form_10q.htm


 
 UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q


     (Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
 
Commission file number 0-12247


SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
TEXAS
75-1848732
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
1201 S. Beckham, Tyler, Texas
75701
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
903-531-7111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o 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.  (Check one):

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 o  No x

The number of shares of the issuer's common stock, par value $1.25, outstanding as of October 22, 2010 was 15,615,780 shares.


 
 

 


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
                ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2010
   
2009
 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 43,046     $ 50,350  
Interest earning deposits
    36,126       1,816  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    79,172       52,166  
Investment securities:
               
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
    245,509       265,060  
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    1,495       1,493  
Mortgage-backed and related securities:
               
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
    1,026,869       1,238,182  
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    440,133       242,665  
FHLB stock, at cost
    36,130       38,629  
Other investments, at cost
    2,065       2,065  
Loans held for sale
    6,098       2,857  
Loans:
               
Loans
    1,037,208       1,033,576  
Less:  allowance for loan loss
    (18,731 )     (19,896 )
      Net Loans
    1,018,477       1,013,680  
Premises and equipment, net
    49,631       46,477  
Goodwill
    22,034       22,034  
Other intangible assets, net
    851       1,096  
Interest receivable
    15,065       18,482  
Deferred tax asset
    944       1,611  
Other assets
    73,054       77,791  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,017,527     $ 3,024,288  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest bearing
  $ 438,892     $ 394,001  
Interest bearing
    1,580,081       1,476,420  
Total Deposits
    2,018,973       1,870,421  
Short-term obligations:
               
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    3,811       13,325  
FHLB advances
    280,123       322,351  
Other obligations
    2,250       2,760  
Total Short-term obligations
    286,184       338,436  
Long-term obligations:
               
FHLB  advances
    389,499       532,519  
Long-term debt
    60,311       60,311  
Total Long-term obligations
    449,810       592,830  
Other liabilities
    39,042       20,352  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    2,794,009       2,822,039  
                 
       Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Common stock - $1.25 par, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 17,633,418 shares
    22,042       20,928  
 issued in 2010 and 16,742,835 shares issued in 2009
               
Paid-in capital
    162,335       146,357  
Retained earnings
    62,328       53,812  
Treasury stock (2,017,638 and 1,762,261 shares at cost)
    (28,261 )     (23,545 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    3,615       4,229  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    222,059       201,781  
Noncontrolling interest
    1,459       468  
TOTAL EQUITY
    223,518       202,249  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 3,017,527     $ 3,024,288  

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

 
1

 

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share data)
   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest income
                       
Loans
  $ 16,926     $ 17,121     $ 52,128     $ 53,316  
Investment securities – taxable
    20       402       72       1,010  
Investment securities – tax-exempt
    2,366       2,266       8,209       5,139  
Mortgage-backed and related securities
    13,378       15,509       37,937       47,988  
FHLB stock and other investments
    59       43       200       195  
Other interest earning assets
    4       58       19       138  
Total interest income
    32,753       35,399       98,565       107,786  
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    4,874       5,474       14,612       17,532  
Short-term obligations
    2,086       1,020       5,633       3,355  
Long-term obligations
    4,504       6,242       14,585       19,544  
Total interest expense
    11,464       12,736       34,830       40,431  
Net interest income
    21,289       22,663       63,735       67,355  
Provision for loan losses
    3,201       2,973       9,328       9,980  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    18,088       19,690       54,407       57,375  
Noninterest income
                               
Deposit services
    4,280       4,543       12,744       12,995  
Gain on sale of securities available for sale
    8,008       6,706       23,024       26,413  
                                 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
                (39 )     (5,627 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
          (993 )     (36 )     3,197  
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
          (993 )     (75 )     (2,430 )
                                 
Gain on sale of loans
    517       392       1,197       1,274  
Trust income
    645       693       1,736       1,830  
Bank owned life insurance income
    297       325       867       1,362  
Other
    931       847       2,728       2,376  
Total noninterest income
    14,678       12,513       42,221       43,820  
Noninterest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    10,891       10,219       33,048       31,163  
Occupancy expense
    1,720       1,701       5,025       4,684  
Equipment expense
    532       453       1,441       1,242  
Advertising, travel & entertainment
    616       546       1,697       1,549  
ATM and debit card expense
    223       328       602       988  
Director fees
    197       168       590       480  
Supplies
    189       254       665       672  
Professional fees
    418       572       1,363       1,657  
Postage
    195       247       612       627  
Telephone and communications
    349       409       1,068       1,053  
FDIC Insurance
    804       719       2,172       3,180  
Other
    1,521       2,135       4,803       5,261  
Total noninterest expense
    17,655       17,751       53,086       52,556  
                                 
Income before income tax expense
    15,111       14,452       43,542       48,639  
Provision for income tax expense
    3,811       3,620       10,296       13,021  
Net income
    11,300       10,832       33,246       35,618  
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (252 )     (335 )     (1,301 )     (1,599 )
Net income attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 11,048     $ 10,497     $ 31,945     $ 34,019  
Earnings per common share – basic
  $ 0.70     $ 0.67     $ 2.02     $ 2.18  
Earnings per common share – diluted
  $ 0.70     $ 0.66     $ 2.02     $ 2.16  
Dividends paid per common share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.14     $ 0.51     $ 0.41  


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

 
2

 

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Common Stock
           
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 20,928     $ 19,695  
Issuance of common stock (136,419 shares in 2010 and 232,226 shares in 2009)
    171       291  
Stock dividend
    943       886  
Balance, end of period
    22,042       20,872  
Paid-in capital
               
Balance, beginning of period
    146,357       131,112  
Issuance of common stock (136,419 shares in 2010 and 232,226 shares in 2009)
    1,080       1,426  
Tax benefit of incentive stock options
    328       547  
Stock dividend
    14,570       12,641  
Balance, end of period
    162,335       145,726  
Retained earnings
               
Balance, beginning of period
    53,812       34,021  
Net income attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    31,945       34,019  
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.51 per share in 2010 and $0.41 per share in 2009)
    (7,916 )     (5,996 )
Stock dividend
    (15,513 )     (13,527 )
Balance, end of period
    62,328       48,517  
Treasury Stock
               
Balance, beginning of period
    (23,545 )     (23,115 )
Purchase of common stock (255,377 shares in 2010 and 30,691 shares in 2009)
    (4,716 )     (430 )
Balance, end of period
    (28,261 )     (23,545 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
               
Balance, beginning of period
    4,229       (1,096 )
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of tax
    13,669       29,192  
Reclassification adjustment for gains on sales of available for sale securities included in net income, net of tax
    (14,966 )     (17,168 )
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on available for sale securities, net of tax
    23       (2,078 )
Reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale securities included in net income, net of tax
    49       1,579  
Adjustment to net periodic benefit cost, net of tax
    611       666  
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (614 )     12,191  
Balance, end of period
    3,615       11,095  
Total shareholders’ equity
    222,059       202,665  
Noncontrolling interest
               
Balance, beginning of period
    468       472  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest shareholders
    1,301       1,599  
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interest shareholders
    (310 )     (1,367 )
Balance, end of period
    1,459       704  
Total equity
  $ 223,518     $ 203,369  
                 
Comprehensive income
               
Net income
  $ 33,246     $ 35,618  
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (614 )     12,191  
Comprehensive income
    32,632       47,809  
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (1,301 )     (1,599 )
Comprehensive income attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 31,331     $ 46,210  


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

 
3

 

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 33,246     $ 35,618  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
               
Depreciation
    2,397       2,101  
Amortization of premium
    25,982       10,491  
Accretion of discount and loan fees
    (3,497 )     (2,933 )
Provision for loan losses
    9,328       9,980  
Decrease in interest receivable
    3,417       807  
Increase in other assets
    (4,726 )     (799 )
Net change in deferred taxes
    998       (1,116 )
Decrease in interest payable
    (696 )     (1,669 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    3,504       (431 )
Increase in loans held for sale
    (3,241 )     (3,806 )
Gain on sale of securities available for sale
    (23,024 )     (26,413 )
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
    75       2,430  
Gain on sale of assets
    (7 )      
Loss on disposal of assets
    -       43  
Impairment on other real estate owned
    20       530  
Gain on sale of other real estate owned
    (26 )     (18 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    43,750       24,815  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
    103,953       204,813  
Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    956,496       512,458  
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale
    17,271       55,913  
Proceeds from maturities of mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    263,335       205,156  
Proceeds from maturities of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
    55,656       40,338  
Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock
    2,638       3,141  
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    (75,697 )     (231,078 )
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    -       (1,014 )
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    (1,026,453 )     (887,176 )
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
    (258,935 )     (119,611 )
Purchases of FHLB stock and other investments
    (139 )     (568 )
Net increase in loans
    (15,193 )     (5,070 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (5,582 )     (5,903 )
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
    38        
Proceeds on bank owned life insurance
    -       1,086  
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    948       864  
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets
    3,713       2,003  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    22,049       (224,648 )


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


 
4

 

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
           
 Net increase in demand and savings accounts
   
117,405
     
53,373
 
 Net increase in certificates of deposit
   
49,927
     
162,784
 
 Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
   
(9,514
)
   
36,354
 
 Proceeds from FHLB advances
   
6,119,530
     
5,249,074
 
 Repayment of FHLB advances
   
(6,304,778
)
   
(5,319,144
)
 Net capital distributions to non-controlling interest in consolidated entities
   
(310
)
   
(1,367
)
 Tax benefit of incentive stock options
   
328
     
547
 
 Purchase of common stock
   
(4,716
)
   
(430
)
 Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
   
1,251
     
1,717
 
 Dividends paid
   
(7,916
)
   
(5,996
)
      Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(38,793
)
   
176,912
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
27,006
     
(22,921
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
52,166
     
66,774
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
79,172
   
$
43,853
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
 Interest paid
 
$
35,525
   
$
42,100
 
 Income taxes paid
   
9,550
     
12,500
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
 Acquisition of other repossessed assets and real estate through foreclosure
 
$
5,416
   
$
7,214
 
 5% stock dividend
   
15,513
     
13,527
 
 Adjustment to pension liability
   
(939
)
   
(1,024
)
 Unsettled trades to purchase securities
   
(18,160
)
   
(2,158
)
 Unsettled trades to sell securities
   
18,723
     
6,168
 
 Unsettled issuances of brokered CDs
   
     
14,875
 

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



 
5

 

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Basis of Presentation

In this report, the words “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the combined entities of Southside Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  The words “Southside” and “Southside Bancshares” refer to Southside Bancshares, Inc.  The words “Southside Bank” and “the Bank” refer to Southside Bank (which, subsequent to the internal merger of Fort Worth National Bank (“FWNB”) with and into Southside Bank, includes FWNB).  “FWBS” refers to Fort Worth Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company acquired by Southside of which FWNB was a wholly-owned subsidiary.  “SFG” refers to Southside Financial Group, LLC, of which Southside owns a 50% interest and consolidates for financial reporting.

The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, equity and cash flows and notes to the financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited; in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of such financial statements have been included.  Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the use of management’s estimates. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of judgment.  Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  All share data has been adjusted to give retroactive recognition to stock splits and stock dividends.  For a description of our significant accounting and reporting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 
Accounting Standards
 

 
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-16, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) - Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.” ASU 2009-16 amends prior accounting guidance to enhance reporting about transfers of financial assets, including securitizations, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. ASU 2009-16 eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity” and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets. ASU 2009-16 also requires additional disclosures about all continuing involvements with transferred financial assets including information about gains and losses resulting from transfers during the period. The provisions of ASU 2009-16 became effective on January 1, 2010 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 

 
ASU No. 2009-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810) - Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities.” ASU 2009-17 amends prior guidance to change how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. ASU 2009-17 requires additional disclosures about the reporting entity’s involvement with variable-interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement as well as its affect on the entity’s financial statements.  The provisions of ASU 2009-17 became effective on January 1, 2010 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 

 
ASU No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements.” ASU 2010-06 requires expanded disclosures related to fair value measurements including (i) the amounts of significant transfers of assets or liabilities between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for the transfers, (ii) the reasons for transfers of assets or liabilities in or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, with significant transfers disclosed separately, (iii) the policy for determining when transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized and (iv) for recurring fair value measurements of assets and liabilities in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, a gross presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. ASU 2010-06 further clarifies that (i) fair value measurement disclosures should be provided for each class of assets and liabilities (rather than major category), which would generally be a subset of assets or liabilities within a line item in the statement of financial position and (ii) company’s should provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value

 
6

 

 
measurements for each class of assets and liabilities included in Levels 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The disclosures related to the gross presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy will be required for us beginning January 1, 2011. The remaining disclosure requirements and clarifications made by ASU 2010-06 became effective for us on January 1, 2010. See Note 9 – Fair Value Measurements.
 

ASU No. 2010-18 “Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset”.  ASU 2010-18 provides that modifications of loans that are accounted for within a pool under Subtopic 310-30 do not result in the removal of those loans from the pool even if the modification of those loans would otherwise be considered a troubled debt restructuring. An entity will continue to be required to consider whether the pool of assets in which the loan is included is impaired if expected cash flows for the pool change. ASU 2010-18 does not affect the accounting for loans under the scope of Subtopic 310-30 that are not accounted for within pools. Loans accounted for individually under Subtopic 310-30 continue to be subject to the troubled debt restructuring accounting provisions within Subtopic 310-40.  ASU 2010-18 is effective prospectively for modifications of loans accounted for within pools under Subtopic 310-30 occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. Early application is permitted. Upon initial adoption of ASU 2010-18, an entity may make a one-time election to terminate accounting for loans as a pool under Subtopic 310-30. This election may be applied on a pool-by-pool basis and does not preclude an entity from applying pool accounting to subsequent acquisitions of loans with credit deterioration.  The provisions of ASU 2010-18 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2010-20, “Receivables (Topic 310) - Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” ASU 2010-20 requires entities to provide disclosures designed to facilitate financial statement users’ evaluation of (i) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s portfolio of financing receivables, (ii) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses and (iii) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. Disclosures must be disaggregated by portfolio segment, the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses, and class of financing receivable, which is generally a disaggregation of portfolio segment.  The required disclosures include, among other things, a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses as well as information about modified, impaired, non-accrual and past due loans and credit quality indicators. ASU 2010-20 will be effective for our financial statements as of December 31, 2010, as it relates to disclosures required as of the end of a reporting period. Disclosures that relate to activity during a reporting period will be required for our financial statements that include periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

2.     Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc. on a basic and diluted basis have been adjusted to give retroactive recognition to stock splits and stock dividends and is calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
    Basic and Diluted Earnings:
                       
       Net Income - Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 11,048     $ 10,497     $ 31,945     $ 34,019  
                                 
      Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    15,753       15,659       15,772       15,587  
       Add:   Stock options
    9       112       34       159  
       Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    15,762       15,771       15,806       15,746  
                                 
    Basic Earnings Per Share:
                               
       Net Income - Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 0.70     $ 0.67     $ 2.02     $ 2.18  
                                 
    Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                               
       Net Income - Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 0.70     $ 0.66     $ 2.02     $ 2.16  

On March 18, 2010, our board of directors declared a 5% stock dividend to common stock shareholders of record as of April 8, 2010, and payable on April 29, 2010.

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no antidilutive options.

 
7

 

3.  Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows (in thousands):

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
 
Before-Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net-of-Tax
 
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
 
Unrealized losses on securities:
           
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 21,029     $ (7,360 )   $ 13,669  
Non credit portion of other-than-temporary
impairment losses on the AFS securities
    36       (13 )     23  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    23,024       (8,058 )     14,966  
Less:  reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges on AFS securities included in net income
    (75 )     26       (49 )
Net unrealized losses on securities
    (1,884 )     659       (1,225 )
   Change in pension plans
    939       (328 )     611  
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (945 )   $ 331     $ (614 )



 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
 
Before-Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net-of-Tax
 
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
 
Unrealized losses on securities:
           
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 7,170     $ (2,509 )   $ 4,661  
Non credit portion of other-than-temporary
impairment losses on the AFS securities
                 
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    8,008       (2,802 )     5,206  
Less:  reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges on AFS securities included in net income
                 
Net unrealized losses on securities
    (838 )     293       (545 )
Change in pension plans
    313       (109 )     204  
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (525 )   $ 184     $ (341 )


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
 
Before-Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net-of-Tax
 
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
 
Unrealized gains on securities:
           
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 44,911     $ (15,719 )   $ 29,192  
Non credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on the AFS securities
    (3,197 )     1,119       (2,078 )
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    26,413       (9,245 )     17,168  
Less:  reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges on AFS securities included in net income
    (2,430 )     851       (1,579 )
Net unrealized gains on securities
    17,731       (6,206 )     11,525  
Change in pension plans
    1,024       (358 )     666  
Other comprehensive income
  $ 18,755     $ (6,564 )   $ 12,191  


 
8

 


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
 
Before-Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net-of-Tax
 
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
 
Unrealized gains on securities:
           
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 23,044     $ (8,066 )   $ 14,978  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    6,706       (2,348 )     4,358  
Less:  reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges on AFS securities included in net income
    (993 )     348       (645 )
Net unrealized gains on securities
    17,331       (6,066 )     11,265  
Change in pension plans
    342       (120 )     222  
Other comprehensive income
  $ 17,673     $ (6,186 )   $ 11,487  


4. Securities

The amortized cost and estimated market value of investment and mortgage-backed securities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, are reflected in the tables below (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Non-Credit
         
Estimated
 
 AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
OTTI
   
Other
   
Market Value
 
Investment Securities:
                             
U.S. Treasury
  $ 4,698     $     $     $     $ 4,698  
State and Political Subdivisions
    221,191       19,251             13       240,429  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    3,116       3       2,737             382  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    176,171       3,957             1,517       178,611  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    843,663       11,579             6,984       848,258  
Total
  $ 1,248,839     $ 34,790     $ 2,737     $ 8,514     $ 1,272,378  

   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
     
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Non-Credit
     
Estimated
 
 HELD TO MATURITY:
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
OTTI
 
Other
 
Market Value
 
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 1,012     $ 167     $     $     $ 1,179  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    483       22                   505  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    23,943       578             473       24,048  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    416,190       6,337             1,231       421,296  
Total
  $ 441,628     $ 7,104     $     $ 1,704     $ 447,028  


   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Non-Credit
         
Estimated
 
 AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
OTTI
   
Other
   
Market Value
 
Investment Securities:
                             
U.S. Treasury
  $ 4,898     $ 1     $     $     $ 4,899  
State and Political Subdivisions
    250,391       9,431             296       259,526  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    3,383       3       2,730       21       635  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    126,264       3,725             407       129,582  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    1,092,659       20,787             4,846       1,108,600  
Total
  $ 1,477,595     $ 33,947     $ 2,730     $ 5,570     $ 1,503,242  


 
9

 


   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Non-Credit
     
Estimated
 
 HELD TO MATURITY:
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
OTTI
 
Other
 
Market Value
 
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 1,013     $ 103     $     $     $ 1,116  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    480       22                   502  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    16,677       534             36       17,175  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    225,988       5,248             766       230,470  
Total
  $ 244,158     $ 5,907     $     $ 802     $ 249,263  

The following table represents the unrealized loss on securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and year ended December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 
Less Than 12 Months
 
More Than 12 Months
 
Total
 
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
As of September 30, 2010:
                       
                         
Available for Sale
                       
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 562     $ 1     $ 297     $ 12     $ 859     $ 13  
Other Stocks and Bonds
                188       2,737       188       2,737  
Mortgage-Backed Securities
    574,833       8,488       1,192       13       576,025       8,501  
Total
  $ 575,395     $ 8,489     $ 1,677     $ 2,762     $ 577,072     $ 11,251  
                                                 
Held to Maturity
                                               
Mortgage-Backed Securities
  $ 138,193     $ 1,704     $ 36     $     $ 138,229     $ 1,704  
Total
  $ 138,193     $ 1,704     $ 36     $     $ 138,229     $ 1,704  

As of December 31, 2009:
                                   
                                     
Available for Sale
                                   
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 14,520     $ 160     $ 2,953     $ 136     $ 17,473     $ 296  
Other Stocks and Bonds
                441       2,751       441       2,751  
Mortgage-Backed Securities
    391,889       5,250       1,065       3       392,954       5,253  
Total
  $ 406,409     $ 5,410     $ 4,459     $ 2,890     $ 410,868     $ 8,300  
                                                 
Held to Maturity
                                               
Mortgage-Backed Securities
  $ 19,705     $ 802     $     $     $ 19,705     $ 802  
Total
  $ 19,705     $ 802     $     $     $ 19,705     $ 802  
                                                 

When it is determined that a decline in fair value of Held to Maturity (“HTM”) and Available for Sale (“AFS”) securities is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the security is reduced to its estimated fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings for the credit portion and the non credit portion to other comprehensive income.  In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis.

The turmoil in the capital markets had a significant impact on our estimate of fair value for certain of our securities.  We believe the market values are reflective of illiquidity and credit impairment.  At September 30, 2010, we have in AFS Other Stocks and Bonds, $2.9 million amortized cost basis in pooled trust preferred securities (“TRUPs”).  Those securities are structured products with cash flows dependent upon securities issued by U.S. financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies.  Our estimate of fair value at September 30, 2010 for the TRUPs is approximately $188,000 and reflects the market illiquidity.  With the exception of the TRUPs, to the best of management’s knowledge and based on our consideration of the qualitative factors associated with each security, there were no securities in our investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at September 30, 2010 with an other-than-temporary impairment.


 
10

 

Given the facts and circumstances associated with the TRUPs we performed detailed cash flow modeling for each TRUP using an industry-accepted cash flow model. Prior to loading the required assumptions into the model we reviewed the financial condition of each of the underlying issuing banks within the TRUP collateral pool that had not deferred or defaulted as of September 30, 2010.  Management’s best estimate of a deferral assumption was assigned to each issuing bank based on the category in which it fell.  Our analysis of the underlying cash flows contemplated various default, deferral and recovery scenarios to arrive at our best estimate of cash flows.  Based on that detailed analysis, we have concluded that the other-than-temporary impairment, which captures the credit component in compliance with FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities,” was estimated at $3.1 million and $3.0 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The non credit charge to other comprehensive income was estimated at $2.7 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  Therefore, the carrying amount of the TRUPs was written down with $75,000 recognized in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $3.0 million recognized in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The cash flow model assumptions represent management’s best estimate and consider a variety of qualitative factors, which include, among others, the credit rating downgrades, the severity and duration of the mark-to-market loss, and the structural nuances of each TRUP.  Management believes that the detailed review of the collateral and cash flow modeling support the conclusion that the TRUPs had an other-than-temporary impairment at September 30, 2010.  We will continue to update our assumptions and the resulting analysis each reporting period to reflect changing market conditions.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the TRUPs and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the TRUPs before the anticipated recovery of their amortized cost basis.

The table below provides more detail on the TRUPs at September 30, 2010 (in thousands).

TRUP
   
Par
   
Credit
Loss
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Tranche
   
Credit Rating
 
                                       
  1     $ 2,000     $ 1,075     $ 925     $ 125       C1    
Ca
 
  2       2,000       550       1,450       37       B1    
Ca
 
  3       2,000       1,450       550       26       B2                      C  
        $ 6,000     $ 3,075     $ 2,925     $ 188                  

The following table presents the impairment activity related to credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the impairment activity related to all other factors, which are recognized in other comprehensive income (in thousands).

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
 
Impairment Related to Credit Loss
 
Impairment Related to All Other Factors
 
Total Impairment
 
 
 
                   
Balance, beginning of the period
  $ 3,000     $ 2,730     $ 5,730  
Charges on securities for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were not previously recognized
                 
Additional charges on securities for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were previously recognized
    75       (36 )     39  
Balance, end of the period
  $ 3,075     $ 2,694     $ 5,769  

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
 
Impairment Related to Credit Loss
 
Impairment Related to All Other Factors
 
Total Impairment
 
 
 
                   
Balance, beginning of the period
  $ 3,075     $ 2,694     $ 5,769  
Charges on securities for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were not previously recognized
                 
Additional charges on securities for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were previously recognized
                 
Balance, end of the period
  $ 3,075     $ 2,694     $ 5,769  

Management has the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as HTM until they mature, at which time we will receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of September 30, 2010, management also had the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as AFS for a period of time sufficient for a recovery of cost. The unrealized losses are largely due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality.


 
11

 

Interest income recognized on AFS and HTM securities for the period presented (in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
U.S. Treasury
  $ 7     $ 38  
U.S. Government Agencies
          642  
State and Political Subdivisions
    8,239       5,316  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    35       153  
Mortgage-backed Securities
    37,937       47,988  
                 
Total interest income on securities
  $ 46,218     $ 54,137  

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
U.S. Treasury
 
$
3
   
$
13
 
U.S. Government Agencies
   
     
335
 
State and Political Subdivisions
   
2,375
     
2,282
 
Other Stocks and Bonds
   
8
     
38
 
Mortgage-backed Securities
   
13,378
     
15,509
 
                 
Total interest income on securities
 
$
15,764
   
$
18,177
 

There were no securities transferred from AFS to HTM during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.  There were no sales from the HTM portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.  There were $441.6 million of securities classified as HTM for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $244.2 million of securities classified as HTM for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Of the $23.0 million in net securities gains from the AFS portfolio for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, there were $25.5 million in realized gains and $2.5 million in realized losses.  Of the $26.4 million in net securities gains from the AFS portfolio for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, there were $26.5 million in realized gains and $100,000 in realized losses.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at September 30, 2010 are presented below by contractual maturity.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.  Mortgage-backed securities are presented in total by category due to the fact that mortgage-backed securities typically are issued with stated principal amounts, and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with varying maturities.  The characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, such as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder.  The term of a mortgage-backed pass-through security thus approximates the term of the underlying mortgages and can vary significantly due to prepayments.

 
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Available for sale securities:
           
             
Investment Securities
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 8,410     $ 8,467  
Due after one year through five years
    6,007       6,216  
Due after five years through ten years
    18,852       20,115  
Due after ten years
    195,736       210,711  
      229,005       245,509  
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,019,834       1,026,869  
Total
  $ 1,248,839     $ 1,272,378  

 

 
12

 


 
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Held to maturity securities:
           
             
Investment Securities
           
Due in one year or less
  $     $  
Due after one year through five years
           
Due after five years through ten years
    483       505  
Due after ten years
    1,012       1,179  
      1,495       1,684  
Mortgage-backed securities
    440,133       445,344  
Total
  $ 441,628     $ 447,028  

Investment and mortgage-backed securities with book values of $897.4 million at September 30, 2010 and $1.06 billion at December 31, 2009 were pledged to collateralize Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, repurchase agreements, public funds and trust deposits or for other purposes as required by law.

Securities with limited marketability, such as FHLB stock and other investments, are carried at cost, which approximates its fair value and assessed for other-than-temporary impairment.  These securities have no maturity date.

5.  Loans and Allowance for Probable Loan Losses

The following table sets forth loan totals by category for the periods presented (in thousands):

 
At
   
At
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
Real Estate Loans:
         
   Construction
  $ 91,170     $ 88,566  
   1-4 Family Residential
    236,923       234,379  
   Other
    202,497       212,731  
Commercial Loans
    156,635       159,529  
Municipal Loans
    173,314       150,111  
Loans to Individuals
    176,669       188,260  
Total Loans
  $ 1,037,208     $ 1,033,576  


 
13

 

The summaries of the Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments are as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
                         
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Allowance for Loan Losses:
                       
                         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 19,283     $ 18,804     $ 19,896     $ 16,112  
Provision for loan losses
    3,201       2,973       9,328       9,980  
Loans charged off
    (4,341 )     (3,860 )     (12,816 )     (9,029 )
Recoveries of loans charged off
    588       528       2,323       1,382  
Balance at end of period
  $ 18,731     $ 18,445     $ 18,731     $ 18,445  
                                 
Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments:
                               
                                 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 40     $ 9     $ 5     $ 7  
Provision for losses on unfunded loan
      commitments
    (20 )     (4 )     15       (2 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 20     $ 5     $ 20     $ 5  


6. Long-term Obligations

Long-term obligations are summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
FHLB Advances (1)
           
   Varying maturities to 2028
  $ 389,499     $ 532,519  
                 
Long-term Debt (2)
               
   Southside Statutory Trust III Due 2033 (3)
    20,619       20,619  
   Southside Statutory Trust IV Due 2037 (4)
    23,196       23,196  
   Southside Statutory Trust V Due 2037 (5)
    12,887       12,887  
   Magnolia Trust Company I Due 2035 (6)
    3,609       3,609  
      Total Long-term Debt
    60,311       60,311  
      Total Long-term Obligations
  $ 449,810     $ 592,830  

(1)           At September 30, 2010, the weighted average cost of these advances was 3.56%.
 
(2)
This long-term debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations.
 
(3)
This debt carries an adjustable rate of 3.22938% through December 29, 2010 and adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 294 basis points.
 
(4)
This debt carries a fixed rate of 6.518% through October 30, 2012 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 130 basis points.
 
(5)
This debt carries a fixed rate of 7.48% through December 15, 2012 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 225 basis points.
 
(6)
This debt carries an adjustable rate of 2.13906% through November 22, 2010 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 180 basis points.

 
14

 


During the third quarter ending September 30, 2010, we entered into the option to fund two years forward from the advance commitment date $50 million par in advance commitments from the FHLB at the rates on the date the option was purchased.  The fee, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, will be amortized over the term of the advance as long as it is likely we will exercise the advance commitments.  Should we determine the advance commitments will not be exercised, the fee will be expensed in the period determination is made.

Below is a table detailing the optional advance commitment terms (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Advance Commitment
 
Option Exercise Date
 
Advance Commitment Term at Exercise Date
 
Advance Commitment Rate
   
Option Fee Paid
$
25,000
 
9/20/12
 
36 months
 
1.325%
 
$
1,105
 
25,000
 
9/20/12
 
48 months
 
1.674%
   
1,410
$
50,000
             
$
2,515

 
7.  Employee Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
Defined Benefit
             
   
Pension Plan
   
Restoration Plan
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
 
$
1,022
   
$
958
   
$
115
   
$
81
 
Interest cost
   
2,124
     
1,927
     
288
     
203
 
Expected return on assets
   
(2,739
)
   
(2,159
)
   
     
 
Net loss recognition
   
754
     
900
     
218
     
157
 
Prior service credit amortization
   
(31
)
   
(31
)
   
(2
)
   
(2
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
1,130
   
$
1,595
   
$
619
   
$
439
 
                                 

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
Defined Benefit
             
   
Pension Plan
   
Restoration Plan
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
 
$
341
   
$
320
   
$
38
   
$
27
 
Interest cost
   
708
     
642
     
96
     
67
 
Expected return on assets
   
(913
)
   
(720
)
   
     
 
Net loss recognition
   
251
     
300
     
73
     
53
 
Prior service credit amortization
   
(10
)
   
(10
)
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
377
   
$
532
   
$
206
   
$
146
 
                                 

Employer Contributions.  We previously disclosed in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, that we expected to contribute $3.0 million to our defined benefit pension plan and $80,000 to our restoration plan in 2010.  As of September 30, 2010, we had contributed $3.0 million to our defined benefit plan and $60,000 to our restoration plan.

 
15

 


8.  Incentive Stock Options

In April 1993, we adopted the Southside Bancshares, Inc. 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan ("the ISO Plan"), a stock-based incentive compensation plan.  The ISO Plan expired March 31, 2003.

As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no nonvested shares.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, there was no stock-based compensation expense.

As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to the ISO Plan for nonvested options granted in March 2003.

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes method of option pricing with the following weighted-average assumptions for grants in 2003: dividend yield of 1.93%; risk-free interest rate of 4.93%; expected life of six years; and expected volatility of 28.90%.

Under the ISO Plan, we were authorized to issue shares of common stock pursuant to "Awards" granted in the form of incentive stock options (intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended).  Before the ISO Plan expired, awards were granted to selected employees and directors.  No stock options have been available for grant under the ISO Plan since its expiration in March 2003.  

The ISO Plan provided that the exercise price of any stock option not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.  The outstanding stock options have contractual terms of 10 years.  All options vest on a graded schedule, 20% per year for five years, beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant date.

A summary of the status of our outstanding stock options as of September 30, 2010 and the changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is presented below:

 
Number of Options
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Prices
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 (in thousands)
 
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
108,115
 
$
5.14
 
   
 
Exercised
(97,807
)
$
4.53
 
   
 
Cancelled
 
$
 
   
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2010
10,308
 
$
10.90
 
2.50
 
$
82,000
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2010
10,308
 
$
10.90
 
2.50
 
$
82,000
 

The total intrinsic value (i.e., the amount by which the fair value of the underlying common stock exceeds the exercise price of a stock option on exercise date) of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were $1.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

Cash received from stock option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $419,000 and $626,000, respectively.  The tax benefit realized for the deductions related to the stock option exercises were $328,000 and $547,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

On April 16, 2009, our shareholders approved the Southside Bancshares, Inc. 2009 Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”), which is a stock-based incentive compensation plan.  A total of 1,050,000 shares of our common stock are reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2009 Incentive Plan.  As of September 30, 2010, no awards had been granted under this plan.

9.  Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

 
16

 


Valuation techniques including the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach are utilized to determine fair value.  Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  An entity must consider all aspects of nonperforming risk, including the entity’s own credit standing when measuring fair value of a liability.  Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.  A fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Securities Available for Sale - Securities classified as available for sale primarily consist of U. S. Treasuries, government-sponsored enterprise debentures, mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, and, to a lesser extent, TRUPs and equity securities.  We use quoted market prices of identical assets on active exchanges, or Level 1 measurements, where possible.  Where such quoted market prices are not available, we typically employ quoted market prices of similar instruments (including matrix pricing) and/or discounted cash flows using observable inputs to estimate a value of these securities, or Level 2 measurements.  Discounted cash flow analyses are typically based on market interest rates, prepayment speeds and/or option adjusted spreads.  Level 3 measurements include a range of fair value estimates in the marketplace as a result of the illiquid market specific to the type of security or discounted cash flow analyses based on assumptions that are not readily observable in the market place.  Such assumptions include projections of future cash flows, including loss assumptions and discount rates.

Certain financial assets are measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with our monthly and/or quarterly valuation process.  There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Loans Held for Sale - These loans are reported at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on expected proceeds, which are based on sales contracts and commitments and are considered Level 2 inputs.   At September 30, 2010, based on our estimates of fair value, no valuation allowance was recognized.

Impaired Loans – Certain impaired loans may be reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria or appraisals.

 
17

 


The following table summarizes impaired loans measured at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for possible loan losses based upon fair value of the underlying collateral utilizing Level 3 valuation inputs as follows (in thousands):

   
At
   
At
   
At
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Carrying Value
  $ 17,110     $ 20,513     $ 18,876  
                         
Valuation Allowance
    3,405       5,027       4,624  
                         
Total Reported Fair Value
  $ 13,705     $ 15,486     $ 14,252  
                         
 
Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets (such as real estate owned) that are measured at fair value in the event of an impairment. The framework became applicable to these fair value measurements beginning January 1, 2009.

The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands):

   
As of September 30, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities Available For Sale
 
Input
   
Input
   
Input
   
Fair Value
 
                         
                         
Investment Securities:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 4,698     $     $     $ 4,698  
State and Political Subdivisions
          240,429             240,429  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    194             188       382  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                               
U.S. Government Agencies
          178,611             178,611  
Government-Sponsored Enterprise
          848,258             848,258  
Total
  $ 4,892     $ 1,267,298     $ 188     $ 1,272,378  


















 
18

 



   
As of December 31, 2009
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities Available For Sale
 
Input
   
Input
   
Input
   
Fair Value
 
                         
                         
Investment Securities:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 4,899     $     $     $ 4,899  
State and Political Subdivisions
          259,526             259,526  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    365             270       635  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                               
U.S. Government Agencies
          129,582             129,582  
Government-Sponsored Enterprise
          1,108,600             1,108,600  
Total
  $ 5,264     $ 1,497,708     $ 270     $ 1,503,242  


The following tables present additional information about financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value (in thousands):
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
2010
   
2009
 
Other Stocks and Bonds
           
             
Balance at Beginning of Period
  $ 270     $ 646  
                 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
               
  Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    (75 )     (2,430  )
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (7 )     2,070  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
           
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
           
Balance at End of Period
  $ 188     $ 286  
                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the periods included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date
  $ (75 )   $ (2,430  )


 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Other Stocks and Bonds
           
             
Balance at Beginning of Period
  $ 187     $ 669  
                 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
               
  Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
          (993 )
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    1       610  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
           
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
           
Balance at End of Period
  $ 188     $ 286  
                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the periods included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date
  $     $ (993 )


 
19

 


Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet is required, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other estimation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  Such techniques and assumptions, as they apply to individual categories of our financial instruments, are as follows:

 
Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of those assets' fair value.

 
Investment and mortgage-backed and related securities - Fair values for these securities are based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services.

 
FHLB stock and other investments - The carrying amount of FHLB stock is a reasonable estimate of those assets’ fair value.

 
Loans receivable - For adjustable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, the carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of those assets' fair value.  The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  Nonperforming loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or the underlying value of the collateral where applicable.

 
Deposit liabilities - The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount on demand at the reporting date, that is, the carrying value.  Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements - Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements generally have an original term to maturity of one day and thus are considered short-term borrowings.  Consequently, their carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 
FHLB advances - The fair value of these advances is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates at which advances would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

 
Long-term debt - The carrying amount for the long-term debt is estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates at which long-term debt would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the remaining maturities.

 
20

 


The following table presents our assets, liabilities, and unrecognized financial instruments at both their respective carrying amounts and fair value:

   
At September 30, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
         
Carrying
       
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                         
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 79,172     $ 79,172     $ 52,166     $ 52,166  
Investment securities:
                               
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
    245,509       245,509       265,060       265,060  
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    1,495       1,684       1,493       1,618  
Mortgage-backed and related securities:
                               
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
    1,026,869       1,026,869       1,238,182       1,238,182  
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    440,133       445,344       242,665       247,645  
FHLB stock and
other investments, at cost
    38,195       38,195       40,694       40,694  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    1,018,477       1,030,342       1,013,680       1,028,332  
Loans held for sale
    6,098       6,098       2,857       2,857  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Retail deposits
  $ 2,018,973     $ 2,025,168     $ 1,870,421     $ 1,877,145  
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    3,811       3,811       13,325       13,325  
FHLB advances
    669,622       690,002       854,870       873,917  
Long-term debt
    60,311       48,490       60,311       35,192  

As discussed earlier, the fair value estimate of financial instruments for which quoted market prices are unavailable is dependent upon the assumptions used.  Consequently, those estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented in the above fair value table do not necessarily represent their underlying value.

The estimated fair value of our commitments to extend credit, credit card arrangements and letters of credit, was not material at September 30, 2010 or December 31, 2009.

 
21

 

10.  Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet-Risk. In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain financial instruments, with off-balance-sheet risk, to meet the financing needs of our customers.  These off-balance-sheet instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount reflected in the financial statements.  The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement and exposure to credit loss that we have in these particular classes of financial instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided that the terms established in the contract are met.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may require payment of fees.  Since some commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments to customers.

We had outstanding unused commitments to extend credit of $119.1 million and $118.7 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Each commitment has a maturity date and the commitment expires on that date with the exception of credit card and ready reserve commitments, which have no stated maturity date.  Unused commitments for credit card and ready reserve at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $11.2 million and $10.7 million, respectively, and are reflected in the due after one year category.  We had outstanding standby letters of credit of $4.6 million and $5.2 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

The scheduled maturities of unused commitments as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Unused commitments:
           
Due in one year or less
 
$
69,883
   
$
67,773
 
Due after one year
   
49,207
     
50,898
 
Total
 
$
119,090
   
$
118,671
 

We apply the same credit policies in making commitments and standby letters of credit as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments.  We evaluate each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the borrower.  Collateral held varies but may include cash or cash equivalents, negotiable instruments, real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, oil, gas and mineral interests, property, plant and equipment.

Lease Commitments. We lease certain branch facilities and office equipment under operating leases.  It is expected that certain leases will be renewed, or equipment replaced with new leased equipment, as these leases expire.

Securities. In the normal course of business we buy and sell securities.  There were $18.2 million of unsettled trades to purchase and $18.7 million of unsettled trades to sell securities at September 30, 2010.  At December 31, 2009, there were $2.6 million unsettled trades to purchase and $8.1 million unsettled trades to sell securities.

Deposits. There were no unsettled issuances of brokered CDs at September 30, 2010.  There were $19.8 million of unsettled issuances of brokered CDs at December 31, 2009.

Litigation. We are involved in various litigation matters in the normal course of business.  Management, after consulting with our legal counsel, believes that any liability resulting from litigation will not have a material effect on the financial position and results of operations and our liquidity.


 
22

 

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

The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of our operations, and should be read and reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements, and the notes thereto, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

We reported an increase in net income for the three months and a decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009.  Net income attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $11.0 million and $31.9 million, respectively, compared to $10.5 million and $34.0 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2009.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this document and in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of Southside Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company, may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date.  These statements may include words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "anticipate," “appear,” "believe," "could," "should," "may," "intend," "probability," "risk," "target," "objective," “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.  For example, discussions of the effect of our expansion, trends in asset quality and earnings from growth, and certain market risk disclosures are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations.  By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future.  As a result, actual income gains and losses could materially differ from those that have been estimated.  Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

·  
general economic conditions, either globally, nationally, in the State of Texas, or in the specific markets in which we operate, including, without limitation, the deterioration of the commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction and development, credit and liquidity markets, which could cause an adverse change in the Company’s net interest margin, or a decline in the value of the Company’s assets, which could result in realized losses;
·  
legislation, regulatory changes or changes in monetary or fiscal policy that adversely affect the businesses in which we are engaged, including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve’s actions with respect to interest rates and other regulatory responses to current economic conditions;
·  
adverse changes in the status or financial condition of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (the “GSEs”) impacting the GSEs’ guarantees or ability to pay or issue debt;
·  
adverse changes in the credit portfolio of other U. S. financial institutions relative to the performance of certain of our investment securities;
·  
economic or other disruptions caused by acts of terrorism in the United States, Europe or other areas;
·  
changes in the interest rate yield curve such as flat, inverted or steep yield curves, or changes in the interest rate environment that impact interest margins and may impact prepayments on the mortgage-backed securities portfolio;
·  
increases in the Company’s non-performing assets;
·  
the Company’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity to fund its operations and growth;
·  
failure of assumptions underlying allowance for loan losses and other estimates;
·  
unexpected outcomes of, and the costs associated with, existing or new litigation involving us;
·  
changes impacting our balance sheet and leverage strategy;
·  
our ability to monitor interest rate risk;
·  
significant increases in competition in the banking and financial services industry;
·  
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits;
·  
technological changes;
·  
our ability to increase market share and control expenses;
·  
the effect of changes in federal or state tax laws;
·  
the effect of compliance with legislation or regulatory changes;
·  
the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices;

 
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·  
risks of mergers and acquisitions including the related time and cost of implementing transactions and the potential failure to achieve expected gains, revenue growth or expense savings;
·  
credit risks of borrowers, including any increase in those risks due to changing economic conditions; and
·  
risks related to loans secured by real estate, including the risk that the value and marketability of collateral could decline.

All written or oral forward-looking statements made by us or attributable to us are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice.  We disclaim any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

Impact of Dodd-Frank Act

On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial services industry, although some of its provisions apply to companies that are significantly larger than us. The Dodd-Frank Act directs applicable regulatory authorities to promulgate regulations implementing its provisions, and its effect on us and on the financial services industry as a whole will be clarified as those regulations are issued. Major elements of the Dodd-Frank Act include:

·  
A permanent increase in deposit insurance coverage to $250,000 per account, unlimited deposit insurance on noninterest-bearing transaction accounts beginning December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012, and an increase in the minimum Deposit Insurance Fund reserve requirement from 1.15% to 1.35%, with assessments to be based on assets as opposed to deposits.
·  
New disclosure and other requirements relating to executive compensation and corporate governance.
·  
Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act aimed at improving consumer protections with respect to mortgage originations, including originator compensation, minimum repayment standards, and prepayment considerations.
·  
The establishment of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which will be responsible for identifying and monitoring systemic risks posed by financial firms, activities, and practices.
·  
The development of regulations to limit debit card interchange fees.
·  
The future elimination of newly issued trust preferred securities as a permitted element of Tier 1 capital.
·  
The creation of a special regime to allow for the orderly liquidation of systemically important financial companies, including the establishment of an orderly liquidation fund.
·  
The development of regulations to address derivatives markets, including clearing and exchange trading requirements and a framework for regulating derivatives-market participants.
·  
Enhanced supervision of credit rating agencies through the Office of Credit Ratings within the SEC.
·  
Increased regulation of asset-backed securities, including a requirement that issuers of asset-backed securities retain at least 5% of the risk of the asset-backed securities.
·  
The establishment of a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, within the Federal Reserve, to serve as a dedicated consumer-protection regulatory body.

We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business, financial condition and results of operations and expect that some provisions may have adverse effects on us, such as the cost of complying with the numerous new regulations and reporting requirements mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our accounting and reporting estimates conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial services industry.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  We consider our critical accounting policies to include the following:

Allowance for Losses on Loans.  The allowance for losses on loans represents our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio.  The allowance for losses on loans is increased by the provision for losses on loans charged to expense and reduced by loans charged-off, net of recoveries.  The provision for losses on loans is determined based on our assessment of several factors:  reviews and evaluations of specific loans, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and the related impact on specific borrowers and industry groups, historical loan loss experience, the level of classified and nonperforming loans and the results of regulatory examinations.


 
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The loan loss allowance is based on the most current review of the loan portfolio.  The servicing officer has the primary responsibility for updating significant changes in a customer's financial position.  Each officer prepares status updates on any credit deemed to be experiencing repayment difficulties which, in the officer's opinion, would place the collection of principal or interest in doubt.  Our internal loan review department is responsible for an ongoing review of our loan portfolio with specific goals set for the loans to be reviewed on an annual basis.

At each review, a subjective analysis methodology is used to grade the respective loan.  Categories of grading vary in severity from loans that do not appear to have a significant probability of loss at the time of review to loans that indicate a probability that the entire balance of the loan will be uncollectible.  If full collection of the loan balance appears unlikely at the time of review, estimates of future expected cash flows or appraisals of the collateral securing the debt are used to allocate the necessary allowances.  The internal loan review department maintains a list of all loans or loan relationships that are graded as having more than the normal degree of risk associated with them.  In addition, a list of specifically reserved loans or loan relationships of $50,000 or more is updated on a periodic basis in order to properly allocate necessary allowance and keep management informed on the status of attempts to correct the deficiencies noted with respect to the loan.

Loans are considered impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The measurement of impaired loans is generally based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate stipulated in the loan agreement, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on fair value of the collateral.  In measuring the fair value of the collateral, in addition to relying on third party appraisals, we use assumptions such as discount rates, and methodologies, such as comparison to the recent selling price of similar assets, consistent with those that would be utilized by unrelated third parties performing a valuation.

Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, economic conditions, historical loss experience and the conditions of the various markets in which collateral may be sold all may affect the required level of the allowance for losses on loans and the associated provision for loan losses.

As of September 30, 2010, our review of the loan portfolio indicated that a loan loss allowance of $18.7 million was adequate to cover probable losses in the portfolio.

Refer to “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Loan Loss Experience and Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a detailed description of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses.

Estimation of Fair Value. The estimation of fair value is significant to a number of our assets and liabilities.  GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  Fair values for securities are volatile and may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates and the shape of yield curves.  Fair values for most investment and mortgage-backed securities are based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on the quoted prices of similar instruments or our estimate of fair value by using a range of fair value estimates in the market place as a result of the illiquid market specific to the type of security.  

At September 30, 2008 and continuing at September 30, 2010, the valuation inputs for our AFS TRUPs became unobservable as a result of the significant market dislocation and illiquidity in the marketplace. Although we continue to rely on non-binding prices compiled by third party vendors, the visibility of the observable market data (Level 2) to determine the values of these securities has become less clear. Fair values of financial assets are determined in an orderly transaction and not a forced liquidation or distressed sale at the measurement date. While we feel the financial market conditions at September 30, 2010 reflect the market illiquidity from forced liquidation or distressed sales for these TRUPs, we determined that the fair value provided by our pricing service continues to be an appropriate fair value for financial statement measurement and therefore, as we verified the reasonableness of that fair value, we have not otherwise adjusted the fair value provided by our vendor. However, the severe decline in estimated fair value is caused by the significant illiquidity in this market which contrasts sharply with our assessment of the fundamental performance of these securities.  Therefore, we believe the estimate of fair value is still not clearly based on observable market data and will be based on a range of fair value data points from the market place as a result of the illiquid market specific to this type of security. Accordingly, we determined that the TRUPs security valuation is based on Level 3 inputs.


 
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Impairment of Investment Securities and Mortgage-backed Securities.  Investment and mortgage-backed securities classified as AFS are carried at fair value and the impact of changes in fair value are recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as an unrealized gain or loss in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  Securities classified as AFS or HTM are subject to our review to identify when a decline in value is other-than-temporary.  Factors considered in determining whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include:  whether the decline is substantial; the duration of the decline; the reasons for the decline in value; whether the decline is related to a credit event, a change in interest rate or a change in the market discount rate; and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis.  When it is determined that a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the security is reduced to its estimated fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings for the credit portion and the non credit portion to other comprehensive income.  For certain assets we consider expected cash flows of the investment in determining if impairment exists.

The turmoil in the capital markets had a significant impact on our estimate of fair value for certain of our securities.  We believe the market values are reflective of a combination of illiquidity and credit impairment.  At September 30, 2010 we have, in AFS Other Stocks and Bonds, $2.9 million amortized cost basis in pooled TRUPs.  Those securities are structured products with cash flows dependent upon securities issued by U.S. financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies.  Our estimate of fair value at September 30, 2010 for the TRUPs is approximately $188,000 and reflects the market illiquidity.  With the exception of the TRUPs, to the best of management’s knowledge and based on our consideration of the qualitative factors associated with each security, there were no securities in our investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at September 30, 2010 with an other-than-temporary impairment.  Given the facts and circumstances associated with the TRUPs, we performed detailed cash flow modeling for each TRUP using an industry accepted model. Prior to loading the required assumptions into the model, we reviewed the financial condition of the underlying issuing banks within the TRUP collateral pool that had not deferred or defaulted as of September 30, 2010.

Management’s best estimate of a default assumption, based on a third party method, was assigned to each issuing bank based on the category in which it fell.  Our analysis of the underlying cash flows contemplated various default, deferral and recovery scenarios to arrive at our best estimate of cash flows.  Based on that detailed analysis, we have concluded that the other-than-temporary impairment which captures the credit component in compliance with the FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities,” was estimated at $3.1 million and $3.0 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The non credit charge to other comprehensive income was estimated at $2.7 million at both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  Therefore, the carrying amount of the TRUPs was written down with $75,000 recognized in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $3.0 million recognized in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The cash flow model assumptions represent management’s best estimate and consider a variety of qualitative factors, which include, among others, the credit rating downgrades, severity and duration of the mark-to-market loss, and structural nuances of each TRUP.  Management believes the detailed review of the collateral and cash flow modeling support the conclusion that the TRUPs had an other-than-temporary impairment at September 30, 2010.  We will continue to update our assumptions and the resulting analysis each reporting period to reflect changing market conditions.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the TRUPs and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the TRUPs before the anticipated recovery of their amortized cost basis.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The plan obligations and related assets of our defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”) are presented in “Note 13 – Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Entry into the Plan by new employees was frozen effective December 31, 2005.  Plan assets, which consist primarily of marketable equity and debt instruments, are valued using observable market quotations.  Plan obligations and the annual pension expense are determined by independent actuaries through the use of a number of assumptions that are reviewed by management.  Key assumptions in measuring the plan obligations include the discount rate, the rate of salary increases and the estimated future return on plan assets.  In determining the discount rate, we utilized a cash flow matching analysis to determine a range of appropriate discount rates for our defined benefit pension and restoration plans.  In developing the cash flow matching analysis, we constructed a portfolio of high quality non-callable bonds (rated AA- or better) to match as close as possible the timing of future benefit payments of the plans at December 31, 2009.  Based on this cash flow matching analysis, we were able to determine an appropriate discount rate.


 
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Salary increase assumptions are based upon historical experience and our anticipated future actions.  The expected long-term rate of return assumption reflects the average return expected based on the investment strategies and asset allocation on the assets invested to provide for the Plan’s liabilities.  We considered broad equity and bond indices, long-term return projections, and actual long-term historical Plan performance when evaluating the expected long-term rate of return assumption.  At September 30, 2010, the weighted-average actuarial assumptions of the Plan were: a discount rate of 6.1%; a long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.5%; and assumed salary increases of 4.5%.  Material changes in pension benefit costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions.  Future annual amounts could be impacted by changes in the number of Plan participants, changes in the level of benefits provided, changes in the discount rates, changes in the expected long-term rate of return, changes in the level of contributions to the Plan and other factors.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Details of our off-balance-sheet arrangements, commitments and contingencies as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, are included in “Note 10 – Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies” in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements included in this report.

Balance Sheet Strategy

We utilize wholesale funding and securities to enhance our profitability and balance sheet composition by determining acceptable levels of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk consistent with prudent capital management.  This balance sheet strategy consists of borrowing a combination of long and short-term funds from the FHLB and, when determined appropriate, issuing brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”).  These funds are invested primarily in U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, and to a lesser extent, long-term municipal securities.  Although U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities often carry lower yields than traditional mortgage loans and other types of loans we make, these securities generally (i) increase the overall quality of our assets because of either the implicit or explicit guarantees of the U.S. government, (ii) are more liquid than individual loans and (iii) may be used to collateralize our borrowings or other obligations.  While the strategy of investing a substantial portion of our assets in U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities and to a lesser extent municipal securities has historically resulted in lower interest rate spreads and margins, we believe that the lower operating expenses and reduced credit risk combined with the managed interest rate risk of this strategy have enhanced our overall profitability over the last several years.  At this time, we utilize this balance sheet strategy with the goal of enhancing overall profitability by maximizing the use of our capital.

Risks associated with the asset structure we maintain include a lower net interest rate spread and margin when compared to our peers, changes in the slope of the yield curve, which can reduce our net interest rate spread and margin, increased interest rate risk, the length of interest rate cycles, changes in volatility spreads associated with the mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities, the unpredictable nature of mortgage-backed securities prepayments and credit risks associated with the municipal securities.  See “Part I - Item 1A.  Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a discussion of risks related to interest rates.  Our asset structure, net interest spread and net interest margin require us to closely monitor our interest rate risk.  An additional risk is the change in market value of the AFS securities portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates.  Significant increases in interest rates, especially long-term interest rates, could adversely impact the market value of the AFS securities portfolio, which could also significantly impact our equity capital.  Due to the unpredictable nature of mortgage-backed securities prepayments, the length of interest rate cycles, and the slope of the interest rate yield curve, net interest income could fluctuate more than simulated under the scenarios modeled by our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) and described under “Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this report.

Determining the appropriate size of the balance sheet is one of the critical decisions any bank makes.  Our balance sheet is not merely the result of a series of micro-decisions, but rather the size is controlled based on the economics of assets compared to the economics of funding.  For several quarters up to and ending June 30, 2007, the size of our balance sheet was in a period of no growth or actual shrinkage due to the flat to inverted yield curve and tight volatility spreads during that time period.  Beginning with the third quarter of 2007 we began deliberately increasing the size of our balance sheet taking advantage of the increasingly attractive economics of financial intermediation, due to the extraordinary volatility in the capital markets.  As the volatility in the capital markets has moderated, the current investment and economic landscape makes it uncertain whether we will experience asset growth over the near term.

The management of our securities portfolio as a percentage of earning assets is guided by changes in our overall loan and deposit levels, combined with changes in our wholesale funding levels.  If adequate quality loan growth is not available to achieve our goal of enhancing profitability by maximizing the use of capital, as described above, then we could purchase additional securities, if appropriate, which could cause securities as a percentage of earning assets to increase.  Should we determine that increasing the securities portfolio or replacing the current securities maturities and principal payments is not an efficient use of capital, we could decrease the level of securities through proceeds from maturities, principal payments on mortgage-backed securities or sales.  Our balance sheet strategy is designed such that our securities portfolio should help mitigate financial performance associated with slower loan growth and

 
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higher credit costs.  The quarter ended September 30, 2010 was marked by proactive management of the investment portfolio which included restructuring a portion of our investment portfolio.  In February 2010, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a change in practice when an individual mortgage holder becomes 120 days delinquent on their obligation.  They will now repurchase those delinquent loans from the mortgage-backed security pools as they reach that specified delinquent status.  The result is an increase in the cash flows of these agency mortgage-backed securities.  Freddie Mac announced their catch-up repurchase of loans delinquent 120 days or more, which were previously allowed to remain in the mortgage-backed security pools, would occur in March 2010.  Fannie Mae announced their catch-up repurchase of loans delinquent 120 days or more would occur over several months starting in April 2010.  The catch-up repurchases resulted in a par repayment for a portion of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio, most of which we own at a premium.  Consequently, we embarked on a strategy to identify mortgage-backed securities whose cash flows might become significantly more volatile as a result of this announcement, attempt to liquidate those securities, and replace them with securities whose income and cash flow characteristics were more stable going forward.  The result was a decrease in both the average coupon of the portfolio and in the average final maturity of the portfolio.  The average coupon of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio decreased from 6.42% at December 31, 2009 to 5.87% at September 30, 2010.  The decrease in cash flow due to the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac repurchases of delinquent loans from mortgage-backed security pools during the second quarter that did not reoccur during the third quarter caused amortization expense to decrease approximately $3.3 million during the third quarter of 2010 when compared to the second quarter of 2010.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we reduced both the duration and the size of the securities portfolio as long-term U.S. Treasury yields declined significantly.  The net result was a decrease of $1.1 million in our investment and U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities from $1.72 billion at June 30, 2010, to $1.71 billion at September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010, securities as a percentage of assets was 56.8%, when compared to 57.8% at both June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  Our balance sheet management strategy is dynamic and will be continually reevaluated as market conditions warrant.  As interest rates, yield curves, mortgage-backed securities prepayments, funding costs, security spreads and loan and deposit portfolios change, our determination of the proper types and maturities of securities to own, proper amount of securities to own and funding needs and funding sources will continue to be reevaluated.  Should the economics of asset accumulation decrease, we might allow the balance sheet to shrink through run-off or asset sales.  However, should the economics become more attractive, we will strategically increase the balance sheet.

With respect to liabilities, we will continue to utilize a combination of FHLB advances and deposits to achieve our strategy of minimizing cost while achieving overall interest rate risk objectives as well as the liability management objectives of the ALCO. FHLB funding and brokered CDs represent wholesale funding sources we are currently utilizing.  Our FHLB borrowings at September 30, 2010 decreased 8.2%, or $59.9 million, to $669.6 million from $729.5 million at June 30, 2010, primarily as a result of an increase in deposits.  As of September 30, 2010 we had $165.0 million in brokered CDs of which all are long-term.  All of the long-term brokered CDs have short-term calls that we control.  We utilize long-term callable brokered CDs because the brokered CDs better match overall ALCO objectives at the time of issuance by protecting us with fixed rates should interest rates increase, while providing us options to call the funding should interest rates decrease.  Our wholesale funding policy currently allows maximum brokered CDs of $165 million; however, this amount could be increased to match changes in ALCO objectives.  The potential higher interest expense and lack of customer loyalty are risks associated with the use of brokered CDs.  During the three months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease in FHLB borrowings, coupled with the overall growth in deposits, resulted in a decrease in our total wholesale funding as a percentage of deposits, not including brokered CDs, to 45.0% at September 30, 2010, from 50.7% at June 30, 2010 and 56.7% at December 31, 2009.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is one of the principal sources of a financial institution's earnings stream and represents the difference or spread between interest and fee income generated from interest earning assets and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds.  Fluctuations in interest rates or interest rate yield curves, as well as repricing characteristics and volume and changes in the mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, materially impact net interest income.

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $63.7 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 5.4%, compared to the same period in 2009.  The overall decrease in net interest income was primarily the result of decreases in interest income from loans, taxable investment securities and mortgage-backed and related securities which was due to the increased amortization expense that resulted primarily from the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac repurchases of delinquent loans during the first and second quarters of 2010 and an increase in interest expense on short-term obligations that was partially offset by decreases in interest expense on deposits and long-term obligations and increases in interest income from tax-exempt investment securities.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, total interest income decreased $9.2 million, or 8.6%, to $98.6 million compared to $107.8 million for the same period in 2009.  The decrease in total interest income was the result of a decrease in the average yield on average interest earning assets from 5.85% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to 5.07% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 which more than offset the increase in average interest earning assets of $191.7 million, or 7.4%, from $2.6 billion to $2.8 billion.  Total interest

 
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expense decreased $5.6 million, or 13.9%, to $34.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $40.4 million during the same period in 2009.  The decrease was attributable to a decrease in the average yield on interest bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, to 2.01% from 2.50% for the same period in 2009, which was partially offset by an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $159.8 million, or 7.4%, from $2.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $2.3 billion for the same period in 2010.

Net interest income decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009 primarily as a result of a decrease in interest income on loans, taxable investment securities and mortgage-backed and related securities.  Our average interest earning assets increased $110.7 million, or 4.2%.  The decrease in the yield on interest earning assets is reflective of an 8 basis point decrease in the yield on loans and a 98 basis point decrease in the yield on our securities portfolio.  The decrease in the average yield on interest bearing liabilities of 30 basis points is a result of an overall decrease in interest rates compared to the same period in 2009.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, our net interest spread and net interest margin decreased to 3.02% and 3.35%, respectively, from 3.35% and 3.73% when compared to the same period in 2009.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, average loans increased $1.2 million, or 0.1%, compared to the same period in 2009.  Construction loans, 1-4 family residential mortgage loans and municipal loans represent a large part of this increase.  The average yield on loans decreased from 7.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to 7.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in interest income on loans of $1.2 million, or 2.2%, to $52.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to $53.3 million for the same period in 2009 was the result of a decrease in the average yield which more than offset the increase in the average balance. The decrease in the yield on loans was due to overall lower interest rates.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, average loans increased $2.9 million, or 0.3%, to $1.0 billion, compared to the same period in 2009.  The average yield on loans decreased from 6.95% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to 6.87% for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  Due to the competitive loan pricing environment, we anticipate that we may be required to continue to offer lower interest rate loans that compete with those offered by other financial institutions in order to retain quality loan relationships.  Offering lower interest rate loans could impact the overall loan yield and, therefore, profitability.

Average investment and mortgage-backed securities increased $206.7 million, or 13.9%, from $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  This increase was the result of securities purchased due primarily to market volatility related to buying opportunities available throughout all of the year ended 2009 and during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010, virtually all of our mortgage-backed securities were fixed rate securities with less than one percent variable rate mortgage-backed securities.  The overall yield on average investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased to 3.97% during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, from 5.13% during the same period in 2009.  The decrease in the average yield primarily reflects increased amortization expense associated with increased mortgage-backed securities prepayments due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae repurchases of mortgage loans delinquent 120 days or more from mortgage-backed security pools (see additional discussion in “Balance Sheet Strategy”), increased prepayments due to lower interest rates creating refinancing alternatives, tighter spreads on mortgage-backed securities and overall lower interest rates.  Interest income on investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased $7.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, or 14.6%, compared to the same period in 2009 due to the decrease in average yield which was partially offset by the increase in the average balance.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, average investment and mortgage-backed securities increased $115.7 million, or 7.4%, to $1.7 billion, when compared to $1.6 billion for the same period in 2009.  The overall yield on average investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased to 4.01% during the three months ended September 30, 2010, from 4.99% during the same period in 2009.  Interest income from investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased $2.4 million, or 13.3%, to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $18.2 million for the same period in 2009.  The decrease in the average yield primarily reflects increased prepayments due to lower interest rates creating refinancing alternatives, tighter spreads on mortgage-backed securities and overall lower interest rates.  A return to lower long-term interest rate levels combined with stable to increasing housing prices, lower volatility and credit spreads similar to those experienced in May and June of 2003 could negatively impact our net interest margin in the future due to increased prepayments and repricings.


 
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Average FHLB stock and other investments decreased $2.4 million, or 5.8%, to $38.5 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to $40.8 million for the same period in 2009.  Interest income from our FHLB stock and other investments increased $5,000, or 2.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same period in 2009 due to the increase in the average yield.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, average FHLB stock and other investments decreased $1.4 million, or 3.5%, to $38.2 million, when compared to $39.5 million for the same period in 2009.  We are required as a member of FHLB to own a specific amount of stock that changes as the level of our FHLB advances change.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, interest income from FHLB stock and other investments increased $16,000, or 37.2%, to $59,000, when compared to $43,000 for the same period in 2009 as a result of the increase in the average yield from 0.43% in 2009 to 0.61% in 2010, which more than offset the decrease in the average balance.

We had no federal funds sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, therefore, average federal funds sold decreased $5.2 million, or 100%, when compared to 2009.  Interest income from federal funds sold decreased $17,000, or 100%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  Average interest earning deposits decreased $8.9 million, or 36.4%, to $15.5 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to $24.4 million for the same period in 2009.  Interest income from interest earning deposits decreased $102,000, or 84.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same period in 2009, as a result of the decrease in the average yield from 0.66% in 2009 to 0.16% in 2010 and the decrease in average balance.  We had no federal funds sold during the three months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.  Average interest earning deposits decreased $8.1 million, or 30.5%, to $18.5 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to $26.6 million for the same period in 2009.  Interest income from interest earning deposits decreased $54,000, or 93.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same period in 2009, as a result of the decrease in the average balance and the average yield from 0.86% in 2009 to 0.09% in 2010.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our average securities increased more than our average loans compared to the same period in 2009.  As a result, the mix of our average interest earning assets reflected an increase in average total securities as a percentage of total average interest earning assets compared to the prior period as securities averaged 61.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 57.6% during the same period in 2009, a direct result of securities purchases.  Average loans were 37.0% of average total interest earning assets and other interest earning asset categories averaged 2.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  During 2009, the comparable mix was 39.7% in loans and 2.7% in the other interest earning asset categories.

Total interest expense decreased $5.6 million, or 13.9%, to $34.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $40.4 million during the same period in 2009.  The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased funding costs as the average yield on interest bearing liabilities decreased from 2.50% for 2009 to 2.01% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which more than offset an increase in average interest bearing liabilities.  The increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $159.8 million, or 7.4% was due to an increase in deposits.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, total interest expense decreased $1.3 million, or 10.0%, to $11.5 million, compared to $12.7 million for the same period in 2009 as a result of a decrease in the average yield on interest bearing liabilities which more than offset the increase in average interest bearing liabilities.  Average interest bearing liabilities increased $84.4 million, or 3.8%, while the average yield decreased from 2.28% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to 1.98% for the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Average interest bearing deposits increased $215.1 million, or 16.6%, from $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion, while the average rate paid decreased from 1.81% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to 1.30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, average interest bearing deposits increased $155.4 million, or 11.4%, to $1.5 billion, when compared to $1.4 billion for the same period in 2009 while the average rate paid decreased from 1.60% for the three month period ended September 30, 2009 to 1.28% for the three month period ended September 30, 2010.  Average time deposits increased $46.6 million, or 7.0%, from $669.1 million to $715.7 million while the average rate paid decreased to 1.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2.52% for the same period in 2009.  Average interest bearing demand deposits increased $159.9 million, or 28.6%, while the average rate paid decreased to 0.73% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 1.10% for the same period in 2009.  Average savings deposits increased $8.6 million, or 13.2%, while the average rate paid decreased to 0.46% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 0.72% for the same period in 2009.  Interest expense for interest bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, decreased $2.9 million, or 16.7%, when compared to the same period in 2009 due to the decrease in the average yield which more than offset the increase in the average balance.  Average noninterest bearing demand deposits increased $29.3 million, or 7.7%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The latter three categories, which are considered the lowest cost deposits, comprised 62.6% of total average deposits during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 60.0% during the same period in 2009.  The increase in our average total deposits is the result of overall bank growth, increases in public fund deposits, increases in callable brokered CDs and branch expansion.

 
30

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we issued $105.3 million of long-term brokered CDs.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, all of our brokered CDs had maturities of less than ten years.  At September 30, 2010, we had $165.0 million in brokered CDs that represented 8.2% of deposits compared to $131.2 million, or 7.0% of deposits, at December 31, 2009.  Our current policy allows for a maximum of $165 million in brokered CDs.  The potential higher interest cost and lack of customer loyalty are risks associated with the use of brokered CDs.

Average short-term interest bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of FHLB advances, federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements, were $304.8 million, an increase of $122.5 million, or 67.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  Interest expense associated with short-term interest bearing liabilities increased $2.3 million, or 67.9%, and the average rate paid increased slightly to 2.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to 2.46% for the same period in 2009.  The increase in the average interest rate paid is the result of higher interest rate FHLB advances being reclassified from long-term to short-term.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, average short-term interest bearing liabilities increased $118.0 million, or 60.8%, when compared to the same period in 2009.  The increase in average short-term FHLB advances were used to fund the average increase in investment and mortgage-backed securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Interest expense associated with short-term interest bearing liabilities increased $1.1 million, or 104.5%, and the average rate paid increased to 2.65% for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 when compared to 2.08% for the same period in 2009.  The increase in the interest expense was due to the increase in the average balance and the average rate paid.

Average long-term interest bearing liabilities consisting of FHLB advances decreased $177.8 million, or 28.4%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to $448.2 million as compared to $626.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Interest expense associated with long-term FHLB advances decreased $4.8 million, or 28.5%, while the average rate paid remained the same at 3.62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, long-term interest bearing liabilities decreased $189.1 million, or 31.4%, when compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease in average long-term FHLB advances is due primarily to an increase in the issuance of long-term callable brokered CDs, the use of more short-term FHLB advances during these periods and the decision to enter into $50 million par in long-term advance commitments from the FHLB.  During the third quarter ending September 30, 2010, we entered into the option to fund two years forward from the advance commitment date $50 million par in advance commitments from the FHLB at the rates on the date the option was purchased.  The fee, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, will be amortized over the term of the advance as long as it is likely we will exercise the advance commitments.  Should we determine the advance commitments will not be exercised, the fee will be expensed in the period determination is made.  Interest expense associated with long-term FHLB advances decreased $1.7 million, or 32.1%, and the average rate paid decreased slightly to 3.53% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to 3.56% for the same period in 2009.  The decrease in interest expense was due to the decrease in the average balance of long-term interest bearing liabilities and the average rate paid.    FHLB advances are collateralized by FHLB stock, securities and nonspecific real estate loans.

Average long-term debt, consisting of our junior subordinated debentures issued in 2003 and August 2007 and junior subordinated debentures acquired in the purchase of FWBS, was $60.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  During the third quarter ended September 30, 2007, we issued $36.1 million of junior subordinated debentures in connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities by our subsidiaries Southside Statutory Trusts IV and V.  The $36.1 million in debentures were issued to fund the purchase of FWBS, which occurred on October 10, 2007.  Interest expense decreased $4,000, or 0.5%, to $836,000 and $134,000, or 5.2% to $2.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to $840,000 and $2.6 million for the same periods in 2009, respectively, as a result of the decrease in the average yield during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same periods in 2009.  The interest rate on the $20.6 million of long-term debentures issued to Southside Statutory Trust III adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 294 basis points.  The $23.2 million of long-term debentures issued to Southside Statutory Trust IV and the $12.9 million of long-term debentures issued to Southside Statutory Trust V have fixed rates of 6.518% through October 30, 2012 and 7.48% through December 15, 2012, respectively, and thereafter, adjust quarterly.  The interest rate on the $3.6 million of long-term debentures issued to Magnolia Trust Company I, assumed in the purchase of FWBS, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 180 basis points.

 
31

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The analysis below shows average interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the interest earning assets and the average cost of the interest bearing liabilities.

   
AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELDS
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
   
AVG BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG YIELD
   
AVG BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG YIELD
 
ASSETS
                                   
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                   
Loans (1) (2)
  $ 1,022,003     $ 54,521       7.13 %   $ 1,020,782     $ 55,505       7.27 %
Loans Held For Sale
    4,509       125       3.71 %     4,202       116       3.69 %
Securities:
                                               
  Investment Securities (Taxable)(4)
    9,271       72       1.04 %     52,308       1,010       2.58 %
  Investment Securities (Tax-Exempt)(3)(4)
    240,434       12,276       6.83 %     156,416       8,091       6.92 %
  Mortgage-backed and Related Securities (4)
    1,443,459       37,937       3.51 %     1,277,781       47,988       5.02 %
    Total Securities
    1,693,164       50,285       3.97 %     1,486,505       57,089       5.13 %
FHLB stock and other investments, at cost
    38,471       200       0.70 %     40,841       195       0.64 %
Interest Earning Deposits
    15,502       19       0.16 %     24,371       121       0.66 %
Federal Funds Sold
    -       -       -       5,248       17       0.43 %
Total Interest Earning Assets
    2,773,649       105,150       5.07 %     2,581,949       113,043       5.85 %
NONINTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                               
Cash and Due From Banks
    43,723                       44,031                  
Bank Premises and Equipment
    48,233                       44,792                  
Other Assets
    124,201                       110,506                  
Less:  Allowance for Loan Loss
    (19,079 )                     (17,423 )                
Total Assets
  $ 2,970,727                     $ 2,763,855                  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Savings Deposits
  $ 73,725       251       0.46 %   $ 65,110       352       0.72 %
Time Deposits
    715,716       10,462       1.95 %     669,069       12,597       2.52 %
Interest Bearing Demand Deposits
    718,067       3,899       0.73 %     558,196       4,583       1.10 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    1,507,508       14,612       1.30 %     1,292,375       17,532       1.81 %
Short-term Interest Bearing Liabilities
    304,811       5,633       2.47 %     182,310       3,355       2.46 %
Long-term Interest Bearing Liabilities – FHLB Dallas
    448,156       12,133       3.62 %     625,964       16,958       3.62 %
Long-term Debt (5)
    60,311       2,452       5.44 %     60,311       2,586       5.73 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    2,320,786       34,830       2.01 %     2,160,960       40,431       2.50 %
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Demand Deposits
    407,659                       378,368                  
Other Liabilities
    25,775                       42,906                  
Total Liabilities
    2,754,220                       2,582,234                  
                                                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (6)
    216,507                       181,621                  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 2,970,727                     $ 2,763,855                  
NET INTEREST INCOME
          $ 70,320                     $ 72,612          
NET INTEREST MARGIN ON AVERAGE EARNING ASSETS
                    3.39 %                     3.76 %
NET INTEREST SPREAD
                    3.06 %                     3.35 %
(1)  Interest on loans includes fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)  Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $2,518 and $2,305 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(3)  Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $4,067 and $2,952 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(4)  For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.
(5)  Represents junior subordinated debentures issued by us to Southside Statutory Trust III, IV, and V in connection with the issuance by Southside Statutory Trust III of $20 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust IV of $22.5 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust V of $12.5 million of trust preferred securities and junior subordinated debentures issued by FWBS to Magnolia Trust Company I in connection with the issuance by Magnolia Trust Company I of $3.5 million of trust preferred securities.
(6)  Includes average equity of noncontrolling interest of $1,195 and $793 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Note: As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, loans totaling $14,631 and $16,690, respectively, were on nonaccrual status.  The policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.


 
32

 


   
AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELDS
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
   
AVG BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG YIELD
   
AVG BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG YIELD
 
ASSETS
                                   
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                   
Loans (1) (2)
  $ 1,024,157     $ 17,742       6.87 %   $ 1,021,251     $ 17,887       6.95 %
Loans Held For Sale
    6,032       54       3.55 %     4,473       50       4.43 %
Securities:
                                               
  Investment Securities (Taxable)(4)
    9,070       20       0.87 %     46,463       402       3.43 %
  Investment Securities (Tax-Exempt)(3)(4)
    209,727       3,574       6.76 %     211,915       3,728       6.98 %
  Mortgage-backed and Related Securities (4)
    1,459,132       13,378       3.64 %     1,303,851       15,509       4.72 %
    Total Securities
    1,677,929       16,972       4.01 %     1,562,229       19,639       4.99 %
FHLB stock and other investments, at cost
    38,161       59       0.61 %     39,544       43       0.43 %
Interest Earning Deposits
    18,503       4       0.09 %     26,614       58       0.86 %
Total Interest Earning Assets
    2,764,782       34,831       5.00 %     2,654,111       37,677       5.63 %
NONINTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                               
Cash and Due From Banks
    41,202                       42,076                  
Bank Premises and Equipment
    49,267                       46,341                  
Other Assets
    130,860                       114,102                  
Less:  Allowance for Loan Loss
    (18,789 )                     (18,291 )                
Total Assets
  $ 2,967,322                     $ 2,838,339                  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Savings Deposits
  $ 74,620       84       0.45 %   $ 66,903       99       0.59 %
Time Deposits
    720,737       3,508       1.93 %     711,740       3,999       2.23 %
Interest Bearing Demand Deposits
    718,910       1,282       0.71 %     580,202       1,376       0.94 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    1,514,267       4,874       1.28 %     1,358,845       5,474       1.60 %
Short-term Interest Bearing Liabilities
    312,182       2,086       2.65 %     194,157       1,020       2.08 %
Long-term Interest Bearing Liabilities – FHLB Dallas
    412,356       3,668       3.53 %     601,446       5,402       3.56 %
Long-term Debt (5)
    60,311       836       5.50 %     60,311       840       5.53 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    2,299,116       11,464       1.98 %     2,214,759       12,736       2.28 %
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Demand Deposits
    418,344                       376,307                  
Other Liabilities
    23,924                       55,472                  
Total Liabilities
    2,741,384                       2,646,538                  
                                                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (6)
    225,938                       191,801                  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 2,967,322                     $ 2,838,339                  
NET INTEREST INCOME
          $ 23,367                     $ 24,941          
NET INTEREST MARGIN ON AVERAGE EARNING ASSETS
                    3.35 %                     3.73 %
NET INTEREST SPREAD
                    3.02 %                     3.35 %

(1)  Interest on loans includes fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)  Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $870 and $816 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(3)  Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $1,208 and $1,462 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(4)  For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.
(5)  Represents junior subordinated debentures issued by us to Southside Statutory Trust III, IV, and V in connection with the issuance by Southside Statutory Trust III of $20 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust IV of $22.5 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust V of $12.5 million of trust preferred securities and junior subordinated debentures issued by FWBS to Magnolia Trust Company I in connection with the issuance by Magnolia Trust Company I of $3.5 million of trust preferred securities.
(6)  Includes average equity of noncontrolling interest of $1,495 and $833 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Note: As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, loans totaling $14,631 and $16,690, respectively, were on nonaccrual status.  The policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

 
33

 

Noninterest Income
 
Noninterest income consists of revenue generated from a broad range of financial services and activities including deposit related fee based services such as ATM, overdraft, and check processing fees.  In addition, we earn income from the sale of loans and securities, trust services, bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”), brokerage services, and other fee generating programs that we either provide or in which we participate.

Noninterest income was $42.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $43.8 million for the same period in 2009, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 3.6%.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010, noninterest income was $14.7 million, compared to $12.5 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $2.2 million, or 17.3%.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we had gains on the sale of AFS securities, net of impairment charges of $22.9 million compared to $24.0 million for the same period in 2009.  Gains on the sale of AFS securities, net of impairment charges for the three months ended September 30, 2010 were $8.0 million compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2009.  The market value of the AFS securities portfolio at September 30, 2010 was $1.3 billion with a net unrealized gain on that date of $23.5 million.  The net unrealized gain is comprised of $34.8 million in unrealized gains and $11.3 million in unrealized losses.  The market value of the HTM securities portfolio at September 30, 2010 was $447.0 million with a net unrealized gain on that date of $5.4 million.  The net unrealized gain is comprised of $7.1 million in unrealized gains and $1.7 million in unrealized losses.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, volatility associated with the direction of interest rates and credit spreads for both agency mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities provided opportunities to reposition portions of both the mortgage-backed securities portfolio as well as portions of the municipal portfolio.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities experienced additional prepayment volatility due to the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announcements regarding the repurchases of delinquent mortgages.  As a result, we restructured a portion of our securities portfolio in an attempt to more effectively manage the current economic uncertainty.  While the credit quality of municipal borrowers has traditionally been quite high, we chose to be proactive and significantly reduce our exposure to municipal borrowers outside the State of Texas during the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.  We further reduced our exposure to municipal borrowers outside the State of Texas during July 2010 reducing our exposure to less than $3 million.

There can be no assurance that the level of security gains reported during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, will continue in future periods.

Gain on sale of loans increased $125,000, or 31.9%, and decreased $77,000, or 6.0%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009.  The decrease for the nine months is primarily a result of the sale of selected loans from the automobile loans purchased by SFG at a loss of $333,000 offset by increases in gains on sales of mortgage loans.

Other income increased $84,000, or 9.9%, and $352,000, or 14.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009.  The increases were due primarily to increases in fair value of written loan commitments, credit life income and brokerage service income.

Noninterest Expense

We incur numerous types of noninterest expenses associated with the operation of our various business activities, the largest of which are salaries and employee benefits.  In addition, we incur numerous other expenses, the largest of which are detailed in the consolidated statements of income.

Noninterest expense was $17.7 million and $53.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to $17.8 million and $52.6 million for the same periods in 2009, respectively, representing a decrease of $96,000, or 0.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and an increase of $530,000, or 1.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $672,000, or 6.6%, and $1.9 million, or 6.0%, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009.  The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, was primarily the result of increases in personnel associated with our overall growth and expansion, an increase in retirement expense, health insurance costs and normal salary increases for existing personnel.  Direct salary expense and payroll taxes increased $474,000, or 5.5%, and $1.5 million, or 5.9%, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009.


 
34

 

Retirement expense, included in salary and benefits, increased $75,000, or 9.8%, and $100,000, or 4.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009.  The increases were related to increases in the expense of the restoration plan and the employee stock option plan that were partially offset by a decrease in the defined benefit plan for 2010 when compared to 2009.

Health and life insurance expense, included in salary and benefits, increased $122,000, or 13.5% and $238,000, or 8.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same periods in 2009 due to increased health claims expense and plan administrative cost for the comparable period of time.  We have a self-insured health plan which is supplemented with stop loss insurance policies.  Health insurance costs are rising nationwide and these costs may continue to increase during the remainder of 2010.

Equipment expense increased $79,000, or 17.4%, and $199,000, or 16.0%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009 as a result of increases on equipment service contracts and bank growth.

Advertising, travel and entertainment increased $70,000, or 12.8%, and $148,000, or 9.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009 due to increased advertising in our service areas.

ATM and debit card expense decreased $105,000, or 32.0%, and $386,000, or 39.1%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009 due to cost savings in relation to our new core banking system which allowed us to bring our ATM and debit card processing in house.

Director fees increased $29,000, or 17.3%, and $110,000, or 22.9%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009 due to additional meetings and additional number of directors attending committee meetings during the comparable periods.

Supplies decreased $65,000, or 25.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009 due to supplies purchased during the third quarter of 2009 in relation to our new core banking system.

Professional fees decreased $154,000, or 26.9%, and $294,000, or 17.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same periods in 2009 due to a decrease in legal fees.

Postage decreased $52,000, or 21.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009 due to changes made in processing outgoing mail.

Telephone and communications decreased $60,000, or 14.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009 due to a decrease in communications expense.

FDIC insurance increased $85,000, or 11.8%, and decreased $1.0 million, or 31.7%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009 due to a special FDIC assessment of $1.3 million during the second quarter of 2009.

Other expense decreased $614,000, or 28.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009 due primarily to a decrease in the losses on ORE property.

Income Taxes

Pre-tax income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $15.1 million and $43.5 million, respectively, compared to $14.5 million and $48.6 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2009.  Income tax expense was $3.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $3.6 million and $13.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The effective tax rate as a percentage of pre-tax income was 25.2% and 23.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to 25.0% and 26.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in the effective tax rate and income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was due to an increase in taxable income as compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease in the effective tax rate and income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was due to an increase in tax exempt income as a percentage of taxable income as compared to the same period in 2009.

Capital Resources

Our total shareholders' equity at September 30, 2010, was $222.1 million, representing an increase of 10.0%, or $20.3 million from December 31, 2009 and represented 7.4% of total assets at September 30, 2010 compared to 6.7% of total assets at December 31, 2009.  


 
35

 

Increases to our shareholders’ equity consisted of net income of $31.9 million, the issuance of $1.3 million in common stock (136,419 shares) through our incentive stock option and dividend reinvestment plans, which was partially offset with the purchase of $4.7 million in common stock (255,377 shares) through our repurchase plan, and $7.9 million in dividends paid.

On March 18, 2010, our board of directors declared a 5% stock dividend to common stock shareholders of record as of April 8, 2010, and payable on April 29, 2010.

On January 28, 2010, our board of directors approved $6.0 million for the continuation of the repurchase of our stock during 2010 with re-evaluation on a quarterly basis.  During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we repurchased 254,276 shares of our stock at an average price of $18.45 for a total of $4.7 million.  Subsequent to September 30, 2010, our board of directors approved increasing the amount available for repurchase under the plan to $6.0 million, replenishing the $4.7 million used during the third quarter of 2010.

Under the Federal Reserve Board's risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies, the minimum ratio of total capital to risk-adjusted assets (including certain off-balance sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is currently 8%.  The minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets is 4%.  Our $20 million, $22.5 million, $12.5 million and $3.5 million of trust preferred securities issued by our subsidiaries, Southside Statutory Trust III, IV, V and Magnolia Trust Company I, respectively, are considered Tier 1 capital by the Federal Reserve Board and will continue to be under the Dodd-Frank Act.  Any trust preferred securities that are issued by our subsidiaries in the future will be considered Tier 2 capital.  The Federal Reserve Board also requires bank holding companies to comply with the minimum leverage ratio guidelines.  The leverage ratio is the ratio of bank holding company's Tier 1 capital to its total consolidated quarterly average assets, less goodwill and certain other intangible assets.  The guidelines require a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria.  Failure to meet minimum capital regulations can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Management believes that, as of September 30, 2010, we met all capital adequacy requirements to which we were subject.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires bank regulatory agencies to take "prompt corrective action" with respect to FDIC-insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements.  A depository institution's treatment for purposes of the prompt corrective action provisions will depend on how its capital levels compare to various capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation.  Prompt corrective action and other discretionary actions could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

It is management's intention to maintain our capital at a level acceptable to all regulatory authorities and future dividend payments will be determined accordingly.  Regulatory authorities require that any dividend payments made by either us or the Bank, not exceed earnings for that year.  Shareholders should not anticipate a continuation of the cash dividend simply because of the existence of a dividend reinvestment program.  The payment of dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon future earnings, our financial condition, and other related factors.


 
36

 

To be categorized as well capitalized, we must maintain minimum Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table:

   
Actual
 
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Actions Provisions
 
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
As of September 30, 2010:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                           
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                         
Consolidated
 
$
271,317
 
21.41
%
$
101,382
 
8.00
%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
Bank Only
 
$
264,645
 
20.91
%
101,241
 
8.00
%
126,551
 
10.00
%
                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                               
Consolidated
 
$
255,410
 
20.15
%
$ 
50,691
 
4.00
%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
Bank Only
 
$
248,738
 
19.66
%
$ 
50,621
 
4.00
%
$ 
75,931
 
6.00
%
                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1)
                               
Consolidated
 
$
255,410
 
8.74
%
$ 
116,829
 
4.00
%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
Bank Only
 
$
248,738
 
8.52
%
$ 
116,751
 
4.00
%
$ 
145,939
 
5.00
%
                                 
As of December 31, 2009:
                               
                                 
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                               
Consolidated
 
$
249,687
 
19.12
%
$
104,447
 
8.00
%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
Bank Only
 
$
247,250
 
18.94
%
104,420
 
8.00
%
130,525
 
10.00
%
                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                               
Consolidated
 
$
233,278
 
17.87
%
$ 
52,224
 
4.00
%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
Bank Only
 
$
230,841
 
17.69
%
$ 
52,210
 
4.00
%
$ 
78,315
 
6.00
%
                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1)
                               
Consolidated
 
$
233,278
 
8.03
%
$ 
116,176
 
4.00
%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
Bank Only
 
$
230,841
 
7.95
%
$ 
116,100
 
4.00
%
$ 
145,125
 
5.00
%
                                 
 
(1) Refers to quarterly average assets as calculated by bank regulatory agencies.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Liquidity management involves our ability to convert assets to cash with a minimum of loss to enable us to meet our obligations to our customers at any time.  This means addressing (1) the immediate cash withdrawal requirements of depositors and other funds providers; (2) the funding requirements of all lines and letters of credit; and (3) the short-term credit needs of customers.  Liquidity is provided by short-term investments that can be readily liquidated with a minimum risk of loss.  Cash, interest earning deposits, federal funds sold and short-term investments with maturities or repricing characteristics of one year or less continue to be a substantial percentage of total assets.  At September 30, 2010, these investments were 18.6% of total assets as compared to 18.9% at December 31, 2009 and 19.5% at September 30, 2009.  The decrease to 18.6% at September 30, 2010 is reflective of changes in the investment portfolio.  Liquidity is further provided through the matching, by time period, of rate sensitive interest earning assets with rate sensitive interest bearing liabilities.  Southside Bank has four lines of credit for the purchase of overnight federal funds at prevailing rates.  Three $15.0 million and one $10.0 million unsecured lines of credit have been established with Bank of America, Frost Bank, Sterling Bank and TIB - The Independent Bankers Bank, respectively.  There were no federal funds purchased at September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010, the amount of additional funding Southside Bank could obtain from FHLB using unpledged securities at FHLB was approximately $515.5 million, net of FHLB stock purchases required.  Southside Bank obtained $32.0 million letters of credit from FHLB as collateral for a portion of its public fund deposits.


 
37

 

Interest rate sensitivity management seeks to avoid fluctuating net interest margins and to enhance consistent growth of net interest income through periods of changing interest rates.  The ALCO closely monitors various liquidity ratios, interest rate spreads and margins.  The ALCO performs interest rate simulation tests that apply various interest rate scenarios including immediate shocks and market value of portfolio equity (“MVPE”) with interest rates immediately shocked plus and minus 200 basis points to assist in determining our overall interest rate risk and adequacy of the liquidity position.  In addition, the ALCO utilizes a simulation model to determine the impact on net interest income of several different interest rate scenarios.  By utilizing this technology, we can determine changes that need to be made to the asset and liability mixes to minimize the change in net interest income under these various interest rate scenarios.

Composition of Loans

One of our main objectives is to seek attractive lending opportunities in Texas, primarily in the counties in which we operate.  Substantially all of our loan originations are made to borrowers who live in and conduct business in the counties in Texas in which we operate, with the exception of municipal loans which are made almost entirely in Texas, and purchases of automobile loan portfolios throughout the United States.  Municipal loans are made to municipalities, counties, emergency service districts, water utilities, school districts and colleges primarily throughout the State of Texas.  Through SFG, we purchase portfolios of automobile loans from a variety of lenders throughout the United States.  These high yield loans represent existing subprime automobile loans with payment histories that are collateralized by new and used automobiles.  At September 30, 2010, the SFG loans totaled approximately $67.7 million.  We look forward to the possibility that our loan growth will accelerate in the future when the economy in the markets we serve improve and as we work to identify and develop additional markets and strategies that will allow us to expand our lending territory.  Total loans increased $3.6 million, or 0.4%, to $1.04 billion for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $1.03 billion at December 31, 2009, and increased $21.5 million, or 2.1%, from $1.02 billion at September 30, 2009.  Average loans increased $1.2 million, or 0.1%, when compared to the same period in 2009.

Our market areas have not, to date, experienced the level of downturn in the economy and real estate prices that some of the harder hit areas of the country have experienced.  However, we have noticed weakening conditions associated with the real estate led downturn and have strengthened our underwriting standards, especially related to all aspects of real estate lending.  Our real estate loan portfolio does not have Alt-A or subprime mortgage exposure.

The following table sets forth loan totals by category for the periods presented:

 
At
   
At
 
At
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Real Estate Loans:
             
   Construction
  $ 91,170     $ 88,566     $ 87,976  
   1-4 Family Residential
    236,923       234,379       233,172  
   Other
    202,497       212,731       208,187  
Commercial Loans
    156,635       159,529       162,378  
Municipal Loans
    173,314       150,111       144,450  
Loans to Individuals
    176,669       188,260       179,561  
Total Loans
  $ 1,037,208     $ 1,033,576     $ 1,015,724  

 
38

 

Municipal loans increased $23.2 million, or 15.5%, to $173.3 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $150.1 million at December 31, 2009, and $28.9 million, or 20.0%, from $144.5 million at September 30, 2009.  The increase in municipal loans is due to overall market volatility related to credit markets, including municipal credits.  This provided additional opportunities for us to lend to municipalities.

Construction loans increased $2.6 million, or 2.9%, to $91.2 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $88.6 million at December 31, 2009, and $3.2 million, or 3.6%, from $88.0 million at September 30, 2009.  Our 1-4 family residential mortgage loans increased $2.5 million, or 1.1%, to $236.9 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $234.4 million at December 31, 2009, and $3.8 million, or 1.6%, from $233.2 million at September 30, 2009.

Real estate loans – Other, which are comprised primarily of commercial real estate loans, decreased $10.2 million, or 4.8%, to $202.5 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $212.7 million at December 31, 2009, and $5.7 million, or 2.7%, from $208.2 million at September 30, 2009.

Commercial loans decreased $2.9 million, or 1.8%, to $156.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $159.5 million at December 31, 2009, and $5.7 million, or 3.5%, from $162.4 million at September 30, 2009.  The decrease in commercial loans is reflective of decreased loan demand for this type of loan in our market area.

Loans to individuals, which includes SFG loans, decreased $11.6 million, or 6.2%, to $176.7 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $188.3 million at December 31, 2009, and $2.9 million, or 1.6%, from $179.6 million at September 30, 2009.

Loan Loss Experience and Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is based on the most current review of the loan portfolio and is validated by multiple processes.  First, the bank utilized historical data to establish general reserve amounts for each category of loans.  While we track several years of data, we primarily review one year data because we found during the 1980’s that longer periods would not respond quickly enough to market conditions.  Second, our lenders have the primary responsibility for identifying problem loans and estimating necessary reserves based on customer financial stress and underlying collateral.  These recommendations are reviewed by the Senior lender, the Special Assets department, and the Loan Review department and are signed off on by the President.  Third, the Loan Review department does independent reviews of the portfolio on an annual basis for a specified penetration of the loans.  The Loan Review department also reviews all loans of size for underwriting at origination.  In addition, all new loans of size are reviewed at the six month anniversary of their booking or six months after the scheduled payments begin, depending on the nature of the loan.  The Loan Review officer also tracks specific reserves for loans by type compared to general reserves to determine trends in comparative reserves as well as losses not reserved for prior to charge off to determine the efficiency of the specific reserve process.

Consumer loans at SFG are reserved for based on general estimates of loss at the time of purchase for current loans.  SFG loans experiencing past due status or extension of maturity characteristics are reserved for at significantly higher levels based on the circumstances associated with each specific loan.

At each review, a subjective analysis methodology is used to grade the respective loan.  Categories of grading vary in severity from loans that do not appear to have a significant probability of loss at the time of review to loans that indicate a probability that the entire balance of the loan will be uncollectible.  If full collection of the loan balance appears unlikely at the time of review, estimates of future expected cash flows or appraisals of the collateral securing the debt are used to allocate the necessary allowances.  The internal loan review department maintains a list of all loans or loan relationships that are graded as having more than the normal degree of risk associated with them.  In addition, a list of specifically reserved loans or loan relationships of $50,000 or more is updated on a periodic basis in order to properly allocate necessary allowances and keep management informed on the status of attempts to correct
the deficiencies noted with respect to the loan.

 
39

 


Industry experience indicates that a portion of our loans will become delinquent and a portion of the loans will require partial or entire charge-off.  Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of properties used as collateral for loans and problems affecting the credit of the borrower and the ability of the borrower to make payments on the loan.  Our determination of the adequacy of allowance for loan losses is based on various considerations, including an analysis of the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss experience, specific loans which would have loan loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, current economic conditions, the views of the bank regulators (who have the authority to require additional allowances), and geographic and industry loan concentration.

As of September 30, 2010, our review of the loan portfolio indicated that a loan loss allowance of $18.7 million was adequate to cover probable losses in the portfolio.  Changes in economic and other conditions may require future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, loan charge-offs were $4.3 million and $12.8 million and recoveries were $588,000 and $2.3 million, resulting in net charge-offs of $3.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, loan charge-offs were $3.9 million and $9.0 million and recoveries were $528,000 and $1.4 million, resulting in net charge-offs of $3.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively.  The increase in net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily related to economic conditions requiring the write down of nonperforming loans.  The necessary provision expense was estimated at $3.2 million and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $3.0 million and $10.0 million for the comparable periods in 2009, respectively. The decrease in provision expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 was primarily a result of the decrease in nonperforming loans.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned (“OREO”), repossessed assets, restructured loans and delinquent loans 90 days or more past due, not otherwise classified as nonperforming loans.  Nonaccrual loans are those loans which are 90 days or more delinquent and collection in full of both the principal and interest is in doubt.  Additionally, some loans that are not delinquent may be placed on nonaccrual status due to doubts about full collection of principal or interest.  When a loan is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and the accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes.  Restructured loans represent loans that have been renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrowers.  Categorization of a loan as nonperforming is not in itself a reliable indicator of potential loan loss.  Other factors, such as the value of collateral securing the loan and the financial condition of the borrower must be considered in judgments as to potential loan loss.  OREO represents real estate taken in full or partial satisfaction of debts previously contracted.  The dollar amount of OREO is based on a current evaluation of the OREO at the time it is recorded on our books, net of estimated selling costs.  Updated valuations are obtained as needed and any additional impairments are recognized.

The following table sets forth nonperforming assets for the periods presented:

   
At
September 30,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
   
At
September 30,
2009
 
             
             
         
(in thousands)
       
                     
Nonaccrual loans
 
$
14,631
   
$
18,629
   
$
16,690
 
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days
   
7
     
323
     
1,065
 
Restructured loans
   
2,516
     
1,972
     
2,273
 
Other real estate owned
   
1,100
     
1,875
     
2,331
 
Repossessed assets
   
445
     
654
     
848
 
Total Nonperforming Assets
 
$
18,699
   
$
23,453
   
$
23,207
 


 
40

 

 

   
At
September 30,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
   
At
September 30,
2009
 
             
             
         
(unaudited)
       
Asset Quality Ratios:
                   
                     
Nonaccruing loans to total loans
   
1.41
%
   
1.80
%
   
1.64
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccruing loans
   
128.02
     
106.80
     
110.52
 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets
   
100.17
     
84.83
     
79.48
 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
   
1.81
     
1.92
     
1.82
 
Nonperforming assets to total assets
   
0.62
     
0.78
     
0.79
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
1.37
     
1.11
     
1.00
 


Total nonperforming assets at September 30, 2010 were $18.7 million, a decrease of $4.8 million, or 20.3%, from $23.5 million at December 31, 2009 and a decrease of $4.5 million, or 19.4%, from $23.2 million at September 30, 2009.  In general, the decreasing trend in nonperforming assets is reflective of recoveries in our current economic market.

From December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010, nonaccrual loans decreased $4.0 million, or 21.5%, to $14.6 million and from September 30, 2009, decreased $2.1 million, or 12.3%.  Of the total nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2010, 14.8% are residential real estate loans, 8.5% are commercial real estate loans, 10.0% are commercial loans, 33.2% are loans to individuals, primarily SFG automobile loans, and 33.5% are construction loans.  Accruing loans past due more than 90 days decreased $316,000, or 97.8%, to $7,000 at September 30, 2010 from $323,000 at December 31, 2009 and decreased $1.1 million, or 99.3%, from $1.1 million at September 30, 2009.  Restructured loans increased $544,000, or 27.6%, to $2.5 million at September 30, 2010 from $2.0 million at December 31, 2009 and $243,000, or 10.7%, from $2.3 million at September 30, 2009.  The increase in restructured loans was attributable to SFG automobile loan pools.  OREO decreased $775,000, or 41.3%, to $1.1 million at September 30, 2010 from $1.9 million at December 31, 2009 and $1.2 million, or 52.8%, from $2.3 million at September 30, 2009.  Most of the OREO at September 30, 2010, consisted of construction loans.  We are actively marketing all properties and none are being held for investment purposes.  Repossessed assets decreased $209,000, or 32.0%, to $445,000 at September 30, 2010 from $654,000 at December 31, 2009 and $403,000, or 47.5%, from $848,000 at September 30, 2009.

Expansion

On August 30, 2010, we opened a full service branch on the west side of Tyler on Highway 64.  In addition, we are building a new facility adjacent to our headquarters in Tyler which will house our Trust department.  It is anticipated to be completed during the next six months.  During September, 2010, we purchased a 50% interest in a commercial building in Arlington, Texas.  SFG is leasing a little over 50% of this facility.  The remaining portion of the facility is under a long-term lease.  Plans are underway to open a full service branch in a leased space in a grocery store being constructed in South Tyler.  We anticipate opening this branch sometime during 2011.  We continue to explore opportunities to expand either into additional grocery store or traditional branch locations.

Accounting Pronouncements

See “Note 1 - Basis of Presentation” in our financial statements included in this report.

 
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” included in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this report.

Refer to the discussion of market risks included in “Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  There have been no significant changes in the types of market risks we face since December 31, 2009.

In the banking industry, a major risk exposure is changing interest rates.  The primary objective of monitoring our interest rate sensitivity, or risk, is to provide management the tools necessary to manage the balance sheet to minimize adverse changes in net interest income as a result of changes in the direction and level of interest rates.  Federal Reserve Board monetary control efforts, the effects of deregulation, the current economic downturn and legislative changes have been significant factors affecting the task of managing interest rate sensitivity positions in recent years.

In an attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates, management closely monitors our exposure to interest rate risk through our ALCO.  Our ALCO meets regularly and reviews our interest rate risk position and makes recommendations to our board for adjusting this position.  In addition, our board reviews our asset/liability position on a monthly basis.  We primarily use two methods for measuring and analyzing interest rate risk:  net income simulation analysis and MVPE modeling.  We utilize the net income simulation model as the primary quantitative tool in measuring the amount of interest rate risk associated with changing market rates.  This model quantifies the effects of various interest rate scenarios on projected net interest income and net income over the next 12 months.  The model was used to measure the impact on net interest income relative to a base case scenario of rates increasing 100 and 200 basis points or decreasing 100 and 200 basis points over the next 12 months.  These simulations incorporate assumptions regarding balance sheet growth and mix, pricing and the repricing and maturity characteristics of the existing and projected balance sheet.  The impact of interest rate-related risks such as prepayment, basis and option risk are also considered.  As of September 30, 2010, the model simulations projected that a 100 basis point immediate increase in interest rates would result in a positive variance in net interest income of 4.27% and an immediate increase in interest rates of 200 basis points would result in a positive variance in net interest income of 3.76%, relative to the base case over the next 12 months, while an immediate decrease in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points would result in negative variances in net interest income of 1.07% and 1.79%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months.  As of September 30, 2009, the model simulations projected that 100 and 200 basis point increases in interest rates would result in negative variances in net interest income of 1.64% and 3.90%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months, while a decrease in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points would result in a negative variance in net interest income of 4.66% and 14.29%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months.  As part of the overall assumptions, certain assets and liabilities have been given reasonable floors.  This type of simulation analysis requires numerous assumptions including but not limited to changes in balance sheet mix, prepayment rates on mortgage-related assets and fixed rate loans, cash flows and repricings of all financial instruments, changes in volumes and pricing, future shapes of the yield curve, relationship of market interest rates to each other (basis risk), credit spread and deposit sensitivity.  Assumptions are based on management’s best estimates but may not accurately reflect actual results under certain changes in interest rates.

The ALCO monitors various liquidity ratios to ensure a satisfactory liquidity position for us.  Management continually evaluates the condition of the economy, the pattern of market interest rates and other economic data to determine the types of investments that should be made and at what maturities.  Using this analysis, management from time to time assumes calculated interest sensitivity gap positions to maximize net interest income based upon anticipated movements in the general level of interest rates.  Regulatory authorities also monitor our gap position along with other liquidity ratios.  In addition, as described above, we utilize a simulation model to determine the impact of net interest income under several different interest rate scenarios.  By utilizing this technology, we can determine changes that need to be made to the asset and liability mixes to minimize the change in net interest income under these various interest rate scenarios.


 
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), undertook an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting in a timely manner the information that the Company is required to disclose in its reports under the  Exchange Act and in accumulating and communicating to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, such information as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  

No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, as amended) during the last fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.             LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to legal proceedings arising in the normal conduct of business.  Management believes that at September 30, 2010 such litigation is not material to our financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.          RISK FACTORS

Additional information regarding risk factors appears in “Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Forward Looking Statements” of this Form 10-Q and in Part I — “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
     
Average Price Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
   
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan at the End of the Period
 
July 1, 2010 to July 31, 2010
          $           $ 6,000,000  
August 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010
    182,576       $ 18.41       182,576       2,639,495  
September 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010
    71,700       $ 18.56       71,700       1,308,388  
Total
    254,276   (1)    $ 18.45       254,276          

(1)  During the first quarter of 2010, our board of directors approved the continuation of its stock repurchase plan, committing $6.0 million to repurchase common stock during 2010 with re-evaluation on a quarterly basis.  No common stock was purchased during the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 under the repurchase plan, however, outside of the board authorized repurchase plan, 1,101 shares were repurchased in connection with the exercise of certain employee stock options.  No common stock was purchased during the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.  During the third quarter of 2010, we purchased 254,276 shares of common stock.  Subsequent to September 30, 2010, our board of directors approved increasing the amount available for repurchase under the plan to $6.0 million, replenishing the $4.7 million used during the third quarter of 2010.



ITEM 3.              DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 4.              (REMOVED AND RESERVED)


 
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ITEM 5.              OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

ITEM 6.              EXHIBITS

 
Exhibit No.
   
       
 
3 (a)
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective April 17, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant's Form 8-K, filed April 20, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
3 (b)(i)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective February 28, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed March 5, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
3(b)(ii)
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective August 27, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K/A, filed September 10, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
3(b)(iii)
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective September 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed September 2, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
*31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*32
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
     
*Filed herewith.
       

 
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SIGNATURES

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


 
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
    
   
 
BY:
/s/ B. G. HARTLEY
   
B. G. Hartley, Chairman of the Board
   
and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
DATE: November 5, 2010
 



   
 
    
   
 
BY:
/s/ LEE R. GIBSON
   
Lee R. Gibson, CPA, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal
   
Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
   
DATE: November 5, 2010
 


 
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Exhibit Index

     Exhibit
    Number                                Description
   
       31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       *32
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*The certifications attached as Exhibit 32 accompany this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and are “furnished” to the Commission pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed “filed” by us for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


46