10-K 1 d10k.htm SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC. -- FORM 10-K Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. -- Form 10-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

OR

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 0-133872

 

Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Pennsylvania   23-2201716

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

26 North Cedar St., Lititz, Pennsylvania   17543
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (717) 626-4721

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

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

common stock, par value $2.00 per share   The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

Susquehanna Capital I Capital Stock (and the Guarantee by

Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. with respect thereto)

  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

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  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer  þ        Accelerated Filer  ¨        Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨        Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,065,286,656 as of June 30, 2010, based upon the closing price quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market for such date. Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may under certain circumstances be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of executive officer or affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. The number of shares issued and outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 17, 2011, was 129,975,635.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 6, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
Part I   
Item 1.   

Business

     2   
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

     15   
Item 1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

     23   
Item 2.   

Properties

     23   
Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

     24   
Part II   
Item 4.    Removed and Reserved      24   
Item 5.    Market for Susquehanna’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      25   
Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

     27   
Item 7.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     28   
Item 7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     69   
Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     70   
Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     132   
Item 9A.   

Controls and Procedures

     132   
Item 9B.   

Other Information

     132   
Part III   
Item 10.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     133   
Item 11.   

Executive Compensation

     133   
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters      133   
Item 13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     133   
Item 14.   

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     133   
Part IV   
Item 15.   

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     134   


Table of Contents

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Susquehanna,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

 

Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company that provides a wide range of retail and commercial banking and financial services through our subsidiaries in the mid-Atlantic region. In addition to a commercial bank, we operate a trust and investment company, an asset management company (which provides investment advisory, asset management, brokerage and retirement planning services), a property and casualty insurance brokerage company and a vehicle leasing company. As of December 31, 2010, we had total assets of approximately $14 billion, consolidated net loans and leases of $9.6 billion, deposits of $9.2 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $2.0 billion.

 

Susquehanna was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1982. Our executive offices are located at 26 North Cedar Street, Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543. Our telephone number is (717) 626-4721, and our web site address is www.susquehanna.net. Our stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol SUSQ. We make available free of charge, through the Investor Relations section of our web site, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. We include our web site address in this Annual Report on Form 10-K only as a textual reference and do not intend it to be an active link to our web site.

 

We manage our bank subsidiary’s operations through divisions based on geographic market, which allows each division to retain flexibility with regard to loan approvals and product pricing, while enjoying the economies of scale and cost savings realized as a result of consolidated support functions. We believe that this approach differentiates us from other large competitors because it gives our bank greater flexibility to better serve its markets and increase responsiveness to the needs of local customers. We provide our bank subsidiary guidance in the areas of credit policy and administration, risk assessment, investment advisory administration, strategic planning, investment portfolio management, asset liability management, liquidity management and other financial, administrative and control services.

 

The following table sets forth information, for the year ended December 31, 2010, regarding our bank subsidiary and each of our non-bank subsidiaries that had annual revenues in excess of $5.0 million:

 

Subsidiary

   Assets     Percent
of Total
    Revenue(1)     Percent
of Total
    Pre-tax
Income
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Bank Subsidiary:

          

Susquehanna Bank(2)

   $ 13,731,617        98.4   $ 538,901        93.1   $ 68,997   

Non-Bank Subsidiaries:

          

Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company

     10,133        0.1        15,226        2.6        1,156   

Valley Forge Asset Management Corp.

     37,695        0.3        14,412        2.5        3,857   

Stratton Management Company

     78,586        0.6        13,073        2.3        5,278   

Boston Service Company, Inc.
(t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.)

     89,630        0.6        11,749        2.0        (11,299 )(3) 

The Addis Group, LLC

     49,593        0.4        11,849        2.0        101   

Consolidation adjustments and other non-bank subsidiaries

     (43,169     (0.4     (26,556     (4.5     (35,086 )(4) 
                                        

TOTAL

   $ 13,954,085        100.0   $ 578,654        100.0   $ 33,004   
                                        

 

(1) Revenue equals net interest income and other income.

 

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(2) Excludes Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Susquehanna Bank.
(3) Does not include $23.9 million in incremental benefits included in pre-tax income for Susquehanna Bank for loans and leases generated by Hann. If these incremental benefits were recorded on Hann’s books, Hann’s pre-tax income for 2010 would have been $12.6 million, and Susquehanna Bank’s pre-tax income would have been $45.1 million.
(4) Primarily the parent company’s unallocated expenses.

 

As of December 31, 2010, non-interest income represented 26.3% of our total revenue. Susquehanna Bank (excluding Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company) contributed 58.5% of total non-interest income, and non-bank affiliates contributed 41.5% of total non-interest income.

 

We manage our businesses using a long-term perspective, with financial objectives that emphasize loan quality, balance sheet liquidity, and earnings stability. Consistent with this approach, we emphasize a low-risk loan portfolio derived from our local markets. In addition, we focus on not having any portion of our business dependent upon a single customer or limited group of customers or a substantial portion of our loans or investments concentrated within a single industry or a group of related industries. Our net charge-offs over the past five years have averaged 0.71% of total average loans and leases.

 

As of December 31, 2010, our total loans and leases (net of unearned income) in dollars and by percentage were as follows:

 

     (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   $ 1,816,519         18.9

Real estate - construction

     877,223         9.1   

Real estate secured - residential

     2,666,692         27.7   

Real estate secured - commercial

     2,998,176         31.0   

Consumer

     603,084         6.3   

Leases

     671,503         7.0   
                 

Total loans and leases

   $ 9,633,197         100.0
                 

 

As of December 31, 2010, core deposits funded 67.2% of our lending and investing activities.

 

Products and Services

 

Our Bank Subsidiary. Our commercial bank subsidiary, Susquehanna Bank, is a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank that operates 221 banking offices. It provides a wide range of retail banking services, including checking, savings and club accounts, check cards, debit cards, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, home equity lines of credit, residential mortgage loans, home improvement loans, automobile loans, personal loans, and internet banking services. It also provides a wide range of commercial banking services, including business checking accounts, cash management services, money market accounts, land acquisition and development loans, commercial loans, floor plan, equipment and working capital lines of credit, small business loans, and internet banking services.

 

Our Non-bank Subsidiaries. Our non-bank subsidiaries offer a variety of financial services to complement our core banking operations, broaden our customer base, and diversify our revenue sources. The Addis Group, LLC provides commercial, property and casualty insurance, and risk management programs for medium and large sized companies. Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company, a subsidiary of Susquehanna Bank, provides traditional trust and custodial services, and acts as administrator, executor, guardian, and managing agent for individuals, businesses and non-profit entities. Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. offers investment advisory, asset management and brokerage services for institutional and high net worth individual clients, and

 

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retirement planning services. Stratton Management Company provides equity management of assets for institutions, pensions, endowments and high net worth individuals. Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.) provides comprehensive consumer vehicle financing services.

 

Market Areas

 

Our Bank Subsidiary. Susquehanna Bank’s operations are divided into the following regional divisions:

 

   

The PA Division includes 110 banking offices operating primarily in the central Pennsylvania market area, including Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union, and York counties.

 

   

The MD Division includes 51 banking offices operating primarily in the market areas of Maryland and southwestern central Pennsylvania, including Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Washington, and Worcester counties and the City of Baltimore in Maryland, Berkeley County in West Virginia and Bedford and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania.

 

   

The DV Division includes 60 banking offices operating primarily in the suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey market areas, including Philadelphia, Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey.

 

Our Non-bank Subsidiaries. Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company and Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. operate primarily in the same market areas as Susquehanna Bank. The Addis Group, LLC operates primarily in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware. Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.) operates primarily in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and southeastern New York. Stratton Management Company operates throughout the continental United States.

 

Like the rest of the nation, the market areas that we serve are presently experiencing a recession. A variety of factors (e.g., any substantial rise in inflation or unemployment rates, decrease in consumer confidence, natural disasters, war, or political instability) may further affect both our markets and the national market. We will continue our emphasis on managing our funding costs and lending rates to effectively maintain profitability. In addition, we will seek relationships that can generate fee income that is not directly tied to lending relationships. We anticipate that this approach will help mitigate profit fluctuations that are caused by movements in interest rates, business and consumer loan cycles, and local economic factors.

 

Our Long-Term Strategy

 

We manage our business for sustained long-term growth and profitability. Our primary strategies are internal growth through expansion of our customer base in existing markets and external growth through acquisitions in selected markets. We focus on leveraging customer relationships through the cross-selling of a comprehensive range of financial services and products by a highly trained and motivated employee sales force. Our long-term strategic plan to enhance shareholder value has three main components: growing our business profitably through the specific methods mentioned above; building enduring relationships through sales and service; and focusing on risk management. Integrated into our strategic plan under these components are various company-wide initiatives we believe are important to achieving our plan, including technology, rewards, teamwork, training, communications, and organizational structure.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Abington Bancorp, Inc. On January 26, 2011, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Abington Bancorp, Inc. (“Abington”), pursuant to which Abington will be merged with and into Susquehanna (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Abington will cease and Susquehanna will continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger. In addition,

 

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under the terms of the Merger Agreement, as soon as practicable after the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement, Susquehanna Bank and Abington Savings Bank, a savings bank organized under the Pennsylvania Banking Code which conducts business under the name “Abington Bank”, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abington (“Abington Bank”), will enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which Abington Bank will merge with and into Susquehanna Bank, with Susquehanna Bank continuing as the surviving bank.]

 

The Merger Agreement provides that Abington shareholders will receive 1.32 shares of Susquehanna’s common stock in exchange for each share of Abington common stock they own immediately prior to completion of the Merger.

 

Abington and Susquehanna have made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including covenants made by Abington not to solicit alternative transactions or, subject to certain exceptions, to enter into discussions concerning, or provide confidential information in connection with, an alternative transaction.

 

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both Abington and Susquehanna and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, Abington may be obligated to pay Susquehanna a termination fee of $11 million.

 

Completion of the Merger is subject to a number of customary closing conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals and the approval of the shareholders of both Susquehanna and Abington.

 

Upon completion of the Merger, Robert W. White, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Abington, will be appointed to the Susquehanna board and the Susquehanna Bank board and will join the leadership team of Susquehanna Bank’s DV Division.

 

Other than the Merger, we currently have no formal commitments with respect to the acquisition of any entities, although discussions with prospects occur on a regular and continuing basis.

 

Future Acquisitions. We routinely evaluate possible future acquisitions of other banks, and may also seek to enter businesses closely related to banking or that are financial in nature, or to acquire existing companies already engaged in such activities, including investment advisory services and insurance brokerage services. Any acquisition by us may require notice to or approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, other regulatory agencies and, in some instances, our shareholders. While any such acquisition may occur in any market area, the four major growth corridors that we are currently focused on are as follows:

 

   

the Lancaster/York/Baltimore corridor, comprising Lancaster and York counties in Pennsylvania, the City of Baltimore, and Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Carroll, and Anne Arundel counties in Maryland;

 

   

the Greater Delaware Valley corridor, comprising Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia, and Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, and Mercer counties in New Jersey;

 

   

the Interstate 81 corridor, comprising Franklin, Cumberland, and Adams counties in Pennsylvania, Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland, and Berkeley and Jefferson counties in West Virginia; and

 

   

market areas that would fill gaps in the markets currently served by our bank subsidiary.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had 2,836 full-time and 203 part-time employees.

 

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Competition

 

Financial holding companies and their subsidiaries compete with many institutions for deposits, loans, trust services and other banking-related and financial services. We are subject to competition from less heavily regulated entities such as brokerage firms, money market funds, credit unions, consumer finance and credit card companies, and other financial services companies.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”) has liberalized many of the regulatory restrictions previously imposed on us, including our subsidiaries. Further legislative proposals are pending or may be introduced which could further affect the financial services industry. It is not possible to assess whether any of such proposals will be enacted, and if enacted, what effect such proposals would have on our competitive positions in our marketplace.

 

As a result of state and federal legislation enacted over the past 20 years, consolidation in the industry has continued at a rapid pace. Further, as a result of the relaxation of laws and regulations pertaining to branch banking in the state, and the opportunity to engage in interstate banking, consolidation within the banking industry has had a significant effect on us and our markets. At present, we compete throughout our market areas with numerous super-regional institutions that have significantly greater resources and assets.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

General. We are a financial holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) and are subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Bank Holding Company Act requires prior approval of an acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a bank or of ownership or control of voting shares of any bank if the share acquisition would give us more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank or bank holding company. It also imposes restrictions, summarized below, on the assets or voting shares of non-banking companies that we may acquire.

 

Susquehanna Bank is also subject to regulation and supervision. It is a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank and trust company subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve Board. Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company is a Pennsylvania non-depository trust company subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve Board. All of our subsidiaries are subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board even if not otherwise regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which became law on July 21, 2010 and is described below, there will be additional regulatory oversight and supervision of the holding company and its subsidiaries.

 

Consistent with the requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act, our only lines of business in 2010 consisted of providing our customers with banking, trust and other financial products and services. These included commercial banking through Susquehanna Bank, trust and related services through Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company, consumer vehicle financing through Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.), investment advisory, asset management, retirement plan consulting and brokerage services through Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. and Stratton Management Company, and property and casualty insurance brokerage services through The Addis Group, LLC. Of these activities, banking activities accounted for 92% of our gross revenues in 2010 and 92% of our gross revenues in 2009.

 

Regulations governing our bank subsidiary restrict extensions of credit by the bank to Susquehanna and, with some exceptions, the other Susquehanna affiliates. For these purposes, extensions of credit include loans and advances to and guarantees and letters of credit on behalf of Susquehanna and such affiliates. These regulations also restrict investments by our bank subsidiary in the stock or other securities of Susquehanna and the covered affiliates, as well as the acceptance of such stock or other securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, whether or not related to Susquehanna.

 

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Our bank subsidiary is subject to comprehensive federal and state regulations dealing with a wide variety of subjects, including reserve requirements, loan limitations, restrictions as to interest rates on loans and deposits, restrictions as to dividend payments, requirements governing the establishment of branches, and numerous other aspects of its operations. These regulations generally have been adopted to protect depositors and creditors rather than shareholders.

 

Future Legislation. In response to the recent financial crisis, the United States Congress and government (particularly the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”), the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”)) have taken numerous steps to stabilize the financial markets and to provide additional regulatory oversight of financial institutions.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changes the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act includes, and the regulations to be developed thereunder will include, provisions affecting large and small financial institutions alike, including several provisions that will affect how community banks and bank holding companies will be regulated in the future.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, imposes new capital requirements on bank holding companies; changes the base for FDIC insurance assessments to a bank’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity, rather than upon its deposit base, and permanently raises the current standard deposit insurance limit to $250,000; extends unlimited insurance for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts through 2012 and expands the FDIC’s authority to raise insurance premiums. The legislation also calls for the FDIC to raise the ratio of reserves to deposits from 1.15% to 1.35% for deposit insurance purposes by September 30, 2020 and to “offset the effect” of increased assessments on insured depository institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. The Dodd-Frank Act also limits interchange fees payable on debit card transactions, establishes the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “CFPB”) as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve, which will have broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards, and contains provisions on mortgage-related matters such as steering incentives, and determinations as to a borrower’s ability to repay and prepayment penalties. The CFPB will have primary examination and enforcement authority over Susquehanna Bank and other banks with over $10 billion in assets effective July 21, 2011.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also includes provisions that affect corporate governance and executive compensation at all publicly-traded companies and allows financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts. The legislation also restricts proprietary trading, places restrictions on the owning or sponsoring of hedge and private equity funds, and regulates the derivatives activities of banks and their affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act establishes the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which is to identify threats to the financial stability of the U.S., promote market discipline, and respond to emerging threats to the stability of the U.S. financial system.

 

The Collins Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, eliminates certain trust preferred securities from tier 1 capital. Preferred securities issued under the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) are exempted from this treatment. In the case of certain trust preferred securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $15 billion or more as of December 31, 2009, these “regulatory capital deductions” are to be phased in incrementally over a period of three years beginning on January 1, 2013. This provision also requires the federal banking agencies to establish minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements that will apply to both insured banks and their holding companies. Regulations implementing the Collins Amendment must be issued within 18 months of July 21, 2010.

 

A separate legislative proposal would impose a new fee or tax on U.S. financial institutions as part of the 2010 budget plans in an effort to reduce the anticipated budget deficit and to recoup losses anticipated from the TARP. Such an assessment is estimated to be 15-basis points, levied against bank assets minus Tier 1 capital and domestic deposits. It appears that this fee or tax would be assessed only against the 50 or so largest financial

 

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institutions in the U.S., which are those with more than $50 billion in assets, and therefore would not directly affect us. However, the large banks that are affected by the tax may choose to seek additional deposit funding in the marketplace, driving up the cost of deposits for all banks. The administration has also considered a transaction tax on trades of stock in financial institutions and a tax on executive bonuses.

 

The U.S. Congress has also recently adopted additional consumer protection laws such as the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, and the Federal Reserve has adopted numerous new regulations addressing banks’ credit card, overdraft and mortgage lending practices. Additional consumer protection legislation and regulatory activity is anticipated in the near future.

 

Internationally, both the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Financial Stability Board (established in April 2009 by the Group of Twenty (“G-20”) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to take action to strengthen regulation and supervision of the financial system with greater international consistency, cooperation and transparency) have committed to raise capital standards and liquidity buffers within the banking system (“Basel III”). On September 12, 2010, the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision agreed to the calibration and phase-in of the Basel III minimum capital requirements (raising the minimum Tier 1 equity ratio to 6.0%, with full implementation by January 2015) and introducing a capital conservation buffer of common equity of an additional 2.5% with implementation by January 2019. The U.S. federal banking agencies generally support Basel III. The G-20 endorsed Basel III on November 12, 2010.

 

Additional Activities. Susquehanna is a “financial holding company” (an “FHC”) under the GLB Act. As an FHC, we are permitted to engage, directly or through subsidiaries, in a wide variety of activities which are financial in nature or are incidental or complementary to a financial activity, in addition to all of the activities otherwise allowed to us. The additional activities permitted to us as an FHC (if we so determine to conduct them) include, among others, insurance and securities underwriting, merchant banking activities, issuing and selling annuities and securitized interests in financial assets, and engaging domestically in activities that bank holding companies previously have been permitted to engage in only overseas. All of these listed activities can be conducted, through an acquisition or on a start-up basis, generally without prior Federal Reserve Board approval and with only notice to the Federal Reserve Board afterward.

 

The GLB Act also generally permits well-capitalized national banks and, if state law permits, well-capitalized state chartered banks, to form or acquire financial subsidiaries to engage in most of these same activities, with the exception of certain specified activities (insurance underwriting, for example) which must be conducted only at the level of the holding company or a non-bank subsidiary of the holding company. State chartered banks in Pennsylvania are generally allowed to engage (with proper regulatory authorization) in activities that are permitted to national banks.

 

As an FHC, Susquehanna is generally subject to the same regulation as other bank holding companies, including the reporting, examination, supervision and consolidated capital requirements of the Federal Reserve Board. To preserve our FHC status, we must remain well-capitalized and well-managed and ensure that Susquehanna Bank remains well-capitalized and well-managed for regulatory purposes and earns “satisfactory” or better ratings on its periodic Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) examinations. An FHC ceasing to meet these standards is subject to a variety of restrictions, depending on the circumstances.

 

If the Federal Reserve Board determines that we or any of the FHC’s subsidiary depository institutions are either not well-capitalized or not well-managed, it must notify the FHC. Until compliance is restored, the Federal Reserve Board has broad discretion to impose appropriate limitations on the FHC’s activities. If compliance is not restored within 180 days, the Board may ultimately require the FHC to divest its depository institutions or in the alternative, to discontinue or divest any activities that are permitted only to non-FHC bank holding companies.

 

If the Federal Reserve Board determines that the FHC or its subsidiaries do not satisfy the CRA requirements, the potential restrictions are different. In that case, until all the subsidiary institutions are restored

 

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to at least “satisfactory” CRA rating status, the FHC may not engage, directly or through a subsidiary, in any of the additional activities permissible under the GLB Act nor make additional acquisitions of companies engaged in the additional activities. However, completed acquisitions and additional activities and affiliations previously begun are left undisturbed, as the GLB Act does not require divestiture for this type of situation.

 

Capital Adequacy. Under the risk-based capital requirements presently applicable to them, bank holding companies must maintain a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including the asset equivalent of certain off-balance sheet activities such as acceptances and letters of credit) of not less than 8% (10% in order to be considered “well-capitalized”). At least 4% out of the total capital (6% to be well-capitalized) must be composed of common stock, related surplus, retained earnings, qualifying perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in the equity accounts of certain consolidated subsidiaries, after deducting goodwill and certain other intangibles (“tier 1 capital”). The remainder of total capital (“tier 2 capital”) may consist of certain perpetual debt securities, mandatory convertible debt securities, hybrid capital instruments and limited amounts of subordinated debt, qualifying preferred stock, allowance for loan and lease losses, allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures, and unrealized gains on equity securities.

 

At December 31, 2010, our tier 1 capital and total capital (i.e., tier 1 plus tier 2) ratios were 12.65% and 14.72%, respectively.

 

The Federal Reserve Board has also established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines mandate a minimum leverage ratio of tier 1 capital to adjusted quarterly average total assets less certain amounts (“leverage amounts”) equal to 3% for bank holding companies meeting certain criteria (including those having the highest regulatory rating). All other banking organizations are generally required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 3% plus an additional cushion of at least 100 basis points and in some cases more. The Federal Reserve Board’s guidelines also provide that bank holding companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without significant reliance on intangible assets. Furthermore, the guidelines indicate that the Federal Reserve Board will continue to consider a “tangible tier 1 leverage ratio” (i.e., after deducting all intangibles) in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activities. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised us of any specific minimum leverage ratio applicable to us. At December 31, 2010, our leverage ratio was 10.27%.

 

Susquehanna Bank is subject to similar capital standards promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised the bank of any specific minimum leverage ratios applicable to it.

 

On January 21, 2010, the federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, issued a final risk-based regulatory capital rule related to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s issuance of ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810) — Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities and ASU 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) — Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets. These accounting standards make substantive changes to how banks account for securitized assets that were previously excluded from their balance sheets. The final regulatory capital rule seeks to better align regulatory capital requirements with actual risks. Under the final rule, banks affected by Topic 810 and Topic 860 generally will be subject to higher minimum regulatory capital requirements.

 

The final rule permits banks to include without limit in tier 2 capital any increase in the allowance for lease and loan losses calculated as of the implementation date that is attributable to assets consolidated under the requirements of Topic 810. The rule provides an optional delay and phase-in for a maximum of one year for the effect on risk-based capital and the allowance for lease and loan losses related to the assets that must be consolidated as a result of the accounting change. The final rule also eliminates the risk-based capital exemption for asset-backed commercial paper assets. The transitional relief does not apply to the leverage ratio or to assets in conduits to which a bank provides implicit support. Banks will be required to rebuild capital and repair balance sheets to accommodate the new accounting standards by the middle of 2011. The provisions of Topic 810 are immaterial to Susquehanna.

 

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Prompt Corrective Action. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, or FDICIA, requires the federal regulators to take prompt corrective action against any undercapitalized institution. FDICIA establishes five capital categories: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Well-capitalized institutions significantly exceed the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. Adequately capitalized institutions include depository institutions that meet but do not significantly exceed the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. Undercapitalized institutions consist of those that fail to meet the required minimum level for one or more relevant capital measures. Significantly undercapitalized characterizes depository institutions with capital levels significantly below the minimum requirements for any relevant capital measure. Critically undercapitalized refers to depository institutions with minimal capital and at serious risk for government seizure.

 

Under certain circumstances, a well-capitalized, adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution may be treated as if the institution were in the next lower capital category. A depository institution is generally prohibited from making capital distributions, including paying dividends, or paying management fees to a holding company if the institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Institutions that are adequately capitalized but not well-capitalized cannot accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits except with a waiver from the FDIC and are subject to restrictions on the interest rates that can be paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions may not accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits.

 

The federal bank regulatory agencies are permitted or, in certain cases, required to take certain actions with respect to institutions falling within one of the three undercapitalized categories. Depending on the level of an institution’s capital, the agency’s corrective powers include, among other things:

 

   

prohibiting the payment of principal and interest on subordinated debt;

 

   

prohibiting the holding company from making distributions without prior regulatory approval;

 

   

placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on activities;

 

   

placing additional restrictions on transactions with affiliates;

 

   

restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits;

 

   

prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; and

 

   

in the most severe cases, appointing a conservator or receiver for the institution.

 

A banking institution that is undercapitalized is required to submit a capital restoration plan, and such a plan will not be accepted unless, among other things, the banking institution’s holding company guarantees the plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from a depository institution’s holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy. As of December 31, 2010, Susquehanna Bank exceeded the required capital ratios for classification as “well capitalized.”

 

Federal Deposit Insurance. The increases in deposit insurance described above under “Supervision and Regulation,” the FDIC’s expanded authority to increase insurance premiums, as well as the recent increase and anticipated additional increase in the number of bank failures, is expected to result in an increase in deposit insurance assessments for all banks, including Susquehanna Bank. The FDIC, absent extraordinary circumstances, is required by law to return the insurance reserve ratio to a 1.15 percent ratio no later than the end of 2013. Recent failures caused the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) to fall to a negative $8.2 billion as of September 30, 2009. Citing extraordinary circumstances, the FDIC has extended the time within which the reserve ratio must be restored to 1.15 from five to eight years.

 

If the FDIC is appointed conservator or receiver of a bank upon the bank’s insolvency or the occurrence of other events, the FDIC may sell some, part or all of a bank’s assets and liabilities to another bank or repudiate or disaffirm most types of contracts to which the bank was a party if the FDIC believes such contract is

 

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burdensome. In resolving the estate of a failed bank, the FDIC as receiver will first satisfy its own administrative expenses, and the claims of holders of U.S. deposit liabilities also have priority over those of other general unsecured creditors.

 

Source of Strength Doctrine. Under new provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as Federal Reserve Board policy and regulation, a bank holding company must serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to each of its subsidiary banks and is expected to stand prepared to commit resources to support each of them. Consistent with this, the Federal Reserve Board has stated that, as a matter of prudent banking, a bank holding company should generally not maintain a given rate of cash dividends unless its net income available to common shareholders has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition.

 

EESA. Turmoil in the nation’s financial sector during 2008 resulted in the passage of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) and the adoption of several programs by the U.S. Treasury, as well as several actions by the Federal Reserve Board. One such program under TARP was action by the U.S. Treasury to make significant investments in U.S. financial institutions through the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). The U.S. Treasury’s stated purpose in implementing the CPP was to improve the capitalization of healthy institutions, which would improve the flow of credit to businesses and consumers, and boost the confidence of depositors, investors, and counterparties alike. All federal banking and thrift regulatory agencies encouraged eligible institutions to participate in the CPP.

 

We applied for, and the U.S. Treasury approved, a capital purchase in the amount of $300 million. We entered into a Letter Agreement with the U.S. Treasury, pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $300 million in cash: (i) 300,000 shares of our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value per share, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share; and (ii) a ten-year warrant to purchase up to 3,028,264 shares of our common stock, at an initial exercise price of $14.86 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution and other adjustments. The TARP transaction closed on December 12, 2008. We repaid our TARP obligations on December 22, 2010 and repurchased the warrant sold to the U.S. Treasury on January 19, 2011. The warrant was repurchased for $5.3 million.

 

USA Patriot Act of 2001. A major focus of governmental policy applicable to financial institutions in recent years has been the effort to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (“Patriot Act”) was enacted to strengthen the ability of the U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities to achieve this goal. The Patriot Act requires financial institutions, including our banking and broker-dealer subsidiaries, to assist in the prevention, detection and prosecution of money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The Patriot Act established standards to be followed by institutions in verifying client identification when accounts are opened and provides rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement organizations in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering.

 

Regulation of Non-bank Subsidiaries. In addition to Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company, we have other primary non-bank subsidiaries whose activities subject them to licensing and regulation. Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.) is organized under the laws of New Jersey. It is regulated by Connecticut as a motor vehicle leasing company, by Delaware as afinance or small loan agency and a motor vehicle lessor, and by New Jersey and Pennsylvania as a sales finance company. Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. is organized under the laws of Pennsylvania. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. It is also a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). It is also licensed with 26 states as an investment advisor, 28 states as a broker-dealer, and has a firm insurance license with six states. Stratton Management Company is licensed as an investment advisor with the SEC and with 17 states. The Addis Group, LLC is organized under the laws of Pennsylvania. It is licensed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner and the insurance commissioners of 48 other states. As a result of changes contained in the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve may examine any subsidiary of a bank holding company.

 

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Privacy. Title V of the GLB Act is intended to increase the level of privacy protection afforded to customers of financial institutions, including customers of the securities and insurance affiliates of such institutions, partly in recognition of the increased cross-marketing opportunities created by the GLB Act’s elimination of many of the boundaries previously separating various segments of the financial services industry. Among other things, these provisions require institutions to have in place administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, to protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to a customer. The GLB Act also requires institutions to furnish consumers at the outset of the relationship and annually thereafter written disclosures concerning the institution’s privacy policies.

 

National Monetary Policy. In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, the earnings and growth of Susquehanna and our subsidiaries are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve Board. An important function of the Federal Reserve Board is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve Board to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Government securities, adjustments of the discount rate, and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments, and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

 

On January 6, 2010, the member agencies of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (the “FFIEC”), which includes the Federal Reserve Board, issued an interest rate risk advisory reminding banks to maintain sound practices for managing interest rate risk, particularly in the current environment of historically low short-term interest rates.

 

The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our future business, earnings, and growth cannot be predicted.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

As of December 31, 2010, the executive officers of Susquehanna, their ages and their positions with Susquehanna, are set forth in the following table:

 

Name

  

Age

  

Title

William J. Reuter    61    Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Eddie L. Dunklebarger    56    President and Chief Operating Officer
Drew K. Hostetter    56    Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Edward Balderston, Jr.    63    Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Michael M. Quick    62    Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Credit Officer
James G. Pierné    59    Executive Vice President
Bernard A. Francis, Jr.    60    Senior Vice President and Group Executive
Rodney A. Lefever    44    Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Operations Officer
Lisa M. Cavage    46    Senior Vice President, Secretary and Counsel
Edward J. Wydock    54    Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
Joseph R. Lizza    52    Senior Vice President
Jeffrey M. Seibert    51    Senior Vice President
Michael E. Hough    46    Senior Vice President
John H. Montgomery    48    Senior Vice President

 

William J. Reuter has been a Director of Susquehanna since 1999 and became Chairman of the Board in May 2002. He has been Chief Executive Officer since May 2001, and served as President from January 2000

 

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until June 2008. For the past five years he has been Chairman of the Board of our subsidiaries Susquehanna Bank and Valley Forge Asset Management Corp., and he has been a Director of Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.) and The Addis Group, LLC. He has been a Director of Stratton Management Company and Semper Trust Company since May 2008.

 

Eddie L. Dunklebarger has been a Director of Susquehanna since November 2007 (when Susquehanna acquired Community Banks, Inc.), and has been President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2008. From November 2007 until he was named President and Chief Operating Officer, he was Vice Chairman of the Board and an Executive Vice President. He is also Vice Chairman and a Director of our subsidiary, Susquehanna Bank, and was previously Susquehanna Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. From 1998 to 2007, he served in various roles at Community, including being its Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. He also served from 1999 to 2007 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Community’s subsidiary bank.

 

Drew K. Hostetter was appointed Executive Vice President in May 2001 and has been Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since 1998. He has also been Chairman of our subsidiary, Hann Financial Service Corp., since February 2004.

 

Edward Balderston, Jr. was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer in June 2004. From May 2001 until his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, he was Senior Vice President and Group Executive.

 

Michael M. Quick was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Credit Officer in July 2007. Prior to such time, commencing in June 2004, he served in several capacities, including Executive Vice President and Group Executive and Senior Vice President and Group Executive. From June 2006 until October 2008, he was Chairman of Susquehanna Bank DV (including its predecessor Susquehanna Patriot Bank). From March 1998 through June 2006, he continuously held numerous executive positions with predecessor banks of Susquehanna Bank DV, including as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.

 

James G. Pierné was appointed Executive Vice President and Group Executive in May 2007. From May 2001 until his appointment as Executive Vice President and Group Executive, he held executive positions including Senior Vice President and Group Executive. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Susquehanna Bank in April 2009. From 1993 through April 2009, he continuously held various executive positions with predecessor banks of Susquehanna Bank, including Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, Managing Director – Retail Banking Services/Marketing, and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. He has also been a Director of Susquehanna Bank since May 2009.

 

Bernard A. Francis, Jr. was appointed Senior Vice President and Group Executive in May 2005. From June 2004 until his appointment as Senior Vice President and Group Executive, he was Vice President. He has also been President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. since March 2000, Chief Investment Officer of Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company since November 2001, Chairman of the Board of Stratton Management Company since April 2008, Chairman of the Board of Semper Trust Company since April 2008 and a Director of Stratton Funds, Inc. since April 2008.

 

Rodney A. Lefever was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Operations Officer in May 2010. From April 2001 until his appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Operations Officer, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. From March 1995 until he joined Susquehanna in 2001, he held various executive positions at other companies, including serving as Director, Earthlink Everywhere, Earthlink, Inc., as the President of New Business Development, OneMain.com Inc. and as the President of D&E Supernet (and its predecessors).

 

Lisa M. Cavage was appointed Senior Vice President in May 2005. From May 2001 until her appointment as Senior Vice President, she was Vice President. She has been Counsel to Susquehanna since March 1998.

 

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Edward J. Wydock was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer in May 2007. From May 2002 until his appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, he served as Vice President and Chief Audit Executive. Prior to joining Susquehanna, he served as Director of Internal Audit and Risk Consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from March 1997 to May 2002.

 

Joseph R. Lizza was appointed Senior Vice President and Group Executive in April 2007. He was appointed President of the DV Division of Susquehanna Bank in May 2009. Prior to such time, commencing in February 2000, he continuously served in various executive positions at Susquehanna Bank and its predecessor banks, including Senior Executive Vice President — Risk Management, Managing Director — DV Division, and President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Jeffrey M. Seibert was appointed Senior Vice President in May 2009. Prior to such time, since June 2008, he was Executive Vice President. He served as President of the PA Division of Susquehanna Bank from May 2009 to December 2010. Prior to such time, commencing in November 2007 (when Susquehanna acquired Community Banks, Inc.), he served in various executive capacities at Susquehanna Bank and its predecessor banks, including Managing Director — Commercial/Business Banking Services and Chief Operating Officer. From May 1994 until November 2007 he was Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Commercial Business Banking Services, Chief Credit Officer and Senior Lender of Community’s bank subsidiary.

 

Michael E. Hough was appointed Senior Vice President in June 2008. He was appointed President of the MD Division of Susquehanna Bank in May 2009. Prior to such time, commencing in 2003, he served continuously in various executive positions at Susquehanna Bank and its predecessor banks, including Executive Vice President, Senior Executive Vice President, Managing Director — Maryland Division, and President and Chief Operating Officer.

 

John H. Montgomery was appointed Senior Vice President in June 2008. He was appointed President of the PA Division of Susquehanna Bank in December 2010. From May 2009 until his appointment as President of the PA Division of Susquehanna Bank, he was Managing Director — Commercial Division of Susquehanna Bank. Prior to such time, commencing in September 2005, he served continuously in various executive positions with Susquehanna Bank and its predecessor banks, including, Senior Executive Vice President of Susquehanna Bank PA’s Business Banking and Agricultural Banking division, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive, and Managing Director — Pennsylvania Division. From November 1996 until he joined Susquehanna in September 2005, he served various positions with CommunityBanks and its predecessors, most recently as Senior Vice President and Regional President.

 

There are no family relationships among the executive officers of Susquehanna. The executive officers are elected or appointed by the Board of Directors of Susquehanna and serve until the appointment or election and qualification of their successor or their earlier death, resignation or removal. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of them and any other person pursuant to which any of them was selected an officer of Susquehanna.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Recent Market, Legislative and Regulatory Events

 

Difficult conditions in the capital markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations, and we do not expect these conditions to improve in the near future.

 

Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the capital markets and the economy generally. The capital and credit markets have experienced extended volatility and disruption. In many cases, these markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices of, and credit availability to, certain companies without regard to those companies’ underlying financial strength.

 

Concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a declining U.S. real estate market have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the capital and credit markets going forward. These factors, combined with volatile oil prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and national recession. In addition, the fixed-income markets are experiencing a period of extreme volatility which has negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. Initially, the concerns on the part of market participants were focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns have since expanded to include a broad range of mortgage-and asset-backed and other fixed income securities, including those rated investment grade, the U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, and a wide range of financial institutions and markets, asset classes and sectors. As a result, the market for fixed income instruments has experienced decreased liquidity, increased price volatility, credit downgrade events, and increased probability of default. Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and may be hard to dispose of. Domestic and international equity markets have also been experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers (such as our company) that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage, automobile and credit markets particularly affected. These events and the continuing market upheavals may have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and also because we are dependent upon customer behavior. Our revenues are likely to decline in such circumstances, and our profit margins could erode. In addition, in the event of extreme and prolonged market events, such as the global credit crisis, we could incur significant losses. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.

 

Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the profitability of our business. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment and lower consumer spending, the demand for our financial products could be adversely affected. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The economic slowdown has resulted in legislative and regulatory actions including the enactment of the EESA, the AARA and the Dodd-Frank Act that will further impact our business. In addition, we cannot predict whether there will be additional legislative or regulatory actions, when such actions may occur or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

 

Our ability to engage in funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and failure of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even questions or rumors about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or other

 

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institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due us. Losses related to these credit risks could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or earnings.

 

We may be required to pay significantly higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums in the future.

 

During 2009 and continuing through 2010, higher levels of bank failures have dramatically increased resolution costs of the FDIC and depleted the DIF. In addition, the FDIC instituted two temporary programs in 2008 to further insure customer deposits at FDIC-member banks. Under these temporary programs, through December 31, 2009 deposit accounts were insured up to $250,000 per customer (up from $100,000) and non-interest bearing transactional accounts were fully insured (unlimited coverage). These programs placed additional stress on the DIF.

 

In order to maintain a strong funding position and restore reserve ratios of the Deposit Insurance Fund, the FDIC increased assessment rates of insured institutions uniformly by 7 cents for every $100 of deposits beginning with the first quarter of 2009, with additional changes beginning April 1, 2009, which required riskier institutions to pay a larger share of premiums by factoring in rate adjustments based on secured liabilities and unsecured debt levels.

 

On May 22, 2009, the FDIC Board of Directors adopted a final rule that imposed a special assessment on all insured depository institutions, which was collected on September 30, 2009. The final rule also permitted the FDIC to impose additional special assessments after June 30, 2009 but prior to December 31, 2009, if necessary, to maintain public confidence in federal deposit insurance.

 

On September 29, 2009, the FDIC Board of Directors adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment that would require insured depository institutions to prepay their quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and full years 2010 through 2012 on December 29, 2009. This action was taken in connection with the adoption of an Amended Restoration Plan to meet immediate liquidity needs and return the DIF to its federally mandated level, without imposing additional special assessments. The final rule, adopted by the FDIC on November 12, 2009, imposed a 13-quarter prepayment of FDIC premiums. The prepayment was an estimated prepayment for the fourth quarter of 2009 through the fourth quarter of 2012 and was paid December 30, 2009.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for FDIC deposit insurance assessments. Assessments will now be based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution, rather than deposits. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance to $250,000 per account, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012. The legislation also increases the required minimum reserve ratio for the DIF, from 1.15% to 1.35% of insured deposits, removes the statutory cap for the reserve ratio, leaving the FDIC free to set this cap going forward, and directs the FDIC to offset the effects of increased assessments on depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets.

 

We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. Additionally, the FDIC may make material changes to the calculation of the prepaid assessment from the current proposal. Any future changes in the calculation or assessment of FDIC insurance premiums may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and our ability to continue to pay dividends on our common shares at the current rate or at all.

 

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Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives to support the financial services industry have been coupled with numerous restrictions and requirements that could detrimentally affect our business and require us to raise additional capital.

 

As a publicly traded company, we are subject to various requirements and restrictions under the Dodd-Frank Act, regardless of our participation in federal programs. See “Supervision and Regulation” above. The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, authorizes the SEC to promulgate rules permitting stockholders to nominate candidates using a company’s proxy materials and requires that listed companies implement and disclose “clawback” policies for recovery of incentive compensation paid to executive officers in connection with accounting restatements. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes and directs various agencies to promulgate new rules and regulations, the impact of which we cannot predict with any certainty. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not.

 

In addition, the new, yet to be written implementing rules and regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as any proposals for new legislation that are introduced in the U.S. Congress, could further substantially increase regulation of the financial services industry and impose restrictions on the ability of firms within the industry to conduct business consistent with historical practices, including aspects such as compensation, interest rates, new and inconsistent consumer protection regulations and mortgage regulation, among others. Federal and state regulatory agencies also frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. We cannot predict the substance or impact of pending, future and certain newly-enacted legislation or regulation, or the application thereof. Compliance with such current and potential regulation and scrutiny may significantly increase our costs, impede the efficiency of our internal business processes, require us to increase our regulatory capital, require us to invest significant management attention and resources and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner.

 

Recent negative developments in the financial industry and the credit markets may subject us to additional regulation.

 

As a result of the recent global financial crisis, the potential exists for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards to be promulgated, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets, and the impact of new legislation in response to those developments, may negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and may adversely impact our financial performance.

 

Our future growth may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.

 

We are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. The Dodd-Frank Act sets a statutory floor for risk-based and leverage capital standards. See “Supervision and Regulation” above. We anticipate that our current capital levels will satisfy our regulatory requirements for the foreseeable future. We may at some point, however, need to raise additional capital to support our continued growth. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend, in part, on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we may be unable to raise additional capital, if and when needed, on terms acceptable to us, or at all. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired. In addition, if we decide to raise additional equity capital, your interest could be diluted.

 

A prolonged recession, especially one affecting our geographic market areas, could reduce our customer base, our level of deposits and demand for financial products, such as loans.

 

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We are in uncertain economic times, including uncertainty with respect to volatile financial markets. Our success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts in our geographic markets. If the communities in which we operate do not grow, or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are unfavorable, our business may not succeed. A prolonged economic downturn would likely contribute to the deterioration of the credit quality of our loan portfolio and reduce our level of customer deposits, which in turn would hurt our business. If the current economic downturn in the economy as a whole, or in our geographic market areas, continues for a prolonged period, borrowers may be less likely to repay their loans as scheduled or at all. Moreover, the value of real estate or other collateral that may secure our loans could be adversely affected. Unlike many larger institutions, we are not able to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified economies and geographic locations. A prolonged economic downturn could, therefore, result in losses that could materially and adversely affect our business.

 

A further decline in the economic environment could lead to a decline in our operations, as well as other factors, and could result in a decline in the implied fair value of goodwill. If the fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value, we many recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge.

 

Business and Industry Risks

 

We may not be able to continue to grow our business, which may adversely impact our results of operations.

 

Our total assets have grown from approximately $8.2 billion at December 31, 2006, to $14.0 billion at December 31, 2010. Our business strategy calls for continued expansion. Our ability to continue to grow depends, in part, upon our ability to open new branch locations, successfully attract deposits, identify favorable loan and investment opportunities, and acquire other bank and non-bank entities. In the event that we do not continue to grow, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.

 

Our ability to grow successfully will depend on whether we can continue to fund this growth while maintaining cost controls and asset quality, as well as on factors beyond our control, such as national and regional economic conditions and interest rate trends. If we are not able to control costs and maintain asset quality, such growth could adversely impact our earnings and financial condition.

 

Geographic concentration in one market may unfavorably impact our operations.

 

Substantially all of our business is with customers located within Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, and our operations are heavily concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic region. As a result of this geographic concentration, our results depend largely on economic conditions in these and surrounding areas. Deterioration in economic conditions in this market could:

 

   

increase loan delinquencies;

 

   

increase problem assets and foreclosures;

 

   

increase claims and lawsuits;

 

   

decrease the demand for our products and services; and

 

   

decrease the value of collateral for loans, especially real estate, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, the value of assets associated with nonperforming loans and collateral coverage.

 

Generally, we make loans to small to mid-sized businesses whose success depends on the regional economy. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. Adverse economic and business conditions in our market area could reduce our growth rate, affect our borrowers’ ability to repay their loans and, consequently, adversely affect our financial condition and performance. For example, we place substantial reliance on real estate as collateral for our loan portfolio. A sharp downturn in real estate values in our market area could leave many of our loans inadequately collateralized. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings could be adversely affected.

 

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Loss of certain key officers would adversely affect our business.

 

Our future operating results are substantially dependent on the continued service of William J. Reuter, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Eddie L. Dunklebarger, our President and Vice Chairman; Gregory A. Duncan, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Drew K. Hostetter, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Michael M. Quick, our Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Credit Officer; and Bernard A. Francis, Jr., our Senior Vice President and Group Executive. The loss of the services of Messrs. Reuter, Dunklebarger, Duncan, Hostetter, Quick and Francis would have a negative impact on our business because of their expertise and years of industry experience. In addition, the loss of the services of Mr. Reuter would have a negative impact on our business because of his leadership, business development skills and community involvement. We do not maintain key man life insurance on Messrs. Reuter, Dunklebarger, Duncan, Hostetter, Quick or Francis.

 

Our exposure to credit risk, because we focus on commercial lending, could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

 

There are certain risks inherent in making loans. These risks include interest rate changes over the time period in which loans may be repaid, risks resulting from changes in the economy, risks inherent in dealing with borrowers and, in the case of a loan backed by collateral, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral.

 

Commercial loans, including commercial real estate, are generally viewed as having a higher credit risk than residential real estate or consumer loans because they usually involve larger loan balances to a single borrower and are more susceptible to a risk of default during an economic downturn. Our consolidated commercial lending operations include commercial, financial and agricultural lending, real estate construction lending, and commercial mortgage lending, which comprised 18.9%, 9.1% and 31.0% of our total loan portfolio, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. Construction financing typically involves a higher degree of credit risk than commercial mortgage lending. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely on the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. If the estimated property value proves to be inaccurate, the loan may be inadequately collateralized.

 

Because our loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial real estate, commercial and industrial loans, and construction loans, the deterioration of these loans may cause a significant increase in nonperforming loans. An increase in nonperforming loans could cause an increase in loan charge-offs and a corresponding increase in the provision for loan losses, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

If our allowance for loan and lease losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan and lease losses, our earnings would decrease.

 

In an attempt to mitigate any loan and lease losses that we may incur, we maintain an allowance for loan and lease losses based on, among other things, national and regional economic conditions, historical loss experience, and delinquency trends. However, we cannot predict loan and lease losses with certainty, and we cannot assure you that charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan and lease losses. If charge-offs exceed our allowance, our earnings would decrease. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, review our allowance for loan and lease losses and may require additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Factors that require an increase in our allowance for loan and lease losses, such as a prolonged economic downturn or continued weakening in general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control, could reduce our earnings.

 

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Changes in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

 

Our net income depends primarily upon our net interest income. Net interest income is income that remains after deducting, from total income generated by earning assets, the interest expense attributable to the acquisition of the funds required to support earning assets. Income from earning assets includes income from loans, investment securities and short-term investments. The amount of interest income is dependent on many factors including the volume of earning assets, the general level of interest rates, the dynamics of the change in interest rates, and the levels of nonperforming loans. The cost of funds varies with the amount of funds necessary to support earning assets, the rates paid to attract and hold deposits, rates paid on borrowed funds and the levels of non-interest-bearing demand deposits and equity capital.

 

Different types of assets and liabilities may react differently, and at different times, to changes in market interest rates. We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities. That means either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest-earning assets, an increase in market rates of interest could reduce our net interest income. Likewise, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce our net interest income. We are unable to predict changes in market interest rates, which are affected by many factors beyond our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, domestic and international events, and changes in the United States and other financial markets.

 

We attempt to manage risk from changes in market interest rates, in part, by controlling the mix of interest- rate-sensitive assets and interest-rate-sensitive liabilities. However, interest-rate risk management techniques are not exact. A rapid increase or decrease in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.

 

Competition from other financial institutions in originating loans, attracting deposits and providing various financial services may adversely affect our profitability.

 

Our banking subsidiary faces substantial competition in originating loans, both commercial and consumer. This competition comes principally from other banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking companies, and other lenders. Many of our competitors enjoy advantages, including greater financial resources and higher lending limits, a wider geographic presence, more accessible branch office locations, the ability to offer a wider array of services or more favorable pricing alternatives, as well as lower origination and operating costs. This competition could reduce our net income by decreasing the number and size of loans that our banking subsidiary originates and the interest rates it may charge on these loans.

 

In attracting business and consumer deposits, our bank subsidiary faces substantial competition from other insured depository institutions such as banks, savings institutions and credit unions, as well as institutions offering uninsured investment alternatives, including money market funds. Many of our competitors enjoy advantages, including greater financial resources, more aggressive marketing campaigns and better brand recognition and more branch locations. These competitors may offer higher interest rates than we do, which could decrease the deposits that we attract or require us to increase our rates to retain existing deposits or attract new deposits. Increased deposit competition could adversely affect our ability to generate the funds necessary for lending operations. As a result, we may need to seek other sources of funds that may be more expensive to obtain and could increase our cost of funds.

 

Our banking and non-banking subsidiaries also compete with non-bank providers of financial services, such as brokerage firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, insurance companies and governmental organizations which may offer more favorable terms. Some of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern our banking operations. As a result, such non-bank competitors may have advantages over our banking and non-banking subsidiaries in providing certain products and services. This competition may reduce or limit our margins on banking and non-banking services, reduce our market share, and adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

 

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We continually encounter technological change, and we may have fewer resources than many of our competitors to continue to invest in technological improvements, which could reduce our ability to effectively compete.

 

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introduction of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial service institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services to enhance customer convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, which could reduce our ability to effectively compete.

 

Government regulation significantly affects our business.

 

The banking industry is heavily regulated, and such regulations are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the federal deposit insurance funds, not shareholders. As a financial holding company, we are subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. Our bank subsidiary, as of December 31, 2010, is also regulated by the Federal Reserve Board and is subject to regulation by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. These regulations affect lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy, and growth. In addition, we have non-bank operating subsidiaries from which we derive income. Several of these non-bank subsidiaries engage in providing investment management and insurance brokerage services, industries which are also heavily regulated on both a state and federal level. In addition, newly enacted and amended laws, regulations, and regulatory practices affecting the financial service industry may result in higher capital requirements, higher insurance premiums and limit the manner in which we may conduct our business. Such changes may adversely affect us, including our ability to offer new products and services, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and leases and achieve satisfactory spreads, and may also result in the imposition of additional costs on us. As a public company, we are also subject to the corporate governance standards set forth in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as any applicable rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC. Complying with these existing and any newly enacted standards, rules and regulations may impose administrative costs and burdens on us.

 

The Pennsylvania business corporation law and various anti-takeover provisions under our articles of incorporation could impede the takeover of the company.

 

Various Pennsylvania laws affecting business corporations may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire Susquehanna, even if the acquisition would be advantageous to shareholders. In addition, we have various anti-takeover measures in place under our articles of incorporation. Any one or more of these measures may impede the takeover of Susquehanna without the approval of our board of directors and may prevent our shareholders from taking part in a transaction in which they could realize a premium over the current market price of our common stock.

 

Risks relating to our Shareholders in Connection with the Merger

 

Changes in the price of our common stock prior to completion of the Merger may require that we adjust the “exchange ratio,” which would have an incremental dilutive effect on the ownership interests of each Susquehanna shareholder in the combined company following the Merger.

 

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of Abington common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Merger will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Susquehanna common stock equal to an “Exchange Ratio.” At the time the Merger Agreement was signed, the Exchange Ratio was set at 1.32.

 

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If the average closing price of Susquehanna common stock for the twenty consecutive trading days ending on the fifth day immediately prior to the closing date is less than $7.90 (representing a 20% decline from a starting price of $9.88) and if the decline on a percentage basis in the average closing price of Susquehanna common stock from $9.88 is at least 20% more than the change in the Nasdaq Bank Index (as measured by comparing its closing price on January 26, 2011, the date of the Merger Agreement, to the closing price on the date of measurement), referred to herein as a threshold decline in the Susquehanna stock price, Abington will have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement. If Abington provides notice that it has elected to exercise this termination right, Susquehanna may increase the Exchange Ratio so that the aforementioned conditions would not be triggered, and the Merger Agreement will remain in effect.

 

Any such adjustment to the Exchange Ratio would increase the total number of shares of Susquehanna common stock issued to Abington shareholders, which would have a dilutive effect on the relative ownership interest of each Susquehanna shareholder in the combined company. Accordingly, at the time of our Annual Meeting, our shareholders will not be able to assess whether and to what extent Susquehanna common stock issued in the Merger will impact their relative holdings in the combined company following the Merger.

 

The required regulatory approvals and filings may not be obtained or completed, may delay the date of completion of the Merger or may contain materially burdensome conditions.

 

Susquehanna and Abington will be required to complete and obtain regulatory approval with respect to certain filings and/or applications regarding the Merger. These approvals and filings may include, among other items, applications and notices filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, filings and approvals under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of various states, approval of the listing of Susquehanna’s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, approval of the Merger by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and/or related filings pursuant to the Pennsylvania Banking Code, as amended, and such other relevant filings, registrations, authorizations or approvals as may be required by a governmental or regulatory entity. Such filings and approvals must be completed prior to effecting the Merger. Susquehanna and Abington have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to complete these filings and obtain these approvals; however, satisfying any requirements of regulatory agencies may delay the date of completion of the Merger or such approval may not be obtained at all. In addition, you should be aware that, as in any transaction, it is possible that, among other things, restrictions on Susquehanna after the Merger may be sought by governmental agencies as a condition to obtaining the required regulatory approvals and these conditions could be materially burdensome to Susquehanna following the closing of the Merger. We cannot assure you as to whether these regulatory approvals will be received, the timing of the approvals or whether any conditions will be imposed.

 

Failure to complete the Merger could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

If the Merger is not completed for any reason, we will be subject to a number of material risks, including the following:

 

   

the market price of our common stock may decline to the extent that the current market price of our shares reflects a market assumption that the Merger will be completed;

 

   

costs relating to the Merger, such as legal, accounting and financial advisory fees, and, in specified circumstances, termination fees, must be paid even if the Merger is not completed; and

 

   

the diversion of management’s attention from the day-to-day business operations and the potential disruption to our employees and business relationships during the period before the completion of the Merger may make it difficult to regain financial and market positions if the Merger does not occur.

 

Susquehanna and Abington will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Merger is pending.

 

Uncertainties about the effect of the Merger on our and Abington’s businesses may have an adverse effect on each company. These uncertainties may also impair Abington’s ability to attract, retain and motivate strategic

 

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personnel until the Merger is consummated, and could cause Abington’s customers and others that deal with Abington to seek to change existing business relationship, which could negatively impact Susquehanna upon consummation of the Merger. In addition, the Merger Agreement restricts us from taking certain specified actions without Abington’s consent until the Merger is consummated. These restrictions may prevent us from pursuing or taking advantage of attractive business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the Merger.

 

Risks Relating to Combined Operations Following the Merger

 

Susquehanna may fail to realize the cost savings estimated for the Merger.

 

The success of the Merger will depend, in part, on Susquehanna’s ability to realize the estimated cost savings from combining Abington’s business with ours. Our management estimated at the time the proposed Merger was announced that it expects to achieve total cost savings of approximately $8.1 million, 50% of which is expected to be achieved in 2011 through the reduction of administrative and operational redundancies. While we continue to believe these cost savings estimates are achievable as of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, it is possible that the potential cost savings could turn out to be more difficult to achieve than originally anticipated. The cost savings estimates also depend on the ability to combine the businesses of Susquehanna and Abington in a manner that permits those cost savings to be realized. If the estimates of Susquehanna and Abington turn out to be incorrect or we are not able to successfully combine with Abington, the anticipated cost savings may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

 

Unanticipated costs relating to the Merger could reduce Susquehanna’s future earnings per share.

 

We believe that we have reasonably estimated the likely incremental costs of the combined operations of Susquehanna and Abington following the Merger. However, it is possible that unexpected transaction costs such as taxes, fees or professional expenses or unexpected future operating expenses such as unanticipated costs to integrate the two businesses, increased personnel costs or increased taxes, as well as other types of unanticipated adverse developments, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of Susquehanna following the Merger. In addition, if actual costs are materially different than expected costs, the Merger could have a significant dilutive effect on our earnings per share.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

We reimburse our subsidiaries for space and services utilized. We also lease office space located at 13511 Label Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, for our loan servicing center.

 

Our bank subsidiary operates 221 branches and 26 free-standing automated teller machines. It owns 109 of the branches and leases the remaining 112. Fourteen additional locations are owned or leased by Susquehanna Bank to facilitate operations and expansion. We believe that the properties currently owned and leased by our subsidiaries are adequate for present levels of operation.

 

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As of December 31, 2010, the offices (including executive offices) of our bank subsidiary were as follows:

 

Subsidiary

    

Location of Executive Office

    

Executive Office
Owned/Leased

    

Location of Offices

(including executive office)

Susquehanna Bank     

1570 Manheim Pike

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

     Owned      221 banking offices in Adams, Bedford, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union and York counties, Pennsylvania; Baltimore City, Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Washington and Worcester counties, Maryland; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland and Gloucester counties, New Jersey; and Berkeley County, West Virginia

 

As of December 31, 2010, the offices (including executive offices) of our non-bank subsidiaries were as follows:

 

Subsidiary

  

Location of Executive Office

  

Executive Office

Owned/Leased

  

Location of Offices

(including executive office)

Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company   

1570 Manheim Pike

Lancaster, PA

   Leased    8 offices in Lancaster, Lycoming, Northumberland, Schuylkill and York counties, Pennsylvania; and Washington and Baltimore counties, Maryland
Boston Service Company, Inc., t/a Hann Financial Service Corp.   

One Centre Drive

Jamesburg, New Jersey

   Leased    2 offices located in Gloucester and Middlesex counties, New Jersey
Valley Forge Asset Management Corp.   

150 South Warner Road

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

   Leased    3 offices located in Lancaster and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania, and New Castle County, Delaware
The Addis Group, LLC   

2500 Renaissance Boulevard

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

   Leased    1 office located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Stratton Management Company   

610 West Germantown Pike

Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

   Leased    1 office located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

There are no material proceedings to which Susquehanna or any of our subsidiaries is a party or by which, to Susquehanna’s knowledge, we, or any of our subsidiaries, are threatened. All legal proceedings presently pending or threatened against Susquehanna or our subsidiaries involve routine litigation incidental to our business or that of the subsidiary involved and are not material in respect to the amount in controversy.

 

Item 4. Removed and Reserved.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Susquehanna’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Market Information. Our common stock is listed for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “SUSQ”. Set forth below are the quarterly high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market for the years 2010 and 2009, and cash dividends paid. The table represents prices between dealers and does not include retail markups, markdowns, or commissions, and does not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

Year

  

Period

   Cash
Dividends
Paid
     Price Range Per
Share
 
         Low      High  

2010

   1st Quarter    $ .01       $ 5.85       $ 9.94   
   2nd Quarter      .01         7.59         12.03   
   3rd Quarter      .01         7.70         9.44   
   4th Quarter      .01         7.38         10.20   

2009

   1st Quarter    $ 0.26       $ 6.63       $ 15.95   
   2nd Quarter      0.05         4.52         10.60   
   3rd Quarter      0.05         3.78         6.79   
   4th Quarter      0.01         5.05         6.10   

 

As of February 17, 2011, there were 11,240 record holders of Susquehanna common stock.

 

Dividend Policy. Dividends paid to our shareholders are provided from dividends paid to us by our subsidiaries. Our ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the receipt of dividends from Susquehanna Bank. Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of Susquehanna Bank to pay dividends. These include the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, the Federal Reserve Act and the applicable regulations under such laws. In addition, the net capital rules of the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 limit the ability of Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. and Stratton Management Company to pay dividends to us. In addition to the specific restrictions summarized below, the banking and securities regulatory agencies also have broad authority to prohibit otherwise permitted dividends proposed to be made by an institution regulated by them if the agency determines that their distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

 

The Federal Reserve Board has issued policy statements which provide that, as a general matter, insured banks and bank holding companies should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

 

For state-chartered banks which are members of the Federal Reserve System, the approval of the Federal Reserve Board is required for the payment of dividends by the bank subsidiary in any calendar year if the total of all dividends declared by the bank in that calendar year, including the proposed dividend, exceeds the current year’s net income combined with the retained net income for the two preceding calendar years. “Retained net income” for any period means the net income for the period less any common or preferred stock dividends declared in that period. Moreover, no dividends may be paid by such bank in excess of its undivided profits account.

 

Dividends by a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank payable in cash or property other than shares may be paid only out of accumulated net earnings and are restricted by the requirement that the bank set aside to a surplus fund each year at least 10% of its net earnings until the bank’s surplus equals the amount of its capital (a requirement presently satisfied in the case of Susquehanna Bank). Furthermore, a Pennsylvania bank may not pay such a dividend if the payment would result in a reduction of the surplus account of the bank.

 

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Stock Performance Graph. The following graph compares for fiscal years 2005 through 2010 the yearly change in the cumulative total return to holders of our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Index, a broad market in which we participate, and the SNL Mid-Atlantic Bank Index, an index comprised of banks and related holding companies operating in the Mid-Atlantic region. The graph depicts the total return on an investment of $100 based on both stock price appreciation and reinvestment of dividends for Susquehanna, the companies represented by the Nasdaq Index, and the SNL Mid-Atlantic Bank Index.

 

LOGO

 

     Period Ending  

Index

   12/31/05      12/31/06      12/31/07      12/31/08      12/31/09      12/31/10  

Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.

     100.00         118.10         84.99         77.97         30.04         49.59   

NASDAQ Composite

     100.00         110.39         122.15         73.32         106.57         125.91   

SNL Mid-Atlantic Bank

     100.00         120.02         90.76         50.00         52.63         61.40   

 

Source : SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA© 2011

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. & Subsidiaries

 

Years ended December 31,

   2010     2009     2008     2007(1)     2006(2)  
     ( Amounts in thousands, except per share data)  

Interest income

   $ 613,695      $ 643,824      $ 697,070      $ 526,157      $ 462,791   

Interest expense

     187,189        235,008        298,768        250,254        206,021   

Net interest income

     426,506        408,816        398,302        275,903        256,770   

Provision for loan and lease losses

     163,000        188,000        63,831        21,844        8,680   

Noninterest income

     152,148        163,699        142,309        120,659        136,313   

Noninterest expenses

     382,650        382,472        367,201        276,955        262,836   

Income before taxes

     33,004        2,043        109,579        97,763        121,567   

Net income

     31,847        12,675        82,606        69,093        83,638   

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

     15,572        16,659        792        0        0   

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

     16,275        (3,984     81,814        69,093        83,638   

Cash dividends declared on common stock

     4,757        31,898        89,462        52,686        49,067   

Per Common Share Amounts

          

Net income:

          

Basic

   $ 0.13      $ (0.05   $ 0.95      $ 1.23      $ 1.66   

Diluted

     0.13        (0.05     0.95        1.23        1.66   

Cash dividends declared on common stock

     0.04        0.37        1.04        1.01        0.97   

Dividend payout ratio

     29.2     n/m (3)      109.3     76.3     58.7

Financial Ratios

          

Return on average total assets

     0.23     0.09     0.62     0.78     1.05

Return on average shareholders’ equity

     1.53        0.65        4.80        6.66        9.56   

Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity(4)

     3.69        2.19        13.35        11.56        15.42   

Average equity to average assets

     15.00        14.31        12.92        11.66        11.00   

Net interest margin

     3.67        3.58        3.62        3.67        3.77   

Efficiency ratio

     64.62        65.28        66.46        69.10        66.43   

Capital Ratios

          

Leverage

     10.27     9.73     9.92     10.24     8.68

Tier 1 risk-based capital

     12.65        11.17        11.17        9.23        9.48   

Total risk-based capital

     14.72        13.48        13.52        11.31        12.48   

Credit Quality

          

Net charge-offs/Average loans and leases

     1.46     1.32     0.42     0.25     0.10

Nonperforming assets/Loans and leases plus foreclosed real estate

     2.23        2.48        1.20        0.78        0.57   

ALLL/Nonaccrual loans and leases

     97        79        108        156        207   

ALLL/Total loans and leases

     1.99        1.75        1.18        1.01        1.13   

Year-End Balances

          

Total assets

   $ 13,954,085      $ 13,689,262      $ 13,682,988      $ 13,077,994      $ 8,225,134   

Investment securities

     2,417,611        1,875,267        1,879,891        2,063,952        1,403,566   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     9,633,197        9,827,279        9,653,873        8,751,590        5,560,997   

Deposits

     9,191,207        8,974,363        9,066,493        8,945,119        5,877,589   

Total borrowings

     2,371,161        2,512,894        2,428,085        2,131,156        1,152,932   

Shareholders’ equity

     1,984,802        1,981,081        1,945,918        1,729,014        936,286   

Selected Share Data

          

Common shares outstanding (period end)

     129,966        86,474        86,174        85,935        52,080   

Average common shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     121,031        86,257        85,987        56,297        50,340   

Diluted

     121,069        86,257        86,037        56,366        50,507   

Common shareholders of record

     11,301        11,668        12,035        11,144        6,694   

At December 31:

          

Book value per common share

   $ 15.27      $ 19.53      $ 19.21      $ 20.12      $ 17.98   

Tangible book value per common share

     7.18        7.25        6.77        8.44        11.18   

Market price per common share

     9.68        5.89        15.91        18.44        26.88   

 

(1) On November 16, 2007, we completed our acquisition of Community Banks, Inc. All transactions since the acquisition date are included in our consolidated financial statements.

 

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(2) On April 21, 2006, we completed our acquisition of Minotola National Bank. All transactions since the acquisition date are included in our consolidated financial statements.
(3) Not meaningful.

 

(4) Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP-based Financial Measures

 

Return on average tangible equity is a non-GAAP-based financial measure calculated using non-GAAP amounts. The most directly comparable measure is return on average equity, which is calculated using GAAP-based amounts. We calculate return on average tangible equity by excluding the balance of intangible assets and their related amortization expense from our calculation of return on average equity. Management uses the return on average tangible equity in order to review our core operating results. Management believes that this is a better measure of our performance. In addition, this is consistent with the treatment by bank regulatory agencies which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. A reconciliation of return on average equity to return on average tangible equity is set forth below.

 

     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Return on average equity (GAAP basis)

     1.53     0.65     4.80     6.66     9.56

Effect of excluding average intangible assets and related amortization

     2.16        1.54        8.55        4.90        5.86   

Return on average tangible equity

     3.69        2.19        13.35        11.56        15.42   

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following pages of this report present management’s discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

Certain statements in this document may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include the words “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions. In particular, this document includes forward-looking statements relating, but not limited to, general economic conditions; the impact of new regulations on our business; our potential exposures to various types of market risks, such as interest rate risk and credit risk; whether our allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate to meet probable loan and lease losses; our ability to achieve loan growth; our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity; our ability to manage credit quality; and our ability to achieve our 2011 financial goals. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. For example, certain of the market risk disclosures are dependent on choices about essential 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 those estimated by the forward-looking statements contained in this document include, but are not limited to:

 

   

adverse changes in our loan and lease portfolios and the resulting credit-risk-related losses and expenses;

 

   

adverse changes in regional real estate values;

 

   

interest rate fluctuations which could increase our cost of funds or decrease our yield on earning assets and therefore reduce our net interest income;

 

   

decreases in our loan and lease quality and origination volume;

 

   

the adequacy of loss reserves;

 

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impairment of goodwill or other assets;

 

   

the loss of certain key officers, which could adversely impact our business;

 

   

continued relationships with major customers;

 

   

the ability to continue to grow our business internally and through acquisition and successful integration of bank and non-bank entities while controlling our costs;

 

   

adverse national and regional economic and business conditions;

 

   

compliance with laws and regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies;

 

   

competition from other financial institutions in originating loans, attracting deposits, and providing various financial services that may affect our profitability;

 

   

the ability to hedge certain risks economically;

 

   

our ability to effectively implement technology driven products and services;

 

   

changes in consumer confidence, spending and savings habits relative to the bank and non-bank financial services we provide;

 

   

changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could adversely impact our business and financial condition and restrict growth;

 

   

the impact of federal laws and related rules and regulations on our business operations and competitiveness;

 

   

the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board;

 

   

the effects of and changes in the rate of FDIC premiums; and

 

   

our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

 

We encourage readers of this report to understand forward-looking statements to be strategic objectives rather than absolute targets of future performance. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law.

 

The following discussion and analysis, the purpose of which is to provide investors and others with information that we believe to be necessary for an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, notes, and other information contained in this document.

 

The following information refers to the parent company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corporation) (“Hann”), Susquehanna Bank and subsidiaries, Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. and subsidiary (“VFAM”), Stratton Management Company and subsidiary (“Stratton”), and The Addis Group, LLC (“Addis”).

 

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Complex Accounting Estimates

 

Susquehanna’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles involves complex judgments and estimates by management that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. The judgments and estimates that we used are based on historical experiences and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and estimates that we have made, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the results of our operations.

 

Our most significant accounting estimates are presented in “Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8. Furthermore, we believe that the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses, the evaluation of goodwill, the analysis of certain debt securities to determine if an-other-than-temporary impairment exists, and the determination of the fair value of certain financial instruments to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective and complex judgments.

 

The allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s estimate of probable incurred credit losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of the balance-sheet date. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses is considered a complex accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan and lease portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated balance sheet. For additional information about our process for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses, refer to “Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” presented in PART II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations.

 

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis and more often if situations or the economic environment warrant it. In performing these evaluations, management makes complex estimates to determine the fair value of its reporting units. Such estimates include assumptions used in determining cash flows and evaluation of appropriate market multiples. For additional information about goodwill, refer to “Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangibles” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Certain debt securities that are in unrealized loss positions are analyzed to determine if they are other-than- temporarily impaired. This analysis consists of calculating expected cash flows, taking into consideration credit default rates, prepayments, deferrals, waterfall structure, covenants relating to the securities, and appropriate discount rates. Furthermore, if a security is found to be other than temporarily impaired, additional analysis is required to determine the portion of the loss attributable to credit quality. For additional information about other-than-temporary impairment of debt securities, refer to “Note 4. Investment Securities” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

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 at the measurement dates. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs 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. As defined in U.S. GAAP, Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the

 

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asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. For additional information about our financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value, refer to “Note 24. Fair Value Disclosures” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Any material effect on the consolidated financial statements related to these complex accounting areas is also discussed within the body of this document.

 

Executive Overview

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $16.3 million, an increase of $20.3 million when compared to net income applicable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

The following table compares our 2010 financial targets to actual results:

 

     Target      Actual  

Net interest margin

     3.75      3.67

Loan growth

     6.0      -2.0

Deposit growth

     4.0      2.4

Noninterest income growth

     -14.0      -7.1

Non interest expense growth

     -1.0      0.0

Effective tax rate

     25.0      3.5

Preferred dividend and discount accretion

   $ 16.8 million       $ 15.6 million   

 

Throughout 2010, we continued our effort to improve our cost of deposits by reducing the relative size of our portfolio of high-cost certificates of deposit, while increasing core deposits. This initiative contributed to the nine-basis-point increase in our net interest margin for 2010.

 

Net loans and leases (excluding loans held by consolidated variable interest entities) decreased 4.2%, from $9.8 billion at December 31, 2009 to $9.4 billion at December 31, 2010. This decline was largely driven by our decision to decrease the relative size of our real estate construction loan portfolio, which had been the source of a significant portion of troubled loans. During 2010, real estate construction loans decreased 21.3%.

 

Although net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases increased to 1.46% in 2010 from 1.32% in 2009, there was improvement throughout 2010. This improvement is evident when comparing net charge-offs of 1.42% for the fourth quarter of 2010 to net charge-offs of 2.06% for the fourth quarter of 2009. In addition, non-performing assets as a percentage of loans, leases, and foreclosed real estate decreased to 2.23% at December 31, 2010 from 2.48% at December 31, 2009. As a result, we decreased our provision for loan and lease losses to $163.0 million for 2010 from $188.0 million for 2009.

 

In March 2010, we completed an offering of 43.1 million shares of our common stock and $50.0 million of trust preferred securities. The aggregate value of these transactions was $395.0 million.

 

Given our ongoing well-capitalized status, improvements in credit quality, and some stabilizing of the economy, we repaid the $300.0 million that the U.S. Treasury had invested in Susquehanna as part of the Capital Purchase Program.

 

At December 31, 2010, our capital ratios exceeded regulatory requirements for a well-capitalized institution.

 

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Given the current economic climate and real estate trends, we believe that 2011 will be another challenging year. However, we are confident that we have the resources and expertise to adapt and pursue opportunities for growth as they arise. With that in mind, our financial targets for 2011 are as follows:

 

     Target  

Net interest margin

     3.60

Loan growth

     4.0

Deposit growth

     4.0

Noninterest income growth

     -1.0

Non interest expense growth

     0.0

Effective tax rate

     24.0

 

We are also closely watching the new regulatory changes that will be implemented in the coming months and years as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. We will be setting up a committee of senior officers to review the new rules as they are published, and our management team will be prepared to update our procedures as necessary. We anticipate that upcoming changes are likely to include adjustments to rates paid to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and limits on the interchange fees that banks earn on debit and credit card transactions. There may be additional regulations that could result in increased costs and decreased revenues.

 

Subsequent Events

 

Agreement to Acquire Abington Bancorp, Inc.

 

On January 26, 2011, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which we will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Abington Bancorp, Inc. in a stock-for-stock transaction. The transaction, with an approximate total value of $268.0 million, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, Abington shareholders will receive 1.32 shares of Susquehanna common stock for each share of Abington common stock. The locations of Abington’s bank branches provide a natural extension of our network in the greater Philadelphia area.

 

The boards of directors of both Susquehanna and Abington have approved the transaction. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of shareholders of both companies.

 

Repurchase of Warrant from the U.S. Treasury

 

On January 19, 2011, we repurchased the warrant that was issued to the U. S. Treasury on December 12, 2008, in conjunction with our participation in the CPP. The warrant entitled the U.S. Treasury to purchase up to 3,028 shares of Susquehanna’s common stock at a price of $14.86 per share. We paid $5.3 million to the Treasury to repurchase the warrant. The repurchase of the warrant concludes our participation in the CPP.

 

Acquisitions

 

Stratton Holding Company

 

On April 30, 2008, we completed the acquisition of Stratton Holding Company, an investment management company based in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania with approximately $3.0 billion in assets under management. Stratton became a wholly owned subsidiary of Susquehanna and part of the family of Susquehanna wealth management companies. The addition of Stratton brings increased diversification in our investment expertise, including experience in mutual fund management. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and all transactions since the acquisition date are included in our consolidated financial statements. The acquisition of Stratton was considered immaterial.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Summary of 2010 Compared to 2009

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $16.3 million, an increase of $20.3 million when compared to a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $4.0 million in 2009. The provision for loan and lease losses decreased 13.3%, to $163.0 million for 2010, from $188.0 million for 2009. Net interest income increased 4.3%, to $426.5 million for 2010, from $408.8 million in 2009. Noninterest income decreased 7.1% to $152.1 million for 2010, from $163.7 million for 2009, and noninterest expenses for 2010 were $382.7 million, relatively unchanged from 2009 when noninterest expenses were $382.5 million.

 

Additional information is as follows:

 

     Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
 
     2010     2009  

Diluted Earnings per Common Share

   $ 0.13      $ (0.05

Return on Average Assets

     0.23     0.09

Return on Average Equity

     1.53     0.65

Return on Average Tangible Equity(1)

     3.69     2.19

Efficiency Ratio

     64.62     65.28

Net Interest Margin

     3.67     3.58

 

The following discussion details the factors that contributed to these results.

 

(1) Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP-based Financial Measures

 

Return on average tangible equity is a non-GAAP-based financial measure calculated using non-GAAP amounts. The most directly comparable measure is return on average equity, which is calculated using GAAP-based amounts. We calculate return on average tangible equity by excluding the balance of intangible assets and their related amortization expense from our calculation of return on average equity. Management uses the return on average tangible equity in order to review our core operating results. Management believes that this is a better measure of our performance. In addition, this is consistent with the treatment by bank regulatory agencies, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. A reconciliation of return on average equity to return on average tangible equity is set forth below.

 

     2010     2009  

Return on average equity (GAAP basis)

     1.53     0.65

Effect of excluding average intangible assets and related amortization

     2.16        1.54   

Return on average tangible equity

     3.69        2.19   

 

Net Interest Income - Taxable Equivalent Basis

 

Our major source of operating revenues is net interest income, which increased to $426.5 million in 2010, as compared to $408.8 million in 2009. Net interest income as a percentage of net interest income plus other income was 74% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, 71% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, and 74% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.

 

Net interest income is the income that remains after deducting, from total income generated by earning assets, the interest expense attributable to the acquisition of the funds required to support earning assets. Income from earning assets includes income from loans, investment securities, and short-term investments. The amount of interest income is dependent upon many factors including the volume of earning assets, the general level of

 

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interest rates, the dynamics of the change in interest rates, and the levels of non-performing loans. The cost of funds varies with the amount of funds necessary to support earning assets, the rates paid to attract and hold deposits, the rates paid on borrowed funds, and the levels of noninterest-bearing demand deposits and equity capital.

 

Table 1 presents average balances, taxable equivalent interest income and expense, and yields earned or paid on these assets and liabilities. For purposes of calculating taxable equivalent interest income, tax-exempt interest has been adjusted using a marginal tax rate of 35% in order to equate the yield to that of taxable interest rates. Table 2 illustrates the changes in net interest income caused by changes in average volume, rates, and yields.

 

The $17.7 million increase in our net interest income in 2010 as compared to 2009 primarily was the result of an increase in our net interest margin of nine basis points, from 3.58% to 3.67%. The increase in our margin primarily was caused by a decrease in our time-deposit costs of one hundred four basis points from 3.26% to 2.22%, as a significant portion of those accounts repriced in 2010.

 

Variances do occur in the net interest margin, as an exact repricing of assets and liabilities is not possible. A further explanation of the impact of asset and liability repricing is found in the section entitled “Market Risks— Interest Rate Risk.”

 

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Table 1 - Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

Interest Rates and Interest Differential - Tax Equivalent Basis

 

    2010     2009     2008  
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Rate (%)     Average
Balance
    Interest     Rate (%)     Average
Balance
    Interest     Rate (%)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

                 

Short-term investments

  $ 105,497      $ 182        0.17      $ 104,531      $ 597        0.57      $ 101,715      $ 2,411        2.37   

Investment securities:

                 

Taxable

    1,720,263        59,818        3.48        1,520,832        74,244        4.88        1,759,424        91,531        5.20   

Tax-advantaged

    364,651        23,072        6.33        347,538        22,985        6.61        296,211        19,560        6.60   
                                                     

Total investment securities

    2,084,914        82,890        3.98        1,868,370        97,229        5.20        2,055,635        111,091        5.40   
                                                     

Loans and leases, (net):

                 

Taxable

    9,545,296        528,570        5.54        9,583,567        544,117        5.68        8,972,747        581,070        6.48   

Tax-advantaged

    254,377        15,583        6.13        226,306        15,272        6.75        197,249        14,375        7.29   
                                                     

Total loans and leases

    9,799,673        544,153        5.55        9,809,873        559,389        5.70        9,169,996        595,445        6.49   
                                                     

Total interest-earning assets

    11,990,084        627,225        5.23        11,782,774        657,215        5.58        11,327,346        708,947        6.26   
                                   

Allowance for loan and lease losses

    (184,304         (145,163         (98,321    

Other noninterest-earning assets

    2,094,105            2,051,947            2,089,321       
                                   

Total assets

  $ 13,899,885          $ 13,689,558          $ 13,318,346       
                                   

Liabilities

                 

Deposits:

                 

Interest-bearing demand

  $ 3,481,728      $ 22,279        0.64      $ 2,882,949      $ 22,124        0.77      $ 2,604,337      $ 33,667        1.29   

Savings

    766,210        1,173        0.15        731,787        1,690        0.23        723,612        4,848        0.67   

Time

    3,628,219        80,511        2.22        4,187,549        136,481        3.26        4,402,956        167,431        3.80   

Short-term borrowings

    627,704        4,156        0.66        976,975        4,267        0.44        654,149        10,796        1.65   

FHLB borrowings

    1,056,128        43,552        4.12        1,033,536        40,119        3.88        1,337,505        50,944        3.81   

Long-term debt

    713,101        35,518        4.98        448,245        30,327        6.77        421,795        31,082        7.37   
                                                     

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    10,273,090        187,189        1.82        10,261,041        235,008        2.29        10,144,354        298,768        2.95   
                                   

Demand deposits

    1,309,516            1,222,365            1,205,381       

Other liabilities

    232,439            247,599            247,529       
                                   

Total liabilities

    11,815,045            11,731,005            11,597,264       

Equity

    2,084,840            1,958,553            1,721,082       
                                   

Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity

  $ 13,899,885          $ 13,689,558          $ 13,318,346       
                                   

Net interest income/yield on average earning assets

    $ 440,036        3.67        $ 422,207        3.58        $ 410,179        3.62   
                                   

 

Additional Information

 

 

Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.

 

Tax-advantaged income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using a marginal rate of 35%.

 

For presentation in this table, balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

 

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Table 2 - Changes in Net Interest Income - Tax Equivalent Basis

 

     2010 Versus 2009
Increase (Decrease)
Due to Change in
    2009 Versus 2008
Increase (Decrease)
Due to Change in
 
     Average
Volume
    Average
Rate
    Total     Average
Volume
    Average
Rate
    Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Interest Income

            

Other short-term investments

   $ 6      $ (421   $ (415   $ 65      $ (1,879   $ (1,814

Investment securities:

            

Taxable

     8,859        (23,285     (14,426     (11,887     (5,400     (17,287

Tax-advantaged

     1,106        (1,019     87        3,395        30        3,425   
                                                

Total investment securities

     9,965        (24,304     (14,339     (8,492     (5,370     (13,862

Loans (net of unearned income):

            

Taxable

     (2,165     (13,382     (15,547     37,821        (74,774     (36,953

Tax-advantaged

     1,794        (1,483     311        2,013        (1,116     897   
                                                

Total loans

     (371     (14,865     (15,236     39,834        (75,890     (36,056
                                                

Total interest-earning assets

   $ 9,600      $ (39,590   $ (29,990   $ 31,407      $ (83,139   $ (51,732
                                                

Interest Expense

            

Deposits:

            

Interest-bearing demand

   $ 4,171      $ (4,016   $ 155      $ 3,297      $ (14,840   $ (11,543

Savings

     76        (593     (517     54        (3,212     (3,158

Time

     (16,512     (39,458     (55,970     (7,892     (23,058     (30,950

Short-term borrowings

     (1,847     1,736        (111     3,755        (10,284     (6,529

FHLB borrowings

     891        2,542        3,433        (11,782     957        (10,825

Long-term debt

     14,651        (9,460     5,191        1,880        (2,635     (755
                                                

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     1,430        (49,249     (47,819     (10,688     (53,072     (63,760
                                                

Net Interest Income

   $ 8,170      $ 9,659      $ 17,829      $ 42,095      $ (30,067   $ 12,028   
                                                

 

Additional Information

 

Changes that are due in part to volume and in part to rate are allocated in proportion to their relationship to the amounts of changes attributed directly to volume and rate.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

The provision for loan and lease losses is the expense necessary to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the balance-sheet date at a level adequate to absorb management’s estimate of probable incurred losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Our provision for loan and lease losses is based upon management’s quarterly review of the loan portfolio. The purpose of the review is to assess loan quality, identify impaired loans and leases, analyze delinquencies, ascertain loan and lease growth, evaluate potential charge-offs and recoveries, and assess general economic conditions in the markets we serve.

 

Commercial loans and commercial real estate loans of $0.5 million or greater are internally risk rated, using a standard rating system, by our loan officers and periodically reviewed by loan review personnel. Consumer loans, residential real estate loans, and leases are generally analyzed in the aggregate as they are of relatively small dollar size and homogeneous in nature.

 

Under our methodology for calculating the allowance for loan and lease losses, loss rates for the last three years on a rolling quarter-to-quarter basis, weighted towards the more recent periods, are determined for: (a) commercial credits (including agriculture, commercial, commercial real estate, land acquisition, development

 

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and construction) and (b) consumer credits (including residential real estate, consumer direct, consumer indirect, consumer revolving, and leases). After determining the loss rates, management adjusts these rates for certain considerations, such as trends in delinquency and other economic factors, and then applies the adjusted loss rates to loan balances of these portfolio segments.

 

In addition to using loss rates, secured commercial non-accrual loans of $0.5 million or greater are reviewed for impairment. Those loans that have specific loss allocations are identified and included in the reserve allocation. Risk-rated loans that are not reviewed for impairment are segregated into homogeneous pools with loss allocation rates that reflect the severity of risk. Loss rates are adjusted by applying other factors to the calculations. These factors include adjustments for current economic trends and other external factors, delinquency and risk trends, credit concentrations, credit administration policy, migration analysis, and other special allocations for unusual events or changes in products and volume.

 

This methodology provides an in-depth analysis of the bank’s portfolio and reflects the estimated losses within it. Reserve allocations are then reviewed and consolidated. This process is performed on a quarterly basis, including a risk-rate review of commercial credit relationships.

 

It is our policy not to renegotiate the terms of a commercial loan simply because of a delinquency status. However, we will use our Troubled Debt Restructuring Program to work with delinquent borrowers when the delinquency is temporary. In most instances, a commercial loan is transferred to non-accrual status if it is not well secured and in the process of collection, and is considered delinquent in payment if either principal or interest is past due ninety days or more. Interest income received on impaired commercial loans in 2010 and 2009, was $6.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Interest income that would have been recorded on these loans under the original terms in 2010 and 2009 was $16.2 million and $15.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2010, we had no binding outstanding commitments to advance additional funds with respect to these impaired loans.

 

Consumer loans are typically charged-off when they are 120 days past due unless they are secured by real estate. Loans secured by real estate are evaluated on the basis of collateral value. Loans that are well secured may continue to accrue interest, while other loans are charged down to net realizable value or placed on non-accrual depending upon their loan-to-value ratio.

 

Although we continued to experience a challenging operating environment throughout 2010, we saw some signs of stabilization. As a result, we decreased our provision for loan and lease losses in accordance with our assessment process, which took into consideration a $22.7 million decrease in nonaccrual loans and leases since December 31, 2009, as noted in Table 10. The provision for loan and lease losses was $163.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and $188.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31, 2010 was 1.99% of period-end loans and leases, or $191.8 million, and 1.75% of period-end loans and leases, or $172.4 million, at December 31, 2009.

 

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Table 3 - Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1

  $ 172,368      $ 113,749      $ 88,569      $ 62,643      $ 53,714   

Allowance acquired in business combination

    0        0        0        19,119        5,514   

Additions to provision for loan and lease losses charged to operations

    163,000        188,000        63,831        21,844        8,680   

Loans and leases charged-off during the year:

         

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

    (22,604     (33,887     (17,433     (4,758     (2,883

Real estate - construction

    (65,709     (65,906     (8,885     (1,949     (5

Real estate secured - residential

    (18,562     (7,441     (3,883     (1,829     (1,284

Real estate secured - commercial

    (43,086     (20,593     (2,154     (3,200     (454

Consumer

    (3,464     (3,641     (8,075     (3,790     (3,379

Leases

    (8,710     (11,873     (4,800     (3,659     (3,111
                                       

Total charge-offs

    (162,135     (143,341     (45,230     (19,185     (11,116
                                       

Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged-off:

         

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

    4,478        4,779        1,625        536        1,188   

Real estate - construction

    6,974        1,306        5        10        6   

Real estate secured - residential

    923        286        226        406        454   

Real estate secured - commercial

    3,744        5,685        145        426        1,360   

Consumer

    1,254        1,120        3,626        1,792        1,957   

Leases

    1,228        784        952        978        886   
                                       

Total recoveries

    18,601        13,960        6,579        4,148        5,851   
                                       

Net charge-offs

    (143,534     (129,381     (38,651     (15,037     (5,265
                                       

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31

  $ 191,834      $ 172,368      $ 113,749      $ 88,569      $ 62,643   
                                       

Average loans and leases outstanding

  $ 9,799,673      $ 9,809,873      $ 9,169,996      $ 5,979,878      $ 5,517,812   

Period-end loans and leases

    9,633,197        9,827,279        9,653,873        8,751,590        5,560,997   

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases

    1.46     1.32     0.42     0.25     0.10

Allowance as a percentage of period-end loans and leases

    1.99     1.75     1.18     1.01     1.13

 

Determining the level of the allowance for probable loan and lease losses at any given point in time is difficult, particularly during uncertain economic periods. We must make estimates using assumptions and information that is often subjective and changing rapidly. The review of the loan and lease portfolios is a continuing process in light of a changing economy and the dynamics of the banking and regulatory environment. In our opinion, the allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate to meet probable incurred loan and lease losses at December 31, 2010. There can be no assurance, however, that we will not sustain losses in future periods that could be greater than the size of the allowance at December 31, 2010. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of non-accrual loans and leases (coverage ratio) increased to 97% at December 31, 2010, from 79% at December 31, 2009.

 

Should the economic climate deteriorate further, borrowers may experience increasing difficulty in meeting their payment obligations, and the level of non-performing loans and assets, charge-offs, and delinquencies could rise and require further increases in the provision. In addition, regulatory authorities, as an integral part of their examinations, periodically review the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses and may require additions to the allowance based upon their judgments about information available to them at the time of examination.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income, as a percentage of net interest income plus noninterest income, was 26%, 29%, and 26% for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

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Noninterest income decreased $11.6 million, or 7.1%, in 2010, as compared to 2009. This net decrease was primarily the result of the following:

 

   

Decreased service charges on deposit accounts of $2.8 million;

 

   

Increased asset management fees of $2.6 million;

 

   

Decreased other commissions and fees of $3.7 million

 

   

Increased net realized gain on securities (excluding other-than-temporary impairment) of $1.6 million;

 

   

Increased other-than-temporary impairment of securities related to credit losses of $2.7 million; and

 

   

Decreased other of $5.3 million.

 

Service charges on deposit accounts. The 7.6% decrease primarily was the result of changes in customers’ behavior regarding overdrafts.

 

Asset management fees. The 9.9% increase primarily was due to the recovery in the stock market, resulting in higher management fees.

 

Other commissions and fees. The 13.1% decrease primarily is the result of the elimination of noninterest income relating to interest-only strips as a result of the consolidation of two variable interest entities on January 1, 2010.

 

Net realized gain on securities. During 2010, we realized net gains of $13.4 million on the sale and call of securities with an aggregate book value of $356.1 million. During 2009, we realized net gains of $11.8 million on the sale of securities with an aggregate book value of $200.8 million.

 

Other-than-temporary impairment of securities related to credit losses. During 2010, we recognized $3.9 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to two synthetic collateralized debt obligations, one non-agency mortgage-backed security, and various financial institution equity securities. During 2009, we recognized $1.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to the two synthetic collateralized debt obligations.

 

Other. The 48.8% net decrease primarily was the result of a $6.9 million gain realized on the sale of our Central Atlantic Merchant Services accounts in March 2009, and a $0.9 million one-time contract-signing bonus in 2010.

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Total noninterest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $382.7 million, relatively unchanged from the year ended December 31, 2009 when total noninterest expenses were $382.5 million. However, certain components within this category increased or decreased as follows:

 

   

Increased advertising and marketing of $3.5 million;

 

   

Decreased FDIC insurance of $7.5 million; and

 

   

Increased legal fees of $3.6 million.

 

Advertising and marketing. The 39.2% increase primarily was the result of a higher budget for 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

FDIC insurance. The decrease in FDIC insurance expense primarily was the result of a $6.2 million special assessment incurred in May 2009, as determined by the FDIC.

 

Legal fees. The 70.5% increase in legal fees primarily was the result of credit issues.

 

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Income Taxes

 

Our effective tax rates for 2010 and 2009 were 3.5% and (520.6%), respectively.

 

The increase in our rate in 2010 was due to the significant increase in pretax book income in 2010 relative to 2009. With the exception of pretax book income, items impacting the effective rate in 2010, including tax-advantaged investment and loan income, were comparable to 2009. For additional information about our income taxes, refer to “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Financial Condition

 

Summary of 2010 Compared to 2009

 

Total assets at December 31, 2010, were $14.0 billion, an increase of 1.9% when compared to total assets of $13.7 billion at December 31, 2009. Loans and leases, decreased to $9.6 billion at December 31, 2010, from $9.8 billion at December 31, 2009. Total deposits increased to $9.2 billion at December 31, 2010, from $9.0 billion at December 31, 2009.

 

Equity capital at December 31, 2010 was $2.0 billion relatively unchanged from December 31, 2009 when equity capital was also $2.0 billion. The components of shareholders’ equity, however, changed due to the issuance of 43.1 million common shares in March 2010 and the redemption of the $300.0 million of preferred stock held by the U.S. Treasury also in 2010. As a result, book value per common share was $15.27 at December 31, 2010 and $19.53 at December 31, 2009. For additional information concerning the changes in equity capital, refer to the “Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity” in Part II, Item 8.

 

Fair Value Measurements and The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

 

At December 31, 2010, Susquehanna had made no elections to use fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets and financial liabilities not previously carried at fair value. In addition, non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities have not been measured at fair value because we have made the determination that the impact on our financial statements would be minimal. For additional information about our financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value, refer to “Note 24. Fair Value Disclosures” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Investment Securities

 

As a result of the decrease in total loan balances and the increase in total deposit balances, we used the excess funds to purchase available-for-sale securities.

 

At December 31, 2010, we held no securities of any one issuer (other than securities of U.S. Government agencies and corporations, which, by regulation, may be excluded from this disclosure) where the aggregate book value exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity.

 

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Table 4 - Carrying Value of Investment Securities(1)

 

Year ended December 31,

   2010      2009      2008  
     Available-
for-Sale
     Held-to-
Maturity
     Available-
for-Sale
     Held-to-
Maturity
     Available-
for-Sale
     Held-to-
Maturity
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

U.S. Government agencies

   $ 268,175       $ 0       $ 371,019       $ 0       $ 444,022       $ 0   

State and municipal

     396,660         4,108         353,419         4,371         308,546         4,595   

Mortgage-backed

                 965,853      

Agency residential mortgage-backed

     1,323,569            680,182            

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed

     116,811            135,465            

Commercial mortgage-backed

     104,842            165,025            

Other debt obligations

     0         4,560         0         4,550         6,364         4,550   

Synthetic collateralized debt obligations

     0            1,331            

Other structured financial products

     12,503            15,319            

Other debt securities

     41,000            0            

Equity securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank

     71,065            74,342            

Equity securities of the Federal Reserve Bank

     50,225            45,725            

Other equity securities

     24,093            24,519            145,961      
                                                     

Total investment securities

   $ 2,408,943       $ 8,668       $ 1,866,346       $ 8,921       $ 1,870,746       $ 9,145   
                                                     

 

(1) Categories for 2010 and 2009 are presented in greater detail than in prior years in accordance with accounting guidance issued in 2009. Amounts presented for 2008 have not been restated.

 

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Table 5 - Maturities of Investment Securities

 

At December 31, 2010

  Within 1
Year
    After 1 Year
but Within
5 Years
    After 5 Years
but Within
10 Years
    After 10
Years
    Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Available-for-Sale

         

U.S. Government agencies

         

Fair value

  $ 26,898      $ 170,363      $ 70,914      $ 0      $ 268,175   

Amortized cost

    26,472        170,854        71,502        0        268,828   

Yield

    4.94     2.31     2.23     0.00     2.55

State and municipal securities

         

Fair value

  $ 1,281      $ 8,815      $ 48,231      $ 338,333      $ 396,660   

Amortized cost

    1,268        8,639        47,596        340,274        397,777   

Yield (TE)

    6.96     3.65     5.57     5.92     5.83

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 25,851      $ 199,320      $ 1,098,398      $ 1,323,569   

Amortized cost

    0        24,918        197,212        1,099,641        1,321,771   

Yield

    0.00     3.87     2.64     3.19     3.12

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 1,951      $ 114,860      $ 116,811   

Amortized cost

    0        0        1,918        127,288        129,206   

Yield

    0        0        5.23     5.23     5.23

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 21,096      $ 0      $ 83,746      $ 104,842   

Amortized cost

    0        19,904        0        79,597        99,501   

Yield

    0        5.91     0        5.93     5.93

Other structured financial products

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 12,503      $ 12,503   

Amortized cost

    0        0        0        24,680        24,680   

Yield

    0        0        0        0.98     0.98

Other debt securities

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 41,000      $ 41,000   

Amortized cost

    0        0        0        41,842        41,842   

Yield

    0        0        0        6.32     6.32

Equity securities

         

Fair value

          $ 145,383   

Amortized cost

            145,979   

Yield

            2.70

Held-to-Maturity

         

State and municipal

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 4,108      $ 4,108   

Amortized cost

    0        0        0        4,108        4,108   

Yield

    0        0        0        2.99     2.99

Other

         

Fair value

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 4,560      $ 4,560   

Amortized cost

    0        0        0        4,560        4,560   

Yield

    0        0        0        6.20     6.36

Total Securities

         

Fair value

  $ 28,179      $ 226,125      $ 320,416      $ 1,697,508      $ 2,417,611   

Amortized cost

    27,740        224,315        318,228        1,721,990        2,438,252   

Yield

    5.03     2.85     3.00     4.06     3.58

 

Additional Information

 

 

Weighted-average yields are based on amortized cost. For presentation in this table, yields on tax-exempt securities have been calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.

 

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Information presented in this table regarding mortgage-backed securities is based on final maturities.

 

For additional information about our investment securities portfolio, refer to “Note 4. Investment Securities” and “Note 24. Fair Value Disclosures” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Loans and Leases

 

As a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance relating to variable interest entities, we, as the primary beneficiary of two securitization trusts, were required to consolidate the trusts as of January 1, 2010. At December 31, 2010, the aggregate balance of the loans held by the trusts that can be used only to settle obligations of the trusts was $215.4 million. In addition, during the first quarter of 2010, we concluded that, due to recent changes in accounting guidance and market conditions, it was highly unlikely that the home equity line of credit loans held for sale would be sold and securitized. Therefore, on March 31, 2010, we transferred $434.9 million of home equity line of credit loans held for sale to held for investment.

 

Throughout 2010, the difficulties and uncertainty within the economy continued to affect demand for loans among credit-worthy borrowers. Many businesses in our markets have been proceeding cautiously and have learned to do more with less. As a result, loans and leases, net of unearned income and excluding the loans of the securitization trusts discussed above, decreased 4.2%, from $9.8 billion at December 31, 2009, to $9.4 billion at December 31, 2010. Commercial, financial, and agricultural loans declined by $233.6 million (including charge-offs of $22.6 million), while real estate construction loans, which we consider to be higher-risk loans, declined by $237.5 million (including charge-offs of $65.7 million). This 21.3% decrease in real estate construction loans was primarily due to our continuing plan to decrease that portfolio, thereby reducing our exposure in a segment that has been particularly stressed during this recession. For additional information about our real estate construction portfolio, refer to the discussion under “Risk Assets” presented in PART II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Financial Condition. Consumer loans, however, increased by $120.8 million since December 31, 2009, and loans secured by residential real estate (excluding the loans of the securitizations trusts) also increased, by $81.9 million, during the same period.

 

Table 6 presents loans outstanding, by type of loan, in our portfolio for the past five years. Our bank subsidiary historically has reported a significant amount of loans secured by real estate. Many of these loans have real estate collateral taken as additional security not related to the acquisition of the real estate pledged. Open-ended home equity loans totaled $884.5 million at December 31, 2010, and an additional $260.1 million was outstanding on loans with junior liens on residential properties at December 31, 2010. Senior liens on 1-4 family residential properties totaled $1.3 billion at December 31, 2010, and much of the $2.8 billion in loans secured by non-farm, non-residential properties represented collateralization of operating lines of credit or term loans that finance equipment, inventory, or receivables. Loans secured by farmland totaled $183.6 million, while loans secured by multi-family residential properties totaled $208.2 million at December 31, 2010.

 

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Table 6 - Loan and Lease Portfolio

 

At December 31,

  2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans and
Leases
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans and
Leases
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans and
Leases
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans and
Leases
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans and
Leases
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

  $ 1,816,519        18.9   $ 2,050,110        21.0   $ 2,063,942        21.4   $ 1,781,981        20.4   $ 978,522        17.6

Real estate:

                   

construction

    877,223        9.1        1,114,709        11.3        1,313,647        13.6        1,292,953        14.8        1,064,452        19.1   

residential

    2,666,692        27.7        2,369,380        24.1        2,298,709        23.8        2,151,923        24.6        1,147,741        20.6   

commercial

    2,998,176        31.0        3,060,331        31.1        2,875,502        29.8        2,661,841        30.3        1,577,534        28.5   

Consumer

    603,084        6.3        482,266        4.9        419,371        4.3        411,159        4.7        313,848        5.6   

Leases

    671,503        7.0        750,483        7.6        682,702        7.1        451,733        5.2        478,900        8.6   
                                                                               

Total

  $ 9,633,197        100.0   $ 9,827,279        100.0   $ 9,653,873        100.0   $ 8,751,590        100.0   $ 5,560,997        100.0
                                                                               

 

Table 7 presents the maturity of commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, as well as real estate construction loans. Table 8 presents the allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses by type of loan.

 

Table 7 - Loan Maturity and Interest Sensitivity

 

At December 31, 2010

   Under One
Year
     One to Five
Years
     Over Five
Years
     Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Maturity

                           

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 634,468       $ 742,275       $ 439,776       $ 1,816,519   

Real estate - construction

     452,307         309,968         114,948         877,223   
                                   
   $ 1,086,775       $ 1,052,243       $ 554,724       $ 2,693,742   
                                   

Rate sensitivity of loans with maturities greater than 1 year

                           

Variable rate

      $ 490,111       $ 409,106       $ 899,217   

Fixed rate

        562,132         145,618         707,750   
                             
      $ 1,052,243       $ 554,724       $ 1,606,967   
                             

 

Table 8 - Allocation of Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

At December 31,

   2010      2009      2008      2007     2006  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 31,608       $ 27,350       $ 22,599       $ 23,970      $ 16,637   

Real estate - construction

     50,250         54,305         31,734         20,552        12,419   

Real estate secured - residential

     28,321         22,815         16,189         12,125        6,891   

Real estate secured - commercial

     69,623         56,623         33,765         23,320        15,065   

Consumer

     2,805         3,090         3,253         4,778        4,568   

Leases

     8,643         7,958         5,868         4,203        6,589   

Overdrafts

     36         37         34         57        21   

Loans in process

     513         121         285         0        0   

Unallocated

     35         69         22         (436     453   
                                           

Total

   $ 191,834       $ 172,368       $ 113,749       $ 88,569      $ 62,643   
                                           

Reserve for unfunded commitments(1)

   $ 975       $ 975       $ 975       $ 675      $ 675   
                                           

 

(1) Included in Other liabilities.

 

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Substantially all of our loans and leases are to enterprises and individuals in our market area. As shown in Table 9, there is no concentration of loans to borrowers in any one industry, or related industries, which exceeded 10% of total loans at December 31, 2010.

 

Table 9 - Loan Concentrations

 

At December 31, 2010

   Permanent      Construction      All
Other
     Total
Amount
     % of
Nonaccrual in
Each Category
     % of Total
Loans and
Leases Outstanding
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate - residential

   $ 550,990       $ 63,018       $ 31,630       $ 645,638         3.73         6.70   

Motor vehicles

     437,771         2,350         41,148         481,269         0.56         5.00   

Land development (site work) construction

     92,635         278,150         28,604         399,389         5.74         4.15   

Retail real estate

     352,113         1,465         1,162         354,740         2.34         3.68   

Residential construction

     77,282         241,827         26,604         345,713         10.60         3.59   

Lessors of professional offices

     328,758         11,173         1,953         341,884         1.23         3.55   

Manufacturing

     116,784         1,214         140,756         258,754         1.66         2.69   

Hotels/motels

     248,116         1,654         2,619         252,389         4.12         2.62   

Medical services

     76,502         592         157,666         234,760         0.41         2.44   

Agriculture

     185,897         1,270         41,150         228,317         2.38         2.37   

Elderly/child care services

     80,198         35,740         90,901         206,839         0.03         2.15   

Wholesalers

     44,501         1,512         145,973         191,986         0.24         1.99   

Warehouses

     187,451         1,628         279         189,358         0.07         1.97   

Commercial construction

     52,191         111,543         15,713         179,447         2.31         1.86   

Retail consumer goods

     82,781         1,465         61,545         145,791         3.27         1.51   

Public services

     51,708         1,572         76,770         130,050         0.32         1.35   

Contractors

     54,224         2,877         71,591         128,692         1.69         1.34   

Recreation

     71,491         4,265         14,459         90,215         2.86         0.94   

Restaurants/bars

     71,130         418         18,060         89,608         5.82         0.93   

Transportation

     9,552         0         54,380         63,932         3.40         0.66   

Real estate services

     49,864         1,367         6,138         57,369         0.56         0.60   

Industrial

     3,861         21,048         27,107         52,016         0.00         0.54   

Insurance services

     10,350         104         41,186         51,640         0.22         0.54   

 

For additional information about loans and leases, refer to “Note 5. Loans and Leases” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Risk Assets

 

Non-performing assets consist of nonaccrual loans and leases and foreclosed real estate. Loans, other than consumer loans, are placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest is past due ninety days or more, or if in the opinion of management, full collection is doubtful. Foreclosed real estate is property acquired through foreclosure or other means and is recorded at the lower of the loan’s carrying value or the fair market value of the related real estate collateral at the transfer date less estimated selling costs.

 

Troubled debt restructurings are loans for which we, for legal or economic reasons related to a debtor’s financial difficulties, have granted a concession to the debtor that we otherwise would not have considered. Concessions that result in the categorization of a loan as a troubled debt restructuring include:

 

   

Reduction (absolute or contingent) of the stated interest rate;

 

   

Extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk;

 

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Reduction (absolute or contingent) of the face amount or maturity amount of the debt as stated in the instrument or other agreement; or

 

   

Reduction (absolute or contingent) of accrued interest.

 

Loans contractually past due ninety days and still accruing interest are those loans that are well secured and in the process of collection.

 

Table 10 is a presentation of the five-year history of risk assets.

 

Table 10 - Risk Assets

 

At December 31,

   2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Non-performing assets:

          

Nonaccrual loans and leases:

          

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 20,012      $ 20,282      $ 13,882      $ 2,799      $ 1,264   

Real estate - construction

     57,779        97,717        49,774        20,998        9,631   

Real estate secured - residential

     50,973        37,254        18,271        11,755        5,900   

Real estate secured - commercial

     65,313        59,181        22,477        18,261        11,307   

Consumer

     1        27        844        397        2   

Leases

     2,817        5,093        65        2,531        2,221   
                                        

Total nonaccrual loans and leases

     196,895        219,554        105,313        56,741        30,325   

Foreclosed real estate

     18,489        24,292        10,313        11,927        1,544   
                                        

Total non-performing assets

   $ 215,384      $ 243,846      $ 115,626      $ 68,668      $ 31,869   
                                        

Total non-performing assets as a percentage of period-end loans and leases and foreclosed real estate

     2.23     2.48     1.20     0.78     0.57

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans and leases

     97     79     108     156     207

Loans contractually past due 90 days and still accruing

   $ 20,588      $ 14,820      $ 22,316      $ 12,199      $ 9,364   

Troubled debt restructurings

     114,566        58,244        2,566        2,582        5,376   

 

Nonaccrual loans and leases decreased from $219.6 million at December 31, 2009, to $196.9 million at December 31, 2010. The net decrease was primarily the result of the resolution of many real estate — construction credits during 2010. As a result, total nonperforming assets as a percentage of period-end loans and leases plus foreclosed real estate decreased from 2.48% at December 31, 2009 to 2.23% at December 31, 2010.

 

Real Estate - Construction

 

At December 31, 2010, real estate — construction loans comprised only 9.1% of our total loan and lease portfolio but accounted for 29.3% of total nonaccrual loans and leases and 26.2% of our allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2010, this loan type accounted for 40.9% of total net charge-offs . As a result, we consider these real-estate construction loans to be higher-risk loans. To mitigate the risk of continued significant losses with regard to this portfolio, we have tightened the advance ratios for raw land, from 65% to 60% of appraised value or cost, whichever is less; for land approved/unimproved, from 70% to 65%; for land approved/improved, from 75% to 70%; and for construction of houses, apartments, or commercial buildings, from 75% to 70%.

 

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Additional information about our real estate — construction loan portfolio is presented in Tables 11, 12, and 13. Categories within these tables are defined as follows:

 

   

Construction loans — loans used to fund vertical construction for residential and non-residential structures;

 

   

Land development loans — loans secured by land for which the approvals for site improvements have been obtained, the site improvements are in progress, or the site improvements have been completed; and

 

   

Raw land — loans secured by land for which there are neither approvals nor site improvements.

 

Table 11 - Construction, Land Development, and Other Land Loans - Portfolio Status

 

Category

  Balance at
December 31,
2010
    % of Total
Construction
    Past Due
30-89
Days
    Past Due
90 Days
and Still
Accruing
    Nonaccrual     Other
Internally
Monitored(1)
    Net
Charge-offs(2)
    Reserve(3)  
    (Dollars is thousands)  

1-4 Family:

               

Construction

  $ 208,114        23.7     0.8     0.0     14.9     16.4     7.4     7.0

Land development

    191,763        21.9        0.3        0.4        0.7        20.1        1.5        5.7   

Raw land

    5,790        0.7        0.0        0.0        0.2        39.2        11.5        7.1   
                           
    405,667        46.2        0.6        0.2        8.0        18.5        4.8        6.4   
                           

All Other:

               

Construction:

               

Investor

    204,275        23.3        0.0        0.0        1.3        2.0        5.4        5.5   

Owner-occupied

    10,037        1.1        2.4        0.0        0.0        0.0        2.6        4.9   

Land development:

               

Investor

    199,166        22.7        1.4        0.0        7.2        20.8        8.0        4.6   

Owner-occupied

    15,152        1.7        0.0        0.0        0.0        6.7        7.7        5.4   

Raw land:

               

Investor

    42,086        4.8        0.0        0.0        19.9        19.0        15.9        6.1   

Owner-occupied

    840        0.1        0.0        0.0        29.1        0.0        0.0        3.9   
                           
    471,556        53.8        0.7        0.0        5.4        11.6        7.6        5.2   
                           

Total

  $ 877,223        100.0        0.6        0.1        6.6        14.8        6.3        5.7   
                           

 

(1) Represents loans with initial signs of some financial weakness and potential problem loans that are on our internally monitored loan list, excluding nonaccrual and past-due loans reflected in the prior three columns.
(2) Represents the amount of net charge-offs in each category for the last twelve months divided by the category loan balance at December 31, 2010 plus the net charge-offs.
(3) Represents the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses allocated to this category divided by the category loan balance at December 31, 2010.

 

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Table 12 - Construction, Land Development, and Other Land Loans - Collateral Locations

 

Category

   Balance at
December 31, 2010
     Geographical Location by %  
      Maryland     New Jersey     Pennsylvania     Other  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

1-4 Family:

           

Construction

   $ 208,114         50.8     4.2     40.3     4.7

Land development

     191,763         52.9        6.1        32.3        8.7   

Raw land

     5,790         39.4        3.3        57.3        0.0   
                 
     405,667         51.7        5.1        36.7        6.5   
                 

All Other:

           

Construction:

           

Investor

     204,275         27.8        15.3        46.8        10.1   

Owner-occupied

     10,037         26.9        2.4        70.7        0.0   

Land development:

           

Investor

     199,166         20.7        2.0        57.6        19.7   

Owner-occupied

     15,152         73.4        0.0        26.6        0.0   

Raw land:

           

Investor

     42,086         20.3        14.0        65.1        0.6   

Owner-occupied

     840         51.9        29.1        19.0        0.0   
                 
     471,556         25.6        8.9        52.7        12.8   
                 

Total

   $ 877,223         37.7        7.1        45.3        9.9   
                 

 

Table 13 - Construction, Land Development, and Other Land Loans - Portfolio Characteristics

 

Category

   Balance at
December 31, 2010
     Global Debt
Coverage Ratio
Less than 1.1 Times(1)
    Average Loan to
Value (current)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

1-4 Family:

       

Construction

   $ 208,114         25.3     81.1

Land development

     191,763         13.5        69.1   

Raw land

     5,790         15.1        71.5   
             
     405,667         19.6        76.5   
             

All Other:

       

Construction:

       

Investor

     204,275         3.2        82.9   

Owner-occupied

     10,037         0        68.6   

Land development:

       

Investor

     199,166         29.1        69.9   

Owner-occupied

     15,152         27.3        60.5   

Raw land:

       

Investor

     42,086         22.4        70.8   

Owner-occupied

     840         11.4        51.1   
             
     471,556         17.3        72.5   
             
   $ 877,223         18.4        74.6   
             

 

(1) Global debt coverage ratio is calculated by analyzing the combined cash flows of the borrower, its related entities, and the guarantors (if any). The final global cash flow is divided by the global debt service for the same entities to determine the coverage ratio.

 

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We conduct quarterly portfolio reviews of real estate — construction loan relationships in excess of $0.75 million in order to identify potential problem loans. For those loan relationships under $0.75 million, the evaluation of risk is based upon delinquency. Included in this review is a comparison of absorption numbers (units leased or sold), market conditions, and performance to original projections. Lenders prepare cash flow projections for the loan being reviewed and all of the construction projects that the borrower may have financed with other lending institutions. An analysis of these cash flow projections determines whether the borrowing entity’s liquidity is sufficient to complete not only the project being financed by us but any other projects in the borrower’s portfolio, as well. The liquidity of any guarantors (the secondary source for continuance of the project) is also reviewed during this process to determine if it will support any extension of the project due to slower than expected absorption.

 

Loans designated as potential problem loans in the real estate — construction loan portfolio are reviewed quarterly by our loan review department (“Loan Review”) and executive management. This review consists of an analysis of the project’s historical results; the project’s projected results over the next four quarters; current financial information of the borrower and any guarantors; and a fifteen-month rolling cash flow of the projects financed by us and other lending institutions. In these meetings, we determine which loans are to be placed on nonaccrual and any downgrades or upgrades in ratings.

 

All potential problem real estate — construction loans are tested quarterly for impairment. The loan must meet the following criteria or it will be considered impaired:

 

   

The debt coverage ratio (“DCR”) of the borrower must be at least 1.10X for the project. DCR is defined as annualized cash flow available for debt service divided by annual debt service.

 

   

If the DCR of the borrower is less than 1.10X, then the ratio of global cash flow of the borrower plus the guarantor divided by annual debt service (“GCF”) must be greater than 1.10X.

 

   

If the DCR and the GCF are not greater than 1.10X, then a fifteen-month rolling cash flow projection must show that the borrower/guarantor will achieve a 1.10X DCR within six months. This projection must be verified and supported by contracts or leases.

 

Potential problem loans are generally assigned to our special-asset group or work-out department. While the loans are assigned to these areas:

 

   

These groups work under the same process that was used to determine that the loan was impaired (as described above) to monitor the collectability of these loans.

 

   

Collateral is appraised by outside vendors. Appraisals are generally kept current (no more than one-year old).

 

   

Work-out plans are established with loan benchmarks that, if achieved, will result in our upgrading the loan. If it is not feasible to upgrade the loan, we will develop a plan to exit the loan through non-bank financing, sale of assets, or an orderly liquidation.

 

We use independent third-party appraisal firms to determine the value of collateral. Real estate – construction collateral is generally valued on an annual basis, or in the event of deterioration in geographic areas of our foot print (as demonstrated by analytics from regional and national publications), on an as-needed basis. For ongoing real estate construction projects, we use independent inspectors to verify the progress of construction. Other collateral-based loans, such as loans secured by receivables and/or inventory, are generally valued on an annual basis using balance sheet information and field examinations performed by independent auditors.

 

We also review the liquidity of any guarantors (the secondary source for continuance of the project) to determine if their liquidity will support any extension of the project due to slower than expected absorption. If the result of any of the determinations set forth above is negative, we consider the loan to be impaired, and it is

 

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included in our evaluation of the allowance for loan and lease losses. If a loan is determined to be impaired, the net realizable value of the underlying collateral is calculated by using a current appraisal, and any short fall is charged off. All partially charged-off loans become part of the calculation for the loan and lease loss reserve.

 

Although our impairment and charge-off analyses take into consideration the guarantor’s demonstrated ability and willingness to service the debt, we do not carry any impaired loans at values in excess of the current appraisal due to the loan having a guarantor. Our evaluation of guarantors includes examining their financial wherewithal and their reputation and willingness to work with their lenders. Since the beginning of the global economic slowdown in 2007, we have consistently assessed the probability for completion of a project by determining the guarantor’s liquidity and the cash flow generated by the project based upon current absorption.

 

We believe that we are well-equipped to evaluate the guarantors of loans. Approximately 70% of the real estate borrowers have been our customers for over ten years and in the market for at least fifteen years. Most of our employee lenders have been lenders within their specific markets for fifteen or more years, and those whose experience is less than that time period are supervised by people who have the experience. Therefore, we have a strong historical perspective as to how borrowers performed in the last major recession of 1988 to 1993. For those borrowers/guarantors that do not have history dating back to the last major recession, third-party credit checks are used to determine their history and, when appropriate, how they have performed when real estate projects have not gone as expected.

 

Guarantors are required to provide us with copies of annual financial statements and tax returns, including all schedules. These financial statements and tax returns are analyzed using variables such as total debt obligation including contingent liabilities (an analysis of those contingent liabilities, the ability to service third-party debt, and whether the cash that is left will support our loan), and a review of financial statements to determine living expenses. These results are part of a fifteen-month rolling projection of the borrower’s and the guarantor’s cash flow. With respect to a potential problem loan, the rolling fifteen-month cash flow projection requires verification of all cash or liquid investments each quarter. In addition, we require that these statements are generally current to within one year.

 

Charge-offs are taken in the quarter that we determine that the loan is impaired. We exercise our rights under the full extent of the law to pursue all assets of the borrower and guarantors.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”)

 

Troubled debt restructurings have increased significantly from $58.2 million at December 31, 2009 to $114.6 million at December 31, 2010. We consider all restructured loans to be impaired. None of our TDRs have required additional charge-offs subsequent to the restructuring during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

A borrower with a restructured loan must maintain a 1.10X DCR as a stand-alone entity or a 1.10X GCF together with its guarantor. If the borrower fails to maintain that ratio or cannot recover to a 1.10X DCR or GCF within a six-month period, the restructured loan will be returned to nonaccrual status. Also, if a borrower is over ninety days past due, the restructured loan will be returned to nonaccrual status. Loans that have been restructured but have not recovered to a 1.10X DCR or GCF will remain on nonaccrual even when a forbearance agreement has been executed. When the borrower achieves a DCR or GCF of 1.10X or greater, the loan will be returned to restructured accruing status so long as the loan is current as to the restructured terms.

 

At the time a loan is restructured, we consider the following factors to determine whether the loan should accrue interest:

 

   

Whether there is six months of payment history under the current terms;

 

   

Whether the loan is current under the restructured terms; and

 

   

Whether we expect the loan to continue to perform under the restructured terms with a DCR or GCF of 1.10X.

 

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We also review the financial performance of the borrower over the past year to be reasonably assured of repayment and performance according to the modified terms. This review consists of an analysis of the borrower’s historical results; the borrower’s projected results over the next four quarters; current financial information of the borrower and any guarantors; and a fifteen-month rolling cash flow of the borrower. All troubled debt restructurings are reviewed quarterly to determine the amount of any impairment.

 

In situations where the restructuring results in an interest-only period (greater than three months but not longer than fourteen months), our analysis of the borrower’s historical cash flow must conclude that the borrower can make the interest-only payments. Furthermore, the fifteen-month rolling projections must demonstrate that the borrower will achieve cash flow levels that will support a return to payments of principal and interest at a market rate within the timeframe prescribed in the forbearance agreement.

 

At the time of restructuring, the amount of the loan for which we are not reasonably assured of repayment is charged-off, but not forgiven. We have not had any additional charge-offs for any portion of the loans (after the initial charge-offs were taken at the time of the restructuring) for any of our troubled debt restructurings that accrue interest at the time the loans are restructured.

 

A borrower with a restructured loan must make six consecutive monthly payments at the restructured level and be current as to both interest and principal to be on accrual status. Furthermore, for a loan to be no longer considered restructured, it must cross over a calendar year-end and be at a market rate of interest.

 

Impaired Loans

 

Of the $246.9 million of impaired loans (nonaccrual, non-consumer relationships greater than $0.5 million plus accruing restructured loans) at December 31, 2010, $112.7 million, or 45.7%, had no related reserve. The determination that no related reserve for these collateral-dependent loans was required was based on the net realizable value of the underlying collateral.

 

Every impaired loan has a net realizable value (“NRV”) that is based on a recent appraisal (generally less than one year) of the collateral. That NRV is calculated by the loan officer, reviewed by Loan Review and finally reviewed by our credit risk department to insure that the calculation is correct. If the NRV is greater than the loan amount, then no impairment loss exists. If the NRV is less than the loan amount, the shortfall is rectified by a specific reserve for a period of ninety days to allow time for the borrower to pledge additional collateral. If the borrower fails to pledge additional collateral, a charge-off will occur. In certain circumstances, however, a direct charge-off may be taken at the time that the NRV calculation reveals a shortfall.

 

As part of our loan quality department meetings and loan work out meetings, these loans are reviewed quarterly to ensure that appraisals are kept current. If, based on general economic and geographic information from outside sources, we believe that the value of collateral is decreasing, we will obtain a new appraisal and make adjustments accordingly.

 

Charge-offs only are taken based on the fair market value of the underlying collateral, as determined from a current appraisal. All partially charged-off loans remain on nonaccrual status until they are brought current as to both principal and interest and have six months of payment history.

 

All impaired loans have an independent third-party appraisal to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral. Once we have identified further deterioration of an impaired loan, we obtain an updated appraisal. Prior to receiving the updated appraisal, we will establish a specific reserve for that estimated deterioration, based upon our assessment of market conditions. Once the updated appraisal is received, the book value of the loan is adjusted to its fair value as determined by the appraisal.

 

Loans that are determined to be impaired are written down to their current value, based upon a current appraisal at the time of impairment. No additional value is assigned to any guarantee with regard to this appraisal. We exercise our rights under the full extent of the law to pursue all assets of the borrower and guarantors.

 

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Potential Problem Loans

 

Potential problem loans consist of loans that are performing under contract but for which potential credit problems have caused us to place them on our internally monitored loan list. The increase in potential problem loans, which are not included in Table 10, can be attributed to the difficult economic conditions that persisted throughout 2010 and migrations to our internally monitored loan list that occur in the normal course of business. Continuing difficulties in the economy and the accompanying impact on these borrowers, as well as future events, such as regulatory examination assessments, may result in these loans and others not currently so identified being classified as non-performing assets in the future.

 

Table 14 - Potential Problem Loans by Loan Category

 

     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
     December 31,
2008
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 59,793       $ 54,552       $ 35,027   

Real estate - construction

     68,204         59,957         83,411   

Real estate secured - residential

     15,972         18,878         9,213   

Real estate secured - commercial

     173,827         172,793         57,380   
                          

Total potential problem loans

   $ 317,796       $ 306,180       $ 185,031   
                          

 

Loans with principal and/or interest delinquent ninety days or more and still accruing interest totaled $20.6 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $5.8 million, from $14.8 million at December 31, 2009. Continued difficulties in the economy may adversely affect certain other borrowers and may cause additional loans to become past due beyond ninety days or to be placed on non-accrual status because of the uncertainty of receiving full payment of either principal or interest on these loans.

 

For additional information about the credit quality of loans and leases, refer to “Note 5. Loans and Leases” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

In light of the on-going current economic situation, we continue to undertake the following additional measures to recognize and resolve troubled credits:

 

   

We review all credit relationships in the categories of Commercial Real Estate, Commercial Construction — Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate with aggregate exposure of $5.0 million and loans of $2.5 million are reviewed once a year to determine the borrower’s ability to meet the terms and conditions of the loan agreements. This review includes a stress test for an increase of 1.0% in interest rates;

 

   

We hold credit quality meetings during the second month of each quarter to review all criticized and classified loans. This includes reviewing global cash flows and stress testing for an increase of 1.0% in interest rates;

 

   

We complete a fifteen-month rolling projection of potential non-accrual loans, charge-offs, foreclosed assets, loans ninety days past due and still accruing, total delinquencies, troubled debt restructurings, specific reserves, and recoveries over $0.5 million during the third month of every quarter. These projections are reviewed and discussed by executive management;

 

   

We hold monthly meetings with our work-out officers to review their portfolios and strategy to either upgrade or exit particular credit relationships;

 

   

We have instituted an ongoing review in our Consumer Lending area of all home equity line of credit loans to determine which property values and FICO scores have been negatively affected; and

 

   

We are in the process of implementing risk-based pricing to reflect the cost of loans progressing through our risk-rating system.

 

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We believe that 2011 will be a challenging year, with the effects of the recession continuing to affect the commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and consumer credit segments. However, we also believe that we have the proper monitoring systems in place to recognize issues in an appropriate time frame and to minimize the effect on our earnings.

 

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. This test, which requires significant judgment and analysis, involves discounted cash flows and market-price multiples of non-distressed financial institutions.

 

We performed our annual goodwill impairment tests in the second quarter of 2010, and determined that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded its book value, and there was no goodwill impairment. However, at December 31, 2010, having taken into consideration current market conditions, we decided that it would be prudent to perform interim goodwill impairment tests for our bank reporting unit and our wealth management reporting unit.

 

Based upon our analyses at December 31, 2010, the fair value of the bank reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 10.4%, and the fair value of the wealth management reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 55.7%. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for possible future impairment as conditions warrant.

 

For additional information about goodwill, refer to “Note 8. “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Deposits

 

Our deposit base is consumer-oriented, consisting of time deposits, primarily certificates of deposit with various terms, interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, and demand deposits. Average deposit balances by type and the associated average rate paid are summarized in Table 15.

 

Table 15 - Average Deposit Balances

 

Year ended December 31,

   2010     2009     2008  
     Average
Balance
     Average
Rate Paid
    Average
Balance
     Average
Rate Paid
    Average
Balance
     Average
Rate Paid
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Demand deposits

   $ 1,309,516         0.00   $ 1,222,365         0.00   $ 1,205,381         0.00

Interest-bearing demand deposits

     3,481,728         0.64        2,882,949         0.77        2,604,337         1.29   

Savings deposits

     766,210         0.15        731,787         0.23        723,612         0.67   

Time deposits

     3,628,219         2.22        4,187,549         3.26        4,402,956         3.80   
                                 

Total

   $ 9,185,673         $ 9,024,650         $ 8,936,286      
                                 

 

Total deposits increased $216.8 million, or 2.4%, from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010. Time deposits decreased 8.2% while our core deposits, which consist of noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, and savings deposits increased 9.9%. These changes, in part, reflect the results of our continuing strategy to improve our mix of deposits by allowing high-cost, single-service certificates of deposit to run off.

 

We do not rely upon time deposits of $0.1 million or more as a principal source of funds, as they represent only 13.4% of total deposits. Table 16 presents a breakdown by maturity of time deposits of $0.1 million or more as of December 31, 2010.

 

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Table 16 - Deposit Maturity at December 31, 2010

 

(Dollars in thousands)

      

Three months or less

   $ 443,536   

Over three months through six months

     151,925   

Over six months through twelve months

     264,480   

Over twelve months

     375,962   
        

Total

   $ 1,235,903   
        

 

Borrowings

 

Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) Borrowings

 

Long-term FHLB borrowings decreased $122.2 from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010 as a result of the repayment of maturing loans.

 

11% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, Series II

 

On March 16, 2010, Susquehanna Capital II, a Delaware statutory trust, sold to the public $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, Series II and used the proceeds from those sales to fund its purchase of $50.0 million of 11% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, Series II issued by Susquehanna. The subordinated debentures are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with our existing series of junior subordinated debt securities. Interest on the subordinated debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 23 and September 23, beginning September 23, 2010, unless we defer payment. We may elect to redeem any or all of the subordinated debentures at any time on or after March 23, 2015. The maturity date of the subordinated debentures is March 23, 2040.

 

For additional information about borrowings, refer to “Note 10. Borrowings” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

Table 17 presents certain of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2010 and their expected year of payment or expiration.

 

Table 17 - Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments at December 31, 2010

 

Contractual Obligations

   Payments Due by Period  
     Total      Less than 1
Year
     1 - 3 Years      4 - 5 Years      Over 5 Years  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Certificates of deposit

   $ 3,404,406       $ 2,139,929       $ 1,069,452       $ 188,595       $ 6,430   

FHLB borrowings

     1,101,620         415,190         291,108         309,205         86,117   

Long-term debt

     498,918         0         75,000         75,000         348,918   

Operating leases

     135,836         15,241         27,803         23,399         69,393   

Residual value guaranty fees

     10,620         4,620         6,000         0         0   
              

Other Commercial Commitments

   Commitment Expiration by Period  
     Total      Less than 1
Year
     1 - 3 Years      4 - 5 Years      Over 5 Years  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Stand-by letters of credit

   $ 305,477       $ 173,568       $ 130,648       $ 533       $ 728   

Commercial commitments

     734,879         631,136         85,394         10,817         7,532   

Real estate commitments

     256,339         146,358         106,985         2,336         660   

 

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Shareholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

On December 12, 2008, Susquehanna sold $300.0 million of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value per share (“Preferred Stock”) to the U.S. Treasury. Susquehanna also issued to the U.S. Treasury a warrant to purchase approximately 3,028 shares of its common stock. On April 21, 2010, Susquehanna redeemed $200.0 million of the preferred stock, and on December 21, 2010, Susquehanna redeemed the remaining $100.0 million of preferred stock. As a result of the redemption, Susquehanna accelerated the accretion of the associated discount, which reduced net income applicable to common shareholders by $5.9 million in 2010.

 

Common Stock

 

On March 15, 2010, Susquehanna completed an offering of 43.1 million shares of its common stock, par value $2.00 per share, at a public offering price of $8.00 per share. Proceeds from the offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions of $17.3 million and expenses of $0.4 million, totaled $327.3 million.

 

Capital Adequacy

 

The maintenance of a strong capital base at the parent company level as well as at the bank level is an important aspect of our philosophy. We and the bank have leverage and risk-weighted ratios well in excess of regulatory minimums, and each entity is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

In September 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released revisions to recommended capital requirements, which are referred to as Basel III. Our capital ratios are well in excess of these new requirements. These new ratio requirements are still considered preliminary, and there is a prolonged implementation time frame. We will monitor any proposed clarifications of these benchmarks.

 

For additional information related to our risk-based capital ratios, see “Note 16. Capital Adequacy” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

Market Risks

 

The types of market risk exposures generally faced by banking entities include:

 

   

equity market price risk;

 

   

liquidity risk;

 

   

interest rate risk;

 

   

foreign currency risk; and

 

   

commodity price risk.

 

Due to the nature of our operations, foreign currency and commodity price risk are not significant to us.

 

Equity Market Price Risk

 

Equity market price risk is the risk related to market fluctuations of equity prices in the securities markets. While we do not have significant risk in our investment portfolio, market price fluctuations may affect fee income generated through our asset management operations. Generally, our fee structure is based on the market value of assets being managed at specific time frames. If market values decline, our fee income may also decline.

 

Liquidity Risk

 

The maintenance of adequate liquidity — the ability to meet the cash requirements of our customers and other financial commitments — is a fundamental aspect of our asset/liability management strategy. Our policy of

 

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diversifying our funding sources — purchased funds, repurchase agreements, and deposit accounts — allows us to avoid undue concentration in any single financial market and also to avoid heavy funding requirements within short periods of time. At December 31, 2010, our bank subsidiary had approximately $999.0 million available under a collateralized line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh; and $635.9 million more would have been available provided that additional collateral had been pledged. In addition, at December 31, 2010, we had unused federal funds lines of $910.0 million and aggregate brokered certificates of deposits of only $277.9 million.

 

In addition, we have pledged certain auto leases, certain auto loans, certain commercial finance leases, and certain investment securities to obtain collateralized borrowing availability at the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window. At December 31, 2010, we had unused collateralized availability of $958.3 million.

 

Liquidity, however, is not entirely dependent on increasing our liability balances. Liquidity is also evaluated by taking into consideration maturing or readily marketable assets. Unrestricted short-term investments totaled $52.3 million at December 31, 2010, and represented additional sources of liquidity.

 

Management believes these sources of liquidity are sufficient to support our banking operations.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The management of interest rate risk focuses on controlling the risk to net interest income and the associated net interest margin as the result of changing market rates and spreads. Interest rate sensitivity is the matching or mismatching of the repricing and rate structure of the interest-bearing assets and liabilities. Our goal is to control risk exposure to changing rates within management’s accepted guidelines to maintain an acceptable level of risk exposure in support of consistent earnings.

 

We employ a variety of methods to monitor interest rate risk. These methods include basic gap analysis, which points to directional exposure; routine rate shocks simulation; and evaluation of the change in economic value of equity. Board directed guidelines have been adopted for both the rate shock simulations and economic value of equity exposure limits. By dividing the assets and liabilities into three groups — fixed rate, floating rate, and those which reprice only at our discretion — strategies are developed to control the exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

 

Our interest rate risk using the static gap analysis is presented in Table 18. This method reports the difference between interest-rate sensitive assets and liabilities at a specific point in time. Management uses the static gap methodology to identify our directional interest-rate risk. Table 18 also illustrates our estimated interest-rate sensitivity (periodic and cumulative) gap positions as calculated as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. These estimates include anticipated prepayments on commercial and residential loans, and mortgage-backed securities, in addition to certain repricing assumptions relative to our core deposits. Traditionally, an institution with more assets repricing than liabilities over a given time frame is considered asset sensitive, and one with more liabilities repricing than assets is considered liability sensitive. An asset sensitive institution will generally benefit from rising rates, and a liability sensitive institution will generally benefit from declining rates. Static gap analysis is widely accepted because of its simplicity in identifying interest rate risk exposure; but it ignores market spread adjustments, the changing mix of the balance sheet, planned balance sheet management strategies, and the change in prepayment assumptions.

 

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Table 18 - Balance Sheet Gap Analysis

 

At December 31, 2010

   1-3
months
    3-12
months
    1-3
years
    Over 3
years
    Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

          

Short-term investments

   $ 93,948      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 93,948   

Investments

     219,119        79,328        242,085        1,877,079        2,417,611   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     4,331,861        1,416,432        2,094,900        1,593,108        9,436,301   
                                        

Total

   $ 4,644,928      $ 1,495,760      $ 2,336,985      $ 3,470,187      $ 11,947,860   
                                        

Liabilities

          

Interest-bearing demand

   $ 1,458,686      $ 729,343      $ 1,094,014      $ 364,671      $ 3,646,714   

Savings

     307,141        153,570        230,356        76,785        767,852   

Time

     448,222        831,852        756,080        132,349        2,168,503   

Time in denominations of $100 or more

     443,774        416,166        313,311        62,652        1,235,903   

Total borrowings

     1,856,262        53,473        356,474        311,990        2,578,199   
                                        

Total

   $ 4,514,085      $ 2,184,404      $ 2,750,235      $ 948,447      $ 10,397,171   
                                        

Impact of other assets, other liabilities, capital, and noninterest-bearing deposits:

   $ 507,948      $ (69,046   $ (410,940   $ (1,578,652  

Interest Sensitivity Gap:

          

Periodic

   $ 638,791      $ (757,690   $ (824,190   $ 943,089     

Cumulative

       (118,899     (943,089     0     

Cumulative gap as a percentage of total assets

     5     -1     -7     0  

At December 31, 2009

   1-3
months
    3-12
months
    1-3
years
    Over 3
years
    Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

          

Short-term investments

   $ 88,095      $ —        $ —        $ 26      $ 88,121   

Investments

     608,387        435,581        364,794        466,505        1,875,267   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     4,026,948        1,595,099        2,348,673        1,856,559        9,827,279   
                                        

Total

   $ 4,723,430      $ 2,030,680      $ 2,713,467      $ 2,323,090      $ 11,790,667   
                                        

Liabilities

          

Interest-bearing demand

   $ 1,095,982      $ 424,999      $ 1,219,805      $ 522,026      $ 3,262,812   

Savings

     46,481        139,441        409,028        148,737        743,687   

Time

     959,875        1,149,550        373,442        53,258        2,536,125   

Time in denominations of $100 or more

     445,994        585,161        126,167        13,209        1,170,531   

Total borrowings

     1,325,426        72,014        498,349        617,105        2,512,894   
                                        

Total

   $ 3,873,758      $ 2,371,165      $ 2,626,791      $ 1,354,335      $ 10,226,049   
                                        

Impact of other assets, other liabilities, capital, and noninterest-bearing deposits:

   $ (27,347   $ 238,228      $ (694,532   $ (1,080,967  

Interest Sensitivity Gap:

          

Periodic

   $ 822,325      $ (102,257   $ (607,856   $ (112,212  

Cumulative

       720,068        112,212        0     

Cumulative gap as a percentage of total assets

     6     5     1     0  

 

In addition to static gap reports comparing the sensitivity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities to changes in interest rates, we also utilize simulation analysis that measures our exposure to interest rate risk. The financial simulation model calculates the income effect and the economic value of assets, liabilities and equity at current and forecasted interest rates, and at hypothetical higher and lower interest rates at one percent intervals. The income effect and economic value of defined categories of financial instruments is calculated by the model using estimated cash flows based on embedded options, prepayments, early withdrawals, and weighted average contractual rates and terms. For economic value calculations, the model also considers discount rates for similar financial instruments. The economic values of longer-term fixed-rate financial instruments are generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Adjustable-rate and variable-rate financial instruments largely reflect only a change in economic value representing the difference between the contractual and discounted rates until the next contractual interest rate repricing date, unless subject to rate caps and floors.

 

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A portion of our loan portfolio consists of commercial and residential mortgage loans containing embedded options, which permit the borrower to repay the principal balance of the loan prior to maturity (“prepayments”) without penalty. A loan’s susceptibility for prepayment is dependent upon a number of factors, including the current interest rate versus the contractual interest rate of the loan, the financial ability of the borrower to refinance, the economic benefit and the availability of refinancing at attractive terms in addition to general changes in customers’ needs. Refinancing may also depend upon economic and other factors in specific geographic areas that affect the sales and price levels of residential property. In a changing interest rate environment, prepayments may increase or decrease depending on the current relative levels and expectations of future short-term and long-term interest rates.

 

Changes in market rates and general economic conditions will have an impact on an organization’s mortgage-backed security portfolio. This will have an associated change on our sensitivity position in changing economic times. Savings and checking deposits generally may be withdrawn upon the customer’s request without prior notice. A continuing relationship with customers resulting in future deposits and withdrawals is generally predictable, resulting in a dependable source of funds. Time deposits generally have early withdrawal penalties, while term FHLB borrowings and subordinated notes have prepayment penalties, which discourage customer withdrawal of time deposits and prepayment of FHLB borrowings and subordinated notes prior to maturity.

 

Our floating-rate loan portfolio is primarily indexed to national interest rate indices. The portfolio is funded by interest-bearing liabilities which are determined by other indices, primarily deposits and FHLB borrowings. A changing interest rate environment may result in different levels of changes to the different indices resulting in disproportionate changes in the value of, and the net earnings generated from, such financial instruments. Basis risk is the result of this inconsistent change in the indices, with historical relationships not always being a good indicator.

 

Tables 19 and 20 reflect the estimated income effect and economic value of assets, liabilities, and equity calculated using certain assumptions we determined as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, at then current interest rates and at hypothetical higher interest rates (given the state of current interest rates, hypothetical lower interest rates are meaningless) in 1% and 2% increments. As noted in Table 19, the economic value of equity at risk as of December 31, 2010, is -5%, at an interest rate change of positive 2%. As noted in Table 20, net interest income at risk as of December 31, 2010, is 2%, at an interest rate change of positive 2%.

 

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Table 19 - Balance Sheet Shock Analysis

 

At December 31, 2010

   Base
Present
Value
    1%     2%  

Assets

      

Cash and due from banks

   $ 200,646      $ 200,646      $ 200,646   

Short-term investments

     93,947        93,946        93,944   

Investment securities:

      

Held-to-maturity

     8,668        8,435        8,221   

Available-for-sale

     2,408,943        2,319,507        2,219,455   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     9,492,108        9,325,284        9,182,462   

Other assets

     1,800,512        1,800,512        1,800,512   
                        

Total assets

   $ 14,004,824      $ 13,748,330      $ 13,505,240   
                        

Liabilities

      

Deposits:

      

Non-interest bearing

   $ 1,372,235      $ 1,372,235      $ 1,372,235   

Interest-bearing

     7,893,707        7,845,847        7,801,457   

Total borrowings

     3,316,601        3,125,948        2,971,513   

Other liabilities

     193,209        193,209        193,209   
                        

Total liabilities

     12,775,752        12,537,239        12,338,414   

Total economic equity

     1,229,072        1,211,091        1,166,826   
                        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 14,004,824      $ 13,748,330      $ 13,505,240   
                        

Economic equity ratio

     9     9     9

Value at risk

   $ 0      $ (17,981   $ (62,246

% Value at risk

     0     -1     -5

 

At December 31, 2009

   Base
Present
Value
    1%     2%  

Assets

      

Cash and due from banks

   $ 203,240      $ 203,240      $ 203,240   

Short-term investments

     88,121        88,121        88,121   

Investment securities:

      

Held-to-maturity

     4,371        4,371        4,371   

Available-for-sale

     1,881,526        1,851,133        1,769,028   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     9,808,728        9,552,825        9,413,657   

Other assets

     1,867,724        1,867,724        1,867,724   
                        

Total assets

   $ 13,853,710      $ 13,567,414      $ 13,346,141   
                        

Liabilities

      

Deposits:

      

Non-interest bearing

   $ 1,204,984      $ 1,182,276      $ 1,160,196   

Interest-bearing

     7,633,206        7,582,835        7,533,285   

Total borrowings

     2,505,306        2,441,528        2,383,192   

Other liabilities

     220,926        220,926        220,926   
                        

Total liabilities

     11,564,422        11,427,565        11,297,599   

Total economic equity

     2,289,288        2,139,849        2,048,542   
                        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 13,853,710      $ 13,567,414      $ 13,346,141   
                        

Economic equity ratio

     17     16     15

Value at risk

   $ 0      $ (149,439   $ (240,746

% Value at risk

     0     -7     -11

 

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Table 20 - Net Interest Income Shock Analysis

 

At December 31, 2010

          Base
Scenario
    1%     2%  

Interest income:

         

Short-term investments

      $ 265      $ 1,945      $ 3,633   

Investments

        96,233        97,415        98,535   

Loans and leases

        533,157        572,414        618,022   
                           

Total interest income

        629,655        671,774        720,190   
                           

Interest expense:

         

Interest-bearing demand and savings

        16,446        35,590        55,154   

Time

        61,794        70,161        78,527   

Total borrowings

        87,047        100,545        114,031   
                           

Total interest expense

        165,287        206,296        247,712   
                           

Net interest income

      $ 464,368      $ 465,478      $ 472,478   
                           

Net interest income at risk

      $ 0      $ 1,110      $ 8,110   

% Net interest income at risk

        0     0     2

 

At December 31, 2009

          Base
Scenario
    1%     2%  

Interest income:

         

Short-term investments

      $ 418      $ 2,877      $ 5,165   

Investments

        80,866        86,620        89,515   

Loans and leases

        555,494        581,980        620,313   
                           

Total interest income

        636,778        671,477        714,993   
                           

Interest expense:

         

Interest-bearing demand and savings

        21,443        37,380        58,057   

Time

        73,321        85,484        97,682   

Total borrowings

        80,916        90,773        100,636   
                           

Total interest expense

        175,680        213,637        256,375   
                           

Net interest income

      $ 461,098      $ 457,840      $ 458,618   
                           

Net interest income at risk

      $ 0      $ (3,258   $ (2,480

% Net interest income at risk

        0     -1     -1

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Our interest rate risk management strategy involves hedging the repricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities so as to mitigate adverse effects on our net interest margin and cash flows from changes in interest rates. While we do not participate in speculative derivatives trading, we consider it prudent to use certain derivative instruments to add stability to our interest income and expense, to modify the duration of specific assets and liabilities, and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements.

 

Additionally, we execute derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those derivatives are immediately hedged by offsetting derivative contracts, such that we minimize our net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. We do not use credit default swaps in our investment or hedging operations.

 

For additional information about our derivative financial instruments, refer to “Note 23. Derivative Financial Instruments” and “Note 24. Fair Value Disclosures” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

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Vehicle Leasing Residual Value Risk

 

In an effort to manage the vehicle residual value risk arising from the auto leasing business of Hann and our affiliate bank, Hann and the bank have entered into arrangements with Auto Lenders Liquidation Center, Inc. (“Auto Lenders”) pursuant to which Hann or the bank, as applicable, effectively transferred to Auto Lenders all residual value risk of its respective auto lease portfolio, and all residual value risk on any new leases originated over the term of the applicable agreement. Auto Lenders, which was formed in 1990, is a used-vehicle remarketer with four retail locations in New Jersey and has access to various wholesale facilities throughout the country. Under these arrangements, Auto Lenders agrees to purchase the beneficial interest in all vehicles returned by the obligors at the scheduled expiration of the related leases for a purchase price equal to the stated residual value of such vehicles. Stated residual values of new leases are set in accordance with the standards approved in advance by Auto Lenders. Under a servicing agreement with Auto Lenders, Hann also agrees to make monthly guaranty payments to Auto Lenders based upon a negotiated schedule covering a three-year period. At the end of each year, the servicing agreement may be renewed by the mutual agreement of the parties for an additional one-year term, beyond the current three-year term, subject to renegotiation of the payments for the additional year. During the renewal process, we periodically obtain competitive quotes from third parties to determine the best remarketing and/or residual guarantee alternatives for Hann and our bank subsidiary.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

In January 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-01, Receivables (Topic 310) — Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20. This update temporarily delays new disclosure requirements for troubled debt restructuring activity. Without the delay, those disclosure requirements would have been effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In July 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310) — Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. This update requires companies to provide more information in their disclosures about the credit quality of their financing receivables and the credit reserves held against them. The additional disclosures required for financing receivables include: aging of past due receivables, credit quality indicators, and modifications of financing receivables. Under the update, a company will need to disaggregate new and existing disclosures based on how it develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages credit exposures. The amendments that require disclosures as of the end of a reporting period were effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The amendments that require disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition. Refer to “Note 5. Loans and Leases” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8 for the required disclosures.

 

In April 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-18, Receivables (Topic 310) — Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. As a result of the amendments in this ASU, modifications of loans that are accounted for within a pool 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. This ASU was effective for modifications occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. In addition, upon initial adoption of the guidance in this ASU, an entity may make a one-time election to terminate accounting for loans as a pool under Subtopic 310-30. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In March 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-11, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives. This ASU provides amendments that clarify the scope exception for embedded

 

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credit derivative features related to the transfer of credit risk in the form of subordination of one financial instrument to another. This ASU was effective for each reporting entity at the beginning of its first fiscal quarter beginning after June 15, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In February 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-08, Technical Corrections to Various Topics. While none of the provisions in the amendments in this ASU fundamentally change U.S. GAAP, certain clarifications to the guidance on embedded derivatives and hedging (FASC Subtopic 815-15) may cause a change in the application of that Subtopic. This ASU was effective for Susquehanna on April 1, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In February 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-10, Consolidation (Topic 810) — Amendments for Certain Investment Funds. These amendments defer the consolidation requirements for a reporting entity’s interest in an entity (1) that has all the attributes of an investment company or (2) for which it is industry practice to apply measurement principles for financial reporting purposes that are consistent with those followed by investment companies. The deferral does not apply in situations in which a reporting entity has the explicit or implicit obligation to fund losses of an entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. This ASU was effective January 1, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In February 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-09, Subsequent Events (Topic 855) — Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements. ASU 2010-09, among other things, removes the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In January 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) — Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This ASU provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10 that require new disclosures as follows: a reporting entity should disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. This ASU also provides amendments that clarify existing disclosures relating to the level of disaggregation and inputs and valuation techniques. This ASU was effective for interim and annual reporting periods that began after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this ASU has not had and will not have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In June 2009, FASB issued ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810) — Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities and ASU 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) — Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets. ASU 2009-16 requires more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures. ASU 2009-17 changes 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. Both ASUs were effective January 1, 2010. As a result of adopting this guidance, Susquehanna, as primary beneficiary, consolidated two securitization trusts. For additional information, refer to “Note 22. Securitization and Variable Interest Entities” “ to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Part II, Item 8.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

 

In December 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805) — Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The amendments in this Update specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments in this Update also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures under Topic 805 to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This ASU is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In December 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-28, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The amendments in this Update modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

Summary of 2009 Compared to 2008

 

Results of Operations

 

Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 include the following pre-tax transactions:

 

   

a $6.2 million FDIC special assessment;

 

   

a $2.9 million consolidation charge:

 

   

a $10.7 million net gain on securities transactions; and

 

   

a $6.9 million net gain on the sale of our Central Atlantic Merchant Services accounts.

 

Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 include the following pre-tax charges:

 

   

a $6.5 million loss related to an interest rate swap termination;

 

   

a $2.5 million merger charge composed of the following:

 

Employee termination benefits

   $ 1.60 million   

Legal fees

     0.25 million   

Technology costs

     0.65 million   

 

   

a $17.5 million securities impairment charge; and

 

   

a $2.1 million VFAM customer-loss contingency.

 

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Net loss applicable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2009, was $4.0 million, a decrease of $85.8 million over net income applicable to common shareholders of $81.8 million in 2008. The provision for loan and lease losses increased 194.5%, to $188.0 million for 2009, from $63.8 million for 2008. Net interest income increased 2.6%, to $408.8 million for 2009, from $398.3 million in 2008. Noninterest income increased 15.0%, to $163.7 million for 2009, from $142.3 million in 2008, and noninterest expenses increased 4.2%, to $382.5 million for 2009, from $367.2 million for 2008.

 

Additional information is as follows:

 

     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
         2009             2008      

Diluted Earnings per Common Share

   $ (0.05   $ 0.95   

Return on Average Assets

     0.09     0.62

Return on Average Equity

     0.65     4.80

Return on Average Tangible Equity(1)

     2.19     13.35

Efficiency Ratio

     65.28     66.46

Net Interest Margin

     3.58     3.62

 

The following discussion details the factors that contributed to these results.

 

(1) Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP-based Financial Measures

 

Return on average tangible equity is a non-GAAP-based financial measure calculated using non-GAAP amounts. The most directly comparable measure is return on average equity, which is calculated using GAAP-based amounts. We calculate return on average tangible equity by excluding the balance of intangible assets and their related amortization expense from our calculation of return on average equity. Management uses the return on average tangible equity in order to review our core operating results. Management believes that this is a better measure of our performance. In addition, this is consistent with the treatment by bank regulatory agencies, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. A reconciliation of return on average equity to return on average tangible equity is set forth below.

 

     2009     2008  

Return on average equity (GAAP basis)

     0.65     4.80

Effect of excluding average intangible assets and related amortization

     1.54     8.55

Return on average tangible equity

     2.19     13.35

 

Net Interest Income - Taxable Equivalent Basis

 

Our major source of operating revenues is net interest income, which increased to $408.8 million in 2009, as compared to $398.3 million in 2008. Net interest income as a percentage of net interest income plus other income was 71% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, 74% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, and 70% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007.

 

The $10.5 million increase in our net interest income in 2009, as compared to 2008, was primarily the result of a $455.4 million increase in average earning assets mainly due to loan growth, offset by a slight decline of four basis points in the net interest margin.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

Throughout 2009, we continued to experience a challenging operating environment. Given the economic pressures that impacted some of our borrowers, we increased our allowance for loan and lease losses in accordance with our assessment process, which took into consideration a $114.2 million increase in nonaccrual

 

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loans and leases since December 31, 2008 and the rising charge-off level, predominantly related to our construction portfolio. Also, the provision for loan and lease losses was $188.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $63.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31, 2009 was 1.75% of period-end loans and leases, or $172.4 million, and 1.18% of period-end loans and leases, or $113.7 million, at December 31, 2008. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of non-accrual loans and leases (coverage ratio) decreased to 79% at December 31, 2009, from 108% at December 31, 2008.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income, as a percentage of net interest income plus noninterest income, was 29%, 26%, and 30% for 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

 

Noninterest income increased $21.4 million, or 15.0%, in 2009, over 2008. This net increase was primarily the result of the following:

 

   

Decreased service charges on deposit accounts of $9.0 million;

 

   

Decreased vehicle origination, servicing, and securitization fees of $3.3 million;

 

   

Decreased other commissions and fees of $2.8 million;

 

   

Decreased income from bank-owned life insurance of $7.5 million;

 

   

Increased gains on sales of loans and leases of $4.4 million;

 

   

Increased net realized gains on securities of $11.6 million;

 

   

Decreased other-than-temporary impairment of securities related to credit losses of $16.4 million; and

 

   

Increased other income of $11.3 million.

 

Service charges on deposit accounts. The 19.5% decrease primarily was the result of changes in customers’ behavior regarding overdrafts.

 

Vehicle origination, servicing, and securitization fees. The 33.7% decrease was the result of a reduction in securitization fees, as no auto lease securitizations have occurred since February 2007, and a reduction in origination fees due to lower volumes, as new vehicle sales have declined significantly.

 

Other commissions and fees. The 9.1% net decrease primarily was the result of a general decline during 2009.

 

Income from bank-owned life insurance. The 57.9% decrease was the result of a decline in the return on the underlying investments due to the economic environment.

 

Net gain on sale of loans and leases. The 67.8% increase primarily was the result of an increased volume of mortgage loans originated and sold.

 

Net realized gains on the sale of securities. During 2009, we realized net gains of $11.8 million on the sale of securities with an aggregate book value of $200.8 million. During 2008, we realized net gains of $0.2 million on the sale of securities with an aggregate book value of $60.0 million.

 

Other-than-temporary impairment of securities related to credit losses. During 2008, we recognized a $17.6 million other-than-temporary impairment related to the two synthetic collateralized debt obligations in our available-for-sale portfolio. During 2009, we recognized an additional $1.1 million other-than-temporary impairment related to the same securities because additional credit events occurred in the underlying reference companies.

 

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Other. The net increase primarily was the result of:

 

   

a $6.9 million gain realized on the sale of our Central Atlantic Merchant Services accounts in March 2009;

 

   

a $1.0 million fixed-asset write-off due to our branch consolidation in 2009;

 

   

a reclassification of the fair value of cash flow hedges related to a forecasted sale of vehicle leases, from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings, of $6.5 million in 2008;

 

   

a one-time credit of $1.2 million in 2008 relating to Visa’s IPO redemption; and

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses increased $15.3 million, or 4.2%, in 2009, over 2008. This net increase was primarily the result of the following:

 

   

Increased salaries and employee benefits of $2.8 million;

 

   

Decreased advertising and marketing of $3.3 million;

 

   

Increased FDIC insurance of $22.5 million; and

 

   

Decreased other of $5.4 million.

 

Salaries and employee benefits. The 1.5% net increase was primarily attributable to:

 

   

the acquisition of Stratton on April 30, 2008;

 

   

increased net periodic pension cost of $1.3 million relating to the amortization of net actuarial losses;

 

   

branch-consolidation-related severance charges of $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2009;

 

   

normal increases in salaries and benefits;

 

   

our consolidation efforts, which resulted in reduced staff and associated cost savings of approximately $7.3 million; and

 

   

severance charges of $1.6 million in 2008.

 

Advertising and marketing. The 26.7% decrease was the result of discretionary reductions in advertising and marketing initiatives.

 

FDIC insurance. The increase in FDIC insurance expense was a direct result of increased assessment rates and a $6.2 million special assessment incurred in May 2009, as determined by the FDIC.

 

Other. The 7.5% net decrease in other expenses was the result of a decrease in 2009 of approximately $7.8 million associated with cost-saving initiatives, increased credit-related costs of $4.5 million in 2009, and the $2.1 million charge in 2008 to mitigate losses to VFAM’s customers who held positions in a money market mutual fund managed by an independent mutual fund company, and various other changes within this category.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective tax rates for 2009 and 2008 were (520.6%) and 24.6%, respectively.

 

The decrease in our rate in 2009 was due to the significant decrease in pretax book income in 2009 relative to 2008. With the exception of pretax book income, items impacting the effective rate in 2009, including tax-advantaged investment and loan income, were comparable to 2008.

 

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Financial Condition

 

Total assets at December 31, 2009 were $13.7 billion, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2008 when total assets were also $13.7 billion. Loans and leases, increased to $9.8 billion at December 31, 2009, from $9.7 billion at December 31, 2008. Total deposits decreased slightly to $9.0 billion at December 31, 2009, from $9.1 billion at December 31, 2008. Equity capital was $2.0 billion at December 31, 2009, or $19.53 per common share, compared to $1.9 billion, or $19.21 per common share, at December 31, 2008.

 

Fair Value Measurements and The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

 

At December 31, 2009, Susquehanna had made no elections to use fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets and financial liabilities not previously carried at fair value.

 

Investment Securities

 

Securities identified as “available for sale” are reported at their fair value, and the difference between that value and their amortized cost is recorded in the equity section, net of taxes, as a component of other comprehensive income. Accordingly, as a result of changes in the interest-rate environment and the economy in general, our total equity was positively impacted by $57.2 million. Unrealized gains, net of deferred taxes, on available-for-sale securities totaled $26.0 million at December 31, 2009, and unrealized losses, net of deferred taxes, on available-for-sale securities totaled $32.7 million at December 31, 2009.

 

In 2008, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $17.5 million related to two synthetic collateralized debt obligations held in our investment portfolio. Each security has a par value of $10.0 million and one hundred underlying reference companies. Due to the significant developments that affected the market, a number of credit events reduced the fair value of these securities. In 2009, we recorded an additional pre-tax impairment charge of $1.1 million. At December 31, 2009, both securities had been given below-investment-grade ratings by the rating agencies. These were the only two securities of this type that we held in our $1.9 billion investment portfolio.

 

At December 31, 2009, we held no securities of any one issuer (other than securities of U.S. Government agencies and corporations, which, by regulation, may be excluded from this disclosure) where the aggregate book value exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity.

 

Loans and Leases

 

Our experience indicated that many consumers and businesses in our markets were proceeding cautiously in the economic environment. In some cases, they appeared to be delaying or changing plans for taking on additional debt, and as a result, there was a reduced demand for loans among credit-worthy borrowers. Nevertheless, loans and leases, net of unearned income, increased a modest 1.8%, from $9.7 billion at December 31, 2008, to $9.8 billion at December 31, 2009. Real estate construction loans, which are considered to be higher-risk loans, however, declined $198.9 million (including net of charge-offs of $64.6 million). This was primarily due to our plan to decrease our real estate construction loan portfolio, thereby reducing our exposure in a segment that was particularly stressed during this recession.

 

In September 2008, we announced that, due to adverse market conditions, our previously disclosed plan to sell vehicle leases would not proceed. As a result, the $238.4 million in vehicle leases held for sale at December 31, 2007 and those subsequently originated were classified as held for investment.

 

Our bank subsidiary has historically reported a significant amount of loans secured by real estate. Many of these loans have real estate collateral taken as additional security not related to the acquisition of the real estate pledged. Open-ended home equity loans totaled $547.4 million at December 31, 2009, and an additional

 

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$313.0 million was outstanding on loans with junior liens on residential properties at December 31, 2009. Senior liens on 1-4 family residential properties totaled $1.3 billion at December 31, 2009, and much of the $2.0 billion in loans secured by non-farm, non-residential properties represented collateralization of operating lines of credit, or term loans that finance equipment, inventory, or receivables. Loans secured by farmland totaled $184.8 million, while loans secured by multi-family residential properties totaled $202.4 million at December 31, 2009.

 

Substantially all of our loans and leases were to enterprises and individuals in our market area. There was no concentration of loans to borrowers in any one industry, or related industries, which exceeded 10% of total loans.

 

Risk Assets

 

At December 31, 2009, non-performing assets totaled $243.8 million and included $24.3 million in other real estate acquired through foreclosure. At December 31, 2008, non-performing assets totaled $115.6 million, and included $10.3 million in other real estate acquired through foreclosure. In addition, troubled debt restructurings totaled $58.2 million at December 31, 2009 and $2.6 million at December 31, 2008.

 

Nonaccrual loans and leases increased from $105.3 million at December 31, 2008, to $219.6 million at December 31, 2009. The net increase was primarily the result of the effects of continuing economic deterioration on our borrowers, especially those in our construction portfolio. Consequently, total nonperforming assets as a percentage of period-end loans and leases plus other real estate owned increased from 1.20% at December 31, 2008 to 2.48% at December 31, 2009. Furthermore, at December 31, 2009, 44.5% of nonaccrual loans and leases were in our real estate — construction portfolio, as real estate demand and values in some of our market areas were under considerable downward pressure. We considered these real-estate construction loans to be higher-risk loans.

 

Of the $219.6 million of non-accrual loans and leases at December 31, 2009, $193.1 million, or 87.9%, represented non-consumer-loan relationships greater than $0.5 million that had been evaluated and considered impaired. Of the $249.3 million of impaired loans, $118.9 million, or 47.7%, had no related reserve. The determination that no related reserve for these collateral-dependent loans was required was based on the net realizable value of the underlying collateral.

 

Real estate acquired through foreclosure increased $14.0 million from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009. Loans with principal and/or interest delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaled $14.8 million at December 31, 2009, a decrease of $7.5 million, from $22.3 million at December 31, 2008.

 

Potential problem loans totaled $306.2 million at December 31, 2009 and $185.0 million at December 31, 2008. The increase of $121.2 million was attributed to the deterioration of economic conditions throughout 2009 and migrations to our internally monitored loan list that occurred in the normal course of business.

 

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

We performed our annual goodwill impairment test in the second quarter of 2009, and determined that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded its book value, and there was no goodwill impairment. However, given the continuing downturn in the economy and overall market conditions during 2009 and the fact that our market capitalization was below the book value of our equity, we performed interim goodwill impairment tests.

 

Based upon our analyses at December 31, 2009, the fair value of the bank and the wealth management reporting units exceeded their carrying values. Goodwill assigned to these units was $915.4 million and $82.7 million, respectively. Fair value of the bank and the wealth management reporting units exceeded carrying value by 3.1% and 41.8%, respectively.

 

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Deposits

 

Total deposits decreased $92.1 million, or 1.0%, from December 31, 2008, to December 31, 2009. This decrease was in keeping with our strategy to reduce our portfolio of high-cost certificates of deposit while building core deposits. Time deposits decreased by 20.1%; however, noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased 5.0%, interest-bearing demand deposits increased 29.0%, and savings deposits increased 7.0%.

 

We did not rely upon time deposits of $0.1 million or more as a principal source of funds, as they represented only 13.0% of total deposits.

 

Borrowings

 

Short-term Borrowings

 

Short-term borrowings, which included securities sold under repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased, borrowings through the Federal Reserve’s Term Auction Facility, and Treasury tax and loan notes, increased by $130.5 million, or 14.3%, from December 31, 2008, to December 31, 2009. This net increase was used to fund loan growth and replace the decrease in deposits previously discussed.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings and Long-term Debt

 

FHLB borrowings decreased $46.0 million from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009. This decrease was the result of increasing our short-term borrowings at lower interest rates.

 

Capital Adequacy

 

We and the bank had leverage and risk-weighted ratios well in excess of regulatory minimums, and each entity was considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The discussion concerning the effects of liquidity risk and interest rate risk on us is set forth under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risks” in Item 7 hereof under the section entitled “Market Risk.”

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

The following consolidated financial statements of Susquehanna are submitted herewith:

 

     Page
Reference
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009

     71   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     72   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     73   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December  31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     75   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     76   

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements and Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     130   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     131   

 

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SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Years ended December 31,

   2010     2009  
     (in thousands, except share data)  

Assets

    

Cash and due from banks

   $ 200,646      $ 203,240   

Unrestricted short-term investments

     52,252        87,966   
                

Cash and cash equivalents

     252,898        291,206   

Interest-bearing deposits held by consolidated variable interest entities that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated variable interest entities

     7,260        0   

Restricted short-term investments

     34,435        154   

Securities available for sale

     2,408,943        1,866,346   

Securities held to maturity (fair values approximate $8,668 and $8,921

     8,668        8,921   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     9,417,801        9,827,279   

Loans held by consolidated variable interest entities that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated variable interest entities

     215,396        0   

Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     191,834        172,368   
                

Net loans and leases

     9,441,363        9,654,911   
                

Premises and equipment, net

     165,557        165,529   

Other real estate owned

     19,962        24,292   

Accrued income receivable

     36,121        36,127   

Bank-owned life insurance

     359,579        355,373   

Goodwill

     1,018,031        1,018,031   

Intangible assets with finite lives

     34,076        43,513   

Other assets

     167,192        224,859   
                

Total Assets

   $ 13,954,085      $ 13,689,262   
                

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Deposits:

    

Noninterest-bearing

   $ 1,372,235      $ 1,261,208   

Interest-bearing

     7,818,972        7,713,155   
                

Total deposits

     9,191,207        8,974,363   

Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings

     300,000        100,000   

Other short-term borrowings

     770,623        1,040,703   

Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings

     801,620        923,817   

Other long-term debt

     176,038        176,050   

Junior subordinated debentures

     322,880        272,324   

Long-term debt of consolidated variable interest entities for which creditors do not have recourse to Susquehanna’s general credit

     207,036        0   

Accrued interest, taxes, and expenses payable

     46,449        47,688   

Deferred taxes

     33,729        87,981   

Other liabilities

     119,701        85,255   
                

Total Liabilities

     11,969,283        11,708,181   
                

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14 and 15)

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1,000 liquidation value, 5,000,000 shares authorized.
Outstanding: 0 at December 31, 2010 and 300,000 at December 31, 2009

     0        292,359   

Common stock, $2.00 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; Issued:

    

129,965,635 at December 31, 2010 and 86,473,612 at December 31, 2009

     259,931        172,947   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,301,042        1,057,305   

Retained earnings

     481,964        478,167   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes of $32,526 and $10,606

     (58,135     (19,697
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     1,984,802        1,981,081   
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 13,954,085      $ 13,689,262   
                

 

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

 

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SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

Years ended December 31,

       2010             2009             2008      
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Interest Income:

      

Loans and leases, including fees

   $ 538,699      $ 554,043      $ 590,414   

Securities:

      

Taxable

     55,835        70,319        86,289   

Tax-exempt

     14,997        14,940        12,714   

Dividends

     3,982        3,925        5,242   

Short-term investments

     182        597        2,411   
                        

Total interest income

     613,695        643,824        697,070   
                        

Interest Expense:

      

Deposits:

      

Interest-bearing demand and savings

     23,452        23,814        38,515   

Time

     80,511        136,481        167,431   

Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings

     3,101        6        4,106   

Other short-term borrowings

     4,156        4,267        10,796   

Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings

     40,451        40,113        46,838   

Other long-term debt

     35,518        30,327        31,082   
                        

Total interest expense

     187,189        235,008        298,768   
                        

Net interest income

     426,506        408,816        398,302   

Provision for loan and lease losses

     163,000        188,000        63,831   
                        

Net interest income, after provision for loan and lease losses

     263,506        220,816        334,471   
                        

Noninterest Income:

      

Service charges on deposit accounts

     34,467        37,288        46,294   

Vehicle origination and servicing fees

     6,826        6,500        9,808   

Asset management fees

     28,362        25,797        25,552   

Income from fiduciary-related activities

     7,259        7,156        8,285   

Commissions on brokerage, life insurance, and annuity sales

     7,567        8,132        6,764   

Commissions on property and casualty insurance sales

     12,030        12,555        12,684   

Other commissions and fees

     24,661        28,370        31,212   

Income from bank-owned life insurance

     4,965        5,428        12,900   

Net gain on sale of loans and leases

     10,918        10,923        6,510   

Net realized gain on sales of securities

     13,408        11,802        236   

Total other-than-temporary impairment, net of recoveries

     (4,843     (1,149     (17,550

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)

     952        0        0   
                        

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (3,891     (1,149     (17,550

Other

     5,576        10,897        (386
                        

Total noninterest income

     152,148        163,699        142,309   
                        

Noninterest Expenses:

      

Salaries and employee benefits

     191,806        191,628        188,855   

Occupancy

     35,997        35,292        35,949   

Furniture and equipment

     13,647        14,669        16,212   

Advertising and marketing

     12,606        9,058        12,356   

FDIC insurance

     16,763        24,214        1,669   

Legal fees

     8,786        5,154        4,156   

Amortization of intangible assets

     9,438        10,531        11,062   

Vehicle lease disposal

     14,543        13,917        12,576   

Other

     79,064        78,009        84,366   
                        

Total noninterest expenses

     382,650        382,472        367,201   
                        

Income before income taxes

     33,004        2,043        109,579   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     1,157        (10,632     26,973   
                        

Net Income

     31,847        12,675        82,606   

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

     15,572        16,659        792   
                        

Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders

   $ 16,275      $ (3,984   $ 81,814   
                        

Earnings per common share:

      

Basic

   $ 0.13      $ (0.05   $ 0.95   

Diluted

   $ 0.13      $ (0.05   $ 0.95   

Cash dividends per common share

   $ 0.04      $ 0.37      $ 1.04   

Average common shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     121,031        86,257        85,987   

Diluted

     121,069        86,257        86,037   

 

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

 

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SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Years ended December 31,

   2010     2009     2008  
     (in thousands)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net income

   $ 31,847      $ 12,675      $ 82,606   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion

     30,856        23,632        27,428   

Provision for loan and lease losses

     163,000        188,000        63,831   

Realized gain on available-for-sale securities, net

     (9,517     (10,653     17,314   

Deferred income taxes

     (28,691     (35,044     (4,577

Gain on sale of loans and leases

     (10,918     (10,923     (6,510

Loss (gain) on sale of foreclosed assets

     1,216        (146     (425

Gain on sale of branch

     0        (402     0   

Mortgage loans originated for sale

     (389,519     (351,600     (182,698

Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans originated for sale

     396,161        355,627        173,782   

Loans and leases originated/acquired for sale, net of payments received

     0        (187,884     (118,370

Payments received on loans and leases transferred from held for sale to held for investment, net of advances on home equity lines of credit

     155,926        96,682        56,732   

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance

     (4,206     (4,700     (12,203

Contribution to defined benefit pension plan

     0        (20,000     (15,000

Decrease in accrued interest receivable

     672        4,359        6,279   

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable

     1,576        (9,924     (5,697

(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and taxes payable

     (2,851     2,486        (46

Other, net

     17,466        1,520        (50,172
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     353,018        53,705        32,274   
                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Net (increase) decrease in restricted short-term investments

     (34,004     60        28   

Activity in available-for-sale securities:

      

Sales

     350,655        212,633        60,279   

Maturities, repayments, and calls

     813,319        431,639        610,808   

Purchases

     (1,716,081     (538,630     (603,998

Net decrease (increase) in loans and leases

     118,783        (213,885     (808,544

Cash flows received from retained interests

     0        20,234        32,736   

Purchase of bank-owned life insurance

     (10,947     0        0   

Proceeds from bank-owned life insurance

     10,947        3,098        3,010   

Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets

     33,709        21,215        10,626   

Acquisitions, net of subsequent divestitures

     0        0        (68,146

Additions to premises and equipment, net

     (15,233     (7,183     (10,155
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (448,852     (70,819     (773,356
                        

 

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SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(Continued)

 

Years ended December 31,

   2010     2009     2008  
     (in thousands)  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

     216,844        (78,318     121,374   

Sale of branch deposits

     0        (13,410     0   

Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings

     (270,080     130,484        341,807   

Net increase (decrease) in short-term FHLB borrowings

     200,000        100,000        (50,000

Proceeds from long-term FHLB borrowings

     150,000        0        220,000   

Repayment of long-term FHLB borrowings

     (270,192     (143,924     (245,975

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     47,749        0        25,000   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (32,912     (234     (19

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

     0        0        299,885   

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     330,721        2,648        5,141   

Redemption of preferred stock

     (300,000     0        0   

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     0        0        171   

Cash dividends paid

     (14,604     (45,773     (89,462
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     57,526        (48,527     627,922   
                        

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (38,308     (65,641     (113,160

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1

     291,206        356,847        470,007   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31

   $ 252,898      $ 291,206      $ 356,847   
                        

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

      

Cash paid for interest on deposits and borrowings

   $ 185,576      $ 244,933      $ 304,465   

Income tax payments

     40,004        1,241        40,250   

Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Activities

      

Interest-bearing deposits held by consolidated variable interest entities that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated variable interest entities at January 1, 2010

   $ 7,537      $ 0      $ 0   

Loans held by consolidated variable interest entities that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated variable interest entities at January 1, 2010

     248,333        0        0   

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans

     29,895        41,672        9,981   

Long-term debt of consolidated variable interest entities for which creditors do not have recourse to Susquehanna’s general credit at January 1, 2010

     239,936        0        0   

Accretion of preferred stock discount

     7,641        1,659        0   

Home equity line of credit loans transferred from held for sale to held for investment

     434,897        0        0   

Leases transferred from held for sale to held for investment

     0        0        238,351   

Leases acquired in clean-up calls

     0        25,852        63,913   

Cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings relating to the consolidation of variable interest entities

     (5,805     0        0   

Adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income relating to the consolidation of variable interest entities

     (6,922     0        0   

 

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

 

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SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

  Preferred
Stock
    Shares of
Common
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  
          (in thousands, except share data)  

Balance, January 1, 2008

  $ —          85,935,315      $ 171,810      $ 1,038,894      $ 522,268      $ (3,958   $ 1,729,014   
                   

Cumulative-effect adjustment relating to split-dollar life insurance arrangements

            (2,488       (2,488
                   

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

            82,606          82,606   

Change in unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of taxes of $37,288 and reclassification adjustment of $11,254

              (69,250     (69,250

Change in unrealized gain on recorded interests in securitized assets, net of taxes of $1,347

              2,502        2,502   

Change in unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $821 and reclassification adjustment of $2,031

              1,524        1,524   

Net postretirement benefit loss arising during the year, net of taxes of $8,864

              (16,648     (16,648

Reclassification of postretirement benefit costs recognized in net income, net of taxes of $171

              520        520   
                   

Total comprehensive income

                1,254   
                   

Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs

    290,700            9,185            299,885   

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, including related tax benefit of $171

      238,970        539        4,773            5,312   

Adjustments relating to the Community acquisition

          2,403            2,403   

Cash dividends declared ($1.04 per share)

            (89,462       (89,462
                                                       

Balance, December 31, 2008

    290,700        86,174,285        172,349        1,055,255        512,924        (85,310     1,945,918   
                   

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

            12,675          12,675   

Change in unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of taxes of $30,780 and reclassification adjustment of $6,924

              57,162        57,162   

Change in unrealized gain on recorded interests in securitized assets, net of taxes of $1,354

              2,515        2,515   

Change in unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $821

              4,925        4,925   

Net postretirement benefit loss arising during the year, net of taxes of $1,107

              (2,055     (2,055

Reclassification of postretirement benefit costs recognized in net income, net of taxes of $1,651

              3,066        3,066   
                   

Total comprehensive income

                78,288   
                   

Accretion of discount on preferred stock

    1,659              (1,659       0   

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

      299,327        598        2,050            2,648   

Cash dividends paid on preferred stock

            (13,875       (13,875

Cash dividends declared ($0.37 per share)

            (31,898       (31,898
                                                       

Balance, December 31, 2009

    292,359        86,473,612        172,947        1,057,305        478,167        (19,697     1,981,081   
                   

Cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from the consolidation of variable interest entities

            (5,805     (6,922     (12,727
                   

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

            31,847          31,847   

Change in unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of taxes of $3,538 and reclassification adjustment of $6,028

              (5,854     (5,854

Non-credit related unrealized loss on other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities, net of taxes of $349

              (603     (603

Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $12,396

              (23,447     (23,447

Net postretirement benefit loss arising during the year, net of taxes of $2,142

              (3,978     (3,978

Reclassification of postretirement benefit costs recognized in net income, net of taxes of $1,274

              2,366        2,366   
                   

Total comprehensive income

                331   
                   

Issuance of common stock

      43,125,000        86,250        241,090            327,340   

Redemption of preferred stock

    (300,000               (300,000

Accretion of discount on preferred stock

    7,641              (7,641       0   

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

      367,023        734        2,647            3,381   

Cash dividends paid on preferred stock

            (9,847       (9,847

Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.04 per share)

            (4,757       (4,757
                                                       

Balance, December 31, 2010

  $ 0        129,965,635      $ 259,931      $ 1,301,042      $ 481,964      $ (58,135   $ 1,984,802   
                                                       

 

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

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The accounting and reporting policies of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “Susquehanna”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and to general practices in the banking industry. The more significant policies follow:

 

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Boston Service Company, Inc. (t/a Hann Financial Service Corporation) (“Hann”), Susquehanna Bank and subsidiaries, Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. and subsidiary (“VFAM”), The Addis Group, LLC (“Addis”), Stratton Management Company and subsidiary (“Stratton”), and two variable interest entities where Susquehanna is the primary beneficiary (first consolidated in 2010) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications. The reclassifications had no effect on gross revenues, gross expenses, net income, or the net change in cash and cash equivalents and are not material to previously issued financial statements.

 

Nature of Operations. Susquehanna is a financial holding company that operates a commercial bank with 221 branches and non-bank subsidiaries that provide leasing; trust and related services; consumer vehicle financing; investment advisory, asset management, and brokerage services; and property and casualty insurance brokerage services. Susquehanna’s primary source of revenue is derived from loans to customers, who are predominately small and middle-market businesses and middle-income individuals.

 

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the fair value of investment securities and goodwill.

 

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk. Substantially all of Susquehanna’s loans and leases are to enterprises and individuals in its market area. There is no concentration of loans to borrowers in any one industry or related industries that exceeds 10% of total loans.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash, balances due from banks, and unrestricted short-term investments. Unrestricted short-term investments consist of interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold, commercial paper, and money market funds with an original maturity of three months or less.

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified as secured short-term borrowings and are recorded at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The securities pledged to secure the repurchase agreements remain in the available-for-sale securities portfolio.

 

Securities. Susquehanna classifies debt and equity securities as either held to maturity or available for sale, depending on management’s intention on the date of purchase. Susquehanna did not have any securities classified as trading at December 31, 2010 or 2009. Debt securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. All other securities are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred taxes, for available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in noninterest income, and the non-credit component is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the period in which the impairment is recognized. Realized gains and losses on securities are recognized using the specific identification method and are included in noninterest income.

 

Securities classified as available for sale include investments management intends to use as part of its asset/liability management strategy. Those securities that have long-term unrealized gains, for which fair value is greater than cost, may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk, and other factors. Susquehanna does not have the intent to sell any of its available-for-sale securities that are in an unrealized-loss position, and it is more likely than not that Susquehanna will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

 

Loans and Leases. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or pay-off, generally are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Direct financing leases are carried at the aggregate of lease payments plus estimated residual value of the leased property, less unearned income.

 

Interest income on loans and leases is computed using the effective interest method. Loan and lease origination fees and certain direct loan and lease origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is recognized as an adjustment to the yield on the related loans over the contractual life of the loans.

 

Nonaccrual loans are those loans for which the accrual of interest has ceased and all previously accrued-but-not-collected interest is reversed. Loans other than consumer loans are placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more and the loan is not well-collateralized and in the process of collection or immediately, if, in the opinion of management, full collection is doubtful. Susquehanna does not accrue interest on impaired loans. While a loan is considered impaired or on nonaccrual status, subsequent cash interest payments received are applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending upon management’s assessment of the ultimate collectability of principal and interest. In any case, the deferral or non-recognition of interest does not constitute forgiveness of the borrower’s obligation. Consumer loans are recorded in accordance with the Uniform Retail Classification regulation adopted by the FDIC. Generally, the regulation requires that consumer loans be charged off to the allowance for loan losses when they become 120-days or more past due.

 

Troubled debt restructurings are loans for which Susquehanna, for legal or economic reasons related to a debtor’s financial difficulties, has granted a concession to the debtor that it otherwise would not have considered. Concessions that result in the categorization of a loan as a troubled debt restructuring include:

 

   

Reduction (absolute or contingent) of the stated interest rate;

 

   

Extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk;

 

   

Reduction (absolute or contingent) of the face amount or maturity amount of the debt as stated in the instrument or other agreement; or

 

   

Reduction (absolute or contingent) of accrued interest.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Susquehanna considers a loan to be impaired, based upon current information and events, if it is probable that Susquehanna will be unable to collect payments of principal or interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Adversely risk-rated loans that are not evaluated for impairment on an individual basis are grouped in homogeneous pools based on severity of risk. Larger homogeneous groups of small-balance loans, such as residential mortgages and installment loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment. Non-accrual commercial loans greater than $500 are evaluated for impairment on an individual basis. An insignificant delay or shortfall in the amounts of payments, when considered independently of other factors, would not cause a loan to be rendered impaired. Insignificant delays or shortfalls may include, depending on specific facts and circumstances, those that are associated with temporary operational downturns or seasonal delays.

 

Management performs quarterly reviews of Susquehanna’s loan portfolio to identify impaired loans. The measurement of impaired loans is based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the net realizable value of the collateral.

 

Loans continue to be classified as impaired until they are brought fully current, and the continued collection of scheduled interest and principal is considered probable. When an impaired loan or portion of an impaired loan is determined to be uncollectible, the portion deemed uncollectible is charged against the related allowance. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The allowance for loan and lease losses is established, as losses are estimated to have occurred, through a provision for loan and lease losses charged to earnings. Loan and lease losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Recoveries on previously charged-off loans and leases are credited to the allowance.

 

The allowance for loan and lease losses is evaluated on a quarterly basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans and leases in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to revision as more information becomes available.

 

Off-Balance-Sheet Credit-Related Financial Instruments. In the ordinary course of business, Susquehanna enters into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded or otherwise required to be recognized.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments. All derivatives are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether Susquehanna has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. Susquehanna may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or it elects not to apply hedge accounting.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded in earnings, together and in the same income statement line item with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are reclassified into the line item in the income statement in which the hedged item is recorded and in the same period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Hedge ineffectiveness and gains and losses on the excluded component of a derivative in assessing hedge effectiveness are recorded in earnings.

 

Foreclosed Assets. Other real estate property acquired through foreclosure or other means is recorded at the lower of its carrying value or the fair market value of the of the related real estate collateral at the transfer date less estimated selling costs. Costs to maintain other real estate are expensed as incurred.

 

Premises and Equipment. Land is carried at cost. Buildings, land improvements, leasehold improvements, and furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or ten to twenty years. Maintenance and normal repairs are charged to operations as incurred, while additions and improvements to buildings and furniture and equipment are capitalized. Gains or losses on disposition of assets are reflected in earnings.

 

Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment by management on an on-going basis. Impairment may occur whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill is calculated as the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired in purchase transactions. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis. In addition, Susquehanna tests for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit. At December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, there was no impairment.

 

Core deposit and other intangible assets acquired in acquisitions are identified and amortized over their estimated useful lives.

 

Preferred Stock. On December 12, 2008, Susquehanna sold $300,000 of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value per share (“Preferred Stock”) to the U.S. Treasury. Susquehanna also issued to the U.S. Treasury a warrant to purchase approximately 3,028 shares of its common stock. On April 21, 2010, Susquehanna redeemed $200,000 of the preferred stock, and on December 21, 2010, Susquehanna redeemed the remaining $100,000 of preferred stock.

 

Segment Reporting. Public business enterprises report financial and descriptive information about their reportable operating segments. Based on the guidance provided, Susquehanna has determined that its only reportable segment is Community Banking, and all services offered by Susquehanna relate to Community Banking.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Susquehanna records unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses, transition obligation and prior service costs on pensions and other postretirement benefit plans in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reclassified into earnings as the gains or losses are realized upon sale of the securities. The credit

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

component of unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities that are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired are reclassified into earnings at the time the determination is made. Unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.

 

Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities (VIEs). In 2005 and 2006, Susquehanna entered into term securitization transactions in which it sold portfolios of home equity loans to securitization trusts. Both of the securitization trusts are, by definition, variable interest entities. Susquehanna performed an analysis to determine whether it has a controlling financial interest in these entities, and thus, as the primary beneficiary, would be required to consolidate the entities. An enterprise is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if it has both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Susquehanna retained servicing responsibilities and interests in the VIEs. Susquehanna receives servicing fees and rights to cash flows remaining after the investors have received the return for which they contracted. Susquehanna, as servicer, has the ability to manage the entities’ assets that become delinquent to improve the economic performance of the entities. Therefore, Susquehanna meets the “power criterion.” In addition, through its ownership of the entities’ equity certificates, Susquehanna has the right to receive potentially significant benefits. Therefore, Susquehanna meets the “losses/benefits criterion.” Since Susquehanna meets both criteria, it is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and is required to consolidate them.

 

The parent company acts as servicer for securitized home equity loans and has recorded servicing assets based on the present value of estimated future net servicing income. At December 31, 2010, these servicing assets totaled $1,067 and were reported in other assets. Susquehanna’s servicing rights are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Furthermore, Susquehanna assesses servicing assets for impairment or increased obligation based on fair value at each reporting date. Susquehanna considers its servicing assets to be immaterial items.

 

Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the temporary tax consequences on future years of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the difference is expected to reverse.

 

Earnings per Common Share. Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares relate to outstanding stock options, restricted stock, and warrants and are determined using the treasury stock method.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

In January 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-01, Receivables (Topic 310) — Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20. This update temporarily delays new disclosure requirements for troubled debt restructuring activity. Without the delay, those disclosure requirements would have been effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

In July 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310) — Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. This update requires companies to provide more information in their disclosures about the credit quality of their financing receivables and the credit reserves held against them. The additional disclosures required for financing receivables include: aging of past due receivables, credit quality indicators, and modifications of financing receivables. Under the update, a company will need to disaggregate new and existing disclosures based on how it develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages credit exposures. The amendments that require disclosures as of the end of a reporting period were effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The amendments that require disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition. Refer to “Note 5, Loans and Leases” for the required disclosures.

 

In April 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-18, Receivables (Topic 310) — Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. As a result of the amendments in this ASU, modifications of loans that are accounted for within a pool 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. This ASU was effective for modifications occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. In addition, upon initial adoption of the guidance in this ASU, an entity may make a one-time election to terminate accounting for loans as a pool under Subtopic 310-30. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In March 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-11, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives. This ASU provides amendments that clarify the scope exception for embedded credit derivative features related to the transfer of credit risk in the form of subordination of one financial instrument to another. This ASU was effective for each reporting entity at the beginning of its first fiscal quarter beginning after June 15, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In February 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-08, Technical Corrections to Various Topics. While none of the provisions in the amendments in this ASU fundamentally change U.S. GAAP, certain clarifications to the guidance on embedded derivatives and hedging (FASC Subtopic 815-15) may cause a change in the application of that Subtopic. This ASU was effective for Susquehanna on April 1, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In February 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-10, Consolidation (Topic 810) — Amendments for Certain Investment Funds. These amendments defer the consolidation requirements for a reporting entity’s interest in an entity (1) that has all the attributes of an investment company or (2) for which it is industry practice to apply measurement principles for financial reporting purposes that are consistent with those followed by investment companies. The deferral does not apply in situations in which a reporting entity has the explicit or implicit obligation to fund losses of an entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. This ASU was effective January 1, 2010. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In February 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-09, Subsequent Events (Topic 855) — Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements. ASU 2010-09, among other things, removes the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

In January 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) — Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This ASU provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10 that require new disclosures as follows: a reporting entity should disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. This ASU also provides amendments that clarify existing disclosures relating to the level of disaggregation and inputs and valuation techniques. This ASU was effective for interim and annual reporting periods that began after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this ASU has not had and will not have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In June 2009, FASB issued ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810) — Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities and ASU 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) — Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets. ASU 2009-16 requires more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures. ASU 2009-17 changes 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. Both ASUs were effective January 1, 2010. As a result of adopting this guidance, Susquehanna, as primary beneficiary, consolidated two securitization trusts. For additional information, refer to “Note 22. Securitization and Variable Interest Entities.”

 

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

 

In December 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805) — Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The amendments in this Update specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments in this Update also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures under Topic 805 to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This ASU is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

In December 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-28, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The amendments in this Update modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. This

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

 

2. Acquisitions

 

Stratton Holding Company

 

On April 30, 2008, Susquehanna completed the acquisition of Stratton Holding Company, an investment management company based in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania with approximately $3,000,000 in assets under management. Stratton became a wholly owned subsidiary of Susquehanna Bancshares and part of the family of Susquehanna wealth management companies. The addition of Stratton brought increased diversification in Susquehanna’s investment expertise, including experience in mutual fund management. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and all transactions since the acquisition date are included in Susquehanna’s consolidated financial statements. The acquisition of Stratton was considered immaterial.

 

3. Unrestricted Short-term Investments

 

     2010     2009  
     Book
Value
     Rates     Book
Value
     Rates  

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

   $ 23,315         0.36   $ 59,167         0.27

Money market funds

     20,539         0.02        25,800         0.23   

Mutual funds

     8,398         0.04        0         0.00   

Commercial paper purchased

     0         0.00        2,999         0.30   
                      

Total

   $ 52,252         $ 87,966      
                      

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

4. Investment Securities

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  

At December 31, 2010

           

Available-for-Sale:

           

U.S. Government agencies

   $ 268,828       $ 2,230       $ 2,883       $ 268,175   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     397,777         4,869         5,986         396,660   

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     1,321,771         19,671         17,873         1,323,569   

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     129,206         32         12,427         116,811   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     99,501         5,341         0         104,842   

Other structured financial products

     24,680         0         12,177         12,503   

Other debt securities

     41,842         88         930         41,000   

Equity securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank

     71,065         0         0         71,065   

Equity securities of the Federal Reserve Bank

     50,225         0         0         50,225   

Other equity securities

     24,689         251         847         24,093   
                                   
     2,429,584         32,482         53,123         2,408,943   
                                   

Held-to-Maturity:

           

Other

     4,560         0         0         4,560   

State and municipal

     4,108         0         0         4,108   
                                   
     8,668         0         0         8,668   
                                   

Total investment securities

   $ 2,438,252       $ 32,482       $ 53,123       $ 2,417,611   
                                   
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  

At December 31, 2009

           

Available-for-Sale:

           

U.S. Government agencies

   $ 366,065       $ 5,142       $ 188       $ 371,019   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     343,254         12,043         1,878         353,419   

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     661,755         19,813         1,386         680,182   

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     168,476         18         33,029         135,465   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     162,835         2,625         435         165,025   

Synthetic collateralized debt obligations

     1,301         30         0         1,331   

Other structured financial products

     26,294         0         10,975         15,319   

Equity securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank

     74,342         0         0         74,342   

Equity securities of the Federal Reserve Bank

     45,725         0         0         45,725   

Other equity securities

     26,597         302         2,380         24,519   
                                   
     1,876,644         39,973         50,271         1,866,346   
                                   

Held-to-Maturity:

           

Other

     4,550         0         0         4,550   

State and municipal

     4,371         0         0         4,371   
                                   
     8,921         0         0         8,921   
                                   

Total investment securities

   $ 1,885,565       $ 39,973       $ 50,271       $ 1,875,267   
                                   

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

At December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, investment securities with carrying values of $1,561,964 and $1,344,858, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds and for other purposes as required by law.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of U.S. Government agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, synthetic collateralized debt obligations, other structured financial products, other debt securities, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, at December 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value  

Securities available for sale:

     

Within one year

   $ 27,740       $ 28,179   

After one year but within five years

     224,315         226,125   

After five years but within ten years

     318,228         320,416   

After ten years

     1,713,322         1,688,840   
                 
     2,283,605         2,263,560   
                 

Securities held to maturity:

     

Within one year

     0         0   

After one year but within five years

     0         0   

After five years but within ten years

     0         0   

After ten years

     8,668         8,668   
                 
     8,668         8,668   
                 

Total debt securities

   $ 2,292,273       $ 2,272,228   
                 

 

Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investment securities transactions are summarized below. These gains and losses were recognized using the specific identification method and were included in noninterest income.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  
     Available-
for-Sale
    Held-to-
Maturity
     Available-
for-Sale
    Held-to-
Maturity
     Available-
for-Sale
    Held-to-
Maturity
 

Gross gains

   $ 13,998      $ 0       $ 12,055      $ 0       $ 240      $ 0   

Gross losses

     (590     0         (253     0         (4     0   

Other-than-temporary impairment

     (3,891     0         (1,149     0         (17,550     0   
                                                  

Net gains (losses)

   $ 9,517      $ 0       $ 10,653      $ 0       $ (17,314   $ 0   
                                                  

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

The following table presents Susquehanna’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and the corresponding fair values by investment category and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

December 31, 2010

   Less than 12 Months      12 Months or More      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

U.S. Government agencies

   $ 114,618       $ 2,883       $ 0       $ 0       $ 114,618       $ 2,883   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     147,732         5,483         6,215         503         153,947         5,986   

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     642,864         17,873         0         0         642,864         17,873   

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     5,664         124         109,272         12,303         114,936         12,427   

Other structured financial products

     0         0         12,503         12,177         12,503         12,177   

Other debt securities

     15,120         630         1,480         300         16,600         930   

Other equity securities

     666         210         2,103         637         2,769         847   
                                                     
   $ 926,664       $ 27,203       $ 131,573       $ 25,920       $ 1,058,237       $ 53,123   
                                                     

December 31, 2009

   Less than 12 Months      12 Months or More      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

U. S. Government agencies

   $ 14,813       $ 188       $ 0       $ 0       $ 14,813       $ 188   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     45,348         554         31,637         1,324         76,985         1,878   

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     157,762         1,386         0         0         157,762         1,386   

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     89         7         130,579         33,022         130,668         33,029   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     0         0         43,498         435         43,498         435   

Other structured financial products

     0         0         15,319         10,975         15,319         10,975   

Other equity securities

     24         29         2,727         2,351         2,751         2,380   
                                                     
   $ 218,036       $ 2,164       $ 223,760       $ 48,107       $ 441,796       $ 50,271   
                                                     

 

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (17 of the 18 securities are in a loss position, and 12 of these securities are rated below investment grade). None of Susquehanna’s non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities include subprime or Alt-A components. Management has analyzed the assets underlying these issues with respect to defaults, loan to collateral value ratios, current levels of subordination, and geographic concentrations and concluded that the unrealized losses were caused principally by decreased liquidity and larger risk premiums in the marketplace and not credit quality.

 

During the second quarter of 2010, however, Susquehanna’s analysis determined that one of these securities was other-than-temporarily impaired, and Susquehanna recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss as presented in the following table.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Credit Losses on Non-agency Residential Mortgage-backed Securities for which a Portion of an

Other-than-temporary Impairment was Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

 

     2010      2009  

Balance - beginning of period

   $ 0       $ 0   

Additions - amount related to the credit loss for which an other- than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized

     1,737         0   
                 

Balance - end of period

   $ 1,737       $ 0   
                 

 

Susquehanna estimated the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model. Susquehanna, in conjunction with an independent third-party, estimated the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral using internal credit risk, interest rate risk, and prepayment risk models that incorporated management’s best estimate of current key assumptions, such as default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates. Assumptions used can vary widely from loan to loan and are influenced by such factors as loan interest rate, geographical location of the borrower, borrower characteristics, and collateral type. The distribution of underlying cash flows is determined in accordance with the security’s indenture. Expected principal and interest cash flows on an other-than-temporarily impaired debt security are discounted using the book yield of that debt security.

 

Based on the expected cash flows derived from the model, Susquehanna expects to recover the unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income ($603 at December 31, 2010). Significant assumptions used in the valuation of this other-than-temporarily impaired security were as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2010

   Weighted-average (%)  

Annual constant prepayment speed

     0.8   

Loss severity(1)

     18.7   

Life default rate, net of recoveries(2)

     12.6   

 

(1) Loss severity rates are projected considering collateral characteristics such as loan-to-value, creditworthiness of borrowers (FICO score) and geographic concentration.
(2) Default rates, net of expected recoveries, are projected by considering collateral characteristics including, but not limited to, loan-to-value, FICO score, and geographic concentration.

 

Other structured financial products. Other structured financial products are comprised of pooled trust preferred securities. All four of these securities are in unrealized loss positions with an aggregate unrealized loss of $12,177 and are rated below investment grade. Management has analyzed the assets underlying these securities with respect to interest deferrals and defaults, collateral coverage, and current levels of subordination and concluded that the unrealized losses were caused principally by decreased liquidity and larger risk premiums in the marketplace and not credit quality.

 

Susquehanna determines whether it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis by comparing the present value of the expected cash flows to be collected with the amortized cost basis. To make this comparison, Susquehanna works with a third-party financial advisory firm to determine (a) the estimation of cash flows, (b) the application of the cash flows to the percent owned, and (c) the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

To determine expected cash flows, the valuation analysis considers credit default rates, prepayments and deferrals, waterfall structure, and covenants relating to the trust preferred securities. The third-party firm uses publicly available data to assess the creditworthiness of each underlying issue in the collateralized debt obligation and through its proprietary valuation methodology, projects the cash flows of the class. Assessments are made relative to the capital adequacy, earnings, asset quality, liquidity, and interest-rate sensitivity of the underlying issuer to determine default-risk. If the issuer is in default, a recovery rate of 10% is estimated with a lag for that recovery being twenty-four months. No recoveries are forecasted for those issuers that have a current Texas ratio greater than 250%. For current performing issuers or those issuers deferring interest payments, determination is made based on the previously mentioned financial assessment as to if and when the issuer is forecasted to default. Future interest deferrals are only projected in the estimate of the projected cash flows for issuers who are currently deferring, and it is assumed that they will defer for the full twenty quarters if not projected to default.

 

When considering Susquehanna’s pooled trust preferred securities, management considers prepayment less relevant than call options (the option of the issuer to call the issue on certain dates). The projected exercising of the call options will change as economic and market conditions change, and management will adjust the valuation model accordingly. As of December 31, 2010, the exercising of call options was assumed to be remote.

 

In addition to the proprietary valuation methodology used in the estimation of the projected cash flows, the trust indenture documentation and the trustee reports for each specific trust preferred security issuance provide information regarding deferral rights, call options, various triggers (including over-collateralization triggers), and waterfall structure, all of which management believes to be essential in determining projected base cash flows.

 

The discount rate that is applied to the projected cash flows for the specific class is calculated using a spread to the current swap curve. The swap curve gives a market perspective of the term structure of interest rates and on credit spreads. The determination of the discount rate used in Susquehanna’s valuation is based upon the referenced swap curve plus an additional credit spread based upon the credit rating of the class. Lower rated classes would have a wider implied credit spread. These multiple discount rates are then applied to the projected cash flows in determining the estimated value.

 

Susquehanna’s management has assisted with the development of, and reviews and comments on the results of, this proprietary valuation methodology, and believes that the valuation analysis and methodology reasonably support the value and projected performance of the specific trust preferred securities. Susquehanna’s management also believes this valuation methodology presents a logical and analytical approach for the determination of other-than-temporary impairment charges in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 320-10-35.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

The present value of the expected cash flows for Susquehanna’s specific class and all subordinate classes, as well as additional information about the pooled trust preferred securities, is included in the following table.

 

As of December 31, 2010

   Pooled
Trust #1
    Pooled
Trust #2
    Pooled
Trust #3
    Pooled
Trust #4
 
Class    B     B     B     A2L  

Book value

   $ 3,000      $ 6,993      $ 7,937      $ 6,750   

Fair value

     1,519        3,723        3,957        3,304   

Unrealized loss

     (1,481     (3,270     (3,980     (3,446

Present value of expected cash flows for class noted above and all subordinated classes(1)

     158,138        117,972        146,146        95,600   

Class face value

     35,000        57,360        86,715        45,500   

Lowest credit rating assigned

     CCC-        Caa3        Ca        CCC-   

Original collateral

   $ 623,984      $ 501,470      $ 700,535      $ 487,680   

Performing collateral

     456,933        352,200        528,135        335,700   

Actual defaults

     106,651        24,580        90,500        59,000   

Actual deferrals

     60,400        124,690        81,900        92,980   

Projected future defaults

     105,349        158,420        182,500        131,000   

Actual defaults as a % of original collateral

     17.1     4.9     12.9     12.1

Actual deferrals as a % of original collateral(2)

     9.7        24.9        11.7        19.1   
                                

Actual defaults and deferrals as a % of original collateral

     26.8     29.8     24.6     31.2
                                

Projected future defaults as a % of original collateral(3)

     16.9     31.6     26.1     26.9

Actual institutions deferring and defaulted as a % of total institutions

     22.8        33.3        29.7        38.9   

Projected future defaults as a % of performing collateral plus deferrals

     20.4        33.2        29.9        30.6   

 

(1) Susquehanna determines whether it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis by comparing the present value of the expected cash flows to be collected with the amortized cost basis, using documented assumptions. The present value of the expected cash flows for Susquehanna’s specific class and all subordinate classes is listed above. As of December 31, 2010, the present value of the current estimated cash flows is equal to or greater than the face amount of the specific class for all trust preferred securities and consequently, there is no other-than-temporary impairment.
(2) Includes current interest deferrals for the quarter for those institutions deferring as of the date of the assessment of the other-than-temporary impairment. Current deferrals are assumed to continue for the full twenty quarters if the institutions are not projected to default prior to that time.
(3) Includes those institutions that are performing but are not projected to continue to perform and includes those institutions that are currently deferring interest that are projected to default, based upon third-party proprietary valuation methodology used to determine future defaults. Creditworthiness of each underlying issue in the collateralized debt obligation is determined using publicly available data.

 

Other equity securities. During 2010 Susquehanna recognized an aggregate other-than-temporary impairment of $853 relating to certain financial institution equity securities. The determination that an other-than-temporary impairment had occurred was the result of management’s assessment of the near-term prospects of each specific issuer, dilution to shareholders as a result of issuances of common stock, and the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of those equity securities.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Susquehanna does not have the intent to sell any of its available-for-sale securities that are in an unrealized loss position, and it is more likely than not that Susquehanna will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

 

5. Loans and Leases

 

At December 31,

   2010     2009  

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 1,816,519      $ 2,050,110   

Real estate - construction

     877,223        1,114,709   

Real estate secured - residential

     2,666,692        2,369,380   

Real estate secured - commercial

     2,998,176        3,060,331   

Consumer

     603,084        482,266   

Leases

     671,503        750,483   
                

Total loans and leases

   $ 9,633,197      $ 9,827,279   
                

Nonaccrual loans and leases

   $ 196,895      $ 219,554   

Loans and leases contractually past due 90 days and still accruing

     20,588        14,820   

Troubled debt restructurings

     114,566        58,244   

Home equity line of credit loans held for sale (included in “Real estate secured -residential,” above)

     0 (1)      403,574   

Unearned income

     162,269        182,340   

Deferred origination costs

     11,603        8,780   

All overdrawn deposit accounts, reclassified as loans and evaluated under management’s current model for collectibility

     3,623        3,671   

 

(1) During the first quarter of 2010, Susquehanna concluded that, due to recent changes in U.S. GAAP and market conditions, it was highly unlikely that the home equity line of credit loans held for sale would be securitized and sold. Therefore, on March 31, 2010, Susquehanna transferred $434,897 of home equity line of credit loans held for sale to held for investment.

 

Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases

 

At December 31,

   2010      2009  

Minimum lease payments receivable

   $ 461,569       $ 492,664   

Estimated residual value of leases

     276,911         335,003   

Unearned income under lease contracts

     (66,977      (77,184
                 

Total leases

   $ 671,503       $ 750,483   
                 

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Credit Quality Indicators, at December 31, 2010

 

Commercial Credit Exposure

 

Credit-risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

 

      Commercial      Real Estate -
Construction(1)
     Real Estate -
Secured -
Commercial(2)
 

Grade:

        

Pass (3)

   $ 1,677,506       $ 612,330       $ 3,134,762   

Special mention (4)

     59,988         64,283         201,833   

Substandard (5)

     79,025         125,672         280,287   
                          

Total

   $ 1,816,519       $ 802,285       $ 3,616,882   
                          

 

Other Credit Exposure

 

Credit-risk Profile based on Payment Activity

 

      Real Estate -
Secured -
Residential
     Consumer      Leases  

Performing

   $ 2,085,067       $ 600,627       $ 667,936   

Nonperforming(6)

     37,857         2,457         3,567   
                          

Total

   $ 2,122,924       $ 603,084       $ 671,503   
                          

 

(1) Includes only construction loans granted to commercial customers. Construction loans to individuals are included in Real Estate—Secured—Residential, below.
(2) Includes loans obtained for commercial purposes that are also secured by residential real estate.
(3) Includes loans of acceptable risk. Possibility of loss is considered unlikely.
(4) Includes loans considered potentially weak; however, no loss of principal or interest is anticipated.
(5) Includes loans that are inadequately protected by the current net-worth and paying capacity of the borrower or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loss of principal or interest is considered likely.
(6) Includes loans that are on non-accrual status or past due ninety days or more.

 

Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables, as of December 31, 2010

 

Financing Receivables that are Accruing

 

      30-59
Days
Past Due
     60-89
Days
Past Due
     Greater
than
90 Days
     Total Past
Due
     Current      Total
Financing
Receivables
 

Commercial

   $ 12,808       $ 5,190       $ 947       $ 18,945       $ 1,777,563       $ 1,796,507   

Real estate - construction

     2,466         2,845         751         6,062         813,382         819,444   

Real estate secured - residential

     18,466         6,923         12,724         38,113         2,577,605         2,615,719   

Real estate secured - commercial

     12,324         8,384         2,961         23,669         2,909,195         2,932,863   

Consumer

     6,385         828         2,455         9,668         593,415         603,083   

Leases

     5,274         3,126         750         9,150         659,536         668,686   
                                                     

Total

   $ 57,723       $ 27,296       $ 20,588       $ 105,607       $ 9,330,696       $ 9,436,302   
                                                     

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Financing Receivables that are Nonaccruing

 

      30-59 Days
Past Due
     60-89 Days
Past Due
     Greater than
90 Days
     Total
Past Due
     Current      Total
Financing
Receivables
 

Commercial

   $ 1,392       $ 365       $ 14,227       $ 15,983       $ 4,029       $ 20,012   

Real estate - construction

     2,418         2,513         45,417         50,348         7,431         57,779   

Real estate secured - residential

     2,196         615         36,479         39,290         11,683         50,973   

Real estate secured - commercial

     8,812         4,666         38,947         52,425         12,888         65,313   

Consumer

     0         0         0         0         1         1   

Leases

     0         178         1,461         1,639         1,178         2,817   
                                                     

Total

   $ 14,818       $ 8,337       $ 136,531       $ 159,685       $ 37,210       $ 196,895   
                                                     

 

Impaired Loans, for the Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
    Related
Allowance
     Average
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Impaired loans without a related reserve:

          

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 10,071         $ 24,816       $ 907   

Real estate - construction

     31,827           43,857         652   

Real estate secured - residential

     10,624           10,703         594   

Real estate secured - commercial

     59,953           50,434         1,591   

Consumer

     264           100         3   
                            

Total impaired loans without a related reserve

     112,739 (1)         129,910         3,747   
                            

Impaired loans with a related reserve:

          

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

     15,497      $ 6,343         20,078         406   

Real estate - construction

     31,483        6,986         39,053         307   

Real estate secured - residential

     16,331        3,273         13,245         470   

Real estate secured - commercial

     70,606        13,627         60,766         1,747   

Consumer

     198        68         222         13   
                                  

Total impaired loans with a related reserve

     134,115 (2)      30,297         133,364         2,943   
                                  

Total impaired loans:

          

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

     25,568        6,343         44,894         1,313   

Real estate - construction

     63,310        6,986         82,910         959   

Real estate secured - residential

     26,955        3,273         23,948         1,064   

Real estate secured - commercial

     130,559        13,627         111,200         3,338   

Consumer

     462        68         322         16   
                                  

Total impaired loans

   $ 246,854      $ 30,297       $ 263,274       $ 6,690   
                                  

 

(1) $67,496 of the $112,739 total impaired loans without a related reserve represents loans that had been written down to the fair value of the underlying collateral through direct charge-offs of $65,617.
(2) Charge-offs related to these loans totaled $39,962.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Financing Receivables on Nonaccrual Status, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009

 

     2010      2009  

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 20,012       $ 20,282   

Real estate - construction

     57,779         97,717   

Real estate secured - residential

     50,973         37,254   

Real estate secured - commercial

     65,313         59,181   

Consumer

     1         27   

Leases

     2,817         5,093   
                 

Total nonaccrual financing receivables

   $ 196,895       $ 219,554   
                 

 

6. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Balance - January 1,

   $ 172,368      $ 113,749      $ 88,569   

Provision charged to operating expense

     163,000        188,000        63,831   

Charge-offs

     (162,135     (143,341     (45,230

Recoveries

     18,601        13,960        6,579   
                        

Net charge-offs

     (143,534     (129,381     (38,651
                        

Balance - December 31,

   $ 191,834      $ 172,368      $ 113,749   
                        

 

7. Premises and Equipment

 

At December 31,

   2010      2009         

Land

   $ 29,647       $ 29,586      

Buildings

     121,682         120,187      

Furniture and equipment

     91,918         99,948      

Leasehold improvements

     37,074         32,092      

Land improvements

     3,478         3,415      
                    
     283,799         285,228      

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

     118,242         119,699      
                    
   $ 165,557       $ 165,529      
                    
     2010      2009      2008  

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 13,732       $ 14,923       $ 15,874   

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

All subsidiaries lease certain banking branches and equipment under operating leases that expire on various dates through 2030. Renewal options generally are available for periods up to ten years. Minimum future rental commitments under non-cancelable leases, as of December 31, 2010, were as follows:

 

     Operating
Leases
 

2011

   $ 15,241   

2012

     14,260   

2013

     13,543   

2014

     12,306   

2015

     11,093   

Subsequent years

     69,393   
        
   $ 135,836   
        

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Rent expense

   $ 13,734       $ 13,621       $ 12,139   

 

8. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

Amortizing Intangible Assets

 

     December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     Gross Carying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Gross Carying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
 

Core deposit intangibles

   $ 59,199       $ (33,762   $ 59,199       $ (26,430

Customer lists

     15,900         (7,309     15,900         (5,205

Favorable lease adjustments

     393         (346     393         (344
                                  

Total amortizing intangible assets

   $ 75,492       $ (41,417   $ 75,492       $ (31,979
                                  

 

Aggregate Amortization Expense for the Year Ended December 31:

  

2010

   $ 9,438   

Estimated Amortization Expense for the Year Ended December 31:

  

2011

   $ 8,523   

2012

     7,272   

2013

     6,365   

2014

     5,365   

2015

     4,433   

 

Goodwill

 

Susquehanna tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. This test, which requires significant judgment and analysis, involves discounted cash flows and market-price multiples of non-distressed financial institutions.

 

Susquehanna performed its annual goodwill impairment tests in the second quarter of 2010 and determined that the fair value of each of its reporting units exceeded its book value, and there was no goodwill impairment.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

However, taking into consideration current market conditions, Susquehanna decided that it would be prudent to perform an interim goodwill impairment test for its bank reporting unit and wealth management reporting unit at December 31, 2010. There was no interim goodwill impairment test performed for the property and casualty insurance reporting unit as its fair value substantially exceeded its carrying value at May 31, 2010, and the amount of goodwill assigned to this unit is relatively insignificant.

 

Bank Reporting Unit

 

Goodwill assigned to the bank reporting unit at both December 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010 was $915,421. Fair value of the bank reporting unit was determined utilizing the market multiples approach, which measures the value of the reporting unit using recent non-distressed sales of financial institutions in Susquehanna’s market. Susquehanna considered two key ratios to measure goodwill of the bank reporting unit for impairment: price to book and price to tangible book. In keeping with the investment community’s current valuations of financial institutions, Susquehanna gave no consideration to the price to earnings ratio. The following table shows the ratios used at December 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010.

 

     Interim      Annual  

Ratio

   December 31, 2010      May 31, 2010  

Price to book

     1.32X         1.41X   

Price to tangible book

     1.62X         1.60X   

 

Fair value of the bank reporting unit exceeded carrying value by 10.4% at December 31, 2010 and by 14.2% at May 31, 2010.

 

Wealth Management Reporting Unit

 

Goodwill assigned to the wealth management reporting unit at both December 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010 was $82,746. Fair value of the wealth management reporting unit was determined utilizing the “market multiples” approach and the “income” approach. The income approach measures the value of the reporting unit based on a discount rate to determine the present value of the reporting unit’s future economic benefit over ten years, assuming a weighted increase in the reporting unit’s revenues and a weighted increase in the reporting unit’s expenses. In keeping with the investment community’s current valuations of wealth management institutions, Susquehanna predominantly uses the income approach. The following table shows the factors used in the income approach at December 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010.

 

     Interim     Annual  

Factors

   December 31, 2010     May 31, 2010  

Discount rate

     17.5     17.5

Weighted-average increase in revenues

     6.0     6.0

Weighted-average increase in expenses

     5.0     5.0

 

Fair value of the wealth management reporting unit exceeded carrying value by 55.7% at December 31, 2010 and by 53.6% at May 31, 2010.

 

Property and Casualty Insurance Reporting Unit

 

Goodwill assigned to the property and casualty insurance reporting unit at May 31, 2010 was $17,177. Fair value of the property and casualty insurance reporting unit was determined utilizing the market multiples

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

approach, which measures the value of the reporting unit using recent sales of property and casualty insurance companies in Susquehanna’s market. Susquehanna uses two key ratios to measure goodwill of the property and casualty insurance reporting unit for impairment: average price to book and median price to earnings. The following table shows the ratios used at May 31, 2010. There was no interim impairment test performed at December 31, 2010.

 

     Annual  

Ratio

   May 31, 2010  

Average price to book

     1.06X   

Median price to earnings

     8.5X   

 

Fair value of the property and casualty insurance reporting unit exceeded carrying value by 33.9% at May 31, 2010.

 

9. Deposits

 

At December 31,

   2010      2009  

Noninterest-bearing:

     

Demand

   $ 1,372,235       $ 1,261,208   

Interest-bearing:

     

Interest-bearing demand

     3,646,714         3,262,812   

Savings

     767,852         743,687   

Time

     2,168,503         2,540,805   

Time of $100 or more

     1,235,903         1,165,851   
                 

Total deposits

   $ 9,191,207       $ 8,974,363   
                 

 

10. Borrowings

 

Short-term Borrowings

 

Short-term borrowings and weighted-average interest rates at December 31 were as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  
     Amount      Rate     Amount      Rate     Amount      Rate  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements(1)

   $ 306,423         0.46   $ 333,803         0.68   $ 375,317         0.88

Federal funds purchased

     458,000         0.25        200,000         0.19        480,000         0.30   

Treasury tax and loan notes

     6,200         0.00        6,900         0.00        4,902         0.00   

Federal Reserve term auction facility(2)

     0           500,000         0.25        50,000         0.28   
                                 

Total short-term borrowings

   $ 770,623         $ 1,040,703         $ 910,219      
                                 

 

(1) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified as secured short-term borrowings and are recorded at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in available-for-sale investment securities.
(2) The final auction was held on March 8, 2010.

 

At December 31, 2010, Susquehanna Bank had aggregate availability under federal funds lines totaling $910,000 and collateralized availability at the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window of $958,325.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

 

At December 31,

   2010      2009  

Due 2010, 0.25% to 6.06%

   $ 0       $ 220,245   

Due 2011, 0.38% to 4.98%

     415,190         115,285   

Due 2012, 3.25% to 4.60%

     221,061         221,055   

Due 2013 through 2014, 3.50% to 6.51%

     231,124         232,178   

Due 2015, 3.75% to 5.22%

     148,128         148,613   

Due 2016 through 2026, 4.14% to 5.65%

     86,117         86,441   
                 
   $ 1,101,620       $ 1,023,817   
                 

 

Susquehanna Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and, as such, can take advantage of FHLB programs for overnight and term advances at published daily rates. Under the terms of a blanket collateral agreement, advances from the FHLB are collateralized by qualifying first mortgages. In addition, all of the bank’s stock in the FHLB is pledged as collateral for such debt. Advances available under this agreement are limited by available and qualifying collateral and the amount of FHLB stock held by the bank.

 

Under this program, Susquehanna’s banking subsidiary had line-of-credit availability of $2,739,071 and $2,483,962 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Excluding purchase-accounting adjustments, $1,104,159 and $1,025,486 was outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At December 31, 2010, Susquehanna Bank could have borrowed an additional $999,005 based on qualifying collateral, and $635,907 more could have been borrowed provided that additional collateral would have been pledged. Such additional borrowings would have required the bank to increase its investment in FHLB stock by $46,038.

 

Long-term Debt and Junior Subordinated Debentures(1)

 

     2010     2009  
     Amount      Rate     Amount      Rate  

Subordinated notes due 2012

   $ 75,000         6.05   $ 75,000         6.05

Subordinated notes due 2014

     75,000         2.11        75,000         2.10   

Subordinated note due 2018

     25,000         4.91 (6)      25,000         4.75 (6) 

Other

     1,037         n/m (8)      1,050         n/m (8) 

Junior subordinated notes due 2027

     16,601         9.80 (2)      16,680         10.18 (2) 

Junior subordinated notes due 2032

     5,805         3.92        5,823         6.13 (2) 

Junior subordinated notes due 2036(3)

     51,547         6.39        51,547         6.39   

Junior subordinated notes due 2057(4)

     125,000         9.38        125,000         9.38   

Junior subordinated notes due 2033(5)

     15,464         3.64        15,464         4.24   

Junior subordinated notes due 2033(5)

     15,464         3.13        15,464         3.77   

Junior subordinated notes due 2036(5)

     10,264         8.10        10,084         7.90 (2) 

Junior subordinated notes due 2036(5)

     9,418         7.92        9,265         7.17 (2) 

Junior subordinated notes due 2037(5)

     20,215         8.04        19,904         7.74 (2) 

Junior subordinated notes due 2033(5)

     3,093         3.54        3,093         4.17   

Junior subordinated notes due 2040(7)

     50,010         11.00        0         0.00   
                      
   $ 498,918         $ 448,374      
                      

 

(1) The notes, except “Other,” require interest-only payments throughout their term with the entire principal balance paid at maturity.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

(2) Reflects the effect of purchase accounting adjustments.
(3) On April 19, 2006, Susquehanna completed a private placement to an institutional investor of $50,000 of fixed/floating rate trust preferred securities through a newly formed Delaware trust affiliate, Susquehanna TP Trust 2006-1. The trust preferred securities mature in June 2036, are redeemable at Susquehanna’s option beginning after five years, and bear interest initially at a rate of 6.392% per annum through the interest payment date in June 2011 and, after the interest payment date in June 2011, at a rate per annum equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.33%. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities were used by the Trust to purchase Susquehanna’s fixed/floating rate junior subordinated notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to finance the acquisition of Minotola National Bank.
(4) On December 12, 2007, Susquehanna issued $125,000 of retail hybrid trust preferred notes through a newly form Delaware statutory trust, Susquehanna Capital I. The only assets of the issuer are Capital Efficient Notes (“CENts”) issued by Susquehanna. The notes mature in December 2057, are redeemable at Susquehanna’s option beginning after five years, and bear interest initially at a rate of 9.375% per annum through the interest payment date in December 2037 and, after the interest payment date in December 2037, at a rate per annum equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 5.455%. The proceeds from the sale of the CENts were used to replenish cash reserves used to pay for the cash portion of the Community Banks acquisition and for general corporate purposes.
(5) As a result of the Community acquisition, Susquehanna assumed subordinated debentures with a fair value of $69,726 issued by Community to six statutory trusts. The trust preferred securities issued by the trusts are callable on dates specified in the individual indentures. The notes, as presented in this table, include purchase accounting adjustments.
(6) On December 31, 2008, Susquehanna issued a $25,000 subordinated note to another financial institution. The note bears interest at the ninety-day LIBOR plus 4.5% and matures on December 31, 2018.
(7) On March 16, 2010, Susquehanna Capital II, a Delaware statutory trust, sold to the public $50,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, Series II and used the proceeds from those sales to fund its purchase of $50,010 of 11% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, Series II issued by Susquehanna. The subordinated debentures are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with Susquehanna’s existing series of junior subordinated debt securities. Interest on the subordinated debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 23 and September 23, beginning September 23, 2010, unless Susquehanna defers payment. Susquehanna may elect to redeem any or all of the subordinated debentures at any time on or after March 23, 2015. The maturity date of the subordinated debentures is March 23, 2040.
(8) Not meaningful.

 

11. Shareholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

On December 12, 2008, Susquehanna sold $300,000 of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value per share (“Preferred Stock”) to the U.S. Treasury. Susquehanna also issued to the U.S. Treasury a warrant to purchase approximately 3,028 shares of its common stock. On April 21, 2010, Susquehanna redeemed $200,000 of the preferred stock, and on December 21, 2010, Susquehanna redeemed the remaining $100,000 of preferred stock. As a result of the redemption, Susquehanna accelerated the accretion of the associated discount, which reduced net income applicable to common shareholders by $5,888 in 2010.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Common Stock

 

On March 15, 2010, Susquehanna completed an offering of 43,125 shares of its common stock, par value $2.00 per share, at a public offering price of $8.00 per share. Proceeds from the offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions of $17,250 and expenses of $409, totaled $327,340.

 

12. Income Taxes

 

The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 33,468      $ 24,816      $ 23,636   

State

     1,880        (524     3,460   
                        

Total current

     35,348        24,292        27,096   
                        

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (33,304     (34,901     1,632   

State

     (887     (23     (1,755
                        

Total deferred

     (34,191     (34,924     (123
                        

Total income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 1,157      $ (10,632   $ 26,973   
                        

 

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount derived from applying the statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes as follows:

 

     2010(1)     2009(1)     2008  
     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate  

Provision at statutory rates

   $ 11,552        35.00   $ 715        35.00   $ 38,352        35.00

Tax-advantaged income

     (9,994     (30.28     (10,133     (496.14     (10,336     (9.43

Other, net

     (401     (1.21     (1,214     (59.42     (1,043     (0.96
                                                

Total

   $ 1,157        3.51   $ (10,632     (520.56 %)    $ 26,973        24.61
                                                

 

(1) The differences from the statutory rates expressed as percentages vary significantly from year to year due to the fluctuation of pre-tax book income in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

Accounting for income taxes requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax return. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31 were as follows:

 

     2010     2009  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Reserve for loan losses

   $ 81,700      $ 68,475   

Deferred directors fees

     102        131   

Deferred compensation

     6,484        6,514   

Nonaccrual loan interest

     5,540        4,675   

State net operating losses

     17,489        18,165   

State alternative minimum tax credit carryover

     300        300   

Post-retirement benefits

     4,965        4,409   

Unrealized (gains) and losses

     18,591        (2,461

Underfunded status of defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans

     13,935        13,067   

Other assets

     3,175        2,296   
                

Total deferred tax assets

     152,281        115,571   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Prepaid pension expense

     (13,380     (14,570

Amortization of market value purchase adjustments

     (14,420     (13,080

Deferred loan costs

     (4,886     (3,874

Premises and equipment

     (7,076     (8,428

Lease transaction adjustments, net

     (136,834     (157,406

Deferred (gains) and losses on sale of loans

     1,279        (736

Other liabilities

     (5,158     (4,278
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (180,475     (202,372
                

Net deferred liability before valuation allowance

     (28,194     (86,801

Valuation allowance

     (262     (1,180
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (28,456   $ (87,981
                

 

The deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances as of December 31 were included in the following Consolidated Balance Sheet line items:

 

     2010     2009  

Other assets

   $ 5,273      $ 0   

Deferred taxes

     (33,729     (87,981
                
   $ (28,456   $ (87,981
                

 

As of December 31, 2010, Susquehanna had state net operating losses remaining of $296,202, which begin to expire in 2012. The valuation allowance relates to state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits for which realizability is uncertain. In assessing the realizability of the state net operating losses, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future income, and tax planning strategies.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Uncertainty in Income Taxes

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

Balance at January 1, 2008

   $ 1,936   

Increase based on tax positions related to the current year

     379   

Increase for tax positions of prior years

     658   

Decrease for tax positions of prior years

     (565

Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities

     0   

Decrease related to expiration of statute of limitations

     (168
        

Balance at December 31, 2008

     2,240   

Increase based on tax positions related to the current year

     295   

Increase for tax positions of prior years

     0   

Decrease for tax positions of prior years

     (34

Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities

     0   

Decrease related to expiration of statute of limitations

     (381
        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     2,120   

Increase based on tax positions related to the current year

     462   

Increase for tax positions of prior years

     1,584   

Decrease for tax positions of prior years

     0   

Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities

     0   

Decrease related to expiration of statute of limitations

     (568
        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 3,598   
        

 

Susquehanna has $3,598 of unrecognized tax benefits of which $2,953, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Susquehanna does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

 

Susquehanna recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, Susquehanna recognized $(11), $129, and $86, respectively, in interest and penalties and had accrued $376, $387, and $257, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties.

 

Susquehanna and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdictions and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Susquehanna is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and local examinations by tax authorities before 2006. As of December 31, 2010, there are no federal or state examinations of Susquehanna’s tax returns in progress.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

     Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Securities
    Unrealized
Gains on
Recorded
Interests in
Securitized
Assets
    Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Cash Flow
Hedges
    Post-retirement
Benefits
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 

Balance at January 1, 2009

   $ (63,824   $ 4,406      $ (613   $ (25,279   $ (85,310

Period change

     57,162        2,515        4,925        1,011        65,613   
                                        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     (6,662     6,921        4,312        (24,268     (19,697

Period change

     (6,457     (6,921     (23,447     (1,613     (38,438
                                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ (13,119   $ 0      $ (19,135   $ (25,881   $ (58,135
                                        

 

14. Financial Instruments with Off-balance-sheet Credit Risk

 

Susquehanna is part to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to originate loans and standby letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest-rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The contract or notional amount of those instruments reflects the extent of involvement Susquehanna has in particular classes of financial instruments. Susquehanna’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to the financial instruments for loan commitments and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. Susquehanna uses the same credit policies for these instruments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by Susquehanna to guarantee the performance by a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

 

Commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established by the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Susquehanna evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by Susquehanna upon extension of credit, is based upon management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.

 

Financial instruments whose contractual amounts represent off-balance-sheet credit risk at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

     2010      2009  

Standby letters of credit

   $ 305,477       $ 296,790   

Real estate commitments - commercial

     256,339         324,363   

Real estate commitments - residential

     152,753         171,045   

Unused portion of home equity lines held by VIEs

     101,251         0   

Unused portion of home equity lines

     737,778         644,343   

Other commitments

     33,226         40,142   

All other commercial, financial, and agricultural commitments

     734,879         813,668   

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

15. Contingent Liabilities

 

There are no material proceedings to which Susquehanna or any of its subsidiaries are a party or by which, to Susquehanna’s knowledge, it, or any of its subsidiaries, are threatened. All legal proceedings presently pending or threatened against Susquehanna or its subsidiaries involve routine litigation incidental to the business of Susquehanna or the subsidiary involved are not material in respect to the amount in controversy.

 

16. Capital Adequacy

 

Risk-based capital ratios, based upon guidelines adopted by bank regulators in 1989, focus upon credit risk. Assets and certain off-balance-sheet items are segmented into one of four broad risk categories and weighted according to the relative percentage of credit risk assigned by the regulatory authorities. Off-balance-sheet instruments are converted into a balance sheet credit equivalent before being assigned to one of the four risk-weighted categories. To supplement the risk-based capital ratios, the regulators issued a minimum leverage ratio guideline (Tier 1 capital as a percentage of average assets less excludable intangibles).

 

Capital elements are segmented into two tiers. Tier 1 capital represents shareholders’ equity plus junior subordinated debentures reduced by excludable intangibles. Tier 2 capital represents certain allowable long-term subordinated debt, the portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures equal to 1.25% of risk-adjusted assets, and 45% of the unrealized gain on equity securities. The sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital is “total risk-based capital.”

 

The following table presents these capital ratios for Susquehanna on a consolidated basis. Susquehanna has leverage and risk-weighted ratios well in excess of regulatory minimums and is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

     At
December 31,
2010
    At
December 31,
2009
    Well-
capitalized
Threshold
    Preliminary
Minimum
Basel III
Requirements
 

Tangible Common Ratio(1)

     7.56     5.29     N/A        N/A   

Tier 1 Common Ratio

     9.58     6.03     N/A        7.0

Leverage Ratio

     10.27     9.73     5.0     4.0

Tier 1 Capital Ratio

     12.65     11.17     6.0     8.5

Total Risk-based Capital Ratio

     14.72     13.48     10.0     10.5

 

(1) Includes deferred tax liability associated with intangibles of $42,478 for 2010 and $40,712 for 2009.

 

17. Share-based Compensation

 

Susquehanna implemented an Equity Compensation Plan (“Compensation Plan”) in 1996 under which Susquehanna may have granted options to its employees and directors for up to 2,463 shares of common stock. Under the Compensation Plan, the exercise price of each nonqualified option equaled the market price of Susquehanna’s stock on the date of grant, and an option’s maximum term was ten years. Options were granted upon approval of the Board of Directors and typically vested one-third at the end of years three, four, and five. The exercise prices associated with the options ranged from $13.00 per share to $25.47 per share. This Compensation Plan expired in 2006.

 

In May 2005, Susquehanna’s shareholders approved the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended, (“the 2005 Plan”) and approved an amendment and restatement of the plan in May 2009. Subject to adjustments in

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

certain circumstances, the 2005 Plan authorized up to 3,500 share of common stock for issuance. Incentives under the 2005 Plan consist of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock options, restricted stock grants, restricted stock unit grants, and dividend equivalents on restricted stock units. The exercise price of any incentive granted under the 2005 Plan is the fair market value of Susquehanna’s stock on the date that the incentive is granted. The exercise period for stock options may not exceed ten years, and the options typically vest one-third at the end of years three, four, and five. Restricted stock vests one-third at the end of years one, two, and three; while restricted stock units vest at the end of three years. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is the fair market value of Susquehanna’s stock on the date that the incentives are granted. The fair value of option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton model.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, share-based compensation expense totaling $2,223, $921, and $1,873, respectively, was included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, as of December 31, 2010, there was $2,120 of aggregate unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That expense is expected to be recognized through 2015.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted in 2010, 2009, and 2008, and the resultant fair values. Expected volatilities are based upon the historical volatility of Susquehanna stock, using the monthly high stock price over the past ten years. The expected term is based upon historical exercise behavior of all employees and directors. The risk-free rate is based upon zero coupon treasury rates in effect on the grant date of the options.

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Volatility

     32.50     24.74     19.70

Expected dividend yield

     4.00     6.50     4.50

Expected term (in years)

     7.0        7.0        7.0   

Risk-free rate

     2.39     2.46     3.33

Fair value

   $ 1.85      $ 0.8975      $ 2.78   

 

Option Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

      Options     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

     2,484      $ 21.23         

Granted

     36        8.28         

Forfeited

     (113     20.86         

Expired

     (86     13.31         

Exercised

     0        0.00         
                

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     2,321      $ 21.34         5.3       $ 253   
                

Exercisable at December 31, 2010

     1,115      $ 22.90         3.4       $ 10   

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Intrinsic value of options exercised

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 491   

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

A summary of the status of Susquehanna’s nonvested options at December 31, 2010 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-
average
Grant-date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2010

     1,501      $ 3.63   

Granted

     36        1.85   

Vested

     (272     4.00   

Forfeited

     (59     2.52   
          

Nonvested at December 31, 2010

     1,206        2.84   
          

 

Cash received, net of withholding taxes paid on behalf of grantees electing cashless exercises for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, was $0, $0, and $1,274, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

 

A summary of activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Restricted
Stock and
Stock Units
    Weighted-
average
Fair Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

     123      $ 9.35   

Granted

     227        9.55   

Forfeited

     (1     21.82   

Vested

     (22     18.53   
          

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     327      $ 8.85   
          

 

18. Benefit Plans

 

Pension Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Susquehanna maintains a single non-contributory defined benefit pension plan. The plan provides defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary. Effective June 30, 2009, certain benefits under the plan were frozen, as follows:

 

 

Employees who were hired before January 1, 2009 and who were age fifty or over or who had at least fifteen years of vesting service as of December 31, 2009, continued to participate in the plan after June 30, 2009 with no changes to the features of the plan.

 

 

Employees who were hired before January 1, 2009 and who were not age fifty and who did not have fifteen years of vesting service were frozen from accruing future pay-based credits to their accounts within the plan after June 30, 2009. These employees continue to receive interest each year at a guaranteed minimum of 5.0%. Employees in this group also receive an automatic non-discretionary contribution to the Susquehanna 401(k) plan equal to 2.0% of eligible compensation.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

 

Employees who were hired on or after January 1, 2009 are not eligible to participate in the plan. However, eligible employees receive an automatic non-discretionary contribution to the Susquehanna 401(k) plan equal to 2.0% of eligible compensation. The automatic contribution to the 401(k) plan begins once these employees individually meet the eligibility requirements of the plan.

 

Susquehanna also maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) for selected participants. This plan provides for benefits lost under the defined benefit pension plan due to provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that limit the compensation and benefits under a qualified retirement plan. In addition, Susquehanna offers life insurance and certain medical benefits to its retirees.

 

Obligations and Funded Status

 

     Pension Benefits     SERP     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 

At December 31

   2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Change in Benefit Obligation

            

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 111,534      $ 101,306      $ 5,076      $ 4,428      $ 13,115      $ 11,591   

Service cost

     4,084        5,339        103        121        690        661   

Interest cost

     6,406        5,773        280        265        808        715   

Plan participants’ contributions

     0        0        0        0        390        393   

Actuarial (gain) loss

     9,203        4,591        145        382        (1     433   

Curtailment

     0        (1,470     0        0        0        0   

Benefits paid

     (4,103     (4,005     (154     (120     (573     (678
                                                

Benefit obligation at end of year

     127,124        111,534        5,450        5,076        14,429        13,115   
                                                

Change in Plan Assets

            

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 116,783      $ 90,960      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0   

Actual return on plan assets

     12,997        9,891        0        0        0        0   

Employer contributions

     0        20,000        153 (1)      120 (1)      183 (1)      285 (1) 

Expenses

     (6     (63     0        0        0        0   

Plan participants’ contributions

     0        0        0        0        390        393   

Benefits paid

     (4,103     (4,005     (153     (120     (573     (678
                                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

     125,671        116,783        0        0        0        0   
                                                

Funded Status at End of Year

   $ (1,453   $ 5,249      $ (5,450   $ (5,076   $ (14,429   $ (13,115
                                                

 

(1) Cash contributions made to providers, insurers, trusts, or participants for payment of claims.

 

Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:

 

     Pension Benefits      SERP     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009      2010     2009     2010     2009  

Assets

   $ 0      $ 5,249       $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0   

Liabilities

     (1,453     0         (5,450     (5,076     (14,429     (13,115
                                                 

Net asset/(liability) recognized

   $ (1,453   $ 5,249       $ (5,450   $ (5,076   $ (14,429   $ (13,115
                                                 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (net of taxes at 35%) consist of the following:

 

     Pension Benefits      SERP          Other Postretirement    
Benefits
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009  

Net actuarial loss

   $ 24,139       $ 22,313       $ 846       $ 807       $ 254       $ 297   

Transition obligation

     0         0         0         0         152         226   

Prior service cost

     95         111         195         272         199         241   
                                                     
   $ 24,234       $ 22,424       $ 1,041       $ 1,079       $ 605       $ 764   
                                                     

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was $121,708 and $106,450 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP was $4,977 and $4,481 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

 

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

         Pension Benefits             SERP             Other Postretirement    
Benefits
 
      2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service cost

   $ 4,084      $ 5,339      $ 103      $ 121      $ 690      $ 661   

Interest cost

     6,406        5,773        280        265        808        715   

Expected return on plan assets

     (9,764     (7,582     0        0        0        0   

Amortization of prior service cost

     25        25        118        118        65        93   

Amortization of transition obligation (asset)

     0        0        0        0        113        112   

Amortization of net actuarial (gain) or loss

     2,704        2,680        85        94        22        0   

Curtailment

     0        124        0        0        0        0   
                                                

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

     3,455        6,359        586        598        1,698        1,581   
                                                

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations

  

         Pension Benefits             SERP             Other Postretirement    
Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net actuarial loss (gain) for the period

     5,976        2,346        145        382        (1     434   

Amortization of net (loss) gain

     (2,704     (2,680     (85     (93     (22     0   

Curtailment gain

     0        (1,470     0        0        0        0   

Amortization of prior service cost

     (25     (26     (118     (119     (65     (92

Recognition of prior service cost

     0        (124     0        0        0        0   

Adjustment relating to prior business acquisitions

     (462     0        0        0        0        0   

Amortization of transition obligation

     0        0        0        0        (113     (113
                                                

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

     2,785        (1,954     (58     170        (201     229   
                                                

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

   $ 6,240      $ 4,405      $ 527      $ 768      $ 1,497      $ 1,810   
                                                

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Expected Amortizations

 

The estimated net loss, prior service cost, and transition obligation (asset) for the plans that are expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is as follows:

 

     Pension
Benefits
     SERP      Other Post retirement
Benefits
 

Expected amortization of net loss

   $ 2,702       $ 150       $ 0   

Expected amortization of prior service cost

     25         117         65   

Expected amortization of transition obligation

     0         0         113   

 

Additional Information

 

The weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computation of the plans’ benefit obligations were as follows:

 

       Pension Benefits       SERP     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009         2010             2009             2010             2009      

Discount rate

     5.50     5.75     5.50     5.75     5.25     5.75

Rate of compensation increase

     3.00     3.00     3.00     3.00     3.00     3.00

Assumed health care trend rates:

            

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

             10.00     8.00

Ultimate health care trend rate

             5.00     5.00

Year that ultimate trend rate is attained

             2016        2013   

 

The weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computation of the plans’ net periodic cost were as follows:

 

       Pension Benefits       SERP     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009         2010             2009             2010             2009      

Discount rate

     5.75     5.75     5.75     5.75     5.75     5.75

Expected return on plan assets

     8.50     8.50     N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A   

Rate of compensation increase

     3.00     3.00     3.00     3.00     3.00     3.00

Assumed health care trend rates:

            

Health care cost trend rate assumed for current year

             10.00     9.00

Ultimate health care trend rate

             5.00     5.00

Year that ultimate trend rate is attained

             2016        2013   

 

The impact of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates is as follows:

 

     Increase      Decrease  

Effect on service cost plus interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost

   $ 58       $ (50

Effect on accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2010

     493         (430

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Other accounting items that are required to be disclosed are as follows:

 

    Pension Benefits     SERP     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
    2010     2009         2010             2009             2010             2009      

Alternative amortization methods used:

           

Prior service cost

    Straight line        Straight line        Straight line        Straight line        Straight line        Straight line   

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

    Straight line        Straight line        Straight line        Straight line        Straight line        Straight line   

Average future service (in years)

    9.04        9.99        7.14        7.83        N/A        N/A   

Average future service to assumed retirement age (in years)

    N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        7.83        7.90   

Average future service to full benefit eligibility age (in years)

    N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        12.08        12.30   

 

The expected long-term rate of return was estimated using market benchmarks for equities and bonds applied to the defined pension benefit plan’s target asset allocation. The expected return on equities was computed using a valuation methodology which projected future returns based on current equity valuations while looking at historical returns, as well. Due to active management of the plan’s assets, the return on the equity investment of the plan historically has exceeded general market returns. Management estimated the rate by which the plan’s assets would perform to the market in the future looking at historical performance and adjusting for changes in the asset allocations.

 

For the plan-year ending December 31, 2011, expected employer contributions to the pension plan, SERP, and other benefit plans are $0, $191, and $690, respectively, and expected employee contributions are $0, $0, and $454, respectively. The 2011 plan assumptions used to determine net periodic cost will be a discount rate of 5.5% and an expected long-term return on plan assets of 8.5%. The assumed discount rate was determined by matching Susquehanna’s projected pension payments to high quality Double-A bonds of similar duration. The payment projections used a seventy-five year payout projection.

 

The investment objective of the pension plan is to maximize total return while limiting the volatility in funded status by emphasizing growth at a reasonable price and owning fixed-income assets that correlate to the calculation of liabilities under the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

 

The plan’s equity portfolio consists primarily of large-cap stocks. Equity investments are diversified and sector-weighted. Industry growth prospects and economic sentiment are major considerations in the investment process, but risk reduction is achieved through diversification and active portfolio management. The plan has no holdings of Susquehanna common stock.

 

The pension plan’s debt securities portfolio consists of bonds rate A or higher at the time of purchase. The current portfolio consists primarily of investment-grade bonds with a duration exceeding eleven years with additional holdings of U.S. Treasuries and agency securities, high-quality corporate, and money market investments. A credit analysis is conducted to ensure that the appropriate liquidity, industry diversification, safety, maximum yield, and minimum risk are achieved. Duration in excess of eleven years is sought for correlation with the determination of plan liabilities. While there is a concentration of assets in long-duration bonds, risk is mitigated by the high quality of the bonds and their correlation to the valuation of plan liabilities.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

The target and actual allocations expressed as a percentage of the defined benefit pension plan’s assets are as follows:

 

     Target     Actual  

For the year ended

   2011     2010     2009  

Equity securities

     20-40     34     28

Debt securities

     60-80     64     65

Temporary cash and other investments

     0-10     2     7
                  

Total

       100     100
                  

 

Estimated aggregate future benefit payments for pension, SERP, and other benefits, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows:

 

     Pension      SERP      Other
Benefits
 

2011

   $ 4,034       $ 191       $ 690   

2012

     4,325         190         701   

2013

     4,850         248         719   

2014

     5,294         462         754   

2015

     5,613         482         776   

Years 2016-2020

     37,265         2,376         4,391   

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

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 at the measurement date. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based upon market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. These methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Susquehanna believes that the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of its pension plan assets are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

 

Temporary Cash and Other Investments

 

For these short-term investments, the carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Registered Investment Companies

 

The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the funds’ underlying assets which are principally fixed-income securities. Shares held in registered investment companies traded on national securities exchanges are valued at net asset value.

 

Securities

 

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Securities in Level 1 are exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available for specific securities, then fair values are provided by independent third-party valuations services. These valuations services estimate fair values using pricing models and other accepted valuation methodologies, such as quotes for similar securities and observable yield curves and spreads. Securities in Level 2 include U.S. Government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign bonds, and corporate bonds and notes. The plan has no securities classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Dividends and Interest Receivable

 

Dividends and interest receivable are classified, by default, in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

The following tables summarized the fair values of the plan’s investments at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

            Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date
 

Description

   12/31/2010      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Registered investment companies

   $ 71,104       $ 71,104       $ 0       $ 0   

U.S. Government agencies

     2,392         0         2,392         0   

Municipal bonds

     617         0         617         0   

Corporate bonds and notes

     6,055         0         6,055         0   

Common stocks

     42,826         42,826         0         0   

Dividends and interest receivable

     187         0         0         187   

Temporary cash and other investments

     2,490         2,490         0         0   
                                   

Total

   $ 125,671       $ 116,420       $ 9,064       $ 187   
                                   

 

            Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date
 

Description

   12/31/2009      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Registered investment companies

   $ 54,113       $ 54,113       $ 0       $ 0   

U.S. Government agencies

     10,187         0         10,187         0   

Municipal bonds

     605         0         605         0   

Corporate bonds and notes

     13,382         0         13,382         0   

Common stocks

     30,845         30,845         0         0   

Dividends and interest receivable

     306         0         0         306   

Temporary cash and other investments

     7,345         7,345         0         0   
                                   

Total

   $ 116,783       $ 92,303       $ 24,174       $ 306   
                                   

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

401(k) Plan

 

Susquehanna maintains a 401(k) savings plan which allows employees to invest a percentage of their earnings, matched up to a certain amount specified by Susquehanna. In addition, in conjunction with the changes to Susquehanna’s pension plan, certain employees are to receive non-discretionary contributions to their 401(k) accounts.

 

Susquehanna’s match of employee contributions to the savings plan, which is included in salaries and benefits expense, totaled $4,588 in 2010, $4,656 in 2009, and $3,517 in 2008. Susquehanna’s non-discretionary contribution to the savings plan was $1,406 for 2010.

 

19. Earnings per Common Share (“EPS”)

 

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
     Income     Average
Shares
    Per
Share
Amount
    Income     Average
Shares
    Per
Share
Amount
    Income     Average
Shares
    Per
Share
Amount
 

Basic Earnings per Share:

                 

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  $ 16,275        121,031      $ 0.13      $ (3,984     86,257      $ (0.05   $ 81,814        85,987      $ 0.95   

Effect of Diluted Securities:

                 

Stock options and warrants outstanding

      38        0          0        0          50        0   
                                                                       

Diluted Earnings per Share:

                 

(Loss) income applicable to common shareholders and assuming conversion

  $ 16,275        121,069      $ 0.13      $ (3,984     86,257      $ (0.05   $ 81,814        86,037      $ 0.95   
                                                                       

 

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, options to purchase 2,321, 2,484, and 2,229 shares, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options’ common stock equivalents were antidilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, warrants to purchase 3,028 shares were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the warrants’ common stock equivalents were antidilutive.

 

20. Related Party Transactions

 

Certain directors and named executive officers of Susquehanna and its affiliates, including their immediate families and companies in which they are principal owners (more than 10%), were indebted to the bank subsidiary. In the opinion of management, such loans are consistent with sound banking practices and are within applicable regulatory bank lending limitations and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Susquehanna relies on the directors and named executive officers for the identification of their associates.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

The activity of loans to such persons whose balances exceeded $120 is as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Balance - January 1

   $ 51,750      $ 33,202      $ 19,643   

Additions

     16,597        68,166        50,483   

Deductions:

      

Amounts collected

     (22,751     (39,962     (31,846

Other changes

     (1     (9,656     (5,078
                        

Balance - December 31

   $ 45,595      $ 51,750      $ 33,202   
                        

 

21. Regulatory Restrictions of Subsidiaries

 

Susquehanna is limited by regulatory provisions in the amount it can receive in dividends from its banking subsidiary. Accordingly, at December 31, 2010, $55,568 was available for dividend distribution to Susquehanna in 2011 from its banking subsidiary.

 

Included in cash and due from banks are balances required to be maintained by Susquehanna Bank on deposit with the Federal Reserve. The amounts of such reserves are based on percentages of certain deposit types and totaled $29,109 at December 31, 2010 and $10,034 at December 31, 2009.

 

Under current Federal Reserve regulations, Susquehanna Bank is limited in the amount it may lend to the parent company and its nonbank subsidiaries. Loans to a single affiliate may not exceed 10%, and loans to all affiliates may not exceed 20% of the bank’s capital stock, surplus, and undivided profits, plus the allowance for loan and lease losses. Loans from Susquehanna Bank to nonbank affiliates, including the parent company, are also required to be collateralized according to regulatory guidelines. At December 31, 2010, there were no loans from the bank to any nonbank affiliate, including the parent company.

 

Valley Forge Asset Management Corp. is required to maintain minimum net worth capital and is governed by the FINRA and the SEC. As of December 31, 2010, this subsidiary met its minimum regulatory capital requirement.

 

22. Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)

 

In 2005 and 2006, Susquehanna entered into term securitization transactions in which it sold portfolios of home equity loans to securitization trusts. Both of the securitization trusts are, by definition, variable interest entities. Susquehanna performed an analysis to determine whether it has a controlling financial interest in these entities, and thus, as the primary beneficiary, would be required to consolidate the entities. An enterprise is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if it has both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Susquehanna retained servicing responsibilities and interests in the VIEs. Susquehanna receives servicing fees and rights to cash flows remaining after the investors have received the return for which they contracted. Susquehanna, as servicer, has the ability to manage the entities’ assets that become delinquent to improve the economic performance of the entities. Therefore, Susquehanna meets the “power criterion.” In addition, through its ownership of the entities’ equity certificates, Susquehanna has the right to receive potentially significant benefits. Therefore, Susquehanna meets the “losses/benefits criterion.” Since Susquehanna meets both criteria, it is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and is required to consolidate them. Upon consolidation, Susquehanna removed retained interests of $23,705 and recorded interest-bearing deposits of $7,537, aggregate loans balances of $248,333, and long term-debt of

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

$239,936 on January 1, 2010. In addition, Susquehanna recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings by $5,805 and an adjustment that reduced accumulated other comprehensive income by $6,922. Susquehanna entered into these securitization transactions primarily to achieve low-cost funding for the growth of its loan and lease portfolios and to manage capital. The investors and the VIEs have no recourse to Susquehanna’s general credit for failure of debtors to pay when due.

 

2006 Transaction

 

In September 2006, Susquehanna securitized $349,403 of fixed-rate home mortgage loans and variable-rate line of credit loans. Susquehanna retained the right to service the loans and recorded a servicing asset of $2,334.

 

In this securitization, approximately 70.5% of the variable-rate loans as of the cut-off date included a feature that permits the obligor to convert all or a portion of the loan from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. If the total principal balance of the converted loans is greater than 10% of the total outstanding balance of the portfolio, Susquehanna is required to purchase the converted loans in excess of the 10% threshold until the total principal balance of the loans purchased by Susquehanna is equal to 10% of the original principal balance of the loans. Based upon Susquehanna’s experience with this product, Susquehanna has concluded that the event requiring the purchase of converted loans of the VIE would be remote. The maximum dollar amount of this purchase obligation at the cut-off date was $11,140, and its related fair value was considered to be de minimis.

 

2005 Transaction

 

In December 2005, Susquehanna securitized $239,766 of home equity line of credit loans. Susquehanna retained the right to service the loans and recorded a servicing asset of $1,289.

 

In this securitization, approximately 35.4% of the loans as of the cut-off date included a feature that permits the obligor to convert all or a portion of the loan from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. If the total principal balance of the converted loans is greater than 10% of the total outstanding balance of the portfolio, Susquehanna is required to purchase the converted loans in excess of the 10% threshold until the total principal balance of the loans purchased by Susquehanna is equal to 10% of the original principal balance of the loans. Based upon Susquehanna’s experience with this product, Susquehanna has concluded that the event requiring the purchase of converted loans of the VIE would be remote. The maximum dollar amount of this purchase obligation at the cut-off date was $23,980, and its related fair value was considered to be de minimis.

 

The following table presents quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit losses, and components of loan and lease sales serviced by Susquehanna, including securitization transactions.

 

    As of December 31     For the Year Ended
December 31
 
    Principal Balance     Risk Assets(1)     Net Credit Losses
(Recoveries)
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Loans and leases held in portfolio

  $ 9,417,801      $ 9,827,279      $ 235,972      $ 258,666      $ 143,534      $ 129,381   

Leases held by VIEs

    0        0        0        0        0        107   

Home equity loans held by VIEs

    215,396        248,554        5,511        4,797        782        133   

Leases serviced for others

    2,548        13,551        11        7        (8     (22
                                               

Total loans and leases serviced

  $ 9,635,745      $ 10,089,384      $ 241,494      $ 263,470      $ 144,308      $ 129,599   
                                               

 

(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and leases, foreclosed real estate, and loans and leases past due 90 days and still accruing.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Certain cash flows received from or conveyed to the VIEs associated with the securitizations are as follows:

 

Automobile Leases

   Year Ended December 31  
          2010                2009                2008       

Servicing fees received

   $ 0       $ 701       $ 2,835   

Other cash flows received

     0         12,020         24,518   

Home Equity Loans

   Year Ended December 31  
          2010                2009                2008       

Additional draws conveyed

   $ 33,499       $ 46,027       $ 53,752   

Servicing fees received

     1,009         1,131         1,268   

Other cash flows received

     5,935         8,214         8,217   

 

23. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

 

Susquehanna is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions, and principally manages its exposures through management of its core business activities. Susquehanna manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, Susquehanna enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Susquehanna’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of its known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable-rate liabilities. Susquehanna also has derivatives that are a result of a service it provides to certain qualifying customers, and therefore, are not used to manage interest-rate risk in its assets or liabilities. Susquehanna manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments offered as a part of this service to its customers in order to minimize its net exposure resulting from such transactions.

 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

 

Susquehanna’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, Susquehanna primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. For hedges of its variable-rate borrowings, Susquehanna uses interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges that involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for fixed-rate payments from Susquehanna. As of December 31, 2010, Susquehanna had nine interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $747,550 that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest-rate risk. Two of these interest rate swaps, with notional amounts of $46,269 and $26,281 and fair values of $181 and ($1,535), respectively, relate to consolidated variable interest entities.

 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. During 2010, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, federal funds borrowings, and long-term debt. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Susquehanna recognized $938 in other expenses as a result of the ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges, $413 of which was related to consolidated variable interest entities.

 

Amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on Susquehanna’s variable-rate liabilities. During 2011, Susquehanna estimates that $16,875 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

 

Non-designated Hedges

 

Susquehanna does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are used to manage Susquehanna’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the strict requirements of hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recognized directly in earnings. Additionally, Susquehanna has interest rate derivatives, including interest rate swaps and option products, resulting from a service it provides to certain customers with high-quality credit ratings. Susquehanna executes interest rate derivatives with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. The credit risk associated with derivatives executed with these customers is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans and is subject to our normal credit policies. Susquehanna obtains collateral based upon its assessment of the customers’ credit quality. Those derivatives are simultaneously hedged by offsetting derivatives that Susquehanna executes with a third party to minimize Susquehanna’s net risk exposure resulting from those transactions.

 

At December 31, 2010, Susquehanna had ninety-four derivative transactions related to this program with an aggregate notional amount of $603,332. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Susquehanna recognized a net loss of $99 related to changes in fair value of the derivatives in this program. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Susquehanna recognized a net gain of $80 related to changes in fair value of the derivatives in this program.

 

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

 

Susquehanna has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain the following provisions:

 

   

if Susquehanna defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then Susquehanna could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations;

 

   

if Susquehanna fails to maintain its status as a well/adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions, and Susquehanna would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements;

 

   

if Susquehanna fails to maintain a specified minimum leverage ratio, then Susquehanna could be declared in default on its derivative obligations;

 

   

if a specified event or condition occurs that materially changes Susquehanna’s creditworthiness in an adverse manner, it may be required to fully collateralize its obligations under the derivative instrument; and

 

   

if Susquehanna’s credit rating is reduced below investment grade, then a termination event shall be deemed to have occurred and the non-affected counterparty shall have the right, but not the obligation, to terminate all transactions under the agreement.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

At December 31, 2010, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest and any credit valuation adjustments related to these agreements, was $32,779. At December 31, 2010, Susquehanna had minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and had posted cash collateral of $34,335. If Susquehanna had breached any of the above provisions at December 31, 2010, it would have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at termination value and would have been required to pay any additional amounts due in excess of amounts previously posted as collateral with the respective counterparty.

 

     Fair Values of Derivative Instruments December 31, 2010  
     Asset Derivatives      Liability Derivatives  
     Balance Sheet Location    Fair Value      Balance Sheet Location    Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

           

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets    $ 181       Other liabilities    $ 31,793   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

           

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets      17,167       Other liabilities      16,767   
                       

Total derivatives

      $ 17,348          $ 48,560   
                       

 

     Fair Values of Derivative Instruments December 31, 2009  
     Asset Derivatives      Liability Derivatives  
     Balance Sheet Location    Fair Value      Balance Sheet Location    Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

           

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets    $ 6,956       Other liabilities    $ 408   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

           

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets      13,781       Other liabilities      13,282   
                       

Total derivatives

      $ 20,737          $ 13,690   
                       

 

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Income Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

Derivatives in cash flow
hedging relationships

 

Amount of Loss
Recognized in
OCI

 

Location of Loss
Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI
into Income

  Amount of Loss
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
    Location of Loss
Recognized in
Income
(Ineffective
Portion)
    Amount of Loss
Recognized in
Income
(Ineffective
Portion)
 

Interest rate contracts:

  $ (23,447)   Interest expense   $ (4,836     Other expense      $ (938

Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments

 

Location of Loss
Recognized in
Income on

Derivatives

 

Amount of Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

                 

Interest rate contracts:

  Other income   $ (99)      

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

Derivatives in cash flow hedging
relationships

  

Amount of Loss
Recognized in
OCI

  

Location of Loss
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income

   Amount of Loss
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
 

Interest rate contracts:

   $ 4,925    Interest expense    $ 791   

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments

  

Location of Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

  

Amount of Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

      

Interest rate contracts:

   Other income    $ 80   

 

24. Fair Value Disclosures

 

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 at the measurement dates. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs 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. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

At December 31, 2010, Susquehanna had made no elections to use fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets and financial liabilities not previously carried at fair value.

 

The following is a description of Susquehanna’s valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities carried at fair value. These methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Susquehanna believes that its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

 

Securities

 

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Securities in Level 1 are exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are provided by independent third-party valuations services. These valuations services estimate fair values using pricing models and other accepted valuation methodologies, such as quotes for similar securities and observable yield curves and spreads. As part of Susquehanna’s overall valuation process, management evaluates these third-party methodologies to ensure that they are representative of exit prices in Susquehanna’s principal markets. Securities in Level 2 include U.S. Government agencies, mortgage-backed securities, state and municipal securities, other debt securities, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, and Federal Reserve Bank stock. Securities in Level 3 include thinly traded bank stocks, collateralized debt obligations, trust preferred securities, and indexed-amortizing notes.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Derivatives

 

Currently, Susquehanna uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk and to assist its borrowers in managing their interest rate risk. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves. Susquehanna incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Susquehanna has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

 

Although Susquehanna has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives may utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2010, Susquehanna has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, Susquehanna has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Certain Retained Interests in Securitizations - Prior to January 1, 2010

 

For interest-only strips, there was a lack of similar observable transactions for similar assets in the marketplace. Therefore, Susquehanna used the present-value approach to determine the initial and ongoing fair values of the cash flows associated with securitizations. Assumptions used, which incorporate certain market information obtained from third parties, included an estimation of an appropriate discount rate, net credit losses, and prepayment rates. Changes in the assumptions used may have had a significant impact on Susquehanna’s valuation of retained interests, and accordingly, such interests were classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The following tables present the financial instruments carried at fair value at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, on the consolidated balance sheets and by levels within the valuation hierarchy.

 

    December 31, 2010     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  

Description

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Instruments
(Level 1)
    Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

U.S. Government Agencies

  $ 268,175      $ 0      $ 268,175      $ 0   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

    396,660          396,660     

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

    1,323,569          1,323,569     

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

    116,811          116,811     

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

    104,842          104,842     

Synthetic collateralized debt obligations

    0          0     

Other structured financial products

    12,503          0        12,503   

Other debt securities

    41,000          41,000     

Equity securities of the FHLB

    71,065          71,065     

Equity securities of the FRB

    50,225          50,225     

Other equity securities

    24,093        2,446        18,266        3,381   

Derivatives:(1)

       

Designated as hedging instruments

    181          181     

Not designated as hedging instruments

    17,167          17,167     
                               

Total

  $ 2,426,291      $ 2,446      $ 2,407,961      $ 15,884   
                               

Liabilities

       

Derivatives:(2)

       

Designated as hedging instruments

  $ 31,793      $ 0      $ 31,793      $ 0   

Not designated as hedging instruments

    16,767          16,767     
                               

Total

  $ 48,560      $ 0      $ 48,560      $ 0   
                               

 

(1) Included in Other assets.
(2) Included in Other liabilities.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

            Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  

Description

   December 31, 2009      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Instruments
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

           

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. Government Agencies

   $ 371,019       $ 0       $ 371,019       $ 0   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     353,419            353,419      

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     680,182            680,182      

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

     135,465            133,354         2,111   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     165,025            165,025      

Synthetic collateralized debt obligations

     1,331               1,331   

Other structured financial products

     15,319            1,206         14,113   

Equity securities of the FHLB

     74,342            74,342      

Equity securities of the FRB

     45,725            45,725      

Other equity securities

     24,519         2,907         17,531         4,081   

Derivatives:(1)

           

Designated as hedging instruments

     6,956            6,956      

Not designated as hedging instruments

     13,781            13,781      

Interest-only strips(1)(3)

     17,840               17,840   
                                   

Total

   $ 1,904,923       $ 2,907       $ 1,862,540       $ 39,476   
                                   

Liabilities

           

Derivatives:(2)

           

Designated as hedging instruments

   $ 408       $ 0       $ 408       $ 0   

Not designated as hedging instruments

     13,282            13,282      
                                   

Total

   $ 13,690       $ 0       $ 13,690       $ 0   
                                   

 

(1) Included in Other assets.
(2) Included in Other liabilities.
(3) On January 1, 2010, interest-only strips were eliminated as a result of the consolidation of the variable interest entities.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

The following tables present roll-forwards of the balance sheet amounts for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, for financial instruments classified by Susquehanna within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

     Available-for-sale Securities              
     Equity
Securities
    Synthetic
Collateralized
Debt
Obligations
    Other
Structured
Financial
Products
    Non-agency
Residential
Mortgage-
backed
Securities
    Interest-only
Strips
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2010

   $ 4,081      $ 1,331      $ 14,113      $ 2,111      $ 17,840      $ 39,476   

Adjustments relating to the consolidation of variable interest entities

           (2,111     (17,840     (19,951

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

            

Other-than-temporary impairment(1)

     (240     (1,331     0        0        0        (1,571

Included in other comprehensive income (before taxes)

     (460     0        (1,610     0        0        (2,070
                                                

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 3,381      $ 0      $ 12,503      $ 0      $ 0      $ 15,884   
                                                

 

    Available-for-sale Securities              
    Equity
Securities
    Synthetic
Collateralized
Debt
Obligations
    Other
Structured
Financial
Products
    Non-agency
Residential
Mortgage-
backed
Securities
    Obligations
of State and
Political
Subdivisions
    U.S.
Government
Agencies
    Interest-
only
Strips
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2009

  $ 5,169      $ 1,200      $ 3,968      $ 2,787      $ 440      $ 31,751      $ 17,565      $ 62,880   

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)

               

Other-than-temporary impairment(1)

      (1,149               (1,149

Included in other comprehensive income (before taxes)

    4        1,280        10,145        31            3,868        15,328   

Purchases, issuances, and settlements

    (1,092         (707         (3,593     (5,392

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

            (440 )(2)      (31,751 )(2)      0        (32,191
                                                               

Balance at December 31, 2009

  $ 4,081      $ 1,331      $ 14,113      $ 2,111      $ 0      $ 0      $ 17,840      $ 39,476   
                                                               

 

(1) Included in noninterest income, net impairment losses recognized in earnings.
(2) Represents four securities transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of enhanced valuation methodologies.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

Impaired loans

 

Certain loans are evaluated for impairment in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To estimate the impairment of a loan, Susquehanna uses the practical expedient method, which is based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans. Currently, most of Susquehanna’s impaired loans are secured by real estate. The value of the real estate collateral is determined through appraisals performed by independent licensed appraisers. As part of Susquehanna’s overall valuation process, management evaluates these third-party appraisals to ensure that they are representative of the exit prices in Susquehanna’s principal markets. When the value of the real estate, less estimated costs to sell, is less than the principal balance of the loan, a specific reserve is established. Susquehanna considers the appraisals used in its impairment analysis to be Level 3 inputs. Impaired loans are reviewed at least quarterly for additional impairment, and reserves are adjusted accordingly.

 

Foreclosed Assets

 

Other real estate property acquired through foreclosure is recorded at the lower of its carrying value or the fair market value of the related real estate collateral at the transfer date, less estimated selling costs. The value of the real estate collateral is determined through appraisals performed by independent licensed appraisers. As part of Susquehanna’s overall valuation process, management evaluates these third-party appraisals to ensure that they are representative of the exit prices in Susquehanna’s principal markets. Susquehanna considers the appraisals used in its impairment analysis to be Level 3 inputs.

 

The following tables present assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, on the consolidated balance sheets and by the valuation hierarchy.

 

Description

   December 31, 2010      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Instruments
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Impaired loans

   $ 103,818       $ 0       $ 0       $ 103,818   

Foreclosed assets

     18,489         0         0         18,489   
                                   
   $ 122,307       $ 0       $ 0       $ 122,307   
                                   

 

Specific reserves for the year ended December 31, 2010 were reduced by $4,732. These specific reserves were taken into consideration when the required level of the allowance for loan and lease losses was determined at December 31, 2010.

 

Description

   December 31, 2009      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Instruments
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Impaired loans

   $ 95,430       $ 0       $ 0       $ 95,430   

Foreclosed assets

     24,292         0         0         24,292   
                                   
   $ 119,722       $ 0       $ 0       $ 119,722   
                                   

 

Specific reserves identified during 2009 totaled $35,030. These specific reserves were taken into consideration when the required level of the allowance for loan and lease losses was determined at December 31, 2009.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Additional Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

Cash and due from banks and short-term investments

 

For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Investment securities

 

Refer to the above discussion on securities.

 

Loans and leases

 

Variable-rate loans, which do not expose Susquehanna to interest-rate risk, have a fair value that equals their carrying value, discounted for estimated future credit losses. The fair value of fixed-rate loans and leases was based upon the present value of projected cash flows. The discount rate was based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve.

 

Deposits

 

The fair values of demand, interest-bearing demand, and savings deposits are the amounts payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The carrying value of variable-rate time deposits represents a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate time deposits is based upon the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be paid at maturity. Discount rates were based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve.

 

Short-term borrowings

 

For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

FHLB borrowings and long-term debt

 

Fair values were based upon quoted rates of similar instruments issued by banking institutions with similar credit ratings.

 

Derivatives

 

Refer to the above discussion on derivatives.

 

Off-balance-sheet items

 

The fair values of unused commitments to lend and standby letters of credit are considered to be the same as their contractual amounts. The fair values of commitments to originate mortgage loans to be held for sale and their corresponding forward-sales agreements are calculated as the reasonable amounts that Susquehanna would agree to pay or receive, after considering the likelihood of the commitments expiring.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

The following table represents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of Susquehanna’s financial instruments:

 

     December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  
     Carrying Amount      Fair Value      Carrying Amount      Fair Value  

Financial assets:

           

Cash and due from banks

   $ 200,646       $ 200,646       $ 203,240       $ 203,240   

Short-term investments

     93,947         93,947         88,120         88,120   

Investment securities

     2,417,611         2,417,611         1,875,267         1,875,267   

Loans and leases

     9,441,363         9,492,108         9,654,911         9,808,728   

Derivatives

     17,348         17,348         20,737         20,737   

Financial liabilities:

           

Deposits

     9,191,207         9,265,942         8,974,363         8,838,190   

Short-term borrowings

     770,623         770,623         1,040,703         1,040,703   

FHLB borrowings

     1,101,620         1,167,743         1,023,817         1,091,796   

Long-term debt

     705,954         683,628         448,374         381,618   

Derivatives

     48,560         48,560         13,690         13,690   

 

25. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company

 

Balance Sheets

 

     December 31,  
     2010      2009  

Assets

     

Cash in subsidiary banks

   $ 101       $ 51   

Investments in and receivables from consolidated subsidiaries

     2,460,882         2,408,662   

Other investment securities

     6,252         6,515   

Premises and equipment, net

     3,370         3,276   

Other assets

     61,272         46,498   
                 

Total assets

   $ 2,531,877       $ 2,465,002   
                 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

     

Long-term debt

   $ 150,000       $ 150,000   

Junior subordinated debentures

     322,880         272,324   

Other liabilities

     74,195         61,597   
                 

Total liabilities

     547,075         483,921   

Shareholders’ equity

     1,984,802         1,981,081   
                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,531,877       $ 2,465,002   
                 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Statements of Income

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Income:

      

Dividends from bank subsidiary

   $ 0      $ 41,000      $ 104,000   

Dividends from nonbank subsidiaries

     7,000        7,000        2,500   

Gains (losses) on sales of investment securities

     (32     (8     102   

Interest and management fees from bank subsidiary

     69,062        66,341        68,388   

Interest and management fees from nonbank subsidiaries

     3,940        16,270        2,709   

Other

     3,360        2,182        986   
                        

Total income

     83,330        132,785        178,685   
                        

Expenses:

      

Interest

     32,533        28,863        31,066   

Other

     77,995        79,145        80,511   
                        

Total expenses

     110,528        108,008        111,577   
                        

Income before taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     (27,198     24,777        67,108   

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (3,376     (1,587     4,309   

Equity in undistributed net income (losses) of subsidiaries

     55,669        (13,689     19,807   
                        

Net Income

     31,847        12,675        82,606   

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

     15,572        16,659        792   
                        

Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders

   $ 16,275      $ (3,984   $ 81,814   
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net income

   $ 31,847      $ 12,675      $ 82,606   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     2,465        3,878        5,834   

Realized (gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale securities

     32        8        (120

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries

     55,669        13,689        (19,807

Other, net

     3,062        9,488        (9,883
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     93,075        39,738        58,630   
                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Purchase of investment securities

     (1,500     0        (4,586

Proceeds from the sale/maturities of investment securities

     1,468        0        1,007   

Capital expenditures

     (2,559     (3,657     (747

Net investment in subsidiaries

     (154,300     7,000        (200,087

Acquisitions

     0        0        (69,999
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (156,891     3,343        (274,412
                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     330,721        2,648        5,312   

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

     0        0        299,885   

Redemption of preferred stock

     (300,000     0        0   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     47,749        0        0   

Dividends paid

     (14,604     (45,773     (89,462
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     63,866        (43,125     215,735   
                        

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     50        (44     (47

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1,

     51        95        142   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31,

   $ 101      $ 51      $ 95   
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

26. Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

     2010  

Quarter Ended

   March 31      June 30     September 30     December 31  

Interest income

   $ 154,956       $ 154,082      $ 152,489      $ 152,168   

Interest expense

     46,665         47,851        47,078        45,595   
                                 

Net interest income

     108,291         106,231        105,411        106,573   

Provision for loan and lease losses

     45,000         43,000        40,000        35,000   
                                 

Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses

     63,291         63,231        65,411        71,573   

Noninterest income

     38,682         38,271        35,407        39,788   

Noninterest expense

     94,304         96,163        96,212        95,971   
                                 

Income before income taxes

     7,669         5,339        4,606        15,390   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     166         (52     (1,374     2,417   
                                 

Net income

     7,503         5,391        5,980        12,973   

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

     4,188         6,754        1,396        3,234   
                                 

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

   $ 3,315       $ (1,363   $ 4,584      $ 9,739   
                                 

Earnings per common share:

         

Basic

   $ 0.04       $ (0.01   $ 0.04      $ 0.08   

Diluted

     0.04         (0.01     0.04        0.08   

 

     2009  

Quarter Ended

   March 31      June 30     September 30     December 31  

Interest income

   $ 161,570       $ 161,595      $ 161,150      $ 159,509   

Interest expense

     66,300         61,490        56,348        50,870   
                                 

Net interest income

     95,270         100,105        104,802        108,639   

Provision for loan and lease losses

     35,000         50,000        48,000        55,000   
                                 

Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses

     60,270         50,105        56,802        53,639   

Noninterest income

     42,220         34,797        40,705        45,977   

Noninterest expense

     94,828         103,157        91,535        92,953   
                                 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     7,662         (18,255     5,972        6,663   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     1,637         (10,478     (850     (942
                                 

Net income (loss)

     6,025         (7,777     6,822        7,605   

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

     4,165         4,165        4,165        4,165   
                                 

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

   $ 1,860       $ (11,942   $ 2,657      $ 3,440   
                                 

Earnings per common share:

         

Basic

   $ 0.02       $ (0.14   $ 0.03      $ 0.04   

Diluted

     0.02         (0.14     0.03        0.04   

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

(Amounts in thousands, except as noted and per share data)

 

27. Subsequent Events

 

Agreement to Acquire Abington Bancorp, Inc.

 

On January 26, 2011, Susquehanna announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Susquehanna will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Abington Bancorp, Inc. in a stock-for-stock transaction. The transaction, with an approximate total value of $268,000, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, Abington shareholders will receive 1.32 shares of Susquehanna common stock for each share of Abington common stock. The locations of Abington’s bank branches provide a natural extension of Susquehanna’s network in the greater Philadelphia area.

 

The boards of directors of both Susquehanna and Abington have approved the transaction. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of shareholders of both companies.

 

Repurchase of Warrant from the U.S. Treasury

 

On January 19, 2011, Susquehanna repurchased the warrant that was issued to the U. S. Treasury on December 12, 2008 in conjunction with its participation the TARP Capital Purchase Program. The warrant entitled the U.S. Treasury to purchase up to 3,028 shares of Susquehanna’s common stock at a price of $14.86 per share. Susquehanna paid $5,269 to the Treasury to repurchase the warrant. The repurchase of the warrant concludes Susquehanna’s participation in the Capital Purchase Program.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS and REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related information as they appear in this report. Management believes that the consolidated financial statements of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. fairly reflect the form and substance of transactions and that the financial statements present the Company’s financial position and results of operations in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Management also has included in the Company’s financial statements amounts that are based on estimates and judgments which it believes are reasonable under the circumstances.

 

The independent registered public accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

 

The Board of Directors of the Company has an Audit Committee composed of four non-management Directors. The Committee meets periodically with financial management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm to review accounting, control, auditing, corporate governance and financial reporting matters.

 

Management of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2010, based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in this Report, has also issued a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

LOGO

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

LOGO

McLean, Virginia

February 28, 2011

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1800 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 900, McLean, VA 22102

T: (703)918 3000, F: (703)918 3100, www.pwc.com/us

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

There has been no change in our principal accountants in over two years. There have been no disagreements with such principal accountants on any matters of accounting principles, practices, financial statement disclosure, auditing scope, or procedures.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.

 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the design and operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.

 

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements and Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting are included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

Changes in Internal Controls. There were no significant changes in our internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls that would require corrective action.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Certain portions of the information required by this Item will be included in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the 2011 annual meeting in the Election of Directors section, the Corporate Governance section, the Director Compensation section, the Executive Officer Compensation section, and the Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act section, each of which sections is incorporated herein by reference. The information concerning our executive officers required by this Item is provided under the caption “Executive Officers” in Item 1, Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the 2011 annual meeting in the Director Compensation section and the Executive Officer Compensation section, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the 2011 annual meeting in the Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Holdings of Susquehanna’s Management section and the Executive Officer Compensation — Equity Compensation Plan Information section, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the 2011 annual meeting in the Certain Relationships and Related Transactions section and the Corporate Governance — Board Independence section, each of which sections is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the 2011 annual meeting in the Annual Audit Information — Fees Billed by Independent Accountant to Susquehanna section, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

  (1) Financial Statements. See Item 7 of this report for the consolidated financial statements of Susquehanna and its subsidiaries (including the index to financial statements).

 

     Financial Statement Schedules. Not Applicable.

 

     Exhibits 2.1-99.2. A list of the Exhibits to this Form 10-K is set forth in (b) below.

 

(b) Exhibits.

 

  (2)     2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Susquehanna and Abington Bancorp, Inc. dated January 26, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2011.

 

  (3)     3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 17, 2007.

 

  3.1.a Statement with Respect to Shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A of Susquehanna, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.

 

  3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 19, 2011.

 

  (4) Instruments defining the rights of security holders including indentures. The rights of the holders of Susquehanna’s Common Stock and the rights of Susquehanna’s note holders are contained in the following documents or instruments, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

  4.1 Indenture, dated as of November 4, 2002, by and between Susquehanna and JP Morgan Trust Company, National Association, relating to the 6.05% subordinated notes due 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-102265.

 

  4.2 Global Note relating to the 6.05% subordinated notes due 2012, dated February 27, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

 

  4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2002, by and among Susquehanna, Keefe Bruyette & Woods Inc. and the other initial purchasers referred to therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration Statement No. 333-102265.

 

  4.4 First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 3, 2004, to Indenture dated November 4, 2002, by and between Susquehanna and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, relating to the 4.75% fixed rate/floating rate subordinated notes due 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.

 

  4.5 Global Note to the 4.75% fixed rate/floating rate subordinated notes due 2014, dated May 3, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.

 

  4.6 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2004, by and among Susquehanna, Keefe Bruyette & Woods Inc. and the other initial purchasers referred to therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.

 

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  4.7 Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2007, among Susquehanna, The Bank of New York, The Bank of New York (Delaware), the Administrative Trustees named therein and the Holders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.

 

  4.8 Guarantee Agreement between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated December 12, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.

 

  4.9 Supplemental Indenture between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated December 12, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.

 

  4.10 9.375% Capital Efficient Note, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.

 

  4.11 9.375% Capital Securities Note, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 

  4.12 Form of Certificate for the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.

 

  4.13 Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of Susquehanna, dated December 12, 2008, issued to the United States Department of the Treasury, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.

 

  4.14 Indenture, between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the Subordinated Debt, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 8, 2010.

 

  4.15 Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2010, by and among Susquehanna, as depositor, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as property trustee, BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware, as Delaware trustee, the administrative trustees named therein and the Holders as defined therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.

 

  4.16 Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2010, between Susquehanna, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.

 

  4.17 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2010, between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.

 

  4.18 11% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, Series II, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.

 

  4.19 11% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, Series II, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.

 

  4.20 Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt are not filed. Susquehanna agrees to furnish a copy thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

  (10) Material Contracts.

 

  10.1 Letter Agreement dated December 12, 2008 by and between Susquehanna and the United States Department of the Treasury, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.*

 

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  10.2 Form of Waiver of Senior Executive Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.3 Form of Letter Agreement by and between the Senior Executive Officers and Susquehanna, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.4 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective December 30, 2010, between Susquehanna and William J. Reuter, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Amendment No. 1 on Form 8/K-A to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 30, 2010.*

 

  10.5 Employment Agreement, dated November 16, 2007, by and among Susquehanna and Eddie L. Dunklebarger, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 21, 2007. Amendment to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2009, by Susquehanna and Eddie L. Dunklebarger, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.6 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Drew K. Hostetter, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.7 Employment Agreement, dated December 28, 2010 but effective as of January 28, 2011, between Susquehanna and Gregory A. Duncan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Susquehanna’s Amendment No. 1 on Form 8/K-A to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 30, 2010.*

 

  10.8 Employment Agreement dated November 4, 2003, but effective as of January 1, 2004, between Susquehanna, Valley Forge Asset Management Corporation and Bernard A. Francis, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004. First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated January 18, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 21, 2005. Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated February 26, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007. Letter Agreement between Susquehanna, Valley Forge Asset Management Corporation and Bernard A. Francis, Jr., dated December 1, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.9 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Michael M. Quick, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.10 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and James G. Pierné, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.11 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Edward Balderston, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.12 Employment Agreement, dated November 16, 2007, between Susquehanna, Susquehanna Bank PA and Jeffrey M. Seibert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.13 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Peter J. Sahd, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

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  10.14 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Rodney A. Lefever, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.15 Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Lisa M. Cavage, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.16 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and John H. Montgomery, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.17 Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Michael E. Hough, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.18 Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Joseph R. Lizza, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.19 Form of Notice to Executives Subject to Compensation Limitations under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, given to Susquehanna’s 25 most highly compensated employees, including its named executive officers, regarding certain restrictions on compensation, dated November 30, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.*

 

  10.20 Recoupment Policy with Respect to Incentive Awards (including Resolutions of the Board of Directors of Susquehanna amending certain incentive plans to incorporate such policy), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.*

 

  10.21 Susquehanna’s Executive Deferred Income Plan, effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.22 Susquehanna’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.23 Forms of The Insurance Trust for Susquehanna Bancshares Banks and Affiliates Split Dollar Agreement and Split Dollar Policy Endorsement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(v) to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.*

 

  10.24 Community Banks, Inc. Survivor Income Agreement, including Split Dollar Addendum to Community Banks, Inc. Survivor Income Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.*

 

  10.25 Amended and Restated Salary Continuation Agreement between Community Banks, Inc. and Eddie L. Dunklebarger, dated January 1, 2004, as amended November 16, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.*

 

  10.26 Susquehanna’s Key Employee Severance Pay Plan, amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

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  10.27 Descriptions of Executive Life Insurance Program, Executive Supplemental Long Term Disability Plan, Francis Life Insurance Policy and the bonus programs offered by Valley Forge Asset Management Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.*

 

  10.28 Susquehanna’s Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to Susquehanna’s Proxy Statement, filed March 27, 2009.*

 

  10.29 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Susquehanna’s senior executive officers, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.29.*

 

  10.30 Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Agreement for Susquehanna’s executive officers, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.30.*

 

  10.31 Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for Susquehanna’s executive officers is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.31.*

 

  10.32 Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for Susquehanna’s directors, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.32.*

 

  10.33 Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.33.*

 

  10.34 Susquehanna’s Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.*

 

  10.35 Community Banks, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Susquehanna’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144397).*

 

  10.36 Director Compensation Schedule, effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.37 Community Banks, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Susquehanna’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144397).*

 

  10.38 The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Hagerstown Executive Supplemental Income Plan, dated March 6, 1984, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.*

 

  10.39 Description of Eddie L. Dunklebarger term life insurance policy, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

  10.40 A copy of Susquehanna’s Excessive and Luxury Expenditure Policy, available at www.susquehanna.net. Click on “Investor Relations, then “Governance Documents,” then “Excessive and Luxury Expenditure Policy.”*

 

  10.41 2010 Amended and Restated Servicing Agreement between and among Auto Lenders Liquidation Center, Inc., Boston Service Company, Inc., d/b/a Hann Financial Service Corp., Susquehanna Auto Lease Exchange, LLC and SALE NYC, LLC, dated December 22, 2010. Filed herewith.

 

  (14) Code of Ethics

 

  14.1 A copy of Susquehanna’s Code of Ethics is available on Susquehanna’s website at www.susquehanna.net. Click on “Investor Relations,” then “Governance Documents,” then “Code of Ethics of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.”

 

  (21) Subsidiaries of the registrant. Filed herewith.

 

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  (23) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Filed herewith.

 

  (31) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

 

  31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer. Filed herewith as Exhibit 31.1.

 

  31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer. Filed herewith as Exhibit 31.2.

 

  (32) Section 1350 Certifications. Filed herewith.

 

       Additional Exhibits

 

  99.1 Principal Executive Officer TARP Certification. Filed herewith.

 

  99.2 Principal Financial Officer TARP Certification. Filed herewith.

 

  101.INS XBRL Instance Document.** ***

 

  101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.**

 

  101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.**

 

  101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.**

 

  101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.**

 

  101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document.**

 

* Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement required to be filed or incorporated as an exhibit.
** These interactive data files are being furnished as part of this Current Report, and, in accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-1, shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
*** Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 of Regulation S-T that the financial and other information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and that these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. The purpose of submitting these XBRL formatted documents is to test the related format and technology and, as a result, investors should continue to rely on the official filed version of the furnished documents and not rely on this information in making investment decisions.

 

(c) Financial Statement Schedule. None Required.

 

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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.

 

SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC.
By:  

/S/    WILLIAM J. REUTER        

 

William J. Reuter, Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

Dated: February 28, 2011

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    WILLIAM J. REUTER        

(William J. Reuter)

  

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

  February 28, 2011

/S/    DREW K. HOSTETTER        

(Drew K. Hostetter)

  

Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  February 28, 2011

/S/    ANTHONY J. AGNONE, SR.        

(Anthony J. Agnone, Sr.)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    WAYNE E. ALTER, JR.        

(Wayne E. Alter, Jr.)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    PETER DESOTO        

(Peter DeSoto)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    EDDIE L. DUNKLEBARGER        

(Eddie L. Dunklebarger)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    BRUCE A. HEPBURN        

(Bruce A. Hepburn)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    DONALD L. HOFFMAN        

(Donald L. Hoffman)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

 

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC.

Form 10-K, December 31, 2010

 

[SIGNATURES CONTINUED]

 

/S/    GUY W. MILLER, JR.        

(Guy W. Miller, Jr.)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL A. MORELLO        

(Michael A. Morello)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    SCOTT J. NEWKAM        

(Scott J. Newkam)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    E. SUSAN PIERSOL        

(E. Susan Piersol)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    CHRISTINE SEARS        

(Christine Sears)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    JAMES A. ULSH        

(James A. Ulsh)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

/S/    ROGER V. WIEST        

(Roger V. Wiest)

  

Director

  February 28, 2011

 

[END OF SIGNATURE PAGES]

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Item 14. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

Exhibit Numbers

   

Description and Method of Filing

  (a     The following documents are filed as part of this report:
    (1)       Financial Statements. See Item 7 of this report for the consolidated financial statements of Susquehanna and its subsidiaries (including the index to financial statements).
     Financial Statement Schedules. Not Applicable.
     Exhibits 2.1-99.2. A list of the Exhibits to this Form 10-K is set forth in (b) below.
  (b     Exhibits.
    (2)       2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Susquehanna and Abington Bancorp, Inc. dated January 26, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2011.
    (3)       3.1    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 17, 2007.
     3.1.a    Statement with Respect to Shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A of Susquehanna, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.
     3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 19, 2011.
    (4)       Instruments defining the rights of security holders including indentures. The rights of the holders of Susquehanna’s Common Stock and the rights of Susquehanna’s note holders are contained in the following documents or instruments, which are incorporated herein by reference.
     4.1    Indenture, dated as of November 4, 2002, by and between Susquehanna and JP Morgan Trust Company, National Association, relating to the 6.05% subordinated notes due 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-102265.
     4.2    Global Note relating to the 6.05% subordinated notes due 2012, dated February 27, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
     4.3    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2002, by and among Susquehanna, Keefe Bruyette & Woods Inc. and the other initial purchasers referred to therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration Statement No. 333-102265.
     4.4    First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 3, 2004, to Indenture dated November 4, 2002, by and between Susquehanna and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, relating to the 4.75% fixed rate/floating rate subordinated notes due 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.

 

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Exhibit Numbers

    

Description and Method of Filing

      4.5    Global Note to the 4.75% fixed rate/floating rate subordinated notes due 2014, dated May 3, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.
      4.6    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2004, by and among Susquehanna, Keefe Bruyette & Woods Inc. and the other initial purchasers referred to therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.
      4.7    Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2007, among Susquehanna, The Bank of New York, The Bank of New York (Delaware), the Administrative Trustees named therein and the Holders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.
      4.8    Guarantee Agreement between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated December 12, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.
      4.9    Supplemental Indenture between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated December 12, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.
      4.10    9.375% Capital Efficient Note, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2007.
      4.11    9.375% Capital Securities Note, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
      4.12    Form of Certificate for the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.
      4.13    Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of Susquehanna, dated December 12, 2008, issued to the United States Department of the Treasury, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.
      4.14    Indenture, between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the Subordinated Debt, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 8, 2010.
      4.15    Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2010, by and among Susquehanna, as depositor, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as property trustee, BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware, as Delaware trustee, the administrative trustees named therein and the Holders as defined therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.
      4.16    Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2010, between Susquehanna, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.

 

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Exhibit Numbers

    

Description and Method of Filing

      4.17    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2010, between Susquehanna and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.
      4.18    11% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, Series II, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.
      4.19    11% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, Series II, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 16, 2010.
      4.20    Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt are not filed. Susquehanna agrees to furnish a copy thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
     (10)       Material Contracts.
      10.1    Letter Agreement dated December 12, 2008 by and between Susquehanna and the United States Department of the Treasury, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2008.*
      10.2    Form of Waiver of Senior Executive Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.3    Form of Letter Agreement by and between the Senior Executive Officers and Susquehanna, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.4    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective December 30, 2010, between Susquehanna and William J. Reuter, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Amendment No. 1 on Form 8/K-A to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 30, 2010.*
      10.5    Employment Agreement, dated November 16, 2007, by and among Susquehanna and Eddie L. Dunklebarger, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 21, 2007. Amendment to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2009, by Susquehanna and Eddie L. Dunklebarger, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.6    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Drew K. Hostetter, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.7    Employment Agreement, dated December 28, 2010 but effective as of January 28, 2011, between Susquehanna and Gregory A. Duncan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Susquehanna’s Amendment No. 1 on Form 8/K-A to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 30, 2010.*

 

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Description and Method of Filing

      10.8    Employment Agreement dated November 4, 2003, but effective as of January 1, 2004, between Susquehanna, Valley Forge Asset Management Corporation and Bernard A. Francis, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004. First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated January 18, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Susquehanna’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 21, 2005. Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated February 26, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Susquehanna’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007. Letter Agreement between Susquehanna, Valley Forge Asset Management Corporation and Bernard A. Francis, Jr., dated December 1, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.9    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Michael M. Quick, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.10    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and James G. Pierné, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.11    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Edward Balderston, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.12    Employment Agreement, dated November 16, 2007, between Susquehanna, Susquehanna Bank PA and Jeffrey M. Seibert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.13    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Peter J. Sahd, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.14    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Rodney A. Lefever, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.15    Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Lisa M. Cavage, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.16    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and John H. Montgomery, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*

 

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Description and Method of Filing

      10.17    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Michael E. Hough, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.18    Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, between Susquehanna and Joseph R. Lizza, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.19    Form of Notice to Executives Subject to Compensation Limitations under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, given to Susquehanna’s 25 most highly compensated employees, including its named executive officers, regarding certain restrictions on compensation, dated November 30, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.*
      10.20    Recoupment Policy with Respect to Incentive Awards (including Resolutions of the Board of Directors of Susquehanna amending certain incentive plans to incorporate such policy), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.*
      10.21    Susquehanna’s Executive Deferred Income Plan, effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.22    Susquehanna’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.23    Forms of The Insurance Trust for Susquehanna Bancshares Banks and Affiliates Split Dollar Agreement and Split Dollar Policy Endorsement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(v) to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.*
      10.24    Community Banks, Inc. Survivor Income Agreement, including Split Dollar Addendum to Community Banks, Inc. Survivor Income Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.*
      10.25    Amended and Restated Salary Continuation Agreement between Community Banks, Inc. and Eddie L. Dunklebarger, dated January 1, 2004, as amended November 16, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.*
      10.26    Susquehanna’s Key Employee Severance Pay Plan, amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.27    Descriptions of Executive Life Insurance Program, Executive Supplemental Long Term Disability Plan, Francis Life Insurance Policy and the bonus programs offered by Valley Forge Asset Management Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.*

 

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Description and Method of Filing

      10.28    Susquehanna’s Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to Susquehanna’s Proxy Statement, filed March 27, 2009.*
      10.29    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Susquehanna’s senior executive officers, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.29.*
      10.30    Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Agreement for Susquehanna’s executive officers, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.30.*
      10.31    Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for Susquehanna’s executive officers is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.31.*
      10.32    Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for Susquehanna’s directors, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.32.*
      10.33    Form of Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.33.*
      10.34    Susquehanna’s Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.*
      10.35    Community Banks, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Susquehanna’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144397).*
      10.36    Director Compensation Schedule, effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.37    Community Banks, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Susquehanna’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144397).*
      10.38    The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Hagerstown Executive Supplemental Income Plan, dated March 6, 1984, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.*
      10.39    Description of Eddie L. Dunklebarger term life insurance policy, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Susquehanna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.*
      10.40    A copy of Susquehanna’s Excessive and Luxury Expenditure Policy, available at www.susquehanna.net. Click on “Investor Relations, then “Governance Documents,” then “Excessive and Luxury Expenditure Policy.”*
      10.41    2010 Amended and Restated Servicing Agreement between and among Auto Lenders Liquidation Center, Inc., Boston Service Company, Inc., d/b/a Hann Financial Service Corp., Susquehanna Auto Lease Exchange, LLC and SALE NYC, LLC, dated December 22, 2010. Filed herewith.

 

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Description and Method of Filing

     (14)      Code of Ethics
     14.1    A copy of Susquehanna’s Code of Ethics is available on Susquehanna’s website at www.susquehanna.net. Click on “Investor Relations,” then “Governance Documents,” then “Code of Ethics of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.”
     (21)      Subsidiaries of the registrant. Filed herewith.
     (23)      Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Filed herewith.
     (31)      Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
     31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer. Filed herewith as Exhibit 31.1.
     31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer. Filed herewith as Exhibit 31.2.
     (32)      Section 1350 Certifications. Filed herewith.
     Additional Exhibits
     99.1         Principal Executive Officer TARP Certification. Filed herewith.
     99.2         Principal Financial Officer TARP Certification. Filed herewith.
     101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.** ***
     101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.**
     101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.**
     101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.**
     101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.**
     101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document.**

 

* Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement required to be filed or incorporated as an exhibit.
** These interactive data files are being furnished as part of this Current Report, and, in accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-1, shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
*** Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 of Regulation S-T that the financial and other information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and that these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. The purpose of submitting these XBRL formatted documents is to test the related format and technology and, as a result, investors should continue to rely on the official filed version of the furnished documents and not rely on this information in making investment decisions.

 

(c) Financial Statement Schedule. None Required.

 

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