,953
Other consumer loans
246,188 255,776
Commercial real estate loans
1,420,504 1,350,319
Commercial loans
406,885 433,653
Total loans
5,518,308 5,534,005
Allowance for loan losses
(73,208 ) (76,412 )
Total loans, net
5,445,100 5,457,593
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
51,511 60,080
Accrued interest receivable
25,745 26,216
Real estate owned, net
20,648 20,780
Premises and equipment, net
126,047 128,101
Bank owned life insurance
133,081 132,237
Goodwill
171,882 171,882
Other intangible assets
2,497 3,942
Other assets
101,731 119,828
Total assets
$ 7,989,343 8,148,155
Liabilities and Shareholders' equity
Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
$ 643,920 575,281
Interest-bearing demand deposits
819,796 782,257
Savings deposits
2,017,563 1,948,882
Time deposits
2,331,471 2,457,916
Total deposits
5,812,750 5,764,336
Borrowed funds
828,674 891,293
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures held by trusts that issued guaranteed capital debt securities
103,094 103,094
Advances by borrowers for taxes and  insurance
12,080 22,868
Accrued interest payable
1,072 1,716
Other liabilities
64,896 57,398
Total liabilities
6,822,566 6,840,705
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 50,000,000 authorized, no shares issued - -
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 500,000,000 shares authorized, 97,576,368 and 110,295,117 shares issued, respectively
976 1,103
Paid-in capital
659,432 824,164
Retained earnings
538,882 523,089
Unallocated common stock of employee stock ownership plan
(26,258 ) (27,409 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(6,255 ) (13,497 )
1,166,777 1,307,450
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$ 7,989,343 8,148,155

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements - unaudited
1

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Interest income:
Loans receivable
$ 80,562 83,372 241,012 245,852
Mortgage-backed securities
5,544 6,534 18,373 19,385
Taxable investment securities
684 489 1,676 2,086
Tax-free investment securities
2,848 3,090 8,914 8,627
Interest-earning deposits
393 524 1,289 1,601
Total interest income
90,031 94,009 271,264 277,551
Interest expense:
Deposits
14,958 17,772 46,494 58,149
Borrowed funds
8,061 9,587 24,039 28,991
Total interest expense
23,019 27,359 70,533 87,140
Net interest income
67,012 66,650 200,731 190,411
Provision for loan losses
8,057 9,871 23,668 26,568
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
58,955 56,779 177,063 163,843
Noninterest income:
Impairment losses on securities
- (1,830 ) (577 ) (1,994 )
Noncredit related losses on securities not expected to be sold (recognized in other comprehensive income)
- 1,438 70 1,287
Net impairment losses
- (392 ) (507 ) (707 )
Gain on sale of investments, net
152 17 201 2,194
Service charges and fees
8,499 9,821 26,748 28,625
Trust and other financial services income
2,063 1,600 6,158 5,345
Insurance commission income
1,796 1,393 4,966 3,828
Loss on real estate owned, net
(1,340 ) (2,014 ) (1,960 ) (2,293 )
Income from bank owned life insurance
1,938 1,212 4,820 3,852
Mortgage banking income
400 752 887 773
Other operating income
1,002 1,439 2,785 3,613
Total noninterest income
14,510 13,828 44,098 45,230
Noninterest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits
26,004 24,565 81,161 75,381
Premises and occupancy costs
5,658 5,648 17,499 16,990
Office operations
3,209 4,460 9,564 10,631
Processing expenses
5,896 5,863 17,350 17,111
Marketing expenses
2,788 2,208 6,855 6,945
Federal deposit insurance premiums
1,386 2,424 6,168 6,720
Professional services
1,238 1,126 3,783 2,437
Amortization of other intangible assets
475 725 1,445 2,266
Real estate owned expense
483 654 1,163 2,265
Other expenses
2,786 1,375 6,803 5,063
Total noninterest expense
49,923 49,048 151,791 145,809
Income before income taxes
23,542 21,559 69,370 63,264
Federal and state income taxes
6,822 6,068 20,394 18,479
Net income
$ 16,720 15,491 48,976 44,785
Basic earnings per share
$ 0.17 $ 0.14 0.48 0.41
Diluted earnings per share
$ 0.17 $ 0.14 0.48 0.41

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
2

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

Accumulated
Three months ended September 30, 2010
Other
Unallocated
Total
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
common stock
Shareholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income/ (loss)
of ESOP
Equity
Beginning balance at June 30, 2010
110,775,014 $ 1,108 829,686 516,005 (7,225 ) (28,851 ) 1,310,723
Comprehensive income:
Net income
- - - 15,491 - - 15,491
Change in fair value of interest rate
swaps, net of tax of $993
- - - - (1,845 ) - (1,845 )
Change in unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $(1,412)
- - - - 2,622 - 2,622
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax of $503
- - - - (935 ) - (935 )
Total comprehensive income
- - - 15,491 (158 ) - 15,333
Exercise of stock options
31,404 - 228 - - - 228
Stock compensation expense
- - 15 - - - 15
Dividends paid ($0.10 per share)
- - - (11,077 ) - - (11,077 )
Ending balance at September 30, 2010
110,806,418 $ 1,108 829,929 520,419 (7,383 ) (28,851 ) 1,315,222
Accumulated
Three months ended September 30, 2011
Other
Unallocated
Total
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
common stock
Shareholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income/ (loss)
of ESOP
Equity
Beginning balance at June 30, 2011
103,266,045 $ 1,033 726,207 533,229 (6,689 ) (26,639 ) 1,227,141
Comprehensive income:
Net income
- - - 16,720 - - 16,720
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax of $1,424
- - - - (2,644 ) - (2,644 )
Change in unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $(1,657)
- - - - 3,078 - 3,078
Total comprehensive income
- - - 16,720 434 - 17,154
Exercise of stock options
145,487 1 598 - - - 599
Stock compensation expense
- 1 654 - - 381 1,036
Share repurchases
(5,835,164 ) (59 ) (68,027 ) - - - (68,086 )
Dividends paid ($0.11 per share)
- - - (11,067 ) - - (11,067 )
Ending balance at September 30, 2011
97,576,368 $ 976 659,432 538,882 (6,255 ) (26,258 ) 1,166,777

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
3

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Accumulated
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
Other
Unallocated
Total
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
common stock
Shareholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income/ (loss)
of ESOP
Equity
Beginning balance at December 31, 2009
110,641,858 $ 1,106 828,195 508,842 (9,977 ) (11,651 ) 1,316,515
Comprehensive income:
Net income
- - - 44,785 - - 44,785
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax of $3,049
- - - - (5,663 ) - (5,663 )
Change in unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $(4,897)
- - - - 9,094 - 9,094
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax of $450
- - - - (837 ) - (837 )
Total comprehensive income
- - - 44,785 2,594 - 47,379
Exercise of stock options
164,560 2 1,394 - - - 1,396
Stock-based compensation expense
- - 1,043 - - - 1,043
Additional costs associated with common stock offering
- - (703 ) - - - (703 )
Purchase of common stock by ESOP
- - - - - (17,200 ) (17,200 )
Dividends paid ($0.30 per share)
- - - (33,208 ) - - (33,208 )
Ending balance at September 30, 2010
110,806,418 $ 1,108 829,929 520,419 (7,383 ) (28,851 ) 1,315,222
Accumulated
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
Other
Unallocated
Total
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
common stock
Shareholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income/ (loss)
of ESOP
Equity
Beginning balance at December 31, 2010
110,295,117 $ 1,103 824,164 523,089 (13,497 ) (27,409 ) 1,307,450
Comprehensive income:
Net income
- - - 48,976 - - 48,976
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax of $1,647
- - - - (3,059 ) - (3,059 )
Change in unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $(5,571)
- - - - 10,347 - 10,347
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax of $24
- - - - (46 ) - (46 )
Total comprehensive income
- - - 48,976 7,242 - 56,218
Exercise of stock options
274,455 3 1,336 - - - 1,339
Stock-based compensation expense
1,273,949 13 4,521 - - 1,151 5,685
Share repurchases
(14,267,153 ) (143 ) (170,589 ) - - - (170,732 )
Dividends paid ($0.32 per share)
- - - (33,183 ) - - (33,183 )
Ending balance at September 30, 2011
97,576,368 $ 976 659,432 538,882 (6,255 ) (26,258 ) 1,166,777
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
4

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(in thousands)

Nine months ended
September 30,
2011
2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income
$ 48,976 44,785
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses
23,668 26,568
Net loss on sale of assets
3,273 1,020
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion
6,857 10,783
Decrease/ (increase) in other assets
10,572 (48,607 )
Increase/ (decrease)in other liabilities
2,229 (1,623 )
Net amortization of premium discount on marketable securities
(241 ) (714 )
Noncash impairment losses on investment securities
507 707
Noncash impairment of REO
858 1,338
Origination of loans held for sale
(77,498 ) (104,757 )
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
87,871 95,523
Noncash compensation expense related to stock benefit plans
5,685 1,043
Net cash provided by operating activities
112,757 26,066
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of marketable securities available-for-sale
(197,752 ) (123,863 )
Purchase of marketable securities held-to-maturity
- (485,995 )
Proceeds from maturities and principal reductions of marketable securities available-for-sale
193,906 266,335
Proceeds from maturities and principal reductions of marketable securities held-to-maturity
88,967 85,966
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities available-for-sale
- 56,865
Loan originations
(1,318,398 ) (1,485,739 )
Proceeds from loan maturities and principal reductions
1,289,071 1,170,274
Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
8,569 -
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned
6,961 6,913
Purchase of real estate owned for investment, net
(137 ) (2,068 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
(4,445 ) (11,689 )
Net cash provided by/ (used in) investing activities
66,742 (523,001 )
5

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (continued)
(in thousands)

Nine months ended
September 30,
2011
2010
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in deposits, net
$ 48,414 144,516
Repayments of long-term borrowings
(50,049 ) (36,548 )
Net (decrease)/ increase in short-term borrowings
(12,570 ) 15,296
Decrease in advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance
(10,788 ) (9,336 )
Cash dividends paid
(33,183 ) (33,208 )
Purchase of common stock for employee stock ownership plan
- (17,200 )
Purchase of common stock for retirement
(170,732 ) -
Proceeds from stock options exercised
1,339 1,368
Net cash (used in)/ provided by financing activities
(227,569 ) 64,888
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$ (48,070 ) (432,047 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$ 719,111 1,107,790
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(48,070 ) (432,047 )
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 671,041 675,743
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks
$ 90,493 113,477
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
579,915 561,634
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
633 632
Total cash and cash equivalents
$ 671,041 675,743
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest on deposits and borrowings (including interest credited to deposit accounts of $39,477 and $50,787, respectively)
$ 71,177 89,908
Income taxes
$ 16,320 15,501
Non-cash activities:
Loans transferred to real estate owned
$ 8,789 11,947
Sale of real estate owned financed by the Company
$ 266 914

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
6

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Unaudited

(1)
Basis of Presentation and Informational Disclosures
Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”)(“NWBI”), a Maryland corporation headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania, is a savings and loan holding company regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  Prior to July 21, 2011 the Company was regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Company was incorporated to be the successor to Northwest Bancorp, Inc. (“NWSB”) upon the completion of the mutual-to-stock conversion of Northwest Bancorp, MHC.  As a result of the conversion, all share information for periods prior to December 31, 2009 has been revised to reflect the 2.25-to-one conversion rate.  The primary activity of the Company is the ownership of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Northwest Savings Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered savings bank (“Northwest”).  Northwest is regulated by the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking.  At September 30, 2011, Northwest operated 169 community-banking offices throughout Pennsylvania, western New York, eastern Ohio and Maryland.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary, Northwest, and Northwest’s subsidiaries Northwest Settlement Agency, LLC, Northwest Consumer Discount Company, Northwest Financial Services, Inc., Northwest Advisors, Inc., Northwest Capital Group, Inc., Boetger & Associates, Inc., Allegheny Services, Inc., Great Northwest Corporation and Veracity Benefits Design.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations have been included.  The consolidated statements have been prepared using the accounting policies described in the financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 updated, as required, for any new pronouncements or changes.  Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s format.  The reclassifications had no material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011. The following sections of our Summary of Significant Accounting Principals have been updated since the filing of our form 10-K and are included herein.

Loans Receivable

Our loan portfolio segments consist of Personal Banking loans and Business Banking loans.  Personal Banking loans are further disaggregated into the following classes: residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans.  Business Banking loans are further disaggregated into the following classes: commercial real estate loans and commercial loans.  All classes of loans are carried at their unpaid principal balance net of any deferred origination fees or costs and the allowance for estimated loan losses. Interest income on loans is credited to income as earned. Interest earned on loans for which no payments were received during the month is accrued at month end. Accrued interest on loans more than 90 days delinquent is reversed, and such loans are placed on nonaccrual status.

All classes of loans are placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest is 90 days or more delinquent, or when there is reasonable doubt that interest or principal will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms. Interest receipts on all classes of nonaccrual and impaired loans are recognized as interest revenue when it has been determined that all principal and interest will be collected or are applied to principal when collectability of principal is in doubt.  Nonaccrual loans generally are restored to an accrual basis when principal and interest become current (and a period of performance has been established in accordance with the contractual terms, typically six months).
7

A loan (from any class) is considered to be a troubled debt restructured loan (“TDR”) when the restructuring constitutes a concession and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. TDRs may include certain modifications of terms of loans, receipts of assets from borrowers in partial or full satisfaction of loans, or a combination thereof. TDRs are included in non-performing loans until returned to performing status through the fulfilling of contractual terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months). TDRs are determined on the contractual terms as specified by the original loan agreement or the most recent modification.

For all classes of loans, delinquency is measured based on number of days since payment due date.  For all classes of loans, past due status is measured using the loan’s contractual maturity date.

We have identified certain residential mortgage loans, which will be sold prior to maturity, as loans held for sale. These loans are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less estimated cost to sell and at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and were $926,000 and $11.4 million, respectively.

Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net deferred fee or cost is then recognized using the level-yield method over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment to interest income.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Provision for Loan Losses

Provisions for estimated loan losses and the amount of the allowance for loan losses are based on losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. We believe, to the best of our knowledge, that all known losses as of the statement of condition dates have been recorded.

For all classes of loans, we consider a loan to be impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. In evaluating whether a loan is impaired, we consider not only the amount that we expect to collect but also the timing of collection. Generally, if a delay in payment is insignificant (e.g., less than 30 days), a loan is not deemed to be impaired.

When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price, or fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Business Banking loans greater than or equal to $1.0 million are evaluated individually for impairment. Smaller balance, homogeneous loans (e.g., primarily consumer and residential mortgages) are evaluated collectively for impairment. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for loan losses. Impaired loans are charged-off or charged down when we believe that the ultimate collectability of a loan is not likely or the collateral value no longer supports the carrying value of the loan.

Interest income on impaired loans is recognized using the cash basis method. For impaired loans interest collected is credited to income in the period of recovery or applied to reduce principal if there is sufficient doubt about the collectability of principal.
8

The allowance for loan losses is shown as a valuation allowance to loans. The accounting policy for the determination of the adequacy of the allowance by portfolio segment requires us to make numerous complex and subjective estimates and assumptions relating to amounts which are inherently uncertain. The allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date based on our judgment. The methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses is designed to provide procedural discipline in assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses. Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses and recoveries are added to the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses for all classes of Business Banking loans consists of three elements:

An allowance for impaired loans;
An allowance for homogenous loans based on historical losses; and
An allowance for homogenous loans based on judgmental factors.

The first element, impaired loans, is based on individual analysis of all nonperforming loans greater than or equal to $1.0 million. The allowance is measured by the difference between the recorded value of impaired loans and their impaired value. Impaired value is either the present value of the expected future cash flows from the borrower, the market value of the loan, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell.

The second element is a rolling three-year average of actual losses incurred, adjusted for a loss realization period (the period of time from the event of loss to loss realization), applied to homogenous pools of loans categorized by similar risk characteristics.

The third element augments the historical loss factors for changes in economic conditions, lending policies and procedures, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, management, delinquency trends, loan administration, underlying collateral values and concentrations of credit.

The allowance for loan losses for all classes of Personal Banking loans consists of three elements:

An allowance for loans 90 days or more delinquent;
An allowance for homogenous loans based on historical losses; and
An allowance for homogenous loans based on judgmental factors.

The first element, loans 90 days or more delinquent is based on the loss history of loans that have become 90 days or more delinquent.   We apply a historical loss factor for loans that have been 90 days or more delinquent.

The second element is a rolling three-year average of actual losses incurred, adjusted for a loss realization period (the period of time from the event of loss to loss realization), applied to homogenous pools of loans categorized by similar risk characteristics.

The third element augments the historical loss factors for changes in economic conditions, lending policies and procedures, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, management, delinquency trends, loan administration, underlying collateral values and concentrations of credit.

We also have an unallocated allowance which is based on our judgment regarding economic conditions, collateral values, specific loans and industry conditions and results of bank regulatory and internal credit exams.
9

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently judgmental, and the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb loan losses regardless of the nature of the loss.

We have not made any changes to our methodology for the calculation of the allowance for loan losses during the current year.

Personal Banking loans are charged-off or charged down when they become no more than 180 days delinquent, unless that borrower has filed for bankruptcy.  Business Banking loans are charged-off or charged down when, in our opinion, they are no longer collectible, for commercial loans, or when it has been determined that the collateral value no longer supports the carrying value of the loan, for commercial real estate loans.

Stock-Based Compensation
On April 20, 2011, we awarded a director 30,000 stock options with an exercise price of $12.17 and grant date fair value of $1.96 per stock option and 12,000 Recognition and Retention Plan (“RRP”) shares with a grant date fair value of $12.33 per share.  On May 18, 2011, we awarded employees 2,331,898 stock options and directors 270,000 stock options with an exercise price of $12.32 and grant date fair value of $2.21 per stock option.  On May 18, 2011, we awarded employees 1,165,949 RRP shares and directors 108,000 RRP shares with a grant date fair value of $12.34 per share. Awarded stock options and RRP shares vest over a ten-year period with the first vesting occurring on the grant date.  Stock-based compensation expense of $1.0 million and $15,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $5.7 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was recognized in compensation expense relating to our stock benefit plans.  Included in compensation expense was $1.6 million from our RRP which vested May 18, 2011.  At September 30, 2011 there was compensation expense of $6.1 million to be recognized for awarded but unvested stock options and $13.6 million for unvested RRP shares.

Income Taxes- Uncertain Tax Positions
Accounting standards prescribe a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return.  A tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits.  The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information.  As of September 30, 2011 the Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
We recognize interest accrued related to: (1) unrecognized tax benefits in federal and state income taxes and (2) refund claims in other operating income.  We recognize penalties (if any) in federal and state income taxes.  There is no amount accrued for the payment of interest or penalties at September 30, 2011.  We are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and subject to audit by any state in which we conduct business for the tax periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
10


Recently Issued Accounting Standards to be Adopted in Future Periods
In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2011-02, “ Receivable (Topic 310):  A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring .”   This guidance is designed to assist creditors with determining whether or not a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring.  Additional guidance has been added to help creditors determine whether a concession has been granted and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulty.  Both of these conditions are required to be met for a restructuring to constitute a troubled debt restructuring. This guidance is effective for the first interim period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption.  The adoption of the provisions of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “ Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820):  Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ” This guidance eliminates the concepts of in-use and in-exchange when measuring fair value of all financial instruments. The fair value of a financial asset should be measured on a standalone basis and cannot be measured as part of a group. The ASU requires several new disclosures including the disclosure of all transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and additional disclosures regarding Level 3 assets. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, and should be applied prospectively.  The adoption of the provisions of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. This guidance requires all non-owner changes in stockholders' equity to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. This guidance should be applied retrospectively effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “ Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment .”  This guidance allows an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of the reporting unit.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of the provisions of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
11

(2)
Business Segments
We operate in two reportable business segments: Community Banking and Consumer Finance.  The Community Banking segment provides services traditionally offered by full-service community banks, including commercial and individual demand, savings and time deposit accounts and commercial, mortgage and consumer loans, as well as insurance, brokerage and investment management and trust services.  The Consumer Finance segment, which is comprised of Northwest Consumer Discount Company, a subsidiary of Northwest, operates 52 offices in Pennsylvania and offers personal installment loans for a variety of consumer and real estate products.  This activity is funded primarily through an intercompany borrowing relationship with Allegheny Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Northwest.  Net income is the primary measure used by management to measure segment performance.  The following tables provide financial information for these reportable segments.  The “All Other” column represents the parent company and elimination entries necessary to reconcile to the consolidated amounts presented in the financial statements.

As of or for the three months ended:
Community
Consumer
September 30, 2011 ($ in 000's)
Banking
Finance
All Other *
Consolidated
External interest income
$ 84,267 5,479 285 90,031
Intersegment interest income
770 - (770 ) -
Interest expense
21,672 770 577 23,019
Provision for loan losses
7,300 757 - 8,057
Noninterest income
13,693 804 13 14,510
Noninterest expense
46,794 3,016 113 49,923
Income tax expense (benefit)
6,521 721 (420 ) 6,822
Net income
16,443 1,019 (742 ) 16,720
Total assets
$ 7,838,335 115,084 35,924 7,989,343

Community
Consumer
September 30, 2010 ($ in 000's)
Banking
Finance
All Other *
Consolidated
External interest income
$ 88,788 5,214 7 94,009
Intersegment interest income
805 - (805 ) -
Interest expense
26,341 805 213 27,359
Provision for loan losses
8,750 1,121 - 9,871
Noninterest income
13,197 617 14 13,828
Noninterest expense
45,988 3,017 43 49,048
Income tax expense (benefit)
6,065 368 (365 ) 6,068
Net income
15,646 520 (675 ) 15,491
Total assets
$ 7,999,251 115,153 28,381 8,142,785

* Eliminations consist of intercompany loans, interest income and interest expense.
12

As of or for the nine months ended:
Community
Consumer
September 30, 2011 ($ in 000's)
Banking
Finance
All Other *
Consolidated
External interest income
$ 254,403 16,111 750 271,264
Intersegment interest income
2,306 - (2,306 ) -
Interest expense
66,875 2,306 1,352 70,533
Provision for loan losses
21,450 2,218 - 23,668
Noninterest income
42,230 1,829 39 44,098
Noninterest expense
142,227 9,058 506 151,791
Income tax expense (benefit)
19,782 1,809 (1,197 ) 20,394
Net income
48,605 2,549 (2,178 ) 48,976
Total assets
$ 7,838,335 115,084 35,924 7,989,343

Community
Consumer
September 30, 2010 ($ in 000's)
Banking
Finance
All Other *
Consolidated
External interest income
$ 261,936 15,600 15 277,551
Intersegment interest income
2,419 - (2,419 ) -
Interest expense
84,608 2,419 113 87,140
Provision for loan losses
23,750 2,818 - 26,568
Noninterest income
43,632 1,558 40 45,230
Noninterest expense
136,458 9,087 264 145,809
Income tax expense (benefit)
18,262 1,177 (960 ) 18,479
Net income
44,909 1,657 (1,781 ) 44,785
Total assets
$ 7,999,251 115,153 28,381 8,142,785

* Eliminations consist of intercompany loans, interest income and interest expense.
13

(3)
Investment securities and impairment of investment securities
The following table shows the portfolio of investment securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Gross
Gross
unrealized
unrealized
Amortized
holding
holding
Fair
cost
gains
losses
value
Debt issued by the U.S. government and agencies:
Due in one year or less
$ 61 - (1 ) 60
Debt issued by government sponsored enterprises:
Due in one year or less
1,997 19 - 2,016
Due in one year - five years
54,298 271 - 54,569
Due in five years - ten years
29,898 654 (44 ) 30,508
Due after ten years
9,953 - (34 ) 9,919
Equity securities
9,200 667 (325 ) 9,542
Municipal securities:
Due in one year or less
460 1 - 461
Due in one year - five years
8,049 281 - 8,330
Due in five years - ten years
30,712 1,303 - 32,015
Due after ten years
143,519 4,015 (321 ) 147,213
Corporate debt issues:
Due in one year or less
500 - - 500
Due after ten years
25,362 349 (4,845 ) 20,866
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Fixed rate pass-through
108,335 8,514 - 116,849
Variable rate pass-through
141,591 6,995 (4 ) 148,582
Fixed rate non-agency CMOs
10,544 191 (907 ) 9,828
Fixed rate agency CMOs
125,821 3,292 - 129,113
Variable rate non-agency CMOs
1,389 - (109 ) 1,280
Variable rate agency CMOs
248,100 1,964 (172 ) 249,892
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
635,780 20,956 (1,192 ) 655,544
Total marketable securities available-for-sale
$ 949,789 28,516 (6,762 ) 971,543
14

The following table shows the portfolio of investment securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
Gross
Gross
unrealized
unrealized
Amortized
holding
holding
Fair
cost
gains
losses
value
Debt issued by the U.S. government and agencies:
Due in one year or less
$ 67 - - 67
Debt issued by government sponsored enterprises:
Due in one year - five years
1,989 93 - 2,082
Due in five years - ten years
6,495 347 - 6,842
Due after ten years
9,948 - (53 ) 9,895
Equity securities
641 86 (1 ) 726
Municipal securities:
Due in one year - five years
3,382 125 - 3,507
Due in five years - ten years
37,898 1,023 - 38,921
Due after ten years
173,255 1,158 (8,548 ) 165,865
Corporate debt issues:
Due in one year or less
100 - - 100
Due in one year - five years
500 - - 500
Due after ten years
25,417 196 (7,353 ) 18,260
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Fixed rate pass-through
111,581 7,153 (12 ) 118,722
Variable rate pass-through
167,685 7,260 (8 ) 174,937
Fixed rate non-agency CMOs
13,825 91 (843 ) 13,073
Fixed rate CMOs
112,483 1,067 (759 ) 112,791
Variable rate non-agency CMOs
3,274 - (379 ) 2,895
Variable rate CMOs
277,031 4,525 (276 ) 281,280
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
685,879 20,096 (2,277 ) 703,698
Total marketable securities available-for-sale
$ 945,571 23,124 (18,232 ) 950,463
15

The following table shows the portfolio of investment securities held-to-maturity as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Gross
Gross
unrealized
unrealized
Amortized
holding
holding
Fair
cost
gains
losses
value
Municipal securities:
Due in five - ten years
$ 2,084 66 - 2,150
Due after ten years
74,604 1,855 - 76,459
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Fixed rate pass-through
26,421 1,153 - 27,574
Variable rate pass-through
9,356 66 - 9,422
Fixed rate agency CMOs
139,390 2,860 - 142,250
Variable rate agency CMOs
16,662 286 - 16,948
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
191,829 4,365 - 196,194
Total marketable securities held-to-maturity
$ 268,517 6,286 - 274,803

The following table shows the portfolio of investment securities held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
Gross
Gross
unrealized
unrealized
Amortized
holding
holding
Fair
cost
gains
losses
value
Debt issued by government sponsored enterprises:
Due in one year - five years
26,500 36 - 26,536
Municipal securities:
Due after ten years
80,020 7 (3,940 ) 76,087
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Fixed rate pass-through
29,820 410 (4 ) 30,226
Variable rate pass-through
9,853 79 - 9,932
Fixed rate agency CMOs
186,948 924 (1,701 ) 186,171
Variable rate agency CMOs
24,781 393 - 25,174
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
251,402 1,806 (1,705 ) 251,503
Total marketable securities held-to-maturity
$ 357,922 1,849 (5,645 ) 354,126
We review our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for indications of impairment.  This review includes analyzing the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer, the delinquency or default rates of the underlying collateral, and the intent to hold the investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value.  Other investments are evaluated using our best estimate of future cash flows.  If the estimate of cash flows determines that it is expected an adverse change has occurred, other-than-temporary impairment would be recognized for the credit loss.

16


The following table shows the fair value and gross unrealized losses on investment securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):

Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrealized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair value
loss
Fair value
loss
Fair value
loss
U.S. government and agencies
$ 24,583 (45 ) 9,951 (34 ) 34,534 (79 )
Municipal securities
1,155 (26 ) 3,001 (295 ) 4,156 (321 )
Corporate issues
2,570 (185 ) 15,170 (4,660 ) 17,740 (4,845 )
Equity securities
4,006 (324 ) 18 (1 ) 4,024 (325 )
Residential mortgage- backed securities - non-agency
787 (2 ) 5,523 (1,014 ) 6,310 (1,016 )
Residential mortgage- backed securities - agency
84,585 (107 ) 21,590 (69 ) 106,175 (176 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
$ 117,686 (689 ) 55,253 (6,073 ) 172,939 (6,762 )

The following table shows the fair value and gross unrealized losses on investment securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrealized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair value
loss
Fair value
loss
Fair value
loss
U.S. government and agencies
$ 9,896 (52 ) 35 (1 ) 9,931 (53 )
Municipal securities
188,659 (11,107 ) 8,181 (1,381 ) 196,840 (12,488 )
Corporate issues
- - 13,700 (7,353 ) 13,700 (7,353 )
Equities
44 (1 ) - - 44 (1 )
Residential mortgage- backed securities - non-agency
303 (302 ) 10,093 (921 ) 10,396 (1,223 )
Residential mortgage- backed securities - agency
212,261 (2,632 ) 4,949 (127 ) 217,210 (2,759 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
$ 411,163 (14,094 ) 36,958 (9,783 ) 448,121 (23,877 )

Corporate issues
As of September 30, 2011, the Company had seven investments with a total book value of $19.8 million and total fair value of $15.2 million, where the book value exceeded the fair value for more than 12 months.  These investments were two single issuer trust preferred investments and five pooled trust preferred investments.  The single issuer trust preferred investments were evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment by determining the strength of the underlying issuer.  In each case, the underlying issuer was “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes.  None of the issuers have deferred or announced the intention to defer interest payments.  We believe the decline in fair value is related to the spread over three month LIBOR, on which the quarterly interest payments are based, as the spread over LIBOR is significantly lower than current market spreads.  We concluded the impairment of these two investments was considered temporary.  The pooled trust preferred investments were evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment by considering the duration and severity of the losses, actual cash flows, projected cash flows, performing collateral, the class of investment we owned and the amount of additional defaults the structure could withstand prior to the investment experiencing a disruption in cash flows.  None of these investments are projecting a cash flow disruption nor have any experienced a cash flow disruption.  After evaluation, the impairment in the five investments was considered temporary.
17

The following table provides class, book value, fair value and ratings information for our portfolio of corporate securities that have an unrealized loss as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):

Total
Book
Fair
Unrealized
Moody's/ Fitch
Description
Class
Value
Value
Losses
Ratings
Bank Boston Capital Trust (1)
N/A $ 988 599 (389 )
Ba1/ BBB
Huntington Capital Trust
N/A 1,424 1,133 (291 )
Ba1/ BBB-
Commercebank Capital Trust
N/A 886 880 (6 )
Not rated/ Not rated
North Fork Capital Trust
N/A 1,007 990 (17 )
Baa3/ BBB
Ocean Shore Capital Trust
N/A 862 700 (162 )
Not rated/ Not rated
MM Community Funding II
Mezzanine
329 137 (192 )
Baa2/ BB
I-PreTSL I
Mezzanine
1,500 595 (905 )
Not rated/ CCC
I-PreTSL II
Mezzanine
1,500 587 (913 )
Not rated/ B
PreTSL XIX
Senior A-1
8,674 7,250 (1,424 )
Baa2/ BBB
PreTSL XX
Senior A-1
5,415 4,869 (546 )
Ba2/ BB
$ 22,585 17,740 (4,845 )

(1) – Bank Boston was acquired by Bank of America.
(2) –  North Fork was acquired by Capital One.

The following table provides collateral information on the entire pool for trust preferred securities included in the previous table as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Additional
Immediate
defaults before
Current
causing an
Total
deferrals
Performing
interest
Description *
Collateral
and defaults
Collateral
shortfall
I-PreTSL I
$ 193,500 32,500 161,000 89,942
I-PreTSL II
358,500 17,500 341,000 146,545
PreTSL XIX
699,681 192,400 507,281 176,500
PreTSL XX
576,238 188,500 387,738 103,500

* - Similar information for the MM Community Funding II is not available.
18

Mortgage-backed securities
Mortgage-backed securities include agency (FNMA, FHLMC, SBA and GNMA) mortgage-backed securities and non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).  We review our portfolio of agency mortgage-backed securities quarterly for impairment.  As of September 30, 2011, we believe that the impairment within our portfolio of agency mortgage-backed securities is temporary.  As of September 30, 2011, we had ten non-agency CMOs with a total book value of $11.9 million and a total fair value of $11.1 million.

The following table shows issuer specific information, book value, fair value, unrealized gain or loss and other-than-temporary impairment recorded in earnings for the portfolio of non-agency CMOs as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Impairment
Total
Total
recorded in
impairment
Book
Fair
Unrealized
current quarter
recorded in
Description
Value
Value
Gain/ (loss)
earnings
earnings
AMAC 2003-6 2A2
$ 430 441 11 - -
AMAC 2003-6 2A8
889 915 26 - -
AMAC 2003-7 A3
518 528 10 - -
BOAMS 2005-11 1A8
2,198 2,330 132 - (146 )
CWALT 2005-J14 A3
5,148 4,243 (905 ) - (411 )
CFSB 2003-17 2A2
789 787 (2 ) - -
WAMU 2003-S2 A4
572 584 12 - -
CMLTI 2005-10 1A5B
256 226 (30 ) - (3,366 )
SARM 2005-21 4A2
145 136 (9 ) - (3,193 )
WFMBS 2003-B A2
988 918 (70 ) - -
$ 11,933 11,108 (825 ) - (7,116 )

Municipal Securities

As of September 30, 2011, we had five investments in municipal securities with a total book value of $3.3 million and a total fair value of $3.0 million, where book value exceeded fair value for more than 12 months.  We review our portfolio of municipal securities quarterly for impairment. We initially evaluate investments in municipal securities for other-than-temporary impairment by comparing the fair value, provided to us by a third party pricing source using quoted prices for similar assets that are actively traded, to the carrying value.  When an investment’s fair value is below 80% of the carrying value we then compare the stated interest rate to current market interest rates to determine if the decline in fair value is attributable to interest rates.  If the stated interest rate approximates current interest rates for similar securities, we determine if the investment is rated and if so, if the rating has changed in the current period.  If the rating has not changed during the current period, we review publicly available information to determine if there has been any negative change in the underlying municipality.  As of September 30, 2011, we have determined that all of the impairment in our municipal securities portfolio is noncredit related and therefore temporary. The five investments in municipal securities discussed above represent three Pennsylvania municipalities.
19

The following table provides information for our portfolio of municipal securities that have an unrealized loss as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Total
Book
Fair
Unrealized
Description
State
Value
Value
Losses
Rating
East Bradywine Township General Obligation
PA
$ 1,181 1,155 (26 )
Not rated
Cambridge Area JT Revenue
PA
595 538 (57 )
Not rated
West Reading General Obligation
PA
424 399 (25 )
BBB
West Reading General Obligation
PA
492 457 (35 )
BBB
Kutztown General Obligation
PA
799 747 (52 )
BBB
West Reading General Obligation
PA
986 860 (126 )
BBB
$ 4,477 4,156 (321 )

Credit related other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities is recognized in earnings. Noncredit related other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities, not expected to be sold, is recognized in other comprehensive income.

The table below shows a cumulative roll forward of credit losses recognized in earnings for all debt securities held and not intended to be sold for the three months ended (in thousands):
September 30,
2011
2010
Beginning balance as of July 1 (a)
$ 15,952 14,313
Credit losses on debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized
- -
Additional credit losses on debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
- 392
Ending balance as of September 30
$ 15,952 14,705
(a) – The beginning balance represents credit losses included in other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized on debt securities in prior periods

The table below shows a cumulative roll forward of credit losses recognized in earnings for all debt securities held and not intended to be sold for the nine months ended (in thousands):
September 30,
2011
2010
Beginning balance as of Janaury 1 (a)
$ 15,445 13,998
Credit losses on debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized
- -
Additional credit losses on debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
507 707
Ending balance as of September 30
$ 15,952 14,705
(a) – The beginning balance represents credit losses included in other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized on debt securities in prior periods.
20

(4)
Loans receivable
We have defined our portfolio segments as Personal Banking loans and Business Banking loans.  Classes of Personal Banking loans are residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans.  Classes of Business Banking loans are commercial real estate loans and commercial loans. The following table shows a summary of our loans receivable as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

September 30,
December 31,
2011
2010
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
$ 2,374,037 2,432,421
Home equity loans
1,094,609 1,095,953
Other consumer loans
246,188 255,776
Total Personal banking
3,714,834 3,784,150
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate
1,465,864 1,423,021
Commercial loans
427,436 463,006
Total Business Banking
1,893,300 1,886,027
Total loans receivable, gross
5,608,134 5,670,177
Deferred loan fees
(6,078 ) (7,165 )
Allowance for loan losses
(73,208 ) (76,412 )
Undisbursed loan proceeds (real estate loans)
(83,748 ) (129,007 )
Total loans receivable, net
$ 5,445,100 5,457,593
21

The following table provides information related to the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):

Balance
June 30,
2011
Current
period
provision
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance
September 30,
2011
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 8,463 707 (634 ) 75 8,611
Home equity loans
7,699 1,465 (588 ) 20 8,596
Other consumer loans
5,144 1,299 (1,307 ) 277 5,413
Total Personal Banking
21,306 3,471 (2,529 ) 372 22,620
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
31,690 3,188 (3,675 ) 190 31,393
Commercial loans
17,963 1,620 (4,791 ) 129 14,921
Total Business Banking
49,653 4,808 (8,466 ) 319 46,314
Unallocated
4,496 (222 ) - - 4,274
Total
$ 75,455 8,057 (10,995 ) 691 73,208

The following table provides information related to the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable for the three months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
Balance
June 30,
2010
Current
period
provision
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance
September 30,
2010
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 6,500 1,181 (672 ) 170 7,179
Home equity loans
5,834 2,282 (1,237 ) 15 6,894
Other consumer loans
5,887 1,287 (1,813 ) 275 5,636
Total Personal Banking
18,221 4,750 (3,722 ) 460 19,709
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
34,939 4,388 (3,488 ) 18 35,857
Commercial loans
17,556 546 (1,323 ) 12 16,791
Total Business Banking
52,495 4,934 (4,811 ) 30 52,648
Unallocated
4,701 187 - - 4,888
Total
$ 75,417 9,871 (8,533 ) 490 77,245
22

The following table provides information related to the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Balance
December 31,
2010
Current
period
provision
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance
September 30,
2011
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 6,854 4,190 (2,668 ) 235 8,611
Home equity loans
7,675 4,586 (3,736 ) 71 8,596
Other consumer loans
5,810 2,437 (3,816 ) 982 5,413
Total Personal Banking
20,339 11,213 (10,220 ) 1,288 22,620
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
35,832 3,092 (8,220 ) 689 31,393
Commercial loans
15,770 9,560 (10,706 ) 297 14,921
Total Business Banking
51,602 12,652 (18,926 ) 986 46,314
Unallocated
4,471 (197 ) - - 4,274
Total
$ 76,412 23,668 (29,146 ) 2,274 73,208
The following table provides information related to the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
Balance
December 31,
2009
Current
period
provision
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance
September 30,
2010
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 9,349 (498 ) (1,947 ) 275 7,179
Home equity loans
6,293 3,504 (2,958 ) 55 6,894
Other consumer loans
6,554 2,895 (4,747 ) 934 5,636
Total Personal Banking
22,196 5,901 (9,652 ) 1,264 19,709
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
23,942 18,410 (6,623 ) 128 35,857
Commercial loans
20,073 1,561 (4,940 ) 97 16,791
Total Business Banking
44,015 19,971 (11,563 ) 225 52,648
Unallocated
4,192 696 - - 4,888
Total
$ 70,403 26,568 (21,215 ) 1,489 77,245
23

The following table provides information related to the loan portfolio by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Recorded
investment in
loans
receivable
Allowance for
loan losses
Recorded
investment in
loans on
nonaccrual
Recorded
investment in
loans past
due 90 days
or more and
still accruing
TDR's
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 2,350,122 8,611 31,705 - 806
Home equity loans
1,094,609 8,596 9,340 - -
Other consumer loans
246,188 5,413 2,117 - -
Total Personal Banking
3,690,919 22,620 43,162 - 806
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
1,420,504 31,393 75,300 - 28,251
Commercial loans
406,885 14,921 42,913 - 35,036
Total Business Banking
1,827,389 46,314 118,213 - 63,287
Total
$ 5,518,308 68,934 161,375 - 64,093

The following table provides information related to the loan portfolio by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

Recorded
investment in
loans
receivable
Allowance for
loan losses
Recorded
investment in
loans on
nonaccrual
Recorded
investment in
loans past
due 90 days
or more and
still accruing
TDR's
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 2,398,304 6,854 29,751 - -
Home equity loans
1,095,953 7,675 10,263 - -
Other consumer loans
255,776 5,810 2,565 - -
Total Personal Banking
3,750,033 20,339 42,579 - -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
1,350,319 35,832 67,305 1,067 24,966
Commercial loans
433,653 15,770 38,507 - 27,639
Total Business Banking
1,783,972 51,602 105,812 1,067 52,605
Total
$ 5,534,005 71,941 148,391 1,067 52,605
24

Our loan portfolios include certain loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR), where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from our loss mitigation activities and could include: extending the note’s maturity date, permitting interest only payments, reducing the interest rate to a rate lower than current market rates for new debt with similar risk, reducing the principal payment, principal forbearance or other actions.  These concessions are applicable to all loan segments and classes. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring and typically are returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period of at least six months.
When we modify loans in a TDR, we evaluate any possible impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, the loan’s observable market price or use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, for collateral dependent loans.  If we determine that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.  In periods subsequent to modification, we evaluate all TDRs, including those that have payment defaults, for possible impairment. As a result, loans modified in a TDR may have the financial effect of increasing the specific allowance associated with the loan.

Loans modified in a TDR are closely monitored for delinquency as an early indicator of possible future default.  If loans modified in a TDR subsequently default, we evaluate the loan for possible further impairment. The allowance may be increased, adjustments may be made in the allocation of the allowance, partial charge-offs may be taken to further write-down the carrying value of the loan, or the loan may be charged-off completely.
25

The following table provides information related to troubled debt restructurings by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable for the periods indicated (in thousands):

For the three months ended
September 30, 2011
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2011
Number of
contracts
Recorded
investment
at the time of
modification
Current
recorded
investment
Current
allowance
Number of
contracts
Recorded
investment
at the time of
modification
Current
recorded
investment
Current
allowance
Troubled debt restructurings:
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
1 $ 445 445 127 2 $ 894 806 244
Home equity loans
- - - - - - - -
Other consumer loans
- - - - - - - -
Total Personal Banking
1 445 445 127 2 894 806 244
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
4 10,168 10,126 1,013 12 13,424 13,030 1,303
Commercial loans
2 2,382 2,382 211 19 13,214 12,034 690
Total Business Banking
6 12,550 12,508 1,224 31 26,638 25,064 1,993
Total
7 $ 12,995 12,953 1,351 33 $ 27,532 25,870 2,237
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted:
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
- $ - - - - $ - - -
Home equity loans
- - - - - - - -
Other consumer loans
- - - - - - - -
Total Personal Banking
- - - - - - - -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
1 289 - - 1 289 - -
Commercial loans
- - - - - - - -
Total Business Banking
1 289 - - 1 289 - -
Total
1 $ 289 - - 1 $ 289 - -
The commercial real estate loan TDR that subsequently defaulted was fully charged-off in July, 2011.

The following table provides information related to troubled debt restructurings by portfolio segment and by class of financing for the periods indicated (in thousands):

For the three months ended
September 30, 2010
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2010
Number of
contracts
Recorded
investment
at the time of
modification
Current
recorded
investment
Current
allowance
Number of
contracts
Recorded
investment
at the time of
modification
Current
recorded
investment
Current
allowance
Troubled debt restructurings:
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
- $ - - - - $ - - -
Home equity loans
- - - - - - - -
Other consumer loans
- - - - - - - -
Total Personal Banking
- - - - - - - -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
4 1,581 1,245 301 9 3,302 2,945 558
Commercial loans
3 2,955 2,955 80 4 13,086 13,086 1,133
Total Business Banking
7 4,536 4,200 381 13 16,388 16,031 1,691
Total
7 $ 4,536 4,200 381 13 $ 16,388 16,031 1,691
No TDR’s had defaulted as of September 2010.
26

The following table provides information related to impaired loans by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Loans
collectively
evaluated for
impairment
Loans
individually
evaluated for
impairment
Loans
individually
evaluated for
impairment
for which
there is a
related
impairment
reserve
Related
impairment
reserve
Loans
individually
evaluated for
impairment
for which
there is no
related
reserve
Average
recorded
investment in
impaired
loans
Interest
income
recognized on
impaired
loans
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 2,350,122 - - - - 30,292 -
Home equity loans
1,094,609 - - - - 9,639 -
Other consumer loans
246,188 - - - - 2,345 -
Total Personal Banking
3,690,919 - - - - 42,276 -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans (1)
1,380,808 39,696 17,552 3,400 22,144 75,324 242
Commercial loans (2)
380,346 26,539 15,590 3,445 10,949 41,969 512
Total Business Banking (3)
1,761,154 66,235 33,142 6,845 33,093 117,293 754
Total (4)
$ 5,452,073 66,235 33,142 6,845 33,093 159,569 754
Certain loans that were previously included in loans individually evaluated for impairment were actually loans that we evaluate collectively for impairment as they fall below our threshold for individually evaluating loans for impairment. We corrected prior period comparative amounts to conform with the current period presentation as indicated below (in thousands).
(1) Commercial real estate loans collectively evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment for which there is a related impairment reserve and the related impairment are revised to $1,309,247; $59,375; $31,356; and $6,502, respectively, as of March 31, 2011 and $1,331,805; $43,285; $20,620; and $4,268, respectively as of June 30, 2011.
(2) Commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment for which there is a related impairment reserve and the related impairment are revised to $396,443; $32,397; $26,008; and $9,361, respectively, as of March 31, 2011 and $397,674; $34,992; $21,668; and $9,406, respectively as of June 30, 2011.
(3) Total Business Banking loans collectively evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment for which there is a related impairment reserve and the related impairment are revised to $1,705,690; $91,772; $57,364; and $15,863, respectively, as of March 31, 2011 and $1,729,479; $78,277; $42,288; and $13,673, respectively as of June 30, 2011.
(4) Total loans collectively evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment, individually evaluated for impairment for which there is a related impairment reserve and the related impairment are revised to $5,394,796; $91,772; $57,364; and $15,863, respectively, as of March 31, 2011 and $5,410,901; $78,277; $42,288; and $13,673, respectively as of June 30, 2011.
The following table provides information related to impaired loans by portfolio segment and by class of financing receivable as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
Loans
collectively
evaluated for
impairment
Loans
individually
evaluated for
impairment
Loans
individually
evaluated for
impairment
for which
there is a
related
impairment
reserve
Related
impairment
reserve
Loans
individually
evaluated for
impairment
for which
there is no
related
reserve
Average
recorded
investment in
impaired
loans
Interest
income
recognized on
impaired
loans
Personal Banking:
Residental mortgage loans
$ 2,398,304 - - - - 27,544 -
Home equity loans
1,095,953 - - - - 8,333 -
Other consumer loans
255,776 - - - - 4,543 -
Total Personal Banking
3,750,033 - - - - 40,420 -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
1,286,398 63,921 37,336 9,186 26,585 60,923 171
Commercial loans
403,924 29,729 23,468 6,944 6,261 35,452 629
Total Business Banking
1,690,322 93,650 60,804 16,130 32,846 96,375 800
Total
$ 5,440,355 93,650 60,804 16,130 32,846 136,795 800
27

The following table provides information related to loan delinquencies as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
30-59 Days
Delinquent
60-89 Days
Delinquent
90 Days or
Greater
Delinquent
Total
Delinquency
Current
Total Loans
Recorded
investment
> 90 days
past due
and still
accruing
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
$ 3,724 7,430 31,705 42,859 2,307,263 2,350,122 -
Home equity loans
7,125 1,547 9,340 18,012 1,076,597 1,094,609 -
Other consumer loans
4,189 1,337 2,117 7,643 238,545 246,188 -
Total Personal Banking
15,038 10,314 43,162 68,514 3,622,405 3,690,919 -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
10,489 2,471 50,395 63,355 1,357,149 1,420,504 -
Commercial loans
2,690 4,466 18,670 25,826 381,059 406,885 -
Total Business Banking
13,179 6,937 69,065 89,181 1,738,208 1,827,389 -
Total
$ 28,217 17,251 112,227 157,695 5,360,613 5,518,308 -
The following table provides information related to loan delinquencies as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
30-59 Days
Delinquent
60-89 Days
Delinquent
90 Days or
Greater
Delinquent
Total
Delinquency
Current
Total Loans
Recorded
investment
> 90 days
past due
and still
accruing
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
$ 35,329 9,848 29,751 74,928 2,323,376 2,398,304 -
Home equity loans
7,317 3,249 10,263 20,829 1,075,124 1,095,953 -
Other consumer loans
5,318 1,331 2,565 9,214 246,562 255,776 -
Total Personal Banking
47,964 14,428 42,579 104,971 3,645,062 3,750,033 -
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
16,287 14,365 44,965 75,617 1,274,702 1,350,319 1,067
Commercial loans
6,590 1,678 12,877 21,145 412,508 433,653 -
Total Business Banking
22,877 16,043 57,842 96,762 1,687,210 1,783,972 1,067
Total
$ 70,841 30,471 100,421 201,733 5,332,272 5,534,005 1,067
28

Credit quality indicators: We categorize Business Banking loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  We analyze Business Banking loans individually by classifying the loans by credit risk.  Loans designated as special mention or classified substandard are reviewed quarterly for further deterioration or improvement to determine if the loan is appropriately classified.  We use the following definitions for risk ratings other than pass:
Special mention – Loans designated as special mention have specific, well-defined risk issues, which create a high level of uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of the business. Loans in this class are considered to have high-risk characteristics.  A special mention loan exhibits material negative financial trends due to company-specific or systemic conditions.  If these potential weaknesses are not mitigated, they threaten the borrower’s capacity to meet its debt obligations.  Special mention loans still demonstrate sufficient financial flexibility to react to and positively address the root cause of the adverse financial trends without significant deviations from their current business strategy. Their potential weaknesses deserve our close attention and warrant enhanced monitoring.
Substandard – Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful – Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard.   In addition, those weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable.   A loan classified as doubtful exhibits discernible loss potential, but a complete loss seems very unlikely.  The possibility of a loss on a doubtful loan is high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may strengthen the loan, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until a more exact status can be determined.

Loss – Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such value that the continuance as a loan is not warranted.  A loss classification does not mean that the loan has no recovery or salvage value; instead, it means that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off all or a portion of a basically worthless loan even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.
29

The following table sets forth information about credit quality indicators, which were updated during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Loss
Total
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
$ 2,323,362 - 25,581 - 1,179 2,350,122
Home equity loans
1,085,053 - 9,556 - - 1,094,609
Other consumer loans
245,053 - 1,135 - - 246,188
Total Personal Banking
3,653,468 - 36,272 - 1,179 3,690,919
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
1,197,956 64,708 154,286 3,554 - 1,420,504
Commercial loans
306,358 35,717 60,529 4,281 - 406,885
Total Business Banking
1,504,314 100,425 214,815 7,835 - 1,827,389
Total
$ 5,157,782 100,425 251,087 7,835 1,179 5,518,308

The following table sets forth information about credit quality indicators, which were updated during the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Loss
Total
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
$ 2,368,776 - 28,763 56 709 2,398,304
Home equity loans
1,084,605 - 11,348 - - 1,095,953
Other consumer loans
254,072 - 1,704 - - 255,776
Total Personal Banking
3,707,453 - 41,815 56 709 3,750,033
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
1,112,955 70,638 163,050 3,346 330 1,350,319
Commercial loans
349,232 25,710 58,266 436 9 433,653
Total Business Banking
1,462,187 96,348 221,316 3,782 339 1,783,972
Total
$ 5,169,640 96,348 263,131 3,838 1,048 5,534,005
30

(5)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table provides information for intangible assets subject to amortization at the dates indicated (in thousands):

September 30,
December 31,
2011
2010
Amortizable intangible assets:
Core deposit intangibles – gross
$ 30,578 30,578
Acquisitions
- -
Less:  accumulated amortization
(29,317 ) (28,301 )
Core deposit intangibles – net
1,261 2,277
Customer and Contract intangible assets – gross
3,779 1,731
Acquisitions - Veracity Benefits Design, Inc.
- 2,048
Less:  accumulated amortization
(2,543 ) (2,114 )
Customer and Contract intangible assets – net
$ 1,236 1,665

The following table shows the actual aggregate amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, as well as the estimated aggregate amortization expense, based upon current levels of intangible assets, for the current fiscal year and each of the five succeeding fiscal years (in thousands):
For the three months ended September 30, 2011
$ 475
For the three months ended September 30, 2010
725
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
1,445
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010
2,266
For the year ending December 31, 2011
1,730
For the year ending December 31, 2012
1,019
For the year ending December 31, 2013
647
For the year ending December 31, 2014
296
For the year ending December 31, 2015
140
For the year ending December 31, 2016
110
31

The following table provides information for the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
Community
Consumer
Banks
Finance
Total
Balance at December 31, 2009
$ 170,050 1,313 171,363
Goodwill acquired
219 300 519
Impairment losses
- - -
Balance at December 31, 2010
170,269 1,613 171,882
Goodwill acquired
- - -
Impairment losses
- - -
Balance at September 30, 2011
$ 170,269 1,613 171,882

We performed our annual goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2011 and concluded that goodwill was not impaired. There were no changes in our operations that would cause us to update the goodwill impairment test performed as of June 30, 2011.

(6)
Guarantees
We issue standby letters of credit in the normal course of business.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of the underlying contract with the third party.  We are required to perform under a standby letter of credit when drawn upon by the guaranteed third party in the case of nonperformance by our customer.  The credit risk associated with standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers and is subject to normal loan underwriting procedures.  Collateral may be obtained based on management’s credit assessment of the customer.  At September 30, 2011, the maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was $64.4 million, of which $63.3 million is fully collateralized.  At September 30, 2011, the Company had a liability, which represents deferred income, of $943,000 related to the standby letters of credit.  There are no recourse provisions that would enable us to recover any amounts from third parties.
(7)
Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without considering any dilutive items. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company. Stock options to purchase 2,636,398 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $12.32 per share were outstanding during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for this period because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.  Stock options to purchase 942,409 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $11.50 per share were outstanding during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for this period because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.
32

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share follows (in thousands, except share data and per share amounts):

Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Reported net income
$ 16,720 15,491 48,976 44,785
Weighted average common shares outstanding
96,918,016 108,340,566 101,866,461 108,299,515
Dilutive potential shares due to effect of stock options
206,312 573,503 402,466 660,070
Total weighted average common shares and dilutive potential shares
97,124,328 108,914,069 102,268,927 108,959,585
Basic earnings per share:
$ 0.17 0.14 0.48 0.41
Diluted earnings per share:
$ 0.17 0.14 0.48 0.41

(8)
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits (in thousands):

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Three months ended September 30,
Pension Benefits
Other Post-retirement Benefits
2011
2010
2011
2010
Service cost
$ 1,429 1,397 - -
Interest cost
1,363 1,333 21 24
Expected return on plan assets
(1,502 ) (1,379 ) - -
Amortization of prior service cost
(40 ) (40 ) - -
Amortization of the net loss
169 218 13 13
Net periodic benefit cost
$ 1,419 1,529 34 37

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Nine months ended September 30,
Pension Benefits
Other Post-retirement Benefits
2011
2010
2011
2010
Service cost
$ 4,285 4,191 - -
Interest cost
4,089 3,999 64 72
Expected return on plan assets
(4,506 ) (4,137 ) - -
Amortization of prior service cost
(120 ) (120 ) - -
Amortization of the net loss
507 654 39 39
Net periodic benefit cost
$ 4,255 4,587 103 111

We made no contribution to our pension or other post-retirement benefit plans during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011.  Once determined, we anticipate making a tax-deductible contribution to our defined benefit pension plan for the year ending December 31, 2011.

33


(9)
Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statement of financial condition, is required to be disclosed. These requirements exclude certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statement of financial condition approximate fair value for the following financial instruments: cash on hand, interest-earning deposits in other institutions, federal funds sold and other short-term investments, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest payable, and marketable securities available-for-sale.
Marketable Securities
Where available, market values are based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes, and prices obtained from independent pricing services. See the Fair Value Measurements section of this footnote for further detail on how fair values of marketable securities are determined.
Loans Receivable
Loans with comparable characteristics including collateral and re-pricing structures were segregated for valuation purposes. Each loan pool was separately valued utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis. Projected monthly cash flows were discounted to present value using a market rate for comparable loans, which is not considered an exit price. Characteristics of comparable loans included remaining term, coupon interest, and estimated prepayment speeds. Delinquent loans were separately evaluated given the impact delinquency has on projected future cash flow of the loan and the approximate discount or market rate.
Deposit Liabilities
The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, which includes demand deposits, money market, and other savings accounts, is the amount payable on demand. Although market premiums paid for depository institutions reflect an additional value for these low-cost deposits, adjusting fair value for any value expected to be derived from retaining those deposits for a future period of time or from the benefit that results from the ability to fund interest-earning assets with these deposit liabilities is prohibited. The fair value estimates of deposit liabilities do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by these deposits compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. Fair values for time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies contractual cost currently being offered in the existing portfolio to current market rates being offered locally for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The valuation adjustment for the portfolio consists of the present value of the difference of these two cash flows, discounted at the assumed market rate of the corresponding maturity.
Borrowed Funds
The fixed rate advances were valued by comparing their contractual cost to the prevailing market cost.
Trust-Preferred Securities
The fair value of trust-preferred investments is calculated using the discounted cash flows at the prevailing rate of interest on similar investments.
Cash flow hedges – Interest rate swap agreements (“swaps”)
The fair value of the swaps is the amount we would have expected to pay to terminate the agreements and is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows using the LIBOR swap curve, the basis for the underlying interest rate.
34

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
These financial instruments generally are not sold or traded, and estimated fair values are not readily available. However, the fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements. Commitments to extend credit issued by the Company are generally short-term in nature and, if drawn upon, are issued under current market terms. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there was no material unrealized appreciation or depreciation on these financial instruments.
The following table sets forth the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments included in the consolidated statement of financial condition as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
September 30, 2011
December 31, 2010
Carrying
Estimated
Carrying
Estimated
amount
fair value
amount
fair value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 671,041 671,041 719,111 719,111
Securities available-for-sale
971,543 971,543 950,463 950,463
Securities held-to-maturity
268,517 274,803 357,922 354,126
Loans receivable, net
5,445,100 5,770,983 5,457,593 5,837,866
Accrued interest receivable
25,745 25,745 26,216 26,216
FHLB Stock
51,511 51,511 60,080 60,080
Total financial assets
$ 7,433,457 7,765,626 7,571,385 7,947,862
Financial liabilities:
Savings and checking accounts
$ 3,481,279 3,481,279 3,306,420 3,306,420
Time deposits
2,331,471 2,360,974 2,457,916 2,504,527
Borrowed funds
828,674 850,951 891,293 903,569
Junior subordinated debentures
103,094 117,116 103,094 112,463
Cash flow hedges – swaps
14,054 14,054 9,349 9,349
Accrued interest payable
1,072 1,072 1,716 1,716
Total financial liabilities
$ 6,759,644 6,825,446 6,769,788 6,838,044
Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data and information about the instrument. The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
35

Fair Value Measurements
Financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis and certain financial assets and liabilities on a non-recurring basis are accounted for using a three-level hierarchy valuation technique based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable.  This hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices with readily available independent data in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable market inputs (Level 3).  When various inputs for measurement fall within different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the lowest level input that has a significant impact on fair value measurement is used.

Financial assets and liabilities are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques:

·
Level 1 – Financial assets and liabilities for which inputs are observable and are obtained from reliable quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in actively traded markets.  This is the most reliable fair value measurement and includes, for example, active exchange-traded equity securities.
·
Level 2 – Financial assets and liabilities for which values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which values are based on similar assets or liabilities that are actively traded.  Level 2 also includes pricing models in which the inputs are corroborated by market data, for example, matrix pricing.
·
Level 3 – Financial assets and liabilities for which values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  Level 3 inputs include the following:
o
Quotes from brokers or other external sources that are not considered binding;
o
Quotes from brokers or other external sources where it cannot be determined that market participants would in fact transact for the asset or liability at the quoted price;
o
Quotes and other information from brokers or other external sources where the inputs are not deemed observable.

We are responsible for the valuation process and as part of this process may use data from outside sources in establishing fair values.  We perform due diligence to understand the inputs used or how the data was calculated or derived.  We also corroborate the reasonableness of external inputs in the valuation process.
36

The following table represents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Total
assets at
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Equity securities
$ 9,542 - - 9,542
Debt securities:
U.S. government and agencies
- 60 - 60
Government sponsored enterprises
- 97,012 - 97,012
States and political subdivisions
- 188,019 - 188,019
Corporate
- 11,445 9,921 21,366
Total debt securities
- 296,536 9,921 306,457
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
GNMA
- 50,504 - 50,504
FNMA
- 136,558 - 136,558
FHLMC
- 77,638 - 77,638
Non-agency
- 731 - 731
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
GNMA
- 37,237 - 37,237
FNMA
- 106,640 - 106,640
FHLMC
- 215,561 - 215,561
SBA
- 19,567 - 19,567
Non-agency
- 11,108 - 11,108
Total mortgage-backed securities
- 655,544 - 655,544
Interest rate swaps
- (14,054 ) - (14,054 )
Total assets
$ 9,542 938,026 9,921 957,489

37


The following table represents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
Total
assets at
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Equity securities
$ 726 - - 726
Debt securities:
U.S. government and agencies
- 67 - 67
Government sponsored enterprises
- 18,819 - 18,819
States and political subdivisions
- 208,293 - 208,293
Corporate
- 9,651 9,209 18,860
Total debt securities
- 236,830 9,209 246,039
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
GNMA
- 56,266 - 56,266
FNMA
- 141,414 - 141,414
FHLMC
- 95,239 - 95,239
Non-agency
- 740 - 740
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
GNMA
- 47,143 - 47,143
FNMA
- 108,617 - 108,617
FHLMC
- 215,216 - 215,216
Non-agency
- 39,063 - 39,063
Total mortgage-backed securities
- 703,698 - 703,698
Interest rate swaps
- (9,349 ) - (9,349 )
Total assets
$ 726 931,179 9,209 941,114

Debt securities – available for sale - Generally, debt securities are valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs.  The valuation for most debt securities is classified as level 2.  Securities within level 2 include corporate bonds, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities and US government obligations.  Certain debt securities do not have an active market and as such the broker pricing received uses alternative methods, including use of cash flow estimates.  Accordingly, these securities are included herein as level 3 assets.  The fair value of certain corporate debt securities are determined by using a discounted cash flow model and market assumptions, which generally include cash flow, collateral and other market assumptions.  As such, these securities are included herein as level 3 assets.

Equity securities – available for sale - Level 1 securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices.  We consider the financial condition of the issuer to determine if the securities have indicators of impairment.

38


Interest rate swap agreements (Swaps) – The fair value of the swaps is the amount we would be expected to pay to terminate the agreements and is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows using the LIBOR swap curve, the basis for the underlying interest rate.

The table below presents a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine periods ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2011
September 30, 2011
Equity
Debt
Equity
Debt
securities
securities
securities
securities
Beginning balace
$ - 9,040 - 9,209
Total net realized investment gains/ (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation):
Included in net income as OTTI
- - - -
Included in other comprehensive income
- 881 - 712
Purchases
- - - -
Sales
- - - -
Transfers into Level 3
- - - -
Transfers out of Level 3
- - - -
Ending balance
$ - 9,921 - 9,921

The table below presents a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2010
September 30, 2010
Equity
Debt
Equity
Debt
securities
securities
securities
securities
Beginning balace
$ - 9,470 - 7,385
Total net realized investment gains/ (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation):
Included in net income as OTTI
- (208 ) - (362 )
Included in other comprehensive income
- (30 ) - 2,209
Purchases
- - - -
Sales
- - - -
Transfers into Level 3
- - - -
Transfers out of Level 3
- - - -
Ending balance
$ - 9,232 - 9,232
39


Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis after initial recognition such as loans measured for impairment and real estate owned.  The following table represents the fair value measurement for nonrecurring assets as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Total
assets at
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Loans measured for impairment
$ - - 26,297 26,297
Real estate owned
- - 20,648 20,648
Total assets
$ - - 46,945 46,945
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis after initial recognition such as loans measured for impairment, real estate owned and mortgage servicing rights.  The following table represents the fair value measurement for nonrecurring assets as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
Total
assets at
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Loans measured for impairment
$ - - 44,674 44,674
Real estate owned
- - 20,780 20,780
Mortgage servicing rights
- - 1,219 1,219
Total assets
$ - - 66,673 66,673

Impaired loans – A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that all of the principal and interest due under the terms of the loan may not be collected.  Impairment is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, the loan’s market price or discounted cash flows when collateral does not exist.  We measure impairment on all nonaccrual commercial and commercial real estate loans for which we have established specific reserves as part of the specific allocated allowance component of the allowance for loan losses.  We classify impaired loans as nonrecurring Level 3.

Real Estate Owned – Real estate owned is comprised of property acquired through foreclosure or voluntarily conveyed by delinquent borrowers.  These assets are recorded on the date acquired at the lower of the related loan balance or fair value, less estimated disposition costs, with the fair value being determined by appraisal.  Subsequently, foreclosed assets are valued at the lower of the amount recorded at acquisition date or fair value, less estimated disposition costs.  The Company classifies real estate owned as nonrecurring Level 3.

40


Mortgage servicing rights – Mortgage servicing rights represent the value of servicing residential mortgage loans, when the mortgage loans have been sold into the secondary market and the associated loan servicing has been retained.  The value is determined through a discounted cash flow analysis, which uses forward looking interest rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs.  All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management judgment.  Servicing rights and the related mortgage loans are segregated into categories or homogeneous pools based upon common characteristics.  Adjustments are only made when the estimated discounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, as determined by individual pool.  As such, mortgage servicing rights are classified as nonrecurring Level 3.

(10)
Mortgage Loan Servicing
Mortgage servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when servicing rights are recorded through loan originations and the underlying loan is sold.  Upon sale, the mortgage servicing right (“MSR”) is established, which represents the then-fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing the servicing activities.  The fair value of the MSRs are estimated by calculating the present value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration actual and expected mortgage loan prepayment rates, discount rates, servicing costs and other economic factors, which are determined based on current market conditions.  In determining the fair value of the MSRs, mortgage interest rates, which are used to determine prepayment rates and discount rates, are held constant over the estimated life of the portfolio.  MSRs are amortized against mortgage banking income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying mortgage loans.

Capitalized MSRs are evaluated for impairment based on the estimated fair value of those rights.  The MSRs are stratified by certain risk characteristics, primarily loan term and note rate.  If temporary impairment exists within a risk stratification tranche, a valuation allowance is established through a charge to income equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.  If it is later determined all or a portion of the temporary impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, the valuation allowance is reduced.

The following table shows changes in MSRs as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Net
Carrying
Servicing
Valuation
Value and
Rights
Allowance
Fair Value
Balance at June 30, 2011
$ 4,842 - 4,842
Additions/ (reductions)
510 - 510
Amortization
(854 ) - (854 )
Balance at September 30, 2011
$ 4,498 - 4,498
41

The following table shows changes in MSRs as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
Net
Carrying
Servicing
Valuation
Value and
Rights
Allowance
Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2010
$ 5,969 - 5,969
Additions/ (reductions)
1,145 - 1,145
Amortization
(2,616 ) - (2,616 )
Balance at September 30, 2011
$ 4,498 - 4,498

The following table shows changes in MSRs as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
Net
Carrying
Servicing
Valuation
Value and
Rights
Allowance
Fair Value
Balance at June 30, 2010
$ 6,557 (175 ) 6,382
Additions/ (reductions)
625 (70 ) 555
Amortization
(1,121 ) - (1,121 )
Balance at September 30, 2010
$ 6,061 (245 ) 5,816

The following table shows changes in MSRs as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
Net
Carrying
Servicing
Valuation
Value and
Rights
Allowance
Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2009
$ 8,570 (540 ) 8,030
Additions/ (reductions)
779 295 1,074
Amortization
(3,288 ) - (3,288 )
Balance at September 30, 2010
$ 6,061 (245 ) 5,816

MSRs are recorded in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition.

(11) Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in the Company’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (Trust Preferred Securities) and Interest Rate Swaps
The Company has two statutory business trusts: Northwest Bancorp Capital Trust III, a Delaware statutory business trust and Northwest Bancorp Statutory Trust IV, a Connecticut statutory business trust (“Trusts”).  These trusts exist solely to issue preferred securities to third parties for cash, issue common securities to the Company in exchange for capitalization of the Trusts, invest the proceeds from the sale of the trust securities in an equivalent amount of debentures of the Company, and engage in other activities that are incidental to those previously listed.
42

Northwest Bancorp Capital Trust III (Trust III) issued 50,000 cumulative trust preferred securities in a private transaction to a pooled investment vehicle on December 5, 2005 (liquidation value of $1,000 per preferred security or $50,000,000) with a stated maturity of December 30, 2035.  These securities carry a floating interest rate, which is reset quarterly, equal to three-month LIBOR plus 1.38%.  Northwest Bancorp Statutory Trust IV (Trust IV) issued 50,000 cumulative trust preferred securities in a private transaction to a pooled investment vehicle on December 15, 2005 (liquidation value of $1,000 per preferred security or $50,000,000) with a stated maturity of December 15, 2035.  These securities carry a floating interest rate, which is reset quarterly, equal to three-month LIBOR plus 1.38%.  The Trusts have invested the proceeds of the offerings in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued by the Company.  The structure of these debentures mirrors the structure of the trust-preferred securities.  Trust III holds $51,547,000 of the Company’s junior subordinated debentures and Trust IV holds $51,547,000 of the Company’s junior subordinated debentures.  These subordinated debentures are the sole assets of the Trusts.  Cash distributions on the trust securities are made on a quarterly basis to the extent interest on the debentures is received by the Trusts.  We have the right to defer payment of interest on the subordinated debentures at any time, or from time-to-time, for periods not exceeding five years.  If interest payments on the subordinated debentures are deferred, the distributions on the trust preferred are also deferred.  Interest on the subordinated debentures and distributions on the trust securities is cumulative.  Our obligation constitutes a full, irrevocable, and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis of the obligations of the trust under the preferred securities.

We entered into four interest rate swap agreements (swaps), designating the swaps as cash flow hedges.  The swaps are intended to protect against the variability of cash flows associated with Trust III and Trust IV.  The first two swaps modify the re-pricing characteristics of Trust III, wherein (i) the Company receives interest of three-month LIBOR from a counterparty and pays a fixed rate of 4.20% to the same counterparty calculated on a notional amount of $25.0 million and (ii) the Company receives interest of three-month LIBOR from a counterparty and pays a fixed rate of 4.61% to the same counterparty calculated on a notional amount of $25.0 million.  The original terms of these two swaps are five years and ten years, respectively, which expire September 2013 and September 2018, respectively.  The second two swaps modify the re-pricing characteristics of Trust IV, wherein (i) the Company receives interest of three-month LIBOR from a counterparty and pays a fixed rate of 3.85% to the same counterparty calculated on a notional amount of $25.0 million and (ii) the Company receives interest of three-month LIBOR from a counterparty and pays a fixed rate of 4.09% to the same counterparty calculated on a notional amount of $25.0 million.  The original terms of these two swaps are seven years and ten years, respectively, which expire September 2015 and September 2018, respectively.  The swap agreements were entered into with a counterparty that met our credit standards and the agreements contain collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party.  We believe that the credit risk inherent in the contracts is not significant.  At September 30, 2011, $14.1 million was pledged as collateral to the counterparty.

At September 30, 2011, the fair value of the swap agreements was $(14.1) million and was the amount we would have expected to pay if the contracts were terminated.  There was no material hedge ineffectiveness for these swaps.

The following table shows liability derivatives, included in other liabilities, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2011
2010
Fair value
$ 14,054 9,349
Notional amount
$ 100,000 100,000
Collateral posted
$ 14,054 9,349
43

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

Forward-Looking Statements:
In addition to historical information, this document may contain certain forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as they reflect management’s analysis only as of the date of this report.  We have no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report.

Important factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:
·
Changes in interest rates which could impact our net interest margin;
·
Adverse changes in our loan portfolio or investment securities portfolio and the resulting credit related losses and/ or market value adjustments;
·
The impact of the uncertain economic conditions on our loan portfolio (including cash flow and collateral values), investment portfolio, customers and capital market activities;
·
The impact of changing from the Office of Thrift Supervision to the Federal Reserve System as the holding company regulator;
·
Possible impairments of securities held by us, including those issued by government entities and government sponsored enterprises;
·
Our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial and residential real estate, multifamily and commercial and industrial loans;
·
The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses;
·
Changes in the financial performance and/ or condition of the Company’s borrowers;
·
Changes in general economic or business conditions resulting in changes in demand for credit and other services, among other things;
·
Changes in consumer confidence, spending and savings habits relative to the bank and non-bank financial services we provide;
·
Compliance with laws and regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies;
·
New legislation affecting the financial services industry;
·
The impact of the current governmental efforts to restructure the U.S. financial and regulatory system;
·
The level of future deposit premium assessments;
·
Competition from other financial institutions in originating loans and attracting deposits;
·
The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the SEC, Public Company Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standards setters;
·
Our ability to effectively implement technology driven products and services;
·
Sources of liquidity; and
·
Our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

Overview of Critical Accounting Policies Involving Estimates
Our critical accounting policies involve accounting estimates that: a) require assumptions about highly uncertain matters, and b) could vary sufficiently enough to have a material effect on our financial condition and/ or results of operations.

Allowance for Loan Losses. Provisions for estimated loan losses and the amount of the allowance for loan losses are based on losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. We believe, to the best of our knowledge, that all known losses as of the statement of condition dates have been recorded.
44

For all classes of loans, we consider a loan to be impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. In evaluating whether a loan is impaired, we consider not only the amount that we expect to collect but also the timing of collection. Generally, if a delay in payment is insignificant (e.g., less than 30 days), a loan is not deemed to be impaired.

When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price, or fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Business banking loans greater than or equal to $1.0 million are evaluated individually for impairment. Smaller balance, homogeneous loans (e.g., primarily consumer and residential mortgages) are evaluated collectively for impairment. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for loan losses. Impaired loans are charged-off or charged down when we believe that the ultimate collectability of a loan is not likely or the collateral value no longer supports the carrying value of the loan.

Interest income on impaired loans is recognized using the cash basis method. For impaired loans interest collected is credited to income in the period of recovery or applied to reduce principal if there is sufficient doubt about the collectability of principal.

The allowance for loan losses is shown as a valuation allowance to loans. The accounting policy for the determination of the adequacy of the allowance by portfolio segment requires us to make numerous complex and subjective estimates and assumptions relating to amounts which are inherently uncertain. The allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date based on our judgment. The methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses is designed to provide procedural discipline in assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses. Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses and recoveries are added to the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses for all classes of Business Banking loans consists of three elements:

An allowance for impaired loans;
An allowance for homogenous loans based on historical losses; and
An allowance for homogenous loans based on judgmental factors.

The first element, impaired loans, is based on individual analysis of all nonperforming loans greater than or equal to $1.0 million. The allowance is measured by the difference between the recorded value of impaired loans and their impaired value. Impaired value is either the present value of the expected future cash flows from the borrower, the market value of the loan, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell.

The second element is a rolling three-year average of actual losses incurred, adjusted for a loss realization period (the period of time from the event of loss to loss realization), applied to homogenous pools of loans categorized by similar risk characteristics.

The third element augments the historical loss factors for changes in economic conditions, lending policies and procedures, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, management, delinquency trends, loan administration, underlying collateral values and concentrations of credit.
45

The allowance for loan losses for all classes of Personal Banking loans consists of three elements:

An allowance for loans 90 days or more delinquent;
An allowance for homogenous loans based on historical losses; and
An allowance for homogenous loans based on judgmental factors.

The first element, loans 90 days or more delinquent, is based on the loss history of loans that have become 90 days or more delinquent.   We apply a historical loss factor for loans that have been 90 days or more delinquent.

The second element is a rolling three-year average of actual losses incurred, adjusted for a loss realization period (the period of time from the event of loss to loss realization), applied to homogenous pools of loans categorized by similar risk characteristics.

The third element augments the historical loss factors for changes in economic conditions, lending policies and procedures, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, management, delinquency trends, loan administration, underlying collateral values and concentrations of credit.

We also have an unallocated allowance which is based on our judgment regarding economic conditions, collateral values, specific loans and industry conditions and results of bank regulatory and internal credit exams.

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently judgmental, and the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb loan losses regardless of the nature of the loss.

We have not made any changes to our methodology for the calculation of the allowance for loan losses during the current year.

Personal Banking loans are charged-off or charged down when they become no more than 180 days delinquent, unless that borrower has filed for bankruptcy.  Business Banking loans are charged-off or charged down when, in our opinion, they are no longer collectible, for commercial loans, or when it has been determined that the collateral value no longer supports the carrying value of the loan, for commercial real estate loans.

Valuation of Investment Securities. Unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes, on available for sale securities are reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices of identical assets, when available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon valuation models that use cash flow, security structure and other observable information.  Where sufficient data is not available to produce a fair valuation, fair value is based on broker quotes for similar assets.  Broker quotes may be adjusted to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value.  Adjustments may include unobservable parameters, among other things.

We conduct a quarterly review and evaluation of our investment securities to determine if any declines in fair value are other than temporary.  In making this determination, we consider the period of time the securities were in a loss position, the percentage decline in comparison to the securities’ amortized cost, the financial condition of the issuer, if applicable, and the delinquency or default rates of underlying collateral.  In addition, we consider our intent to sell the investment securities currently in an unrealized loss position and whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  Any valuation decline that we determine to be other than temporary would require us to write down the security to fair value through a charge to earnings for the credit loss component.
46

Goodwill. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment at least annually and possibly more frequently if certain events or changes in circumstances arise.  Impairment testing requires that the fair value of each reporting unit be compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill.  Reporting units are identified based upon analyzing each of the Company’s individual operating segments.  A reporting unit is defined as any distinct, separately identifiable component of an operating segment for which complete, discrete financial information is available that management regularly reviews.  Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires a high degree of subjective management judgment.
We have established June 30 th of each year as the date for conducting the annual goodwill impairment assessment.  As of June 30, 2011, through the assistance of an external third party, we performed an impairment test on goodwill.  We valued each reporting unit by using a weighted average of four valuation methodologies; comparable transaction approach, control premium approach, public market peers approach and discounted cash flow approach.  Declines in fair value could result in impairment being identified.  At June 30, 2011, we did not identify any individual reporting unit where the fair value was less than the carrying value.  Nor have any material changes occurred since that date that would lead to any other conclusions. Future changes in the economic environment or the operations of the operating units could cause changes to the variables used, which could give rise to declines in the estimated fair value of the reporting units.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Using this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance would be established.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Management exercises significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets.  These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income.  The judgments and estimates made in determining our deferred tax assets, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed on an ongoing basis as regulatory and business factors change.  A reduction in estimated future taxable income could require us to record a valuation allowance.  Changes in levels of valuation allowances could result in increased income tax expense, and could negatively affect earnings.

Other Intangible Assets. Using the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, we are required to record the assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities assumed at their fair values.  These fair values often involve estimates based on third party valuations, including appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques, which are inherently subjective.  Core deposit and other intangible assets are recorded in purchase accounting.  Intangible assets, which are determined to have finite lives, are amortized based on the period of estimated economic benefits received, primarily on an accelerated basis. If it is subsequently determined that the period of economic benefit has decreased or no longer exists, accelerated amortization or impairment may occur.

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Executive Summary and Comparison of Financial Condition
Total assets at September 30, 2011 were $7.989 billion, a decrease of $158.8 million, or 1.9%, from $8.148 billion at December 31, 2010.  This decrease in assets is primarily attributed to decreases in cash and investments of $116.4 million, total loans receivable of $15.7 million, Federal Home Loan Bank stock of $8.6 million and other assets of $18.1 million, which were partially offset by a decrease in the allowance for loan losses of $3.2 million.  Shareholder’s equity decreased by $140.7 million and borrowed funds decreased by $62.6 million, while deposits increased by $48.4 million.

Total cash and investments decreased by $116.4 million, or 5.7%, to $1.911 billion at September 30, 2011, from $2.027 billion at December 31, 2010.  This decrease is primarily a result of the use of excess cash to repurchase shares of common stock.

Loans receivable decreased by $15.7 million, or 0.3%, to $5.518 billion at September 30, 2011, from $5.534 billion at December 31, 2010.  The historically low levels of business and consumer confidence and increasing recessionary fears coupled with persistently high unemployment has left loan demand stagnant. Our personal banking loan portfolio decreased by $59.1 million, or 1.6%, to $3.691 billion at September 30, 2011 from $3.750 billion at December 31, 2010, lead by residential mortgage loans which decreased $48.2 million, or 2.0% during the current year. Home equity loans and other consumer loans decreased by $1.3 million and $9.6 million, respectively. Additionally, commercial loans decreased by $26.8 million, or 6.2% this year. Partially offsetting these decreases was growth in commercial real estate loans, which grew by $70.2 million, or 5.2%, to $1.421 billion at September 30, 2011 from $1.350 billion at December 31, 2010.

Deposit balances increased across all products, except time deposits.  Total deposits increased by $48.4 million, or 0.8%, to $5.813 billion at September 30, 2011 from $5.764 billion at December 31, 2010.  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased by $68.6 million, or 11.9%, to $643.9 million at September 30, 2011 from $575.3 million at December 31, 2010; interest-bearing demand deposits increased by $37.5 million, or 4.8%, to $819.8 million at September 30, 2011 from $782.3 million at December 31, 2010; savings deposits, including insured money fund accounts, increased by $68.7 million, or 3.5%, to $2.018 billion at September 30, 2011 from $1.949 billion at December 31, 2010; while time deposits decreased by $126.4 million, or 5.1%, to $2.331 billion at September 30, 2011 from $2.458 billion at December 31, 2010.  We believe this continued movement of funds by our deposit customers from time deposits to more liquid types of deposit accounts reflects our depositors concerns regarding potentially higher inflation and higher interest rates.

Borrowed funds decreased by $62.6 million, or 7.0%, to $828.7 million at September 30, 2011, from $891.3 million at December 31, 2010 due to the scheduled maturity of FHLB advances.  The next scheduled maturity is in 2015.

Total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2011 was $1.167 billion, or $11.96 per share, a decrease of $140.7 million, or 10.8%, from $1.307 billion, or $11.85 per share, at December 31, 2010.  The decrease in shareholders’ equity was primarily attributable to the payment of cash dividends of $33.2 million and the repurchase and retirement of 14.3 million shares of common stock for $170.7 million, partially offset by net income of $49.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Financial institutions are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary, actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on a company’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, financial institutions must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments made by the regulators about components, risk-weighting and other factors.
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Quantitative measures, established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy, require financial institutions to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital to average assets (as defined).  Capital ratios for Northwest are presented in the tables below.  Dollar amounts in the accompanying tables are in thousands.

September 30, 2011
Minimum Capital
Well Capitalized
Actual
Requirements
Requirements
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)
$ 1,091,637 22.31 % 391,385 8.00 % 489,231 10.00 %
Tier I Capital (to risk weighted assets)
1,030,185 21.06 % 195,692 4.00 % 293,539 6.00 %
Tier I Capital (leverage) (to average assets)
1,030,185 13.24 % 233,488 3.00 %* 389,147 5.00 %

December 31, 2010
Minimum Capital
Well Capitalized
Actual
Requirements
Requirements
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)
$ 1,033,450 21.10 % 391,796 8.00 % 489,745 10.00 %
Tier I Capital (to risk weighted assets)
972,044 19.85 % 195,897 4.00 % 293,847 6.00 %
Tier I Capital (leverage) (to average assets)
972,044 12.19 % 239,265 3.00 %* 398,774 5.00 %
* The FDIC has indicated that the most highly rated institutions which meet certain criteria will be required to maintain a ratio of 3%, and all other institutions will be required to maintain an additional capital cushion of 100 to 200 basis points.  As of September 30, 2011, we have not been advised of any additional requirements in this regard.

Northwest is required to maintain a sufficient level of liquid assets, as determined by management and reviewed for adequacy by the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking during their regular examinations.  Northwest monitors its liquidity position primarily using the ratio of unencumbered liquid assets as a percentage of deposits and borrowings (“liquidity ratio”).  Northwest’s liquidity ratio at September 30, 2011 was 23.1%.  We adjust liquidity levels in order to meet funding needs for deposit outflows, payment of real estate taxes and insurance on mortgage loan escrow accounts, repayment of borrowings and loan commitments.  As of September 30, 2011 Northwest had $1.672 billion of additional borrowing capacity available with the FHLB, including $150.0 million from an overnight line of credit, as well as $205.4 million of borrowing capacity available with the Federal Reserve Bank and $80.0 million with two correspondent banks.

We paid $11.1 million in cash dividends during both quarters ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and $33.2 million during both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  The dividend payout increased by $0.01 per share for the most recent quarter and $0.02 per share for the current year when compared to the same periods last year. In addition we repurchased and retired 5.8 million common shares during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 and 14.3 million common shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The common stock dividend payout ratio (dividends declared per share divided by net income per share) was 64.7% and 71.4% for the quarters ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 on dividends of $0.11 and $0.10 per share, respectively.  The common stock dividend payout ratio for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was 66.7% and 73.2% on dividends of $0.32 and $0.30 per share, respectively.  We have declared a current dividend of $0.11 per share payable on November 17, 2011 to shareholders of record as of November 3, 2011.  This represents the 68 th consecutive quarter we will pay a cash dividend.
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Nonperforming Assets
The following table sets forth information with respect to our nonperforming assets.  Nonaccrual loans are those loans for which the accrual of interest has ceased.  Loans are automatically placed on nonaccrual status when they are 90 days or more contractually delinquent and may also be placed on nonaccrual status even if not 90 days or more delinquent but other conditions exist.  Other nonperforming assets represent real estate we acquired through foreclosure or repossession.  Foreclosed property is carried at the lower of its fair value less estimated costs to sell, or the principal balance of the related loan.

September 30, 2011
December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis
Personal Banking:
Residential mortgage loans
$ 31,705 29,751
Home equity loans
9,340 10,263
Other consumer loans
2,117 2,565
Total Personal Banking
43,162 42,579
Business Banking:
Commercial real estate loans
75,300 67,306
Commercial loans
42,913 38,506
Total Business Banking
118,213 105,812
Total
161,375 148,391
Total nonaccrual loans as a percentage of loans
2.92 % 2.68 %
Total real estate acquired through foreclosure
and other real estate owned (“REO”)
20,648 20,780
Total nonperforming assets
$ 182,023 169,171
Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of
total assets
2.28 % 2.08 %

A loan is considered to be impaired, when, based on current information and events it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement including both contractual principal and interest payments.  The amount of impairment is required to be measured using one of three methods: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (2) the loan’s observable market price; or (3) the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, a specific allowance is allocated for the impairment.  Total impaired loans at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were $205.7 million and $205.5 million, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses
Our Board of Directors has adopted an “Allowance for Loan Losses” (ALL) policy designed to provide management with a systematic methodology for determining and documenting the ALL each reporting period.  This methodology was developed to provide a consistent process and review procedure to ensure that the ALL is in conformity with GAAP, our internal policies and procedures and other supervisory and regulatory guidelines.
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On an ongoing basis, the Loan Review department, as well as loan officers, branch managers and department heads, review and monitor the loan portfolio for problem loans.  This portfolio monitoring includes a review of the monthly delinquency reports as well as historical comparisons and trend analysis.  In addition, a meeting is held every quarter with each of our seven regions to monitor the performance and status of loans on an internal watch list.  On an ongoing basis the loan officer along with the Loan Review department grades or classifies problem loans or potential problem loans based upon their knowledge of the lending relationship and other information previously accumulated.  Our loan grading system for problem loans is consistent with industry regulatory guidelines which classify loans as “substandard”, “doubtful” or “loss.”  Loans that do not exhibit risk sufficient to warrant classification in one of the subsequent categories, but which possess some weaknesses, are designated as “special mention”.  A “substandard” loan is any loan that is more than 90 days contractually delinquent or is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans classified as “doubtful” have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as “substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions or values, highly questionable and improbable.  Loans classified as “loss” are considered uncollectible so that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted.

The loans that have been classified as substandard or doubtful are reviewed by the Loan Review department for possible impairment.  A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including both contractual principal and interest payments.

If an individual loan is deemed to be impaired, the Loan Review department determines the proper measure of impairment for each loan based on one of three methods: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (2) the loan’s observable market price; or (3) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  If the measurement of the impaired loan is more or less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Loan Review department adjusts the specific allowance associated with that individual loan accordingly.

If a substandard or doubtful loan is not considered individually for impairment, it is grouped with other loans that possess common characteristics for impairment evaluation and analysis.  This segmentation is accomplished by grouping loans of similar product types, risk characteristics and industry concentration into homogeneous pools.  Historical loss ratios are analyzed and adjusted based on delinquency trends as well as the current economic, political, regulatory and interest rate environment and used to estimate the current measure of impairment.

The individual impairment measures along with the estimated loss for each homogeneous pool are consolidated into one summary document.  This summary schedule along with the support documentation used to establish this schedule is presented to the Credit Committee on a quarterly basis.  The Credit Committee reviews the processes and documentation presented, reviews the concentration of credit by industry and customer, lending products, activity, competition and collateral values, as well as economic conditions in general and in each of our market areas.  Based on this review and discussion the appropriate amount of ALL is estimated and any adjustments to reconcile the actual ALL with this estimate are determined.  In addition, the Credit Committee considers if any changes to the methodology are needed.  The Credit Committee also reviews and discusses delinquency trends, nonperforming asset amounts and ALL levels and ratios compared to its peer group as well as state and national statistics.  Similarly, following the Credit Committee’s review and approval, a review is performed by the Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.
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In addition to the reviews by management’s Credit Committee and the Board of Directors’ Risk Management Committee, regulators from either the FDIC or the Pennsylvania Department of Banking perform a review on an annual basis for the adequacy of the ALL and its conformity with regulatory guidelines and pronouncements.  Any recommendations or enhancements from these independent parties are considered by management and the Credit Committee and implemented accordingly.

We acknowledge that this is a dynamic process and consists of factors, many of which are external and out of our control that can change often, rapidly and substantially.  The adequacy of the ALL is based upon estimates using all the information previously discussed as well as current and known circumstances and events.  There is no assurance that actual portfolio losses will not be substantially different than those that were estimated.

We utilize a consistent methodology each period when analyzing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses.  As part of the analysis as of September 30, 2011, we considered the economic conditions in our markets, such as the unemployment and bankruptcy levels as well as changes in real estate collateral value.  In addition, we considered the overall trends in asset quality, loan charge-offs and the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans.  We also consider the specific reserves already established for criticized loans based upon a three year average of historical charge-offs during a period of time in which we have experienced the highest amount of loan losses in our history. As a result of this analysis, we decreased the allowance for loan losses during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 by $3.2 million, or 4.2%, to $73.2 million, or 1.33% of total loans from $76.4 million, or 1.38% of total loans, at December 31, 2010. Write-downs and charge-offs have increased $7.9 million, or 37.4%, to $29.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $21.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. These write-downs and charge-offs were primarily the result of updated appraisals which indicated a deterioration in collateral values, and were previously reserved for. Additionally, our personal banking loan portfolio balance decreased by $59.1 million, or 1.6% compared to December 31, 2010. In addition to these factors, the decrease in the allowance for loan losses is also partially attributed to an improvement in criticized loans. As of September 30, 2011 criticized loans decreased by $3.1 million, or 0.9%, to $361.1 million, from $364.2 million at December 31, 2010. We believe all known losses as of the balance sheet dates have been recorded.

We also have considered how the level of nonperforming loans and historical charge-offs have influenced the required amount of allowance for loan losses. Nonperforming loans of $161.4 million, or 2.92% of total loans, at September 30, 2011 increased by $13.0 million, or 8.8%, from $148.4 million, or 2.68% of total loans, at December 31, 2010. As a percentage of average loans, annualized net charge-offs increased to 0.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to 0.48% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 was $16.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, an increase of $1.2 million, or 7.9%, from $15.5 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.  The increase in net income resulted primarily from a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $1.8 million, or 18.4%, as well as increases in net interest income of $362,000 and other income of $682,000.  Partially offsetting these were increases in noninterest expense of $875,000 and income taxes of $754,000. A discussion of significant changes follows.  Annualized, net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 represents a 5.62% and 0.83% return on average equity and return on average assets, respectively, compared to 4.72% and 0.76% for the same quarter last year.
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Interest Income
Total interest income decreased by $4.0 million, or 4.2%, to $90.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 due to both a decrease in the average balance of interest earning assets and a decrease in the average yield earned on interest earning assets.  Average interest earning assets decreased by $104.0 million, or 1.4%, to $7.467 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $7.571 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The average yield on interest earning assets decreased to 4.79% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 4.95% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. The average yield on all categories of interest earning assets decreased from the same quarter last year.

Interest income on loans receivable decreased by $2.8 million, or 3.4%, to $80.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $83.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  Average loans receivable decreased by $78.2 million, or 1.4%, to $5.491 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $5.569 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is primarily attributable to slow loan demand throughout our market areas, as well as the sale of $87.9 million of residential mortgage loans into the secondary market.  The average yield on loans receivable decreased to 5.82% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 5.96% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in average yield is primarily attributable to the interest rates on adjustable rate loans re-pricing downward as market rates decreased, as well as the origination of new loans in a generally lower interest rate environment, and an increase in competition for credit relationships.

Interest income on mortgage-backed securities decreased by $990,000, or 15.2%, to $5.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $6.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is the result of a decrease in the average yield, which decreased to 2.58% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 3.06% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in average yield resulted from the reduction in interest rates for securities purchased during this period of generally lower market interest rates.  The decrease in average yield was partially offset by an increase in average balance, which increased by $4.2 million, or 0.5%, to $857.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $853.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in average balance is a result of deploying excess funds which have resulted from increased deposits and low loan demand.

Interest income on investment securities decreased by $47,000, or 1.3%, to $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $3.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is the result of a decrease in average yield to 3.42% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 3.79% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The average yield decreased as a result of the purchase of investment securities during a period of generally lower market interest rates.  Partially offsetting the decrease in average yield was an increase in the average balance of investment securities of $34.8 million, or 9.2%, to $412.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $378.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in average balance is a result of deploying the excess funds accumulated from our growth in deposits and a reduction in loan demand

Interest income on interest-earning deposits decreased by $131,000, or 25.0%, to $393,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $524,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is due to the average balance decreasing by $53.9 million, or 7.6%, to $652.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $706.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The average balance decreased primarily due to the repurchase of common stock during the quarter.  The average yield decreased slightly to 0.24% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 0.29% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.
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Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $4.4 million, or 15.9%, to $23.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $27.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 1.49% from 1.75%. In addition, the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $89.3 million, or 1.4% to $6.112 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $6.202 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in the cost of funds resulted primarily from a decrease in the level of market interest rates which enabled us to reduce the rate of interest paid on all deposit products. In addition, customers continue to shift funds from time deposits to lower cost non-maturity deposits in anticipation of rising market interest rates. The decrease in interest-bearing liabilities resulted from the decrease in the average balance of borrowed funds of $58.1 million, due to the scheduled maturity of FHLB advances.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income increased by $362,000, or 0.5%, to $67.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $66.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to the change in the mix of our deposits with a greater weighting of low-cost transaction accounts and fewer high-cost time deposits.  Our net interest rate spread increased to 3.29% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 3.20% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, and our net interest margin increased to 3.59% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 3.52% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.

Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses decreased by $1.8 million, or 18.4%, to $8.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $9.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease is primarily a result of adjustments to the loss factors used to determine the reserve requirements for loans collectively evaluated for impairment. This decrease was partially offset by increases in the reserve requirements for loans 90 days delinquent, which increased $8.7 million, and the reserve requirements for non-performing loans, which increased $10.2 million in the current quarter when compared to the same period last year.

In determining the amount of the current quarter’s provision, we considered the extended length of time of the current economic downturn and the increase in charge-offs over the past year.  We also considered that the historical loss factors now include these elevated charge-off levels and determined that these historical loss ratios appropriately represent future losses.  Net charge-offs for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 were $10.3 million compared to $8.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans increased to 0.75% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from 0.58% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  We also considered unemployment levels and bankruptcy filings, declines in real estate values and the impact of these factors on the quality of our loan portfolio.  Management analyzes the allowance for loan losses as described in the section entitled “Allowance for Loan Losses.”  The provision that is recorded is sufficient, in management’s judgment, to bring this reserve to a level that reflects the losses inherent in our loan portfolio relative to loan mix, economic conditions and historical loss experience.  Management believes, to the best of their knowledge, that all known losses as of the balance sheet dates have been recorded.
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Noninterest Income
Noninterest income increased by $682,000, or 4.9%, to $14.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $13.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in income from bank owned life insurance of $726,000, or 59.9%, to $1.9 million from $1.2 million for the same quarter last year as a result of two death benefit claims. Losses on real estate owned decreased by $674,000, or 33.5%, to $1.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $2.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. The loss in the current quarter is the result of further write-downs on properties in Florida and Central Pennsylvania. Trust and other financial services income and insurance commission income increased by $463,000, or 28.9%, and $403,000, or 28.9%, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Partially offsetting these was a decrease in service charges and fees of $1.3 million, or 13.5%, to $8.5 million, this decrease was primarily the result of lower deposit overdraft revenue due to the implementation of FDIC regulatory guidance and the refund of incorrectly charged fees.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense increased by $875,000, or 1.8%, to $49.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, from $49.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is primarily a result of increases in compensation and employee benefits and other expenses. Compensation and employee benefits expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 5.9%, to $26.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $24.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in health insurance and other employee benefits and an increase of 47 full-time equivalent employees when compared to the prior year.  These personnel increases have occurred primarily in commercial lending, loan servicing and compliance areas. Additionally, other expense increased $1.4 million, to $2.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $1.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 as the result of the timing of charitable contributions and accruals related to the refund of overdraft fees as mentioned above. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in office operations and federal deposit insurance premiums. Office operations expense decreased by $1.3 million, or 28.0%, to $3.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  This decrease was attributable to a $1.2 million check kiting fraud which occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  Federal deposit insurance premiums decreased $1.0 million, or 42.8%, to $1.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $2.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. This decrease was due to the new assessment formula which calculates premiums based on assets rather than deposits which went into effect during the current reporting period.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes increased by $754,000, or 12.4%, to $6.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 from $6.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This increase in income tax is primarily a result of an increase in income before income taxes of $2.0 million, or 9.2%.  Our effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 was 29.0% compared to 28.1% in the same quarter last year as tax-free income from the investment in municipal securities comprised a smaller percentage of earnings in the current period compared to the same period last year.  We do not anticipate that our effective tax rate will change substantially during the year.

Comparison of operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $49.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, an increase of $4.2 million, or 9.4%, from $44.8 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the same period last year.  The increase in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income of $10.3 million and a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $2.9 million. These changes were partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense of $6.0 million and income taxes of $1.9 million.  A discussion of significant changes follows.  Annualized, net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 represents a 5.25% and 0.81% return on average equity and return on average assets, respectively, compared to 4.57% and 0.74% for the same period last year.
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Interest Income
Total interest income decreased by $6.3 million, or 2.3%, to $271.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 due to a decrease in average yield earned on interest earning assets and a slight decrease in the average balance of interest earning assets.  The average yield on interest earning assets decreased to 4.80% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 4.93% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The average yield on all categories of interest earning assets decreased from the previous period, except for the yield on interest earning deposits, which remained unchanged. Average interest earning assets decreased by $2.6 million, or 0.1%, to $7.521 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $7.524 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 primarily as a result of utilizing excess funds to repurchase our common stock.

Interest income on loans decreased by $4.9 million, or 2.0%, to $241.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $245.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The average yield on loans receivable decreased to 5.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 6.02% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in average yield is primarily attributable to the interest rates on variable rate loans adjusting downward as market interest rates decreased, as well as the origination of new loans in a generally lower interest rate environment.      Average loans receivable increased by $35.7 million, or 0.2%, to $5.497 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $5.461 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is attributable to growth in the business banking portfolio which more than offset the decreases in our personal banking portfolio.

Interest income on mortgage-backed securities decreased by $1.0 million, or 5.2%, to $18.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $19.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is the result of a decrease in the average yield, which decreased to 2.72% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 3.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in average yield resulted from the purchase of mortgage-backed securities during this period of generally lower market interest rates.  The decrease in average yield was partially offset by an increase in average balance, which increased by $105.7 million, or 13.3%, to $900.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $794.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in average balance is a result of deploying excess funds accumulated from an increase in deposits coupled with slow loan demand.

Interest income on investment securities decreased by $123,000, or 1.1%, to $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $10.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is due to a decrease in average yield, which decreased to 3.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 3.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The average yield decreased as a result of the purchase of investment securities during a period of generally lower market interest rates.  Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in the average balance of investment securities of $15.4 million, or 4.2%, to $387.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $371.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Interest income on interest-earning deposits decreased by $312,000, or 19.5%, to $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease is due to the average balance decreasing by $151.7 million, or 18.2%, to $681.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $833.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The average balance decreased due to the purchase of mortgage-backed securities and the repurchase of common stock.  The average yield remained unchanged at 0.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
56

Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $16.6 million, or 19.1%, to $70.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $87.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 1.54% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 1.89% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in the cost of funds resulted primarily from a decrease in the level of market interest rates and the change in deposit mix over the past year. In addition the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $36.1 million, or 0.6%, to $6.134 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $6.171 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in interest-bearing liabilities resulted primarily from a reduction in borrowed funds of $55.0 million, or 6.1%, due to the scheduled maturity of FHLB advances.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income increased by $10.3 million, or 5.4%, to $200.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $190.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in net interest income is attributable to the factors discussed above. Our net interest rate spread increased to 3.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 3.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and our net interest margin increased to 3.56% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 3.37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses decreased by $2.9 million, or 10.9%, to $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Facilitating this decrease was the factors discussed in the Comparison of Operating Results for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. Additionally, we had a payoff on a hotel loan in Maryland which had a reserve of $3.5 million. In addition, we eliminated the specific reserve of $3.0 million for another hotel loan in Maryland which is under a sales agreement and $1.1 million for a vacation property loan in West Virginia based on our most recent appraisal. Also we received two large payments on criticized loans which resulted in a reduction of $900,000 to the specific reserves related to these loans. Additionally, the decrease of $59.1 million in our personal banking loan portfolio contributed to the reduction in provision for loan losses. These changes were partially offset by increases in historical charge-offs, increased levels of nonperforming loans and an increase in our business banking portfolio.

In determining the amount of the current period provision, we considered economic conditions, including unemployment levels, bankruptcy filings, and changes in real estate values and the impact of these factors on the quality of our loan portfolio.  Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $26.9 million compared to $19.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Annualized net charge-offs to average loans was 0.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to 0.48% for the same period the prior year.  However, 12 loans comprised $12.8 million, or 47.6% of the charge-offs during the first nine months of the current year. Management analyzes the allowance for loan losses as described in the section entitled “Allowance for Loan Losses.”  The provision that is recorded is sufficient, in management’s judgment, to bring this reserve to a level that reflects the losses inherent in our loan portfolio relative to loan mix, economic conditions and historical loss experience.  Management believes, to the best of their knowledge, that all known losses as of the balance sheet dates have been recorded.
57

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income decreased by $1.1 million, or 2.5%, to $44.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $45.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Gains on the sale of investment securities decreased by $2.0 million to $201,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease is attributable to a gain of $2.1 million recognized on the sale of $55.0 million of securities during the first quarter of 2010. Service charges and fees decreased by $1.9 million, or 6.6%, to $26.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $28.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 primarily as a result of lower deposit overdraft revenue.  Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in insurance commission income of $1.1 million, or 29.7%, and trust and other financial services income of $813,000, or 15.2%, due primarily to expanded customer relationships. Additionally, income from bank owned life insurance increased by $968,000, or 25.1%, to $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $3.8 million for the same period last year. This increase is the result of the death benefits received from three policies.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense increased by $6.0 million, or 4.1%, to $151.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $145.8 million for the same period in the prior year.   Compensation and employee benefits expenses increased by $5.8 million, or 7.7%, to $81.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $75.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in health insurance and other employee benefits and an increase of 45 full-time equivalent employees since the beginning of the current year.  These personnel increases have occurred primarily in commercial lending, loan servicing and regulatory compliance areas. Professional services expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 55.2%, to $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as a result of outsourcing our internal audit function and the continued engagement of compliance consultants. Other expenses increased $1.7 million, or 34.4%, to $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $5.1 million for the same time period last year. Other expenses in the current year include accruals for potential customer refunds related to loan and deposit fees incorrectly charged in the prior year. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in office operations, real estate owned expense, and amortization of intangible assets. Office operations expense decreased by $1.1 million, to $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This decrease was attributable to a $1.2 million check kiting fraud which occurred last year.  Other real estate owned expense decreased by $1.1 million, to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as we paid delinquent real estate taxes due on an REO property we acquired during the prior year period. Amortization of intangible assets decreased by $821,000, or 48.7%, to $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes increased by $1.9 million, or 10.4%, to $20.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $18.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This increase in income tax is primarily a result of an increase in income before income taxes of $6.1 million, or 9.7%.  Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was 29.4% compared to 29.2% experienced in the same period last year.
58

Average Balance Sheet
(Dollars in Thousands)

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.  Average balances are calculated using daily averages.

Three months ended September 30,
2011
2010
Avg.
Avg.
Average
Yield/
Average
Yield/
Balance
Interest
Cost (g)
Balance
Interest
Cost (g)
ASSETS :
Interest earning assets:
Loans (a) (b) (includes FTE adjustments of $463 and $381, respectively)
$ 5,490,795 81,025 5.86 % 5,569,014 83,753 6.00 %
Mortgage-backed securities (c)
857,898 5,544 2.58 % 853,714 6,534 3.06 %
Investment securities (c) (includes FTE adjustments of $1,534 and $1,664, respectively)
412,927 5,066 4.91 % 378,145 5,243 5.55 %
FHLB stock
52,336 - - 63,242 - -
Other interest earning deposits
652,958 393 0.24 % 706,829 524 0.29 %
Total interest earning assets (includes FTE adjustments of $1,997 and $2,045, respectively)
7,466,914 92,028 4.90 % 7,570,944 96,054 5.06 %
Noninterest earning assets (d)
560,951 591,977
TOTAL ASSETS
8,027,865 8,162,921
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY :
Interest bearing liabilities:
Savings accounts
1,081,721 1,157 0.42 % 1,071,708 2,203 0.82 %
Now accounts
798,424 244 0.12 % 778,597 244 0.12 %
Money market demand accounts
950,113 1,016 0.42 % 903,278 1,301 0.57 %
Certificate accounts
2,338,436 12,541 2.13 % 2,446,317 14,024 2.27 %
Borrowed funds (e)
840,560 6,625 3.13 % 898,618 8,150 3.60 %
Debentures
103,094 1,436 5.45 % 103,094 1,437 5.45 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
6,112,348 23,019 1.49 % 6,201,612 27,359 1.75 %
Noninterest bearing liabilities (f)
726,173 648,905
Total liabilities
6,838,521 6,850,517
Shareholders' equity
1,189,344 1,312,404
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$ 8,027,865 $ 8,162,921
Net interest income/ Interest rate spread
69,009 3.40 % 68,695 3.31 %
Net interest earning assets/ Net interest margin
$ 1,354,566 3.70 % 1,369,332 3.63 %
Ratio of interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities
1.22 X 1.22 X

(a) Average gross loans include loans held as available-for-sale and loans placed on nonaccrual status.
(b) Interest income includes accretion/ amortization of deferred loan fees/ expenses, which were not material.
(c) Average balances do not include the effect of unrealized gains or losses on securities held as available-for-sale.
(d) Average balances include the effect of unrealized gains or losses on securities held as available-for-sale.
(e) Average balances include FHLB borrowings, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings.
(f) Average balances include non-interest bearing demand deposits (checking accounts).
(g) Annualized.  Shown on a fully tax-equivalent basis (“FTE”).  The FTE basis adjusts for the tax benefit of income on certain tax-exempt loans and investments using the federal statutory rate of 35% for each period presented.  The Company believes this measure to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and provides relevant comparison between taxable and non-taxable amounts.  GAAP basis yields were: Loans – 5.82% and 5.96%; respectively, Investment securities – 3.42% and 3.79%; respectively, interest-earning assets – 4.79% and 4.95%; respectively.  GAAP basis net interest rate spreads were 3.29% and 3.20%, respectively and GAAP basis net interest margins were 3.59% and 3.52%, respectively.
59

Rate/ Volume Analysis
(Dollars in Thousands)

The following table represents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), and (iii) net change.  Changes that cannot be attributed to either rate or volume have been allocated to both rate and volume.

Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
Net
Rate
Volume
Change
Interest earning assets:
Loans
$ (1,780 ) (948 ) (2,728 )
Mortgage-backed securities
(1,022 ) 32 (990 )
Investment securities
(660 ) 483 (177 )
FHLB stock
- - -
Other interest-earning deposits
(95 ) (36 ) (131 )
Total interest-earning assets
(3,557 ) (469 ) (4,026 )
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings accounts
(1,067 ) 21 (1,046 )
Now accounts
(6 ) 6 -
Money market demand accounts
(352 ) 67 (285 )
Certificate accounts
(884 ) (599 ) (1,483 )
Borrowed funds
(1,032 ) (493 ) (1,525 )
Debentures
(1 ) - (1 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
(3,342 ) (998 ) (4,340 )
Net change in net interest income
$ (215 ) 529 314
60

Average Balance Sheet
(Dollars in Thousands)

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.  Average balances are calculated using daily averages.

Nine months ended September 30,
2011
2010
Avg.
Avg.
Average
Yield/
Average
Yield/
Balance
Interest
Cost (g)
Balance
Interest
Cost (g)
ASSETS :
Interest earning assets:
Loans (a) (b) (includes FTE adjustments of $1,250 and $1,089, respectively)
$ 5,469,988 242,262 5.87 % 5,461,244 246,941 6.05 %
Mortgage-backed securities (c)
900,414 18,373 2.72 % 794,691 19,385 3.25 %
Investment securities (c) (includes FTE adjustments of $4,800 and $4,645, respectively)
387,034 15,390 5.30 % 371,587 15,358 5.51 %
FHLB stock
55,403 - - 63,242 - -
Other interest earning deposits
681,464 1,289 0.25 % 833,157 1,601 0.25 %
Total interest earning assets (includes FTE adjustments of $6,050  and $5,734, respectively)
7,521,303 277,314 4.91 % 7,523,921 283,285 5.04 %
Noninterest earning assets (d)
570,231 577,252
TOTAL ASSETS
8,091,534 8,101,173
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY :
Interest bearing liabilities:
Savings accounts
1,079,718 3,861 0.48 % 1,022,259 6,472 0.85 %
Now accounts
795,183 722 0.12 % 772,584 962 0.17 %
Money market demand accounts
932,617 3,231 0.46 % 881,983 4,768 0.72 %
Certificate accounts
2,380,466 38,680 2.17 % 2,492,344 45,947 2.46 %
Borrowed funds (e)
843,366 19,778 3.14 % 898,320 24,728 3.68 %
Debentures
103,094 4,261 5.45 % 103,094 4,263 5.45 %
Total interest bearing liabilities
6,134,444 70,533 1.54 % 6,170,584 87,140 1.89 %
Noninterest bearing liabilities (f)
712,678 623,875
Total liabilities
6,847,122 6,794,459
Shareholders' equity
1,244,412 1,306,714
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$ 8,091,534 $ 8,101,173
Net interest income/ Interest rate spread
206,781 3.37 % 196,145 3.15 %
Net interest earning assets/ Net interest margin
$ 1,386,859 3.67 % 1,353,337 3.48 %
Ratio of interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities
1.23 X 1.22 X

(a) Average gross loans include loans held as available-for-sale and loans placed on nonaccrual status.
(b) Interest income includes accretion/ amortization of deferred loan fees/ expenses, which were not material.
(c) Average balances do not include the effect of unrealized gains or losses on securities held as available-for-sale.
(d) Average balances include the effect of unrealized gains or losses on securities held as available-for-sale.
(e) Average balances include FHLB borrowings, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings.
(f) Average balances include non-interest bearing demand deposits (checking accounts).
(g) Annualized.  Shown on a fully tax-equivalent basis (“FTE”).  The FTE basis adjusts for the tax benefit of income on certain tax-exempt loans and investments using the federal statutory rate of 35% for each period presented.  The Company believes this measure to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and provides relevant comparison between taxable and non-taxable amounts.  GAAP basis yields were: Loans – 5.84% and 6.02%; respectively, Investment securities – 3.65% and 3.84%; respectively, interest-earning assets – 4.80% and 4.93%; respectively.  GAAP basis net interest rate spreads were 3.27% and 3.04%, respectively and GAAP basis net interest margins were 3.56% and 3.37%, respectively.
61


Rate/ Volume Analysis
(Dollars in Thousands)

The following table represents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), and (iii) net change.  Changes that cannot be attributed to either rate or volume have been allocated to both rate and volume.

Nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
Net
Rate
Volume
Change
Interest earning assets:
Loans
$ (7,414 ) 2,735 (4,679 )
Mortgage-backed securities
(3,591 ) 2,579 (1,012 )
Investment securities
(606 ) 638 32
FHLB stock
- - -
Other interest-earning deposits
(23 ) (289 ) (312 )
Total interest-earning assets
(11,634 ) 5,663 (5,971 )
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings accounts
(2,975 ) 364 (2,611 )
Now accounts
(269 ) 29 (240 )
Money market demand accounts
(1,811 ) 274 (1,537 )
Certificate accounts
(5,327 ) (1,940 ) (7,267 )
Borrowed funds
(3,549 ) (1,401 ) (4,950 )
Debentures
(2 ) - (2 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
(13,933 ) (2,674 ) (16,607 )
Net change in net interest income
$ 2,299 8,337 10,636
62


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As the holding company for a savings bank, one of our primary market risks is interest rate risk.  Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income to variations in interest rates over a specified time period.  The sensitivity results from differences in the time periods in which interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities mature or re-price.  We attempt to control interest rate risk by matching, within acceptable limits, the re-pricing periods of our assets and liabilities.  We have attempted to limit our exposure to interest sensitivity by increasing core deposits, enticing customers to extend certificates of deposit maturities, borrowing funds with fixed-rates and longer maturities and by shortening the maturities of our assets by emphasizing the origination of more short-term fixed rate loans and adjustable rate loans.  We also continue to sell a portion of the long-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans that we originate.  In addition, we purchase shorter term or adjustable-rate investment securities and adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities.

We have an Asset/ Liability Committee consisting of several members of management which meets monthly to review market interest rates, economic conditions, the pricing of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and our balance sheet structure.  On a quarterly basis, this Committee also reviews our interest rate risk position and the Bank’s cash flow projections.

Our Board of Directors has a Risk Management Committee which meets quarterly and reviews interest rate risks and trends, our interest sensitivity position, our liquidity position and the market risk inherent in our investment portfolio.

In an effort to assess market risk, we utilize a simulation model to determine the effect of immediate incremental increases and decreases in interest rates on net income and the market value of our equity.  Certain assumptions are made regarding loan prepayments and decay rates of passbook and NOW accounts.  Because it is difficult to accurately project the market reaction of depositors and borrowers, the effect of actual changes in interest rates on these assumptions may differ from simulated results.  We have established the following guidelines for assessing interest rate risk:

Net income simulation .  Given a parallel shift of 2% in interest rates, the estimated net income may not decrease by more than 20% within a one-year period.

Market value of equity simulation .  The market value of equity is the present value of our assets and liabilities.  Given a parallel shift of 2% in interest rates, the market value of equity may not decrease by more than 35% of total shareholders’ equity.
63


The following table illustrates the simulated impact of a 1% or 2% upward or 1% or 2% downward movement in interest rates on net income, return on average equity, earnings per share and market value of equity.  This analysis was prepared assuming that interest-earning asset levels at September 30, 2011 remain constant.  The impact of the rate movements was computed by simulating the effect of an immediate and sustained shift in interest rates over a twelve-month period from September 30, 2011 levels.
Increase
Decrease
Parallel shift in interest rates over the next 12 months
1.0 % 2.0 % 1.0 % 2.0 %
Projected percentage increase/ (decrease) in net income
6.2 % 9.1 % (3.1 )% (10.4 )%
Projected increase/ (decrease) in return on average equity
6.1 % 8.8 % (3.0 )% (10.1 )%
Projected increase/ (decrease) in earnings per share
$ 0.05 $ 0.07 $ (0.02 ) $ (0.07 )
Projected percentage increase/ (decrease) in market value of equity
(8.1 )% (17.7 )% (10.7 )% (14.8 )%
The figures included in the table above represent projections that were computed based upon certain assumptions including prepayment rates and decay rates.  These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, we cannot precisely predict the impact of changes in interest rates.  Actual results may differ significantly due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”).  Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to a number of asserted and unasserted claims encountered in the normal course of business.  Management believes that the aggregate liability, if any, that may result from such potential litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
64


Item 1A.  Risk Factors

In addition to the risk factors discussed in Item 1A, to Part I of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the following are factors that could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial condition.

Our exposure to municipalities may lead to operating losses.

Our municipal bond portfolio may be impacted by the effects of economic stress on state and local governments. At September 30, 2011, we had $264.7 million invested in obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions (collectively referred to as our municipal bond portfolio).  We also had $88.7 million of loans outstanding and $68.7 million of unfunded commitments, open lines of credit and letters of credit to municipalities and political subdivisions.  Widespread concern currently exists regarding the stress on state and local governments emanating from: (i) declining revenues; (ii) large unfunded liabilities to government workers; and (iii) entrenched cost structures. Debt-to-gross domestic product ratios for the majority of states have been deteriorating due to, among other factors: (i) declines in federal monetary assistance provided as the United States is currently experiencing the largest deficit in its history; and (ii) lower levels of sales and property tax revenue as unemployment remains elevated and the housing market continues to remain unstable. This concern has led to speculation about the potential for a significant deterioration in the municipal bond market, which could materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. We may not be able to mitigate the exposure in our municipal portfolio if state and local governments are unable to fulfill their obligations. The risk of widespread issuer defaults may also increase if there are changes in legislation that permit states, or additional municipalities and political subdivisions, to file for bankruptcy protection or if there are judicial interpretations that, in a bankruptcy or other proceeding, lessen the value of any structural protections.

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 States long-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.
65

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

a.)
Not applicable.

b.)
Not applicable.

c.)
The following table discloses information regarding the Company’s repurchases of shares of common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2011:
Total number
of shares
purchased as
Maximum
part of a
number of
publicly
shares yet to be
Number of
Avergae
announced
purchased
shares
price paid
repurchase
under the plan
Month
purchased
per share
plan (1)
(1)
July
302,500 $ 12.16 302,500 1,710,511
August
1,710,511 11.75 1,710,511
-
September
-
-
-
-
2,013,011 $ 11.81

Total number
of shares
purchased as
Maximum
part of a
number of
publicly
shares yet to be
Number of
Avergae
announced
purchased
shares
price paid
repurchase
under the plan
Month
purchased
per share
plan (2)
(2)
July
- $ - - -
August
2,654,529 11.49 2,654,529 2,845,471
September
1,167,624 11.83 1,167,624 1,677,847
3,822,153 $ 11.59

Total number
of shares
purchased as
Maximum
part of a
number of
publicly
shares yet to be
Number of
Avergae
announced
purchased
shares
price paid
repurchase
under the plan
Month
purchased
per share
plan (3)
(3)
July
- $ - - -
August
- - - -
September
- - - 4,750,000
- $ -

(1) Reflects program for 11,000,000 shares announced December 2010.
(2) Reflects program for 5,500,000 shares announced August 2011.
(3) Reflects program for 4,750,000 shares announced September 2011.
These plan does not have an expiration date.
66

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.

Item 4. Removed and Reserved

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits

31.1
Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101
Interactive Data File (XBRL)
67

Signature

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

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: November 8, 2011
By:
/s/ William J. Wagner
William J. Wagner
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)

Date: November 8, 2011
By:
/s/ Gerald J. Ritzert
Gerald J. Ritzert
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer of the Registrant)
68

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