Edgar Filing: COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM INC

cbna201110q3rdqrt.htm

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

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-13695

	COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
	(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		16-1213679
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5790 Widewaters Parkway, DeWitt, New York		13214-1883
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

	(315) 445-2282
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

	NONE
(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 o .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted to its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be

was submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the

registrant required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the

definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer x	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o.
		(Do not check if a 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 x No o

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

36,846,681 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding on October 31, 2011.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I.	Financial Information	Page

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Consolidated Statements of Condition
	September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010	3

	Consolidated Statements of Income
	Three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010	4

	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
	Nine months ended September 30, 2011	5

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
	Three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010	6

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	Nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010	7

	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
	September 30, 2011	8

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	41

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	42

Part II.	Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	42

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	42

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	42

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	42

Item 4.	(Removed and Reserved)	42

Item 5.	Other Information	42

Item 6.	Exhibits	43

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

	September 30,	December 31,
	2011	2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$425,877	$211,837

Held-to-maturity investment securities (fair value of $619,821 and $625,789, respectively)	558,591	602,908

Available-for-sale investment securities (cost of $1,379,911 and $1,076,030, respectively)	1,457,788	1,085,963

Other securities, at cost	58,904	53,453

Loans held for sale, at fair value	167	3,952

Loans	3,476,469	3,026,363
Allowance for loan losses	(42,463)	(42,510)
Net loans	3,434,006	2,983,853

Core deposit intangibles, net	12,383	10,897
Goodwill	344,229	297,692
Other intangibles, net	3,616	3,125
Intangible assets, net	360,228	311,714

Premises and equipment, net	85,724	81,561
Accrued interest receivable	27,755	26,136
Other assets	94,814	83,129

Total assets	$6,503,854	$5,444,506

Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$887,009	$741,166
Interest-bearing deposits	3,951,744	3,192,879
Total deposits	4,838,753	3,934,045

Borrowings	728,335	728,460
Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts	102,042	102,024
Accrued interest and other liabilities	79,091	72,719
Total liabilities	5,748,221	4,837,248

Commitments and contingencies (See Note J)

Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock $1.00 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued	-	-
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 37,638,843 and
34,131,289 shares issued, respectively	37,639	34,131
Additional paid-in capital	309,881	225,543
Retained earnings	402,426	374,700
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	23,418	(9,340)
Treasury stock, at cost (810,327 and 812,346 shares, respectively)	(17,731)	(17,776)
Total shareholders' equity	755,633	607,258

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$6,503,854	$5,444,506

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

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per-Share Data)

		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2011	2010	2011	2010
Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$50,702	$45,094	$142,470	$134,618
	Interest and dividends on taxable investments	14,278	11,928	41,147	35,029
	Interest and dividends on nontaxable investments	5,438	5,575	16,938	16,625
	Total interest income	70,418	62,597	200,555	186,272

Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	6,887	7,296	19,684	23,646
	Interest on borrowings	7,466	7,468	22,146	22,617
	Interest on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts	1,497	1,509	4,447	4,458
	Total interest expense	15,850	16,273	46,277	50,721

Net interest income		54,568	46,324	154,278	135,551
Less: provision for loan losses		1,043	1,400	3,143	5,270
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		53,525	44,924	151,135	130,281

Noninterest income:
	Deposit service fees	11,134	11,180	31,307	33,036
	Mortgage banking and other services	1,499	2,078	3,920	4,116
	Benefit plan administration, consulting and actuarial fees	7,685	7,256	23,722	22,415
	Wealth management services	2,904	2,400	7,866	7,442
	Gain (loss) on investment securities & debt extinguishments, net	(6)	0	8	0
Total noninterest income		23,216	22,914	66,823	67,009

Operating expenses:
	Salaries and employee benefits	26,543	23,056	75,185	68,501
	Occupancy and equipment	6,103	5,575	18,413	17,414
	Data processing and communications	5,330	5,430	15,278	15,853
	Amortization of intangible assets	1,161	1,277	3,251	4,985
	Legal and professional fees	1,640	1,014	4,286	3,819
	Office supplies and postage	1,300	1,382	3,873	3,942
	Business development and marketing	1,096	1,250	4,534	3,995
	Acquisition expenses and special charges	381	57	4,689	256
	Other	4,539	5,311	13,026	14,000
	Total operating expenses	48,093	44,352	142,535	132,765

Income before income taxes		28,648	23,486	75,423	64,525
Income taxes		8,640	6,224	21,269	17,099
Net income		$20,008	$17,262	$54,154	$47,426

Basic earnings per share		$0.54	$0.52	$1.52	$1.43
Diluted earnings per share		$0.54	$0.51	$1.50	$1.42
Dividends declared per share		$0.26	$0.24	$0.74	$0.70

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

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

					Accumulated
	Common Stock		Additional		Other
	Shares	Amount	Paid-In	Retained	Comprehensive	Treasury
	Outstanding	Issued	Capital	Earnings	Income(Loss)	Stock	Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	33,318,943	$34,131	$225,543	$374,700	($9,340)	($17,776)	$607,258

Net income				54,154			54,154

Other comprehensive income, net of tax					32,758		32,758

Dividends declared:
Common, $0.74 per share				(26,428)			(26,428)

Common stock issued under Stock Plan,
including tax benefits of $355	156,772	155	2,073			45	2,273

Stock-based compensation			3,038				3,038

Stock issued for acquisition	3,352,801	3,353	79,227				82,580

Balance at September 30, 2011	36,828,516	$37,639	$309,881	$402,426	$23,418	($17,731)	$755,633

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

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		September 30,
	2011	2010	2011	2010

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Change in pension liabilities	($18,157)	$298	($17,808)	$894
Change in unrealized loss on derivative instruments used in cash flow hedges	871	401	2,463	1,045
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period	39,642	7,920	68,043	28,972
Reclassification adjustment for gains/(losses) included in net income	6	0	(99)	0
Other comprehensive income, before tax:	22,362	8,619	52,599	30,911
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income	(8,400)	(3,034)	(19,841)	(11,207)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	13,962	5,585	32,758	19,704
Net income	20,008	17,262	54,154	47,426
Comprehensive income	$33,970	$22,847	$86,912	$67,130

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

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2011	2010
Operating activities:
Net income	$54,154	$47,426
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	8,608	7,447
Amortization of intangible assets	3,251	4,985
Net (accretion) amortization of premiums & discounts on securities, loans and borrowings	(1,356)	1,957
Stock-based compensation	3,038	2,767
Provision for loan losses	3,143	5,270
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights	667	574
Income on bank-owned life insurance policies	(581)	(356)
Gain on investment securities and debt extinguishments, net	(8)	0
Net gain on sale of loans and other assets	(281)	(46)
Net change in loans held for sale	4,410	1,011
Change in other assets and liabilities	5,556	495
Net cash provided by operating activities	80,600	71,530
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities	13,371	0
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities	54,152	60,039
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investment securities	151,997	116,889
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities	(7,424)	(323,745)
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities	(176,188)	(109,227)
Sales of other securities	1,197	1,061
Purchases of other securities	(3,075)	(5)
Net decrease in loans	9,038	14,519
Cash received from acquisition, net of cash paid of $20,704 and $0	6,197	0
Purchases of premises and equipment	(6,895)	(11,497)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	42,370	(251,966)
Financing activities:
Net increase in deposits	133,154	41,849
Net decrease in borrowings	(19,884)	(25,271)
Issuance of common stock	2,273	3,388
Cash dividends paid	(24,828)	(22,434)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	355	584
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	91,070	(1,884)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	214,040	(182,320)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	211,837	361,876
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$425,877	$179,556
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$45,970	$51,145
Cash paid for income taxes	14,750	6,050
Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing and investing activities:
Dividends declared and unpaid	9,575	7,959
Transfers from loans to other real estate	4,011	3,639
Acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired, excluding acquired cash and intangibles	815,828	0
Fair value of liabilities assumed	791,222	0

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

COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2011

NOTE A: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim financial data as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 is unaudited; however, in the opinion of Community Bank System, Inc. (the “Company”), the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period. Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

NOTE B: ACQUISITIONS

On April 8, 2011, the Company acquired The Wilber Corporation (“Wilber”), parent company of Wilber National Bank, for approximately $103 million in stock and cash, comprised of $20.4 million in cash and the issuance of 3.35 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock. Based in Oneonta, New York, Wilber operated 22 branches in the Central, Greater Capital District, and Catskill regions of Upstate New York. Wilber was merged into the Company and Wilber National Bank was merged into Community Bank, N.A.

The assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values based on management's best estimates using information available at April 8, 2011, the acquisition date, and Wilber’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s financial statements since that date. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

(000’s omitted)
Consideration paid:
Community Bank System, Inc. common stock	$82,580
Cash	20,372
Total consideration paid	102,952
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash and cash equivalents	26,901
Investment securities	297,573
Loans	462,334
Premises and equipment	6,213
Accrued interest receivable	2,615
Other assets and liabilities, net	47,095
Core deposit intangibles	4,016
Other intangibles	890
Deposits	(771,554)
Borrowings	(19,668)
Total identifiable assets	56,415
Goodwill	$ 46,537

The above recognized amounts of assets and liabilities, at fair value, are subject to adjustment based on updated information not available at the time of acquisition.

The following is a summary of the loans acquired in the Wilber acquisition:

(000’s omitted)	Acquired Impaired Loans	Acquired Non-Impaired Loans	Total Acquired Loans
Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition	$41,730	$680,516	$722,246
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected	(20,061)	(31,115)	(51,176)
Expected cash flows at acquisition	21,669	649,401	671,070
Interest component of expected cash flows	(2,509)	(206,227)	(208,736)
Fair value of acquired loans	$19,160	$443,174	$462,334

The core deposit intangible and customer list are being amortized over their estimated useful life of approximately eight years, using an accelerated method. The goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, was assigned to the Banking segment and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of checking, savings and money market deposit accounts acquired from Wilber were assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand. Certificate of deposit accounts were valued as the present value of the certificates expected contractual payments discounted at market rates for similar certificates.

Direct costs related to the Wilber acquisition were expensed as incurred. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 the Company incurred $0.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of merger and acquisition integration related expenses and have been separately stated in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Pro Forma condensed Combined Financial Information

If the Wilber acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2010, total revenue, net of interest expense, would have been approximately $230.4 million and $233.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and net income from continuing operations would have been approximately $49.9 million and $52.7 million for the same periods. Pro forma results of operations do not include the impact of conforming certain acquiree accounting policies to the Company’s policies. The pro forma financial information does not indicate the impact of possible business model changes nor does it consider any potential impacts of current market condition or revenues, expenses efficiencies, or other factors.

NOTE C: ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies of the Company, as applied in the consolidated interim financial statements presented herein, are substantially the same as those followed on an annual basis as presented on pages 53 through 58 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 15, 2011, with the addition of the acquired loans policy below.

Critical Accounting Policies

Acquired Loans

Acquired loans are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The carryover of allowance for loan losses is prohibited as any credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate.

Acquired loans that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are aggregated by comparable characteristics. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable discount. The non-accretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require the Company to evaluate the need for an allowance for loan losses on these loans. Subsequent improvements in expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the non-accretable discount which the Company then reclassifies as an accretable discount that is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans using the interest method. The Company’s evaluation of the amount of future cash flows that it expects to collect is performed in a similar manner as that used to determine its allowance for loan losses. Charge-offs of the principal amount on acquired loans would be first applied to the non-accretable discount portion of the fair value adjustment.

Acquired loans that met the criteria for non-accrual of interest prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if the Company can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if the Company expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, the Company may no longer consider the loan to be non-accrual or non-performing and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount.

For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value and amortized over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to originated loans, however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining credit discounts.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Management continually evaluates the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, and performs a formal review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. The allowance reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance is subjective in nature and requires significant estimates. The Company’s allowance methodology consists of two broad components - general and specific loan loss allocations.

The general loan loss allocation is composed of two calculations that are computed on five main loan segments: business lending; consumer installment – direct; consumer installment – indirect; home equity; and consumer mortgage. The first calculation determines an allowance level based on historical net charge-off data for each loan category (commercial loans exclude balances with specific loan loss allocations). The second calculation is qualitative and takes into consideration eight qualitative environmental factors: levels and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards, and other changes in lending policies, procedure, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry condition; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. These two calculations are added together to determine the general loan loss allocation. The specific loan loss allocation relates to individual commercial loans that are both greater than $0.5 million and in a nonaccruing status with respect to interest. Specific losses are based on discounted estimated cash flows, including any cash flows resulting from the conversion of collateral or collateral shortfalls. The allowance levels computed from the specific and general loan loss allocation methods are combined with unallocated allowances, if any, to derive the required allowance for loan losses to be reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Condition. As it has in prior periods, the Company strives to continually refine and enhance its loss evaluation and estimation processes.

Loan losses are charged off against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision for loan loss is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of factors previously mentioned.

Investment Securities

The Company has classified its investments in debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are those for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, and are reported at cost, which is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value with net unrealized gains and losses reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of applicable income taxes. None of the Company's investment securities have been classified as trading securities at September 30, 2011. Certain equity securities are stated at cost and include restricted stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

Fair values for investment securities are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based upon quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model using market estimates of interest rates and volatility. See Notes D and K for further information.

The Company conducts an assessment of all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists on a monthly basis. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. The OTTI assessment considers the security structure, recent security collateral performance metrics if applicable, external credit ratings, failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, judgment and expectations of future performance, and relevant independent industry research, analysis and forecasts. The severity of the impairment and the length of time the security has been impaired is also considered in the assessment. The assessment of whether an OTTI decline exists is performed on each security, regardless of the classification of the security as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity and involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment that is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

An OTTI loss must be recognized for a debt security in an unrealized loss position if there is intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. In this situation, the amount of loss recognized in income is equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security. Even if it is not expected that the security will be sold, an evaluation of the expected cash flows to be received is performed to determine if a credit loss has occurred. For debt securities, a critical component of the evaluation for OTTI is the identification of credit-impaired securities, where the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss would be recognized in income. The portion of the unrealized loss relating to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or changes in market interest rates, is recorded in “accumulated other comprehensive loss”.

Equity securities are also evaluated to determine whether the unrealized loss is expected to be recoverable based on whether evidence exists to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis. If it is probable that the amortized cost basis will not be recovered, taking into consideration the estimated recovery period and the ability to hold the equity security until recovery, OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security.

The specific identification method is used in determining the realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities and OTTI charges. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted, respectively, on a systematic basis over the period to maturity or estimated life of the related security. Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade date basis.

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes currently payable or refundable as well as deferred taxes that are based on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.

Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be measured at the largest amount of benefit for which the likelihood of realization upon ultimate settlement exceeds 50 percent.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include core deposit intangibles, customer relationship intangibles and goodwill arising from acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles are amortized on either an accelerated or straight-line basis over periods ranging from 7 to 20 years. The initial and ongoing carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. It also requires use of a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity market premiums, and company-specific risk indicators.

Retirement Benefits

The Company provides defined benefit pension benefits to eligible employees and post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible retirees. The Company also provides deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans for selected current and former employees, officers and directors. Expense related to these plans is charged to current operations and consists of several components of net periodic benefit cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plans, including discount rate, rate of future compensation increases and expected return on plan assets.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments are effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. On October 21, 2011 the FASB decided to propose a deferral of the new requirement to present reclassifications of other comprehensive income on the face of the income statement. Companies would still be required to adopt the other requirements contained in the new standard for the presentation of comprehensive income. The guidance requires changes in presentation only and will have no significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). On May 12, 2011, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board both issued new guidance that results in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosures about fair value between GAAP and IFRS. While many of the amendments to GAAP are not expected to have a significant effect on practice, the new guidance changes some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements currently in GAAP. The new guidance goes into effect on January 1, 2012 for the Company and will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-8, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This pronouncement amends its guidance for goodwill impairment testing by allowing entities to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether or not the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value. If an entity concludes from this qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then performing a two-step impairment test is unnecessary. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE D: INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

	September 30, 2011				December 31, 2010
		Gross	Gross	Estimated		Gross	Gross	Estimated
	Amortized	Unrealized	Unrealized	Fair	Amortized	Unrealized	Unrealized	Fair
(000's omitted)	Cost	Gains	Losses	Value	Cost	Gains	Losses	Value
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$448,170	$55,045	$0	$503,215	$478,100	$21,571	$29	$499,642
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	40,181	2,189	0	42,370	56,891	2,753	0	59,644
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	70,204	3,996	0	74,200	67,864	277	1,691	66,450
Other securities	36	0	0	36	53	0	0	53
Total held-to-maturity portfolio	$558,591	$61,230	$0	$619,821	$602,908	$24,601	$1,720	$625,789

Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$384,189	$51,207	$0	$435,396	$281,826	$22,231	$0	$304,057
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	520,753	24,374	313	544,814	518,216	10,197	6,195	522,218
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	332,740	21,535	1	354,274	170,673	9,159	116	179,716
Pooled trust preferred securities	68,487	0	21,464	47,023	69,508	0	27,515	41,993
Corporate debt securities	24,007	1,484	0	25,491	25,523	1,634	0	27,157
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations	49,354	1,230	193	50,391	9,904	491	0	10,395
Marketable equity securities	380	93	74	399	380	54	7	427
Total available-for-sale portfolio	$1,379,910	$99,923	$22,045	$1,457,788	$1,076,030	$43,766	$33,833	$1,085,963

A summary of investment securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than, or greater, than twelve months is as follows:

As of September 30, 2011

	Less than 12 Months		12 Months or Longer		Total
		Gross		Gross		Gross
	Fair	Unrealized	Fair	Unrealized	Fair	Unrealized
(000's omitted)	Value	Losses	Value	Losses	Value	Losses

Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	$3,752	$32	$7,620	$281	$11,372	$313
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	46	1	0	0	46	1
Pooled trust preferred securities	0	0	47,023	21,464	47,023	21,464
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations	12,765	193	0	0	12,765	193
Marketable equity securities	153	74	0	0	153	74
Total available-for-sale portfolio/investment portfolio	$16,716	$300	$54,643	$21,745	$71,359	$22,045

As of December 31, 2010

	Less than 12 Months		12 Months or Longer		Total
		Gross		Gross		Gross
	Fair	Unrealized	Fair	Unrealized	Fair	Unrealized
(000's omitted)	Value	Losses	Value	Losses	Value	Losses

Held-to-Maturity Portfolio:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$14,967	$29	$0	$0	$14,967	$29
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	43,851	1,691	0	0	43,851	1,691
Total held-to-maturity portfolio	58,818	1,720	0	0	58,818	1,720

Available-for-Sale Portfolio:
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	197,066	5,705	4,049	490	201,115	6,195
Pooled trust preferred securities	0	0	41,993	27,515	41,993	27,515
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	14,690	116	0	0	14,690	116
Marketable equity securities	210	2	11	5	221	7
Total available-for-sale portfolio	211,966	5,823	46,053	28,010	258,019	33,833

Total investment portfolio	$270,784	$7,543	$46,053	$28,010	$316,837	$35,553

Included in the available-for-sale portfolio are pooled trust preferred, class A-1 securities with a current total par value of $70.0 million and unrealized losses of $21.5 million at September 30, 2011. The underlying collateral of these assets is principally trust-preferred securities of smaller regional banks and insurance companies. The Company’s securities are in the super-senior cash flow tranche of the investment pools. All other tranches in these pools will incur losses before the super senior tranche is impacted. As of September 30, 2011, an additional 35% - 38% of the underlying collateral in these securities would have to be in deferral or default concurrently to result in an expectation of non-receipt of contractual cash flows.

In determining if unrealized losses are other-than-temporary, management considers the following factors: the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuers; any external credit ratings; the level of excess cash flows generated from the underlying collateral supporting the principal and interest payments of the debt securities; and the level of credit enhancement provided by the structure. A detailed review of the pooled trust preferred securities was completed for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. This review included an analysis of collateral reports, a cash flow analysis, including varying degrees of projected deferral/default scenarios, and a review of various financial ratios of the underlying banks and insurance companies that make up the collateral pool. Based on the analysis performed, significant further deferral/defaults and further erosion in other underlying performance conditions would have to exist before the Company would incur a loss. Therefore, the Company determined OTTI did not exist at September 30, 2011. To date, the Company has received all scheduled principal and interest payments and expects to fully collect all future contractual principal and interest payments. The Company does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the underlying securities. Subsequent changes in market or credit conditions could change those evaluations.

Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of September 30, 2011 represents OTTI. The unrealized losses reported pertaining to government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities relate primarily to securities issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, who are currently rated AAA by Moody’s Investor Services, AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and are guaranteed by the U.S. government. The obligations of state and political subdivisions are general purpose debt obligations of various states and political subdivisions. The unrealized losses in the portfolios are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

	Held-to-Maturity		Available-for-Sale
	Amortized	Fair	Amortized	Fair
(000's omitted)	Cost	Value	Cost	Value
Due in one year or less	$10,678	$10,761	$68,510	$69,277
Due after one through five years	34,388	37,771	185,972	196,938
Due after five years through ten years	403,747	452,320	274,974	302,262
Due after ten years	69,597	76,599	467,980	484,247
Subtotal	518,410	577,451	997,436	1,052,724
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations	0	0	49,354	50,391
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	40,181	42,370	332,740	354,274
Total	$558,591	$619,821	$1,379,530	$1,457,389

NOTE E: LOANS

The segments of the Company’s loan portfolio are disaggregated into levels that allow management to monitor risk and performance. Consumer mortgages consist primarily of fixed rate residential instruments, typically 15 – 30 years in contractual term, secured by first liens on real property. Business lending is comprised of general purpose commercial and industrial loans including agricultural-related and dealer floor plans, as well as mortgages on commercial property. Consumer installment – indirect consists primarily of loans originated through selected dealerships and are secured by automobiles, marine and other recreational vehicles. Home equity products are consumer purpose installment loans or lines of credit most often secured by a first or second lien position on residential real estate with terms of 15 years or less. Consumer installment – direct are all other loans to consumers such as personal installment loans and lines of credit. Loans are summarized as follows:

	September 30,	December 31,
(000's omitted)	2011	2010
Consumer mortgage	$1,167,781	$1,057,332
Business lending	1,261,125	1,023,286
Consumer installment - indirect	564,423	494,813
Home equity	328,468	305,936
Consumer installment - direct	154,672	144,996
Gross loans, including deferred origination costs	3,476,469	3,026,363
Allowance for loan losses	(42,463)	(42,510)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$3,434,006	$2,983,853

The changes in the accretable discount related to the credit impaired acquired loans are as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2010	$0
Wilber acquisition	2,509
Accretion recognized, to-date	(507)
Net reclassification from accretable to nonaccretable	(52)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$1,950

Credit Quality

Management monitors the credit quality of its loan portfolio on an ongoing basis. Measurement of delinquency and past due status are based on the contractual terms of each loan. Past due loans are reviewed on a monthly basis to identify loans for non-accrual status. The following is an aged analysis of the Company’s past due loans, by class as of September 30, 2011:

(000’s omitted)	30 - 89 Days	90+ Days Past Due and Still Accruing	Nonaccrual	Total Past Due	Purchased Impaired	Current	Total Loans
Consumer mortgage	$16,861	$1,769	$5,696	$24,326	$0	$1,143,455	$1,167,781
Business lending	5,551	246	9,793	15,590	17,969	1,227,566	1,261,125
Consumer installment - indirect	7,538	43	3	7,584	0	556,839	564,423
Home equity	3,506	173	1,010	4,689	0	323,779	328,468
Consumer installment – direct	2,029	88	0	2,117	0	152,555	154,672
Total	$35,485	$2,319	$16,502	$54,306	$17,969	$3,404,194	$3,476,469

The following is an aged analysis of the Company’s past due loans by class as of December 31, 2010:

(000’s omitted)	30 - 89 Days	90+ Days Past Due and Still Accruing	Nonaccrual	Total Past Due	Current	Total Loans
Consumer mortgage	$16,614	$2,308	$4,737	$23,659	$1,033,673	$1,057,332
Business lending	5,965	247	9,715	15,927	1,007,359	1,023,286
Consumer installment – indirect	10,246	131	0	10,377	484,436	494,813
Home equity	3,960	309	926	5,195	300,741	305,936
Consumer installment – direct	2,514	96	0	2,610	142,386	144,996
Total	$39,299	$3,091	$15,378	$57,768	$2,968,595	$3,026,363

The Company uses several credit quality indicators to assess credit risk in an ongoing manner. The Company’s primary credit quality indicator for its business lending portfolio is an internal credit risk rating system that categorizes loans as “pass”, “special mention”, or “classified”. Credit risk ratings are applied individually to those classes of loans that have significant or unique credit characteristics that benefit from a case-by-case evaluation. The following are the definitions of the Company’s credit quality indicators:

Pass	In general, the condition of the borrower and the performance of the loans are satisfactory or better.

Special Mention	In general, the condition of the borrower has deteriorated although the loan performs as agreed.

Classified	In general, the condition of the borrower has significantly deteriorated and the performance of the loan could further deteriorate if deficiencies are not corrected.

The following table shows the amount of business lending loans by credit quality category:

(000’s omitted)	September 30, 2011	December 31, 2010
Pass	$932,504	$753,252
Special mention	160,202	159,906
Classified	150,450	110,128
Purchased impaired	17,969	0
Total	$1,261,125	$1,023,286

All other loans are underwritten and structured using standardized criteria and characteristics, primarily payment performance, and are normally risk rated and monitored collectively on a monthly basis. These are typically loans to individuals in the consumer categories and are delineated as either performing or nonperforming. Performing loans include current, 30 – 89 days past due and purchased impaired loans. Nonperforming loans include 90+ days past due and still accruing and non-accrual loans.

The following table details the balances in all other loan categories at September 30, 2011:

(000’s omitted)	Consumer Mortgage	Indirect Consumer	Home Equity	Direct Consumer	Total
Performing	$1,160,316	$564,377	$327,285	$154,584	$2,206,562
Nonperforming	7,465	46	1,183	88	8,782
Total	$1,167,781	$564,423	$328,468	$154,672	$2,215,344

The following table details the balances in all other loan categories at December 31, 2010:

(000’s omitted)	Consumer Mortgage	Indirect Consumer	Home Equity	Direct Consumer	Total
Performing	$1,050,287	$494,682	$304,701	$144,900	$1,994,570
Nonperforming	7,045	131	1,235	96	8,507
Total	$1,057,332	$494,813	$305,936	$144,996	$2,003,077

All loan classes are collectively evaluated for impairment except business lending, as described in Note B. A summary of individually evaluated impaired loans as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 follows:

	September 30,	December 31,
(000’s omitted)	2011	2010
Loans with reserve	$0	$1,465
Loans without reserve	2,379	3,846
Carrying balance	2,379	5,311
Contractual balance	3,399	7,042
Specifically allocated allowance	0	762

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following presents by class the activity in the allowance for loan losses:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
	Consumer	Business	Home	Direct	Indirect		Acquired
(000’s omitted)	Mortgage	Lending	Equity	Installment	Installment	Unallocated	Impaired	Total
Beginning balance	$3,286	$20,949	$911	$3,878	$10,277	$3,230	$0	$42,531
Charge-offs	(157)	(249)	(43)	(283)	(1,294)	0	0	(2,026)
Recoveries	2	88	6	151	668	0	0	915
Provision	1,056	105	126	(224)	(210)	(53)	243	1,043
Ending balance	$4,187	$20,893	$1,000	$3,522	$9,441	$3,177	$243	$42,463

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
	Consumer	Business	Home	Direct	Indirect		Acquired
(000’s omitted)	Mortgage	Lending	Equity	Installment	Installment	Unallocated	Impaired	Total
Beginning balance	$1,654	$23,619	$457	$3,762	$9,796	$3,315	$0	$42,603
Charge-offs	(94)	(869)	(12)	(357)	(819)	0	0	(2,151)
Recoveries	4	86	1	137	530	0	0	758
Provision	442	(375)	110	609	390	224	0	1,400
Ending balance	$2,006	$22,461	$556	$4,151	$9,897	$3,539	$0	$42,610

	Nine months ended September 30, 2011
	Consumer	Business	Home	Direct	Indirect		Acquired
(000’s omitted)	Mortgage	Lending	Equity	Installment	Installment	Unallocated	Impaired	Total
Beginning balance	$2,451	$22,326	$689	$3,977	$9,922	$3,145	$0	$42,510
Charge-offs	(501)	(1,819)	(174)	(904)	(3,249)	0	0	(6,647)
Recoveries	28	406	17	545	2,461	0	0	3,457
Provision	2,209	(20)	468	(96)	307	32	243	3,143
Ending balance	$4,187	$20,893	$1,000	$3,522	$9,441	$3,177	$243	$42,463

	Nine months ended September 30, 2010
	Consumer	Business	Home	Direct	Indirect		Acquired
(000’s omitted)	Mortgage	Lending	Equity	Installment	Installment	Unallocated	Impaired	Total
Beginning balance	$1,127	$23,577	$374	$3,660	$10,004	$3,168	$0	$41,910
Charge-offs	(503)	(3,007)	(115)	(1,184)	(2,778)	0	0	(7,587)
Recoveries	39	486	5	538	1,949	0	0	3,017
Provision	1,343	1,405	292	1,137	722	371	0	5,270
Ending balance	$2,006	$22,461	$556	$4,151	$9,897	$3,539	$0	$42,610

Despite the above allocation, the allowance for loan losses is general in nature and is available to absorb losses from any loan type.

NOTE F: GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each type of identifiable intangible asset are as follows:

	As of September 30, 2011			As of December 31, 2010
	Gross		Net	Gross		Net
	Carrying	Accumulated	Carrying	Carrying	Accumulated	Carrying
(000's omitted)	Amount	Amortization	Amount	Amount	Amortization	Amount
Amortizing intangible assets:
Core deposit intangibles	$64,610	($52,227)	$12,383	$60,595	($49,698)	$10,897
Other intangibles	9,107	(5,491)	3,616	7,894	(4,769)	3,125
Total amortizing intangibles	$73,717	($57,718)	$15,999	$68,489	($54,467)	$14,022

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years ended December 31 is as follows:

Oct – Dec 2011	$1,118
2012	3,971
2013	3,180
2014	2,473
2015	1,817
Thereafter	3,440
Total	$15,999

Shown below are the components of the Company’s goodwill at September 30, 2011:

(000’s omitted)	December 31, 2010	Activity	September 30, 2011
Goodwill	$302,516	46,537	$349,053
Accumulated impairment	(4,824)	0	(4,824)
Goodwill, net	$297,692	46,537	$344,229

NOTE G: MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES

The Company sponsors two business trusts, Community Statutory Trust III and Community Capital Trust IV (“Trust IV”), of which 100% of the common stock is owned by the Company. The trusts were formed for the purpose of issuing company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of such preferred securities solely in junior subordinated debt securities of the Company. The debentures held by each trust are the sole assets of that trust. Distributions on the preferred securities issued by each trust are payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate being earned by the trust on the debentures held by that trust and are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. The preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the debentures. The Company has entered into agreements which, taken collectively, fully and unconditionally guarantee the preferred securities subject to the terms of each of the guarantees. The terms of the preferred securities of each trust are as follows:

	Issuance	Par		Maturity
Trust	Date	Amount	Interest Rate	Date	Call Provision	Call Price
III	7/31/2001	$24.5 million	3 month LIBOR plus 3.58% (3.83%)	7/31/2031	5 year beginning 2006	Par
IV	12/8/2006	$75 million	3 month LIBOR plus 1.65% (2.00%)	12/15/2036	5 year beginning 2012	Par

Upon the issuance of Trust IV, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert the variable rate trust preferred securities into a fixed rate security for a term of five years at a fixed rate of 6.43%. Additional interest expense of approximately $865,000 and $2,554,000 was recognized based on the interest rate swap agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $821,000 and $2,517,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

NOTE H: BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides a qualified defined benefit pension to qualified employees and retirees, and other post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to certain retirees, an unfunded supplemental pension plan for certain key executives, and an unfunded stock balance plan for certain of its nonemployee directors. The Company accrues for the estimated cost of these benefits through charges to expense during the years that employees earn these benefits. The net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30 is as follows:

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended		Nine months ended		Three Months Ended		Nine months ended
	September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
(000's omitted)	2011	2010	2011	2010	2011	2010	2011	2010
Service cost	$735	$666	$2,205	$1,996	$0	$0	$0	$0
Interest cost	1,191	977	3,344	2,932	38	49	115	147
Expected return on plan assets	(2,167)	(1,618)	(6,101)	(4,853)	0	0	0	0
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	474	605	1,422	1,816	2	4	6	13
Amortization of prior service cost	(37)	(47)	(112)	(141)	(264)	(264)	(793)	(793)
Net periodic benefit cost	$196	$583	$758	$1,750	($224)	($211)	($672)	($633)

Effective September 30, 2011, the Wilber National Bank Retirement Plan was merged into the Community Bank System, Inc. Pension Plan and the combined plan was revalued resulting in an additional unamortized actuarial loss of approximately $17 million, due primarily to a loss on plan assets for the first nine months of 2011 and lowering the discount rate to 4.4% from 5.0% at December 31, 2010.

NOTE I: EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average of the common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average of the shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of restricted stock and the assumed exercise of stock options during the year. The dilutive effect of options is calculated using the treasury stock method of accounting. The treasury stock method determines the number of common shares that would be outstanding if all the dilutive options (those where the average market price is greater than the exercise price) were exercised and the proceeds were used to repurchase common shares in the open market at the average market price for the applicable time period. There were approximately 0.6 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at September 30, 2011 compared to approximately 1.7 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at September 30, 2010 that were not included in the computation below.

The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine months ended September 30,
(000's omitted, except per share data)	2011	2010	2011	2010
Net income	$20,008	$17,262	$54,154	$47,426
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards	(147)	(150)	(414)	(405)
Income available to common shareholders	19,861	17,112	53,740	47,021

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic	36,679	32,987	35,436	32,920
Basic earnings per share	$0.54	$0.52	$1.52	$1.43

Net income	$20,008	$17,262	$54,154	$47,426
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards	(147)	(150)	(414)	(405)
Income available to common shareholders	19,861	17,112	53,740	47,021

Weighted-average common shares outstanding	36,679	32,987	35,436	32,920
Assumed exercise of stock options	362	330	403	273
Weighted-average shares – diluted	37,041	33,317	35,839	33,193
Diluted earnings per share	$0.54	$0.51	$1.50	$1.42

Stock Repurchase Program

On July 22, 2009, the Company announced an authorization to repurchase up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding shares in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with securities laws and regulations through December 31, 2011. Any repurchased shares will be used for general corporate purposes, including those related to stock plan activities. The timing and extent of repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations as determined at the Company’s discretion. No repurchases have been made under the repurchase authorization since it was approved, and the full 1,000,000 shares of common shares remain available to be purchased under the authorization.

NOTE J: COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments consist primarily of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers, generally having fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses that may require payment of a fee. These commitments consist principally of unused commercial and consumer credit lines. Standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of an underlying contract with a third party. The credit risks associated with commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are essentially the same as that involved with extending loans to customers and are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies. Collateral may be obtained based on management’s assessment of the customer’s creditworthiness.

The contract amount of commitments and contingencies are as follows:

(000's omitted)	September 30, 2011	December 31, 2010
Commitments to extend credit	$571,325	$445,625
Standby letters of credit	25,918	21,456
Total	$597,243	$467,081

NOTE K: FAIR VALUE

Accounting standards allow entities an irrevocable option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The Company has elected to value loans held for sale at fair value in order to more closely match the gains and losses associated with loans held for sale with the gains and losses on forward sales contracts. Accordingly, the impact on the valuation will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of income. All mortgage loans held for sale are current and in performing status.

Accounting standards establish a framework for measuring fair value and require certain disclosures about such fair value instruments. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:

·	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
·	Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted
	prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
·	Level 3 – Significant valuation assumptions not readily observable in a market.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for any of the periods presented.

	September 30, 2011
(000's omitted)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total Fair Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$181,349	$254,047	$0	$435,396
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	0	544,814	0	544,814
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	0	354,274	0	354,274
Pooled trust preferred securities	0	0	47,023	47,023
Corporate debt securities	0	25,491	0	25,491
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations	0	50,391	0	50,391
Marketable equity securities	399	0	0	399
Total available-for-sale investment securities	181,748	1,229,017	47,023	1,457,788
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	167	0	167
Interest rate swap	0	(769)	0	(769)
Total	$181,748	$1,228,415	$47,023	$1,457,186

	December 31, 2010
(000's omitted)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total Fair Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$1,026	$303,031	$0	$304,057
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	0	522,218	0	522,218
Government agency mortgage-backed securities	0	179,716	0	179,716
Pooled trust preferred securities	0	0	41,993	41,993
Corporate debt securities	0	27,157	0	27,157
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations	0	10,395	0	10,395
Marketable equity securities	427	0	0	427
Total available-for-sale investment securities	1,453	1,042,517	41,993	1,085,963
Forward sales commitments	0	322	0	322
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	0	0	58	58
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	3,952	0	3,952
Interest rate swap	0	(3,232)	0	(3,232)
Total	$1,453	$1,043,559	$42,051	$1,087,063

The valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the items in the table above are as follows:

Available for sale investment securities – The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using quoted market prices for similar securities or model-based valuation techniques. Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and marketable equity securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities include U.S. agency securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored entities, municipal securities and corporate debt securities that are valued by reference to prices for similar securities or through model-based techniques in which all significant inputs, such as reported trades, trade execution data, LIBOR swap yield curve, market prepayment speeds, credit information, market spreads, and security’s terms and conditions, are observable. Securities classified as Level 3 include pooled trust preferred securities in less liquid markets. The value of these instruments is determined using multiple pricing models or similar techniques as well as significant unobservable inputs such as judgment or estimation by the Company in the weighting of the models.

Mortgage loans held for sale – Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value, which is determined using quoted secondary-market prices of loans with similar characteristics and, as such, have been classified as a Level 2 valuation. The unpaid principal value of mortgage loans held for sale at September 30, 2011 is approximately $167,000. The unrealized gain on mortgage loans held for sale was immaterial at September 30, 2011. Unrealized gains and losses on mortgage loans held for sale, when they occur, are recognized in mortgage banking and other services income in the consolidated statement of income.

Forward sales contracts – The Company enters into forward sales contracts to sell certain residential real estate loans. Such commitments are considered to be derivative financial instruments and, therefore, are carried at estimated fair value in the other asset or other liability section of the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of these forward sales contracts is primarily measured by obtaining pricing from certain government-sponsored entities and reflects the underlying price the entity would pay the Company for an immediate sale of these mortgages. These instruments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale – The Company enters into various commitments to originate residential real estate loans for sale. Such commitments are considered to be derivative financial instruments and, therefore, are carried at estimated fair value in the other asset or other liability section of the consolidated balance sheet. The estimated fair value of these commitments is determined using quoted secondary market prices obtained from certain government-sponsored entities. Additionally, accounting guidance requires the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan to be included in the fair value measurement of the derivative. The expected net future cash flows are based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. Such assumptions include estimates of the realization rate, cost of servicing loans, appropriate discount rate and prepayment speeds. The determination of expected net cash flows is considered a significant unobservable input contributing to the Level 3 classification of commitments to originate real estate loans for sale.

Interest rate swap – The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to modify the repricing characteristics of certain of its interest-bearing liabilities. The fair value of these interest rate swaps, which are traded in over-the-counter markets, where quoted market prices are not readily available, are measured using models for which the significant assumptions such as yield curves and option volatilities are market observable and, therefore, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following tables:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2011			2010
(000's omitted)	Pooled trust preferred securities	Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	Total	Pooled trust preferred securities	Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	Total
Beginning balance	$48,972	$142	$49,114	$47,343	$367	$47,710
Total gains (losses) included in earnings (1)	23	(142)	(119)	24	(367)	(343)
Total losses included in other comprehensive income	(1,627)	0	(1,627)	(2,661)	0	(2,661)
Sales/calls/principal reductions	(345)	0	(345)	(411)	0	(411)
Commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, net	0	0	0	0	917	917
Ending balance	$47,023	$0	$47,023	$44,295	$917	$45,212
(1) Amounts included in earnings associated with the pooled trust preferred securities relate to accretion of related discount.

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2011			2010
(000's omitted)	Pooled trust preferred securities	Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	Total	Pooled trust preferred securities	Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	Total
Beginning balance	$41,993	$58	$42,051	$44,014	$31	$44,045
Total gains (losses) included in earnings (1)	71	(258)	(187)	73	(31)	42
Total gains included in other comprehensive income	6,052	0	6,052	1,376	0	1,376
Sales/calls/principal reductions	(1,093)	0	(1,093)	(1,168)	0	(1,168)
Commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, net	0	200	200	0	917	917
Ending balance	$47,023	$0	$47,023	$44,295	$917	$45,212
(1) Amounts included in earnings associated with the pooled trust preferred securities relate to accretion of related discount.

Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis:

	September 30, 2011				December 31, 2010
(000's omitted)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total Fair Value	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total Fair Value
Impaired loans	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$703	$703
Other real estate owned	0	0	2,776	2,776	0	0	2,011	2,011
Mortgage servicing rights	0	0	1,258	1,258	0	0	2,422	2,422
Total	$0	$0	$4,034	$4,034	$0	$0	$5,136	$5,136

Originated mortgage servicing rights are recorded at their fair value at the time of sale of the underlying loan, and are amortized in proportion to and over the estimated period of net servicing income. In accordance with GAAP, the Company must record impairment charges, on a nonrecurring basis, when the carrying value of certain strata exceed their estimated fair value. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is based on a valuation model incorporating inputs that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. Such inputs include estimates of the cost of servicing loans, appropriate discount rate and prepayment speeds and are considered to be unobservable and contribute to the Level 3 classification of mortgage servicing rights. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights for a stratum exceeds estimated fair value. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance. There is a valuation allowance of approximately $87,000 at September 30, 2011.

Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Nonrecurring adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation amount does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan. Real estate collateral is typically valued using independent appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace, adjusted based on non-observable inputs and the related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments are generally classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value used for other collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and, therefore, such valuations classify as Level 3.

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of that reporting unit in order to determine if impairment is indicated. If so, the implied fair value of the reporting units’ goodwill is compared to its carrying amount and the impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over fair value of the goodwill. In such situations, the Company performs a discounted cash flow modeling technique that requires management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit that enable the Company to calculate the implied fair value of the goodwill. It also requires use of a discount rate that reflects the current return requirement of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity market premiums and company-specific risk indicators. The Company did not recognize an impairment charge during 2010 or the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

The Company determines fair values based on quoted market values where available or on estimates using present values or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including, but not limited to, the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from fair value disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. The fair value of investment securities has been disclosed in Note D.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s other financial instruments that are not accounted for at fair value at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010
	Carrying	Fair	Carrying	Fair
(000's omitted)	Value	Value	Value	Value
Financial assets:
Net loans	$3,476,469	$3,483,693	$2,983,853	$2,996,821
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	4,838,753	4,855,455	3,934,045	3,944,261
Borrowings	728,335	831,688	728,460	808,902
Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts	102,042	72,970	102,024	82,490

The following is a further description of the principal valuation methods used by the Company to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments.

Loans – Fair values for variable rate loans that reprice frequently are based on carrying values. Fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

Deposits – The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing checking deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of time deposit obligations are based on current market rates for similar products.

Borrowings – Fair values for long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered on similar borrowings.

Subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts – The fair value of subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts are estimated using discounted cash flows and interest rates currently being offered on similar securities.

Other financial assets and liabilities – Cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable have fair values which approximate the respective carrying values because the instruments are payable on demand or have short-term maturities and present relatively low credit risk and interest rate risk.

NOTE L: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company is party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of its business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to manage its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments have been limited to interest rate swap agreements, commitments to originate real estate loans held for sale, and forward sales commitments. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

The Company enters into forward sales commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans, and interest rate lock commitments to fund loans at a specified interest rate. The forward sales commitments are utilized to reduce interest rate risk associated with interest rate lock commitments and loans held for sale. Changes in the estimated fair value of the forward sales commitments and interest rate lock commitments subsequent to inception are based on changes in the fair value of the underlying loan resulting from the fulfillment of the commitment and changes in the probability that the loan will fund within the terms of the commitment, which is affected primarily by changes in interest rates and the passage of time. At inception and during the life of the interest rate lock commitment, the Company includes the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan as part of the fair value measurement of the interest rate lock commitments. These derivatives are recorded at fair value.

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of the management of interest rate risk to modify the repricing characteristics of certain of its borrowings. The interest rate swap has been designated as a qualifying cash flow hedge. See further details of interest rate swap agreements in Note G.

The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments, their estimated fair values, and balance sheet location as of September 30, 2011:

	Liability Derivatives
(000's omitted)	Location	Notional	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap agreement	Other liabilities	$75,000	$769
Total derivatives			$769

The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the location of the net gain or loss recognized in the statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011:

		Loss recognized in the Statement of Income
(000's omitted)	Location	Three Months Ending September 30, 2011	Nine Months Ending September 30, 2011
Interest rate swap agreement	Interest on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated subsidiary trusts	($865)	($2,554)
Interest rate lock commitments	Mortgage banking and other services	(142)	(58)
Forward sales commitments	Mortgage banking and other services	0	(322)
Total		($1,007)	($2,934)

The amount of gain recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 in other comprehensive income related to the interest rate swap accounted for as a hedging instrument was approximately $871,000 and $2,463,000, respectively. The amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (effective portion) amounted to approximately $865,000 and $2,554,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and is located in interest expense on subordinated debt held by unconsolidated trusts.

NOTE M: SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are components of an enterprise, which are evaluated regularly by the “chief operating decision maker” in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company has identified Banking as its reportable operating business segment. Community Bank N.A. (“CBNA”) operates the banking segment that provides full-service banking to consumers, businesses and governmental units in northern, central and western New York as well as Northern Pennsylvania.

Immaterial operating segments of the Company’s operations, which do not have similar characteristics to the banking segment and do not meet the quantitative thresholds requiring disclosure, are included in the “Other” category. Revenues derived from these segments include administration, consulting and actuarial services to sponsors of employee benefit plans, investment advisory services, asset management services to individuals, corporate pension and profit sharing plans, trust services and insurance commissions from various insurance related products and services. The accounting policies used in the disclosure of business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (See Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the most recent Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on March 15, 2011).

Information about reportable segments and reconciliation of the information to the consolidated financial statements follows:

(000's omitted)	Banking	Other	Eliminations	Consolidated Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Net interest income	$54,539	$29	$0	$54,568
Provision for loan losses	1,043	0	0	1,043
Noninterest income	12,632	11,022	(432)	23,222
Loss on investment securities & debt extinguishments	(6)	0	0	(6)
Amortization of intangible assets	908	253	0	1,161
Other operating expenses	38,449	8,915	(432)	46,932
Income before income taxes	$26,765	$1,883	$0	$28,648
Assets	$6,480,206	$35,896	($12,248)	$6,503,854
Goodwill	$333,948	$10,281	$0	$344,229

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
Net interest income	$46,296	$28	$0	$46,324
Provision for loan losses	1,400	0	0	1,400
Noninterest income	13,258	10,033	(377)	22,914
Amortization of intangible assets	1,067	210	0	1,277
Other operating expenses	35,582	7,870	(377)	43,075
Income before income taxes	$21,505	$1,981	$0	$23,486
Assets	$5,472,371	$35,535	($11,689)	$5,496,217
Goodwill	$287,411	$10,281	$0	$297,692

Nine months ended September 30, 2011
Net interest income	$154,202	$76	$0	$154,278
Provision for loan losses	3,143	0	0	3,143
Noninterest income	35,225	32,947	(1,357)	66,815
Gain on investment securities & debt extinguishments	8	0	0	8
Amortization of intangible assets	2,529	722	0	3,251
Other operating expenses	114,776	25,865	(1,357)	139,284
Income before income taxes	$68,987	$6,436	$0	$75,423

Nine months ended September 30, 2010
Net interest income	$135,473	$78	$0	$135,551
Provision for loan losses	5,270	0	0	5,270
Noninterest income	37,150	31,009	(1,150)	67,009
Amortization of intangible assets	4,319	666	0	4,985
Other operating expenses	104,678	24,252	(1,150)	127,780
Income before income taxes	$58,356	$6,169	$0	$64,525

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) primarily reviews the financial condition and results of operations of Community Bank System, Inc. (the “Company” or “CBSI”) as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, although in some circumstances the fourth quarter of 2010 is also discussed in order to more fully explain recent trends. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes that appear on pages 3 through 24. All references in the discussion to the financial condition and results of operations are to those of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Unless otherwise noted, the term “this year” refers to results in calendar year 2011, “third quarter” refers to the quarter ended September 30, 2011, and earnings per share (“EPS”) figures refer to diluted EPS.

This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those proposed by such forward-looking statements are set herein under the caption, “Forward-Looking Statements,” on page 40.

Critical Accounting Policies

As a result of the complex and dynamic nature of the Company’s business, management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying the most appropriate accounting policies for its various areas of operations. The policy decision process not only ensures compliance with the latest generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), but also reflects management’s discretion with regard to choosing the most suitable methodology for reporting the Company’s financial performance. It is management’s opinion that the accounting estimates covering certain aspects of the business have more significance than others due to the relative importance of those areas to overall performance, or the level of subjectivity in the selection process. These estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management believes that critical accounting estimates include:

Acquired loans - Acquired loans are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The carryover of allowance for loan losses is prohibited as any credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate. For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to originated loans, however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining credit discounts.

Allowance for loan losses – The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable loan losses in the Company’s loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective. It requires significant estimates including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans and the amount of estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans which is based on historical loss experience and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.

Investment securities – Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. The appropriate classification is based partially on the Company’s ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management’s intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities. The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and do not affect earnings until realized. The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model using market estimates of interest rates and volatility. Investment securities with significant declines in fair value are evaluated to determine whether they should be considered other-than–temporarily impaired (“OTTI”). An unrealized loss is generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The credit loss component of an OTTI write-down is recorded in earnings, while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), provided the Company does not intend to sell the underlying debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery.

Retirement benefits – The Company provides defined benefit pension benefits and post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to eligible employees. The Company also provides deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans for selected current and former employees and officers. Expense under these plans is charged to current operations and consists of several components of net periodic benefit cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plans, including, but not limited to, discount rate, rate of future compensation increases, mortality rates, future health care costs and expected return on plan assets.

Provision for income taxes – The Company is subject to examinations from various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in challenges to the tax return treatment applied by the Company to specific transactions. Management believes that the assumptions and judgments used to record tax related assets or liabilities have been appropriate. Should tax laws change or the taxing authorities determine that management’s assumptions were inappropriate, an adjustment may be required which could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Intangible assets – As a result of acquisitions, the Company has acquired goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at the acquisition date. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually, or when business conditions suggest impairment may have occurred and will be reduced to its carrying value through a charge to earnings if impairment exists. Core deposits and other identifiable intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives. The determination of whether or not impairment exists is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. It also requires them to select a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity market premiums and company-specific risk indicators, all of which are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors. Future events or changes in the estimates used to determine the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

A summary of the accounting policies used by management is disclosed in Note A, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” on pages 53-58 of the most recent Form 10-K (fiscal year ended December 31, 2010) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2011.

Executive Summary

The Company’s business philosophy is to operate as a community bank with local decision-making, principally in non-metropolitan markets, providing a broad array of banking and financial services to retail, commercial and municipal customers. The Company’s banking subsidiary is Community Bank, N.A. (“CBNA”), which operates in Pennsylvania under the name First Liberty Bank and Trust.

The Company’s core operating objectives are: (i) grow the branch network, primarily through a disciplined acquisition strategy, and certain selective de novo expansions, (ii) build high-quality, profitable loan and deposit portfolios using both organic and acquisition strategies, (iii) increase the noninterest income component of total revenues through development of banking-related fee income, growth in existing financial services business units, and the acquisition of additional financial services and banking businesses, and (iv) utilize technology to deliver customer-responsive products and services and continually improve operating efficiency.

Significant factors management reviews to evaluate achievement of the Company’s operating objectives and its operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: net income and earnings per share; return on assets and equity; net interest margins; noninterest income; operating expenses; asset quality; loan and deposit growth; capital management; performance of individual banking and financial services units; liquidity and interest rate sensitivity; enhancements to customer products and services; technology advancements; market share; peer comparisons; and the performance of acquisition and integration activities.

On April 8, 2011 the Company acquired The Wilber Corporation (“Wilber”), the parent company of Wilber National Bank, for $103 million in stock and cash, comprised of $20.4 million in cash and the issuance of 3.35 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock. Based in Oneonta, New York, Wilber operated 22 branches in the Central, Greater Capital District and Catskills regions of Upstate New York. The acquisition added approximately $462 million of loans, $297 million of investment securities and $772 million of deposits.

Third quarter and September year-to-date net income of $20.0 million and $54.2 million, respectively, was $2.7 million or 16% and $6.7 million or 14% higher than the respective prior year periods. Earnings per share were $0.54 and $1.50 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, an increase of $0.03 and $0.08 from the equivalent prior year periods, respectively. These increases were due in large part to higher net interest income that resulted from earning asset growth, principally from the Wilber acquisition, partially offset by a slightly lower net interest margin. Also contributing to higher net income was a lower provision for loan losses. These were partially offset by a decline in deposit service fee income as a result of lower volume in certain customer activities. Total operating expenses increased, reflective of the additional operating costs from the Wilber acquisition, partially offset by a decline in FDIC insurance costs and lower intangible amortization. The third quarter and September year-to-date earnings included $0.4 million, or $0.01 per share and $4.7 million, or $0.09 per share of acquisition expenses, respectively.

Asset quality in the third quarter of 2011 remained stable and favorable in comparison to averages for peer financial organizations. Third quarter loan net charge-off ratios were below those experienced in the third quarter of 2010. Non performing loan ratios were below those experienced in the last eight quarters. The current quarter provision for loan losses was also below that recorded in the previous eight quarters. Delinquency ratios increased slightly from the second quarter of 2011, but were below those experienced in the third quarter of 2010. The Company experienced year-over-year growth in third quarter average interest-earning assets, reflective of the Wilber acquisition which added approximately $421 million of loans and $297 million of investments, as well as nearly $21 million of organic loan growth in the legacy portfolio during the quarter. Average deposits in the third quarter of 2011 were higher than the third quarter of 2010 driven by the Wilber acquisition and higher than the second quarter of 2011 from organic deposit growth. Average borrowings were consistent with both the second quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010.

The Company, through its Benefit Plans Administrative Services Inc. (“BPAS”) subsidiary, recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CAI Benefits, Inc. (“CAI”), a provider of actuarial, consulting and retirement plan administration services with offices in New York City and Northern New Jersey. The transaction, which is expected to close in 2011, subject to customary closing conditions, provides the Company with a presence in an important strategic market. It also adds valuable service capacity and enhances distribution prospects in support of the Company’s broader-based employee benefits businesses including daily valuation plan and collective investment fund administration. The transaction is expected to add over $4 million of service revenue in 2012.

Net Income and Profitability

As shown in Table 1, net income for the third quarter and September YTD of $20.0 million and $54.2 million, respectively, increased 16% and 14%, respectively, versus the comparable periods of 2010. Earnings per share for the third quarter of $0.54 were $0.03 higher than the EPS generated in the third quarter of 2010, and earnings per share of $1.50 for the first nine months of 2011 increased $0.08 from the amount earned in the first nine months of 2010. Included in these results were $0.4 million and $4.7 million of acquisition expenses for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2011, respectively. Excluding these acquisition expenses, net income and earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2011were up $9.9 million or 21% and $0.17 or 12%, respectively.

As reflected in Table 1, third quarter net interest income of $54.6 million was up $8.2 million or 18% from the comparable prior year period, and net interest income for the first nine months of 2011 increased $18.7 million, or 14% over the first nine months of 2010, resulting from an increase in interest-earning assets primarily due to the Wilber acquisition, and a higher net interest margin for the YTD period. The current quarter’s provision for loan losses decreased $0.4 million and $2.1 million as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2010, respectively, reflective of lower levels of net charge-offs and a generally stable asset quality profile. Third quarter noninterest income was $23.2 million, up $0.3 million or 1.3%, from the third quarter of 2010, while year-to-date noninterest income of $66.8 million decreased $0.2 million or 0.3% from the prior year level. The increase in third quarter noninterest income was primarily due to the Wilber acquisition. Contributing to the decrease in noninterest income for the year-to-date period was lower mortgage-banking related revenues, as well as lower deposit service fees, which have been impacted by certain amendments to Regulation E (a Federal Reserve Board Regulation) processing changes and general economic conditions, which have resulted in lower net service utilization. Offsetting these declines was a 5.8% increase in the revenues generated by the Company’s employee benefits consulting and plan administration business and a 5.7% increase in revenue generated from the Company’s wealth management group, principally from activities related to the Wilber acquisition.

Operating expenses of $48.1 million for the third quarter and $142.5 million for the first nine months of 2011 increased $3.7 million or 8.4%, and $9.8 million or 7.4%, respectively, from the comparable prior year periods, reflective of additional operating costs and non-recurring acquisition expenses associated with the Wilber acquisition completed in early April, partially offset by lower amortization of intangibles and FDIC insurance costs.

A condensed income statement is as follows:

Table 1: Condensed Income Statements

	Three Months Ended		Nine months ended
	September 30,		September 30,
(000's omitted, except per share data)	2011	2010	2011	2010
Net interest income	$54,568	$46,324	$154,278	$135,551
Provision for loan losses	1,043	1,400	3,143	5,270
Noninterest income	23,222	22,914	66,815	67,009
Gain on sale of investment securities	(6)	0	8	0
Operating expenses	48,093	44,352	142,535	132,765
Income before taxes	28,648	23,486	75,423	64,525
Income taxes	8,640	6,224	21,269	17,099
Net income	$20,008	$17,262	$54,154	$47,426

Diluted earnings per share	$0.54	$0.51	$1.50	$1.42

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the amount by which interest and fees on earning assets (loans, investments and cash equivalents) exceed the cost of funds, primarily interest paid to the Company's depositors and interest on external borrowings. Net interest margin is the difference between the gross yield on earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing funds as a percentage of earning assets.

As shown in Table 2a, net interest income (with nontaxable income converted to a fully tax-equivalent basis) for the third quarter of 2011 was $58.4 million, an $8.3 million or 17% increase from the same period last year. The increase was a result of an $867.4 million increase in third quarter interest-earning assets versus the prior year having a greater impact than the $708.6 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities and a four-basis point decrease in the net interest margin. As reflected in Table 3, the third quarter volume increase from interest-bearing assets combined with the rate decrease on interest-bearing liabilities had a $14.4 million favorable impact on net interest income, while the rate decrease on interest bearing assets and the volume increase on interest bearing liabilities had a $6.1 million unfavorable impact on net interest income. The lower cost of funding had a greater favorable impact on the net interest margin than the negative impact from lower yields on interest-bearing assets. September YTD net interest income of $166.1 million increased $19.2 million or 13% from the year-earlier period. A $577.2 million increase in interest bearing assets and a four-basis point increase in net interest margin more than offset a $439.2 million increase in interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in interest-earning assets and the lower rate on interest-bearing liabilities had a $32.3 million favorable impact that was partially offset by a $13.1 million unfavorable impact from the decrease in rate on interest-bearing assets and the increase in interest-bearing liability balances.

Average investments, including cash equivalents, for the third quarter and YTD periods were $474.9 million and $341.4 million, respectively, higher than the comparable periods of 2010, reflective of the acquired Wilber portfolio. Third quarter and YTD average loan balances increased $392.5 million and $235.8 million, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of 2010, due to the approximately $421 million of acquired Wilber loans, partially offset by an organic decline in the lending portfolio as a result of lower demand characteristics due to current economic conditions and the sale of a substantial portion of mortgage originations into the secondary market. In comparison to the prior year, total average interest-bearing deposits were up $708.6 million or 22%, and $447.3 million or 14%, for the quarter and YTD periods, respectively, primarily as a result of the Wilber acquisition. Quarterly average borrowings remained consistent with the prior year quarter and YTD average borrowings declined $8.1 million or 1.0% as compared to the first nine months of 2010, reflective of the maturity of $25 million of term borrowings in the second quarter of 2010.

The net interest margin of 4.04% for the third quarter and 4.08% for the year-to-date period, decreased four basis points as compared to the third quarter of 2010, and increased four basis points as compared to the YTD period of the prior year. Low market interest rates and continued disciplined deposit pricing resulted in a 23-basis point reduction in the total cost of funds in comparison to the third quarter of 2010. However, this was more than offset by a 28-basis point decline in earning asset yields, reflective of lower yields on investment securities, and a $190 million increase in low-rate cash equivalent balances versus last year’s third quarter. The improvement for the YTD period was attributable to a 25-basis point decrease in the cost of funds as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by a 21-basis point decrease in earning-asset yields as compared to the prior year period.

The decrease in the earning-asset yield was driven by a 62-basis point and 34-basis point decrease in investment yield, including cash equivalents, for the quarter and YTD periods, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Additionally, contributing to the decrease in earning-asset yield for the YTD period was a nine-basis point decline in the loan yield for the YTD period as compared to the like period of 2010, as a result of lower rates on fixed rate new loan volume due to the decline in interest rates to levels below those prevalent in prior years and certain adjustable-rate loans repricing downward. The loan yield for the third quarter of 2011 was consistent with the loan yield for the third quarter of 2010 at 5.81%, primarily related to accretion of certain loan marks required for acquired loan accounting offsetting the declines in loans yields previously mentioned. The decline in the yield on the investment portfolio throughout the last year was largely a result of a higher level of invested cash balances and the maturity of longer term investments.

The third quarter cost of funds decreased versus the prior year quarter due to a 20-basis point decrease in interest-bearing deposit rates, a higher proportion of funding being supplied from low and noninterest bearing deposits and a one-basis point decrease in the average interest rate paid on external borrowings. The YTD cost of funds decreased 25 basis points as compared to the prior year, driven by a 26-basis point decrease in average interest-bearing deposit rates and a four-basis point decrease in the average rate paid on external borrowings. The decreases in the cost of funds were reflective of disciplined deposit pricing, whereby interest rates on selected categories of deposit accounts were lowered throughout 2010 and the first nine months of 2011 in response to market conditions. Additionally, the proportion of customer deposits held in higher cost time deposits has continued to decline over the last twelve months.

Table 2 below sets forth information related to average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and their associated yields and rates for the periods indicated. Interest income and yields are on a fully tax-equivalent basis (“FTE”) using a marginal income tax rate of 38.53% and 38.46% in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Average balances are computed by accumulating the daily ending balances in a period and dividing by the number of days in that period. Loan yields and amounts earned include loan fees, deferred loan costs and accretion of acquired loan marks. Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.

Table 2a: Quarterly Average Balance Sheet

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2011			September 30, 2010
			Avg.			Avg.
	Average		Yield/Rate	Average		Yield/Rate
(000's omitted except yields and rates)	Balance	Interest	Paid	Balance	Interest	Paid
Interest-earning assets:
Cash equivalents	$240,127	$149	0.25%	$50,484	$34	0.27%
Taxable investment securities (1)	1,458,127	14,591	3.97%	1,182,243	12,252	4.11%
Nontaxable investment securities (1)	560,051	8,554	6.06%	550,660	8,873	6.39%
Loans (net of unearned discount)(2)	3,481,087	50,960	5.81%	3,088,590	45,226	5.81%
Total interest-earning assets	5,739,392	74,254	5.13%	4,871,977	66,385	5.41%
Noninterest-earning assets	707,818			602,975
Total assets	$6,447,210			$5,474,952

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest checking, savings and money market deposits	$2,747,371	2,675	0.39%	$2,218,640	2,824	0.51%
Time deposits	1,179,086	4,212	1.42%	999,191	4,472	1.78%
Borrowings	832,505	8,963	4.27%	832,568	8,977	4.28%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	4,758,962	15,850	1.32%	4,050,399	16,273	1.59%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest checking deposits	867,373			736,203
Other liabilities	77,145			81,438
Shareholders' equity	743,730			606,912
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$6,447,210			$5,474,952

Net interest earnings		$58,404			$50,112
Net interest spread			3.81%			3.82%
Net interest margin on interest-earning assets			4.04%			4.08%

Fully tax-equivalent adjustment		$3,836			$3,788


(1) Averages for investment securities are based on historical cost basis and the yields do not give effect to changes in fair value that is
reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity and deferred taxes.
(2) The impact of interest and fees not recognized on nonaccrual loans was immaterial.

Table 2b: Year-to-Date Average Balance Sheet

	Nine months ended			Nine months ended
	September 30, 2011			September 30, 2010
			Avg.			Avg.
	Average		Yield/Rate	Average		Yield/Rate
(000's omitted except yields and rates)	Balance	Interest	Paid	Balance	Interest	Paid
Interest-earning assets:
Cash equivalents	$192,405	$354	0.25%	$100,248	$189	0.25%
Taxable investment securities (1)	1,365,697	42,171	4.13%	1,153,321	35,885	4.16%
Nontaxable investment securities (1)	568,450	26,669	6.27%	531,555	26,535	6.67%
Loans (net of unearned discount)(2)	3,315,494	143,184	5.77%	3,079,738	134,999	5.86%
Total interest-earning assets	5,442,046	212,378	5.22%	4,864,862	197,608	5.43%
Noninterest-earning assets	644,209			586,677
Total assets	$6,086,255			$5,451,539

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest checking, savings and money market deposits	$2,589,779	7,654	0.40%	$2,169,083	8,518	0.53%
Time deposits	1,088,125	12,030	1.48%	1,061,551	15,128	1.91%
Borrowings	833,995	26,593	4.26%	842,107	27,075	4.30%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	4,511,899	46,277	1.37%	4,072,741	50,721	1.67%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest checking deposits	807,360			723,256
Other liabilities	77,497			67,860
Shareholders' equity	689,499			587,682
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$6,086,255