Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Description of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

2.   Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (comprising only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the results of its operations, comprehensive income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the remainder of the year.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and predominant practices used within the banking industry. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted.

In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated balance sheets and statements of income for the periods reported. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the determination of the fair value of securities available for sale, the determination of other-than-temporary impairment of investments and the carrying amounts of goodwill and deferred tax assets. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management utilizes the work of professional appraisers for significant properties.

Intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 and notes thereto.

Securities — Securities are classified as either available for sale, representing securities the Company may sell in the ordinary course of business, or as held to maturity, representing securities that the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that it would not be required to sell prior to maturity or recovery of cost. Securities available for sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) excluded from operations and reported in other comprehensive income. Securities held to maturity are stated at amortized cost. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium and accretion of purchase discount. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts is determined by using the level yield method. Securities are not acquired for purposes of engaging in trading activities. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method. The Company regularly reviews declines in the fair value of securities below their costs for purposes of determining whether such declines are other-than-temporary in nature. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), management considers adverse changes in expected cash flows, the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. The Company also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

Loans — Loans are reported at their outstanding principal balance, net of the allowance for loan losses, and deferred loan origination fees and costs. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized over the life of the related loan or commitment as an adjustment to yield, or taken directly into income when the related loan is sold or commitment expires.

Allowance for Loan Losses — The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio based on ongoing quarterly assessments of the estimated losses. The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of a specific component for identified problem loans, and a formula component which addresses historical loan loss experience together with other relevant risk factors affecting the portfolio. This methodology applies to all loan classes.

Risk characteristics of the Company’s portfolio classes include the following:

Commercial Real Estate Loans — In underwriting commercial real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the prospective borrower’s ability to make timely payments on the loan and the value of the property securing the loan. Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted should the borrower default or should there be a substantial decline in the value of the property securing the loan, or a decline in general economic conditions. Where the owner occupies the property, the Company also evaluates the business’s ability to repay the loan on a timely basis. In addition, the Company may require personal guarantees, lease assignments and/or the guarantee of the operating company when the property is owner occupied. These types of loans may involve greater risks than other types of lending, because payments on such loans are often dependent upon the successful operation of the business involved, therefore, repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted by adverse changes in economic conditions affecting the borrowers’ business.

Construction Loans — Construction loans are short-term loans (generally up to 18 months) secured by land for both residential and commercial development. The loans are generally made for acquisition and improvements. Funds are disbursed as phases of construction are completed. Most non-residential construction loans require pre-approved permanent financing or pre-leasing by the company or another bank providing the permanent financing. The Company funds construction of single family homes and commercial real estate, when no contract of sale exists, based upon the experience of the builder, the financial strength of the owner, the type and location of the property and other factors. Construction loans are generally personally guaranteed by the principal(s). Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted by the builders’ inability to complete construction, by a downturn in the new construction market, by a significant increase in interest rates or by a decline in general economic conditions.

Residential Real Estate Loans — Various loans secured by residential real estate properties are offered by the Company, including 1-4 family residential mortgages, multi-family residential loans and a variety of home equity line of credit products. Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted should the borrower default, should there be a significant decline in the value of the property securing the loan or should there be a decline in general economic conditions.

Commercial and Industrial Loans — The Company’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio consists primarily of commercial business loans and lines of credit to businesses and professionals. These loans are usually made to finance the purchase of inventory, new or used equipment or other short or long-term working capital purposes. These loans are generally secured by corporate assets, often with real estate as secondary collateral, but are also offered on an unsecured basis. In granting this type of loan, the Company primarily looks to the borrower’s cash flow as the source of repayment with collateral and personal guarantees, where obtained, as a secondary source. Commercial loans are often larger and may involve greater risks than other types of loans offered by the Company. Payments on such loans are often dependent upon the successful operation of the underlying business involved and, therefore, repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted by adverse changes in economic conditions, management’s inability to effectively manage the business, claims of others against the borrower’s assets which may take priority over the Company’s claims against assets, death or disability of the borrower or loss of market for the borrower’s products or services.

Lease Financing and Other Loans — The Company originates lease financing transactions which are primarily conducted with businesses, professionals and not-for-profit organizations and provide financing principally for office equipment, telephone systems, computer systems, energy saving improvements and other special use equipment. Payments on such loans are often dependent upon the successful operation of the underlying business involved and, therefore, repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted by adverse changes in economic conditions and management’s inability to effectively manage the business. The Company also offers installment loans and reserve lines of credit to individuals. Repayment of such loans are often dependent on the personal income of the borrower which may be negatively impacted by adverse changes in economic conditions. The Company does not place an emphasis on originating these types of loans.

The specific component incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans as required by the “Receivables” topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. These accounting standards prescribe the measurement methods, income recognition and disclosures related to impaired loans. A loan is recognized as impaired when it is probable that principal and/or interest are not collectible in accordance with the loan’s contractual terms. In addition, a loan which has been renegotiated with a borrower experiencing financial difficulties for which the terms of the loan have been modified with a concession that the Company would not otherwise have granted are considered troubled debt restructurings and are also recognized as impaired. A loan is not deemed to be impaired if there is a short delay in receipt of payment or if, during a longer period of delay, the Company expects to collect all amounts due including interest accrued at the contractual rate during the period of delay. Measurement of impairment can be based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change. If the fair value of an impaired loan is less than the related recorded amount, a specific valuation component is established within the allowance for loan losses or, if the impairment is considered to be permanent, a partial charge-off is recorded against the allowance for loan losses. Individual measurement of impairment does not apply to large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment such as portions of the Company’s portfolios of home equity loans, real estate mortgages, installment and other loans.

The formula component is calculated by first applying historical loss experience factors to outstanding loans by type. The Company uses a three year average loss experience as the starting base for the formula component. This component is then adjusted to reflect additional risk factors not addressed by historical loss experience. These factors include the evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, recent charge-off and delinquency experience, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectibility of the loan portfolio. Senior management reviews these conditions quarterly. Management’s evaluation of the loss related to each of these conditions is quantified by loan type and reflected in the formula component. The evaluations of the inherent loss with respect to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty due to the subjective nature of such evaluations and because they are not identified with specific problem credits.

Actual losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts. The Company’s methodology permits adjustments to the allowance in the event that, in management’s judgment, significant factors which affect the collectibility of the loan portfolio as of the evaluation date have changed.

Management believes the allowance for loan losses is the best estimate of probable losses which have been incurred as of September 30, 2011. There is no assurance that the Company will not be required to make future adjustments to the allowance in response to changing economic conditions, particularly in the Company’s service area, since the majority of the Company’s loans are collateralized by real estate. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments at the time of their examinations.

Income Recognition on Loans — Interest on loans is accrued monthly. Net loan origination and commitment fees are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of yield over the lives of the related loans. Loans, including impaired loans, are placed on a non-accrual status when management believes that interest or principal on such loans may not be collected in the normal course of business. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed against interest income. Interest received on non-accrual loans generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, in accordance with management’s judgment as to the collectibility of principal. Loans can be returned to accruing status when they become current as to principal and interest, demonstrate a period of performance under the contractual terms, and when, in management’s opinion, they are estimated to be fully collectible.

Premises and Equipment — Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally 3 to 5 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and 31.5 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) — Real estate properties acquired through loan foreclosure are recorded at estimated fair value, net of estimated selling costs, at time of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis. Credit losses arising at the time of foreclosure are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent valuations are periodically performed by management and the carrying value is adjusted by a charge to expense to reflect any subsequent declines in the estimated fair value. Routine holding costs are charged to expense as incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets — Goodwill and identified intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization. Identified intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those lives by a method which reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are used up. All goodwill and identified intangible assets are subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. If such testing indicates impairment in the values and/or remaining amortization periods of the intangible assets, adjustments are made to reflect such impairment.

Income Taxes — Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period the change is enacted.

Stock-Based Compensation — On May 27, 2010, at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Hudson Valley Holding Corp. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved. The purpose of the 2010 Plan is to provide additional incentive to directors, officers, key employees, consultants and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Included in the provisions of the 2010 Plan, the Company may grant eligible employees, including directors, consultants and advisors, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards and other types of awards. The 2010 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 1,210,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Prior to the adoption of the 2010 Plan, the Company had stock option plans that provided for the granting of options to directors, officers, eligible employees, and certain advisors, based upon eligibility as determined by the Compensation Committee. Under the prior plans options were granted for the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price not less than the market value of the stock on the date of grant, vested over various periods ranging from immediate to five years from date of grant, and had expiration dates of up to ten years from the date of grant.

Compensation costs relating to share-based payment transactions are recognized in the financial statements with measurement based upon the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Compensation costs related to share based payment transactions are expensed over their respective vesting periods. The fair value (present value of the estimated future benefit to the option holder) of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. See Note 7 “Stock-Based Compensation” herein for additional discussion.

Earnings per Common Share — The “Earnings per Share,” topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share. The statement requires disclosure of basic earnings per common share (i.e. common stock equivalents are not considered) and diluted earnings per common share (i.e. common stock equivalents are considered using the treasury stock method) on the face of the statement of income, along with a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per common share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares, consisting of stock options, had been issued.