UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                                  FORM 10-Q
 
    [x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                  For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997

                                      or

    [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                       Commission File Number 1-9861
 
                       FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           New York                                             16-0968385)
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.

      One M & T Plaza
     Buffalo, New York
   (Address of principal                                           14240
     executive offices)                                          (Zip Code)

                                (716) 842-5445
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x   No
                                                   ---     ----


Number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $5 par value, outstanding 
as of the close of business on July 30, 1997: 6,581,719 shares.





                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
                For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1997
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REPORT                      PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------------                   ----
 
Part I.  Financial Information
 
   Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
            Consolidated Balance Sheet -
            June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996                            3
 
            Consolidated Statement of Income -
            Three and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996              4
 
            Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
            Six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                        5
 
            Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders'
            Equity - Six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996               6
 
            Consolidated Summary of Changes in Allowance for
            Possible Credit Losses - Six months ended June 30, 1997
            and 1996                                                       6
 
            Notes to Financial Statements                                  7
 
   Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                           10
 
Part II. Other Information                                                22
 
Signatures                                                                24
 
Exhibit Index                                                             25


                                       -2-



                        PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

              FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (unaudited)
 
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ Assets Cash and due from banks................. $ 399,094 324,659 Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks... 96,116 47,325 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities............ 46,309 125,326 Trading account...................... 72,464 37,317 ----------- ----------- Total money-market assets....... 214,889 209,968 ----------- ----------- Investment securities Available for sale (cost: $1,555,727 at June 30, 1997; $1,400,976 at December 31, 1996)................ 1,561,442 1,396,672 Held to maturity (market value: $89,502 at June 30, 1997; $119,316 at December 31, 1996)............ 89,010 118,616 Other (market value: $57,920 at June 30, 1997; $56,410 at December 31,1996)................ 57,920 56,410 ----------- ----------- Total investment securities... 1,708,372 1,571,698 ----------- ----------- Loans and leases....................... 11,313,318 11,120,221 Unearned discount................... (333,163) (398,098) Allowance for possible credit losses........................... (271,933) (270,466) ----------- ----------- Loans and leases, net......... 10,708,222 10,451,657 ----------- ----------- Premises and equipment................. 124,974 128,521 Accrued interest and other assets...... 285,444 257,412 ----------- ----------- Total assets.................. $13,440,995 12,943,915 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Liabilities Noninterest-bearing deposits........... $1,453,684 1,352,929 NOW accounts........................... 308,465 334,787 Savings deposits....................... 3,344,849 3,280,788 Time deposits.......................... 5,906,621 5,352,749 Deposits at foreign office............. 172,576 193,236 ----------- ----------- Total deposits................ 11,186,195 10,514,489 ----------- ----------- Federal funds purchased and agreements to repurchase securities............ 339,492 1,015,408 Other short-term borrowings............ 319,474 134,779 Accrued interest and other liabilities......................... 216,878 195,578 Long-term borrowings................... 427,919 178,002 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities............. 12,489,958 12,038,256 ----------- ----------- Stockholders' equity Preferred stock, $1 par, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding........................ -- -- Common stock, $5 par, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 8,097,472 shares issued...................... 40,487 40,487 Additional paid-in-capital............. 101,318 96,597 Retained earnings...................... 1,010,470 937,072 Unrealized investment gains (losses), net...................... 3,428 (2,485) Treasury stock - common, at cost - 1,476,595 shares at June 30, 1997; 1,411,286 shares at December 31, 1996.................. (204,666) (166,012) ----------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity.... 951,037 905,659 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...... $13,440,995 12,943,915 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
-3- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 JUNE 30 --------------------- -------------------- AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE 1997 1996 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- Interest income Loans and leases, including fees.................. $ 235,226 217,042 464,801 430,248 Money-market assets Deposits at banks............................... 816 266 1,525 1,297 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities............................. 860 779 1,265 2,182 Trading account................................. 410 232 631 505 Investment securities Fully taxable................................... 25,409 28,646 49,207 56,065 Exempt from federal taxes....................... 1,220 638 2,278 1,083 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Total interest income......................... 263,941 247,603 519,707 491,380 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Interest expense NOW accounts...................................... 835 2,642 1,755 5,415 Savings deposits.................................. 22,495 20,673 44,743 41,194 Time deposits..................................... 82,254 68,920 156,011 134,376 Deposits at foreign office........................ 2,873 3,534 6,112 5,663 Short-term borrowings............................. 10,230 15,657 23,930 35,346 Long-term borrowings.............................. 7,047 3,570 12,504 7,187 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Total interest expense........................ 125,734 114,996 245,055 229,181 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income............................... 138,207 132,607 274,652 262,199 Provision for possible credit losses.............. 11,000 11,700 22,000 21,375 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income after provision for possible credit losses.......................... 127,207 120,907 252,652 240,824 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Other income Mortgage banking revenues......................... 12,172 11,275 24,247 21,666 Service charges on deposit accounts............... 10,726 10,128 21,111 20,033 Trust income...................................... 7,233 7,073 14,136 13,246 Merchant discount and other credit card fees...... 4,234 4,220 9,465 7,275 Trading account and foreign exchange gains........ 596 858 1,945 154 Gain (loss) on sales of bank investment securities........................... (188) 109 (233) 427 Other revenues from operations.................... 9,210 7,800 19,235 14,913 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Total other income............................ 43,983 41,463 89,906 77,714 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Other expense Salaries and employee benefits.................... 53,561 49,133 109,120 101,261 Equipment and net occupancy....................... 13,155 12,699 26,388 26,115 Printing, postage and supplies.................... 3,472 3,863 6,823 7,682 Deposit insurance................................. 483 778 969 1,558 Other costs of operations......................... 31,399 31,448 63,054 57,622 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Total other expense........................... 102,070 97,921 206,354 194,238 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes........................ 69,120 64,449 136,204 124,300 Income taxes...................................... 26,329 25,790 52,154 49,488 ---------- --------- --------- --------- Net income........................................ $ 42,791 38,659 84,050 74,812 ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- Net income per common share Primary......................................... $ 6.17 5.36 11.98 10.56 Fully diluted................................... 6.15 5.36 11.95 10.32 Cash dividends per common share................... .80 .70 1.60 1.40 Average common shares outstanding Primary......................................... 6,928 7,212 7,014 6,995 Fully diluted................................... 6,950 7,216 7,032 7,245
4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from Net income.................................................... $ 84,050 74,812 operating activities Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Provision for possible credit losses...................... 22,000 21,375 Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment... 10,294 9,886 Amortization of capitalized mortgage servicing rights..... 6,804 5,065 Provision for deferred income taxes....................... (5,123) (6,216) Asset write-downs......................................... 619 605 Net gain on sales of assets............................... (1,229) (599) Net change in accrued interest receivable, payable........ 4,668 (7,000) Net change in other accrued income and expense............ 25,758 2,049 Net change in loans held for sale......................... 39,835 (10,540) Net change in trading account assets and liabilities...... 10,124 (12,018) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities................. 197,800 77,419 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from Proceeds from sales of investment securities investing activities Available for sale.......................................... 200,942 143,235 Proceeds from maturities of investment securities Available for sale.......................................... 118,275 269,661 Held to maturity............................................ 46,936 20,349 Purchases of investment securities Available for sale.......................................... (472,516) (466,126) Held to maturity............................................ (17,337) (29,213) Other....................................................... (3,576) (2,776) Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing deposits at banks........................................... (48,791) 111,049 Additions to capitalized mortgage servicing rights...................................................... (12,917) (6,393) Net increase in loans and leases.............................. (318,388) (577,434) Capital expenditures, net..................................... (5,650) (6,918) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired............................ 123,043 -- Other, net.................................................... (3,907) (6,185) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by investing activities....................... (393,886) (550,751) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from Net increase in deposits...................................... 539,565 721,888 financing activities Net decrease in short-term borrowings......................... (536,492) (151,830) Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities.................................................. 250,000 -- Payments on long-term borrowings.............................. (86) (2,638) Purchases of treasury stock................................... (48,702) (42,899) Dividends paid--common........................................ (10,652) (9,227) Dividends paid--preferred..................................... -- (900) Other, net.................................................... (2,129) (5,736) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by financing activities................... 191,504 508,658 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.......... $ (4,582) 35,326 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.............. 449,985 364,119 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................... $ 445,403 399,445 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Supplemental disclosure Interest received during the period........................... $ 511,184 482,499 of cash flow information Interest paid during the period............................... 233,728 229,783 Income taxes paid during the period........................... 37,784 54,733 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and Real estate acquired in settlement of loans................... $ 3,941 4,097 financing activities Conversion of preferred stock to common stock................. -- 40,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UNREALIZED DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PREFERRED COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED GAINS (LOSSES), TREASURY PER SHARE STOCK STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS NET STOCK TOTAL - ------------------- ------------------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- 1996 Balance-- January $40,000 40,487 98,657 805,486 (3,155) (135,222) $ 846,253 1, 1996 Net income -- -- -- 74,812 -- -- 74,812 Preferred stock cash dividends -- -- -- (900) -- -- (900) Common stock cash dividends - $1.40 per share -- -- -- (9,227) -- -- (9,227) Exercise of stock options -- -- 1,009 -- -- 2,449 3,458 Purchases of treasury stock -- -- -- -- -- (42,899) (42,899) Conversion of preferred stock into 506,930 shares of common stock (40,000) -- (6,534) -- -- 46,534 -- Unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale, net -- -- -- -- (10,474) -- (10,474) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance--June 30, 1996 $ -- 40,487 93,132 870,171 (13,629) (129,138) $ 861,023 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 Balance-- January 1, 1997 $ -- 40,487 96,597 937,072 (2,485) (166,012) $ 905,659 Net income -- -- -- 84,050 -- -- 84,050 Common stock cash dividends - $1.60 -- -- -- (10,652) -- -- (10,652) per share Exercise of stock options -- -- 4,721 -- -- 10,048 14,769 Purchases of treasury stock -- -- -- -- -- (48,702) (48,702) Unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net -- -- -- -- 5,913 -- 5,913 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance--June 30,1997 $ -- 40,487 101,318 1,010,470 3,428 (204,666) $ 951,037 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE CREDIT LOSSES (unaudited) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 ------------------------ DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- Beginning balance $ 270,466 262,344 Provision for possible credit losses 22,000 21,375 Net charge-offs Charge-offs (29,883) (20,486) Recoveries 9,350 6,718 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total net charge-offs (20,533) (13,768) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending balance $ 271,933 269,951 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The consolidated financial statements of First Empire State Corporation and subsidiaries ("the Company") were compiled in accordance with the accounting policies set forth on pages 41 and 42 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been made and were all of a normal recurring nature. 2. BORROWINGS In January 1997, First Empire Capital Trust I ("Trust I"), a Delaware business trust organized by the Company on January 17, 1997, issued $150 million of 8.234% preferred capital securities. In June 1997, First Empire Capital Trust II ("Trust II" and, together with Trust I, the "Trusts"), a Delaware business trust organized by the Company on May 30, 1997, issued $100 million of 8.277% preferred capital securities. Other than the following payment terms (and the redemption terms described below), the preferred capital securities issued by the Trusts ("Capital Securities") are identical in all material respects:
DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION TRUST RATE DATES ----- --------------------- ----------------------- Trust I............... 8.234% February 1 and August 1 Trust II.............. 8.277% June 1 and December 1
The common securities of each Trust ("Common Securities") are wholly owned by First Empire, and such securities are the only class of each Trust's securities possessing general voting powers. The Capital Securities represent preferred undivided interests in the assets of the corresponding Trust, and are classified in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as long-term borrowings, with accumulated distributions on such securities included in interest expense. Under the Federal Reserve Board's current risk-based capital guidelines, the Capital Securities are includable in First Empire's Tier 1 capital. The proceeds from the issuances of the Capital Securities and Common Securities were used by the Trusts to purchase the following amounts of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures ("Junior Subordinated Debentures") issued by First Empire:
CAPITAL COMMON JUNIOR SUBORDINATED TRUST SECURITIES SECURITIES DEBENTURES - --------- -------------- --------------- --------------------------------------- Trust I $150 million $4.64 million $154.64 million aggregate liquidation amount of 8.234% Junior Subordinated Debentures due February 1, 2027. Trust II $100 million $3.09 million $103.09 million aggregate liquidation amount of 8.277% Junior Subordinated Debentures due June 1, 2027.
The Junior Subordinated Debentures represent the sole assets of each Trust and payments under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are the sole source of cash flow for each Trust. Holders of the Capital Securities receive preferential cumulative cash distributions semi-annually on each distribution date at the stated distribution rate unless First Empire exercises its right to extend the payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for up to ten semi-annual periods, in which case payment of distributions on the Capital Securities will be deferred for a 7 comparable period. During an extended interest period, First Empire may not pay dividends or distributions on, or repurchase, redeem or acquire any shares of its capital stock. The agreements governing the Capital Securities, in the aggregate, provide a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee by First Empire of the payment of distributions on, the redemption of, and any liquidation distribution with respect to the Capital Securities. The obligations of First Empire under such guarantee and the Capital Securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of First Empire. The Capital Securities are mandatorily redeemable in whole, but not in part, upon repayment at the stated maturity dates of the Junior Subordinated Debentures or the earlier redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole upon the occurrence of one or more events ("Events") set forth in the indentures relating to the Capital Securities, and in whole or in part at any time after the stated optional redemption dates (February 1, 2007 in the case of Trust I and June 1, 2007 in the case of Trust II) contemporaneously with First Empire's optional redemption of the related Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole or in part. The Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemable prior to their stated maturity dates at First Empire's option (i) on or after the stated optional redemption dates, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, or (ii) in whole, but not in part, at any time within 90 days following the occurrence and during the continuation of one or more of the Events, in each case subject to possible regulatory approval. The redemption price of the Capital Securities upon their early redemption will be expressed as a percentage of the liquidation amount plus accumulated but unpaid distributions. In the case of Trust I, such percentage adjusts annually and ranges from 104.117% at February 1, 2007 to 100.412% for the annual period ending January 31, 2017, after which the percentage is 100%, subject to a make-whole amount if the early redemption occurs prior to February 1, 2007. In the case of Trust II, such percentage adjusts annually and ranges from 104.139% at June 1, 2007 to 100.414% for the annual period ending May 31, 2017, after which the percentage is 100%, subject to a make-whole amount if the early redemption occurs prior to June 1, 2007. 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE During the first quarter of 1997, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share," was issued. SFAS No. 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or potential common stock. SFAS No. 128 replaces the presentation of primary earnings per share required by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per Share," with a presentation of basic earnings per share. It also requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic earnings per share computation to the numerator and denominator in the diluted earnings per share computation. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings. SFAS No. 128 is effective for financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods. Earlier application is not permitted, however, after the effective date all prior period earnings per share data presented shall be restated to conform with the provisions of SFAS No. 128. Pro forma amounts for basic and diluted earnings per share as if SFAS No. 128 was effective January 1, 1996 were $6.46 and $6.17, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 1997 and $5.66 and $5.36, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 1996. Pro forma amounts for basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 1997 were $12.63 and $11.98, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $11.17 and $10.33, respectively. 8 4. CONTINGENCIES Information regarding legal proceedings is included in Part II, Item I, ("Legal Proceedings") of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 9 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. OVERVIEW Net income of First Empire State Corporation ("First Empire") was $42.8 million or $6.15 per fully diluted common share in the second quarter of 1997, increases of 11% and 15%, respectively, from $38.7 million or $5.36 per common share on a fully diluted basis in the second quarter of 1996. Net income was $41.3 million or $5.80 per fully diluted common share in the first quarter of 1997. Primary earnings per share increased to $6.17 in the recent quarter from $5.36 in the year-earlier quarter and $5.81 in the first quarter of 1997. For the six months ended June 30, 1997, net income was $84.1 million or $11.95 per fully diluted common share, up 12% and 16%, respectively, from $74.8 million or $10.32 per share during the comparable 1996 period. Primary earnings per share rose 13% to $11.98 for the first half of 1997 from $10.56 for the corresponding period in 1996. The annualized rate of return on average assets for First Empire and its consolidated subsidiaries ("the Company") in the second quarter of 1997 was 1.31%, up from 1.25% in the year-earlier quarter and 1.30% in 1997's initial quarter. The annualized return on average common stockholders' equity was 18.55% in the recent quarter, up from 18.18% in the second quarter of 1996 and 18.24% in the first quarter of 1997. During the first six months of 1997, the annualized rates of return on average assets and average common stockholders' equity were 1.30% and 18.40%, respectively, compared with 1.22% and 17.85%, respectively, in the corresponding 1996 period. On June 6, 1997, First Empire completed an offering of trust preferred securities that raised $100 million of regulatory capital. The 30-year offering of 8.277% fixed-rate cumulative preferred securities was issued through First Empire Capital Trust II ("Trust II"), a Delaware business trust that was formed by First Empire to facilitate the transaction. The preferred securities provide investors with call protection for ten years. Trust II was formed solely to issue the preferred securities and advance the proceeds to First Empire by purchasing a like amount of First Empire's 8.277% junior subordinated debentures. A similar offering of trust preferred securities was completed on January 31, 1997, raising $150 million of regulatory capital. Such offering of 8.234% fixed-rate cumulative preferred securities was sold through First Empire Capital Trust I ("Trust I"), also a Delaware business trust. The proceeds of the two trust preferred securities issuances qualify as Tier 1 or core capital for First Empire under the Federal Reserve Board's risk-based capital guidelines. The trust preferred securities are classified as long-term borrowings and accumulated distributions on the securities are included in interest expense. Payments on the junior subordinated debt of First Empire, which are in turn passed through Trust I and Trust II to the holders of the preferred securities, are serviced through existing liquidity and cash flow sources of First Empire. Under current federal income tax law, First Empire is permitted to deduct interest payments on the junior subordinated debt in computing taxable income. On May 24, 1997, The East New York Savings Bank ("East New York"), the savings bank subsidiary of First Empire, was merged with and into Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company ("M&T Bank"), the principal commercial bank subsidiary of First Empire. East New York's branch offices and business activities now operate as the New York City Division of M&T Bank. TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT NET INTEREST INCOME Taxable-equivalent net interest income increased to $139.6 million in the second quarter of 1997, up $5.9 million or 4% from $133.7 million in the year-earlier quarter and $1.9 million higher than the $137.7 million earned in the first quarter of 1997. The most significant factor contributing to the improvement in net interest income was growth in average loans and leases. Average loans and leases increased $845 million, or 8%, to $10.8 billion in the second quarter of 1997 from $10.0 billion in the year-earlier 10 quarter. Reflecting a decline in the rate of growth as compared with the five preceding quarterly periods, average loans and leases in the recent quarter were $127 million, or 1%, higher than the first quarter of 1997. Continued growth in the Company's commercial loan and commercial real estate portfolios was partially offset by slower consumer loan growth, including the impact of the termination of a co-branded credit card program in March 1997. The accompanying table summarizes quarterly changes in the major components of the loan and lease portfolio. AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (Net of unearned discount) Dollars in millions
Percent increase (decrease) from 2nd Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 1st Qtr. 1997 1996 1997 -------- -------- -------- Commercial, financial, etc $ 2,260 11% 3% Real estate--commercial 4,118 11 3 Real estate--consumer 2,147 1 1 Consumer Automobile 1,078 11 (4) Home equity 641 6 1 Credit cards 255 6 (15) Other 343 15 2 ------- -- --- Total consumer 2,317 9 (3) ------- -- --- Total $10,842 8% 1% ------- -- --- ------- -- ---
For the first six months of 1997, taxable-equivalent net interest income was $277.3 million, up from $264.2 million in the corresponding 1996 period. An increase in average loans and leases of $944 million was the leading factor contributing to this improvement. Average investment securities declined to $1.7 billion in the recent quarter from $1.9 billion in the second quarter of 1996. Holdings of investment securities averaged $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 1997. Money-market assets averaged $183 million in 1997's second quarter, compared with $108 million in the year-earlier quarter and $137 million in the initial quarter of 1997. In general, the size of the investment securities and money-market assets portfolios are influenced by such factors as demand for loans, which generally yield more than investment securities and money-market assets, ongoing repayments, the levels of deposits, and management of balance sheet size and resulting capital ratios. As a result of the changes described herein, average earning assets increased 6% to $12.7 billion in the second quarter of 1997 from $12.0 billion in the second quarter of 1996. Average earning assets were $12.5 billion in the first quarter of 1997 and aggregated $12.6 billion and $11.9 billion for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Core deposits represent a significant source of funding to the Company and generally carry lower interest rates than wholesale funds of comparable maturities. Such deposits include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings deposits and nonbrokered domestic time deposits under $100,000. The Company's New York State branch network is the principal source of core deposits. Core deposits include certificates of deposit under $100,000 generated on a nationwide basis by M&T Bank, National Association ("M&T Bank, N.A."), a commercial bank subsidiary of First Empire. Average core deposits increased to $8.3 billion in the second quarter of 1997, up from $7.9 billion in the year-earlier quarter and $8.1 billion in the first quarter of 1997. Average core deposits of M&T Bank, N.A., which began operations in the fourth quarter of 1995, were $440 million in the recently completed quarter, compared with $226 million in the second quarter of 1996 and $388 million in the first quarter of 1997. The accompanying table provides an analysis of quarterly changes in the components of average core deposits. For the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, core deposits averaged $8.2 billion and $7.8 billion, respectively. 11 AVERAGE CORE DEPOSITS Dollars in millions
Percent increase (decrease) from 2nd Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 1st Qtr. 1997 1996 1997 -------- -------- -------- NOW accounts $ 258 (66)% (8)% Savings deposits 3,406 19 2 Time deposits less than $100,000 3,460 10 4 Demand deposits 1,181 4 2 ----- --- -- Total $8,305 5% 2% ----- --- -- ----- --- --
In addition to core deposits, the Company obtains funding through domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more, deposits originated through the Company's offshore branch office, and brokered certificates of deposit. Such deposits are used to reduce short-term borrowings and lengthen the average maturity of interest-bearing liabilities. Brokered deposits averaged $1.3 billion during the recent quarter and totaled $1.5 billion at June 30, 1997, compared with an average balance of $999 million during the comparable 1996 period and a total balance of $1.1 billion at June 30, 1996. Brokered deposits averaged $1.1 billion in the initial quarter of 1997. The weighted average remaining term to maturity of brokered deposits at June 30, 1997 was 2.4 years. Additional amounts of brokered deposits may be solicited in the future depending on market conditions and the cost of funds available from alternative sources at the time. In addition to deposits, the Company uses short-term borrowings from banks, securities dealers, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB") and others as sources of funding. Short-term borrowings averaged $789 million in the recent quarter, compared with $1.2 billion in the second 1996 quarter and $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 1997. The previously discussed issuances of $250 million of trust preferred securities also provided funding during 1997. These securities, along with $175 million of subordinated notes issued in prior years by M&T Bank, are included in long-term borrowings. Long-term borrowings averaged $355 million and $190 million in the second quarter of 1997 and 1996, respectively, and $278 million in the first quarter of 1997. Changes in the composition of the Company's earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in interest rates and spreads, can impact net interest income. Net interest spread, or the difference between the taxable-equivalent yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.71% in the second quarter of 1997, compared with 3.84% in the year-earlier quarter. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 18 basis points (hundredths of one percent) to 4.64% in the second quarter of 1997 from 4.46% in the second quarter of 1996 due to generally higher interest rates and the effect of the previously discussed issuances of $250 million of trust preferred securities. Such increase was partially offset by a 5 basis point increase in the yield on earning assets to 8.35% in the second quarter of 1997 from 8.30% in the corresponding 1996 quarter. The net interest spread was 3.81% in the first quarter of 1997 when the yield on earning assets was 8.36% and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 4.55%. The contribution to net interest margin, or taxable equivalent net interest income expressed as an annualized percentage of average earning assets, of interest-free funds was .68% in the second quarter of 1997, up from .62% in the corresponding 1996 quarter. The improvement was the result of an 11% increase in average interest-free funds. Average interest-free funds, consisting largely of non-interest bearing demand deposits and stockholders' equity, totaled $1.9 billion in the second quarter of 1997, up from $1.7 billion a year earlier. The 18 basis point increase in the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities used to value these funds also contributed to the improvement. The contribution to net interest margin of interest-free funds was .67% in the first quarter of 1997 when such funds 12 averaged $1.8 billion. Largely due to the changes in the net interest spread described above, the Company's net interest margin was 4.39% in 1997's second quarter, compared with 4.46% in the comparable quarter of 1996 and 4.48% in the initial 1997 quarter. During the first six months of 1997 and 1996, the net interest margin was 4.44% and 4.48%, respectively. Management assesses the potential impact of future changes in interest rates and spreads by projecting net interest income under a number of different interest rate scenarios. The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of the management of interest rate risk to modify the repricing characteristics of certain portions of the loan and deposit portfolios. Revenue and expense arising from these agreements are reflected in either the yields earned on loans or, as appropriate, rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. The notional amount of interest rate swap agreements used as part of the Company's management of interest rate risk in effect at June 30, 1997 and 1996 was $2.9 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. In general, under the terms of these swaps, the Company receives payments based on the outstanding notional amount of the swaps at fixed rates of interest and makes payments at variable rates. However, under the terms of a $33 million swap, the Company pays a fixed rate of interest and receives a variable rate. At June 30, 1997 the weighted average rates to be received and paid under interest rate swap agreements were 6.36% and 5.77%, respectively. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had also entered into forward-starting swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $50 million. Such forward-starting swaps had no effect on the Company's net interest income through June 30, 1997. The average notional amounts of interest rate swaps and the related effect on net interest income and margin are presented in the accompanying table. INTEREST RATE SWAPS Dollars in thousands
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 ------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 -------------------- ------------------ AMOUNT RATE* AMOUNT RATE* ---------- ----- --------- ----- Increase (decrease) in: Interest income $ (129) -% $ 318 .01% Interest expense (3,417) (.13) (3,987) (.15) --------- --------- Net interest income/margin $ 3,288 .10% $ 4,305 .14% --------- ---- --------- ---- Average notional amount** $2,620,422 $2,413,370 --------- --------- --------- ---------
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 ------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 -------------------- ------------------ AMOUNT RATE* AMOUNT RATE* ---------- ----- --------- ----- Increase (decrease) in: Interest income $ 48 -% $ 279 -% Interest expense (6,625) (.12) (7,140) (.14) --------- --------- Net interest income/margin $ 6,673 .11% $ 7,419 .13% --------- ---- --------- ---- Average notional amount** $2,454,677 $2,323,139 --------- --------- --------- ---------
* Computed as an annualized percentage of average earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities. ** Excludes forward-starting interest rate swaps. The Company estimates that as of June 30, 1997 it would have had to pay approximately $1.0 million if all interest rate swap agreements entered into for interest rate risk management purposes had been terminated. This estimated fair value of the interest rate swap portfolio results from the 13 effects of changing interest rates and should be considered in the context of the entire balance sheet and the Company's overall interest rate risk profile. Changes in the estimated fair value of interest rate swaps entered into for interest rate risk management purposes are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Giving consideration to interest rate swaps in place at June 30, 1997 and utilizing a computer model which aids management in assessing the potential impact of future changes in interest rates and spreads, management estimates that the amount of projected net interest income will be largely unaffected by changes in interest rates in the next two years. However, additional interest rate risk management actions may be necessary to counter any detrimental effect which a sustained decrease in interest rates could have on net interest income in later years. As a financial intermediary, the Company is exposed to liquidity risk whenever the maturities of financial instruments included in assets and liabilities differ. Accordingly, a critical element in managing a financial institution is ensuring that sufficient cash flow and liquid assets are available to satisfy demands for loans and deposit withdrawals, to fund operating expenses, and to be used for other corporate purposes. Deposits and borrowings, maturities of money-market assets, repayments of loans and investment securities, and cash generated from operations, such as fees collected for services, provide the Company with other sources of liquidity. Through membership in the FHLB, as well as other available borrowing facilities, First Empire's banking subsidiaries have access to additional funding sources. In addition to the proceeds of the $100 million and $150 million of junior subordinated debt issued in June and January 1997, respectively, First Empire utilizes dividend payments from its banking subsidiaries, which are subject to various regulatory limitations, to pay dividends, repurchase treasury stock, and fund debt service and other operating expenses. First Empire also maintains a $25 million line of credit with an unaffiliated commercial bank, all of which was available for borrowing at June 30, 1997. Management does not anticipate engaging in any activities, either currently or in the long-term, which would cause a significant strain on liquidity at either First Empire or its subsidiary banks. Furthermore, management closely monitors the Company's liquidity position for compliance with internal policies and believes that available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet anticipated funding needs. PROVISION FOR POSSIBLE CREDIT LOSSES The purpose of the provision is to replenish or build the Company's allowance for possible credit losses to a level necessary to maintain an adequate reserve position. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for possible credit losses, management performs an ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio and other credit commitments, including such factors as the differing economic risks associated with each loan category, the current financial condition of specific borrowers, the economic environment in which borrowers operate, the level of delinquent loans and the value of any collateral. Based upon the results of such review, management believes that the allowance for possible credit losses at June 30, 1997 was adequate to absorb credit losses from existing loans and leases. The provision for possible credit losses in the second quarter of 1997 was $11.0 million, equal to 1997's first quarter but below the $11.7 million provision charged to earnings in the second quarter of 1996. Net loan charge-offs totaled $12.6 million in the second quarter of 1997, compared with $8.7 million in the year-earlier quarter and $7.9 million in 1997's initial quarter. Net charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average loans and leases were .47% in the recent quarter, compared with .35% in the corresponding 1996 quarter and .30% in the first quarter of 1997. Consumer loan net charge-offs in the recent quarter were $9.7 million, compared with $6.7 million in the second quarter of 1996 and $8.8 million in 1997's initial quarter. Higher charge-offs of credit card balances and indirect automobile loans were the most significant factors contributing to the increased level of consumer loan charge-offs in the second quarter of 1997 compared with 14 1996's second quarter. Net consumer loan charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average consumer loans and leases were 1.68% in the recent quarter, compared with 1.27% in the second quarter of 1996 and 1.50% in 1997's first quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, the provision for possible credit losses was $22.0 million and $21.4 million, respectively. Through June 30, net charge-offs were $20.5 million in 1997 and $13.8 million in 1996, representing .38% and .28%, respectively, of average loans and leases. Consumer loan net charge-offs totaled $18.5 million and $11.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Nonperforming loans were $97.1 million or .88% of total loans and leases outstanding at June 30, 1997, compared with $85.0 million or .84% at June 30, 1996 and $97.0 million or .90% at March 31, 1997. Included in such amounts are loans that are guaranteed by government agencies totaling $20.7 million and $18.3 million at June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and $22.8 million at March 31, 1997. Nonperforming commercial real estate loans totaled $29.2 million at June 30, 1997, $30.5 million at June 30, 1996 and $25.6 million at March 31, 1997. Nonperforming commercial real estate loans include loans secured by properties located in the New York City metropolitan area of $11.9 million at June 30, 1997, $7.0 million at June 30, 1996 and $8.2 million at March 31, 1997. Nonperforming consumer loans and leases totaled $16.4 million at June 30, 1997, compared with $13.2 million at June 30, 1996 and $17.4 million at March 31, 1997. The increase in nonperforming consumer loans from June 30, 1996 is generally consistent with current industry trends and also reflects growth in the Company's consumer loan portfolio, particularly credit card balances and automobile loans. As a percentage of consumer loan balances outstanding, nonperforming consumer loans and leases were .71% at June 30, 1997 compared with .60% at June 30, 1996 and .74% at March 31, 1997. Management continues to closely monitor the repayment performance of consumer loans. Furthermore, as noted above, management believes that the allowance for possible credit losses at June 30, 1997 was adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the Company's loan and lease portfolio as of that date. Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans were $9.7 million at June 30, 1997, $8.9 million at June 30, 1996 and $8.7 million at March 31, 1997. A comparative summary of nonperforming assets and certain credit quality ratios is presented in the accompanying table. NONPERFORMING ASSETS Dollars in thousands
1997 Quarters 1996 Quarters Second First Fourth Third Second ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ Nonaccrual loans $62,525 57,366 58,232 59,517 57,603 Loans past due 90 days or more 31,810 36,857 39,652 36,958 27,406 Renegotiated loans 2,741 2,741 -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total nonperforming loans 97,076 96,964 97,884 96,475 85,009 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Other real estate owned 9,698 8,694 8,523 8,467 8,890 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total nonperforming assets $106,774 105,658 106,407 104,942 93,899 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Government guaranteed nonperforming loans* $20,656 22,753 25,847 27,475 18,267 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Nonperforming loans to total loans and leases, net of unearned discount .88% .90% .91% .92% .84% Nonperforming assets to total net loans and other real estate owned .97% .98% .99% 1.00% .93% ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
* Included in total nonperforming loans. 15 The allowance for possible credit losses was $271.9 million, or 2.48% of total loans and leases at June 30, 1997, compared with $270.0 million or 2.67% a year earlier, $270.5 million or 2.52% at December 31, 1996 and $273.6 million or 2.53% at March 31, 1997. The ratio of the allowance for possible credit losses to nonperforming loans was 280% at the most recent quarter-end, compared with 318% a year earlier, 276% at December 31, 1996 and 282% at March 31, 1997. OTHER INCOME Other income totaled $44.0 million in the second quarter of 1997, compared with $41.5 million in the year-earlier quarter and $45.9 million in the initial quarter of 1997. For the first six months of 1997, other income was $89.9 million, up 16% from $77.7 million in the comparable 1996 period. Mortgage banking revenues totaled $12.2 million in the recent quarter, compared with $11.3 million in the year-earlier quarter and $12.1 million in the first quarter of 1997. Residential mortgage loan servicing fees were $6.2 million in the second quarter of 1997, up from $5.1 million in the second quarter of 1996 and $5.8 million in the initial 1997 quarter. Gains from sales of residential mortgage loans and loan servicing rights were $5.4 million in the recently completed quarter, compared with $5.7 million in the year earlier quarter and $5.6 million in 1997's first quarter. Residential mortgage loans serviced for others totaled $6.5 billion and $5.6 billion at June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Capitalized servicing assets were $49 million and $42 million at June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Service charges on deposit accounts increased to $10.7 million in the second quarter of 1997, up from $10.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year and $10.4 million in the first quarter of 1997. Trust income was $7.2 million in the second quarter of 1997, compared with $7.1 million in last year's second quarter and $6.9 million in the first quarter of 1997. Merchant discount and credit card fees were $4.2 million in the recent quarter, unchanged from the year-earlier period, but down from $5.2 million in the initial 1997 quarter. The decrease from the first quarter reflects the March 28, 1997 termination of a co-branded credit card program that had been initiated in May 1996. Merchant discount and other credit card fees earned in connection with the terminated program were $50 thousand and $1.6 million during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1997, respectively, and $758 thousand for the comparable periods in 1996. Credit card balances related to this program that remained outstanding at June 30, 1997 were $6.7 million. Trading account and foreign exchange activity resulted in gains of $596 thousand in the second quarter of 1997, compared with gains of $858 thousand and $1.3 million in the second quarter of 1996 and the first quarter of 1997, respectively. Other revenue from operations totaled $9.2 million in the recent quarter, compared with $7.8 million in the corresponding quarter of 1996 and $10.0 million in the first quarter of 1997, when a $1.5 million gain was realized upon termination of a lease for one of the Company's branch offices. For the six month period ended June 30, 1997, mortgage banking revenues totaled $24.2 million, up 12% from $21.7 million in the corresponding 1996 period. Compared with the same period in 1996, service charges on deposit accounts increased 5% to $21.1 million during the first six months of 1997, while trust income increased 7% to $14.1 million. Reflecting previous expansion of the Company's co-branded credit card business, during the first half of 1997 merchant discount and credit card fees increased 30% to $9.5 million from $7.3 million in the similar period of 1996. Trading account and foreign exchange activity resulted in gains of $1.9 million for the initial half of 1997, compared with gains of $154 thousand during the first six months of 1996. Reflecting a $1.3 million increase in fees earned from the sales of mutual funds and annuities and the previously mentioned $1.5 million gain from a lease termination, other revenues from operations increased 31% to $19.2 million in the first six months of 1997 from $14.9 million in the comparable 1996 period. 16 OTHER EXPENSE Other expense totaled $102.1 million in the second quarter of 1997, up 4% from $97.9 million in the second quarter of 1996, but down from $104.3 million in the first quarter of 1997. Through the first half of 1997, other expense totaled $206.4 million or 6% higher than $194.2 million in the comparable 1996 period. Salaries and employee benefits expense was $53.6 million in the recent quarter, 9% higher than the $49.1 million in the corresponding 1996 quarter but 4% lower than the $55.6 million in the first quarter of 1997. For the first six months of 1997, salaries and employee benefits expense increased 8% to $109.1 million from $101.3 million in the corresponding 1996 period. Factors contributing to the higher expenses over the prior year periods were expansion of businesses providing mortgage banking services, credit cards and the sales of mutual funds and annuities, as well as merit salary increases and higher costs associated with incentive-based compensation arrangements, including stock appreciation rights. Nonpersonnel expense totaled $48.5 million in the second quarter of 1997, little changed from the second quarter of 1996 or the first quarter of 1997. Such expenses were $97.2 million during the first six months of 1997, an increase of 5% from $93.0 million during the corresponding 1996 period. Such increase was largely the result of expansion of the Company's credit card and mortgage banking businesses. Rebate and other operating expenses based on card usage directly attributable to the co-branded credit card program terminated in March 1997 were approximately $107 thousand and $2.3 million during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1997, respectively, and $988 thousand for the comparable periods in 1996. CAPITAL Stockholders' equity at June 30, 1997 was $951 million or 7.08% of total assets, compared with $861 million or 6.86% of total assets a year earlier and $906 million or 7.00% at December 31, 1996. On a per share basis, stockholders' equity was $143.64 at June 30, 1997, up from $126.70 and $135.45 at June 30 and December 31, 1996, respectively. Stockholders' equity at June 30, 1997 reflected a gain of $3.4 million, or $.52 per share, for the net after-tax impact of unrealized gains on investment securities classified as available for sale, compared with unrealized losses of $13.6 million or $2.01 per share at June 30, 1996 and $2.5 million or $.37 per share at December 31, 1996. Such unrealized gains and losses represent the difference, net of applicable income tax effect, between the amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities classified as available for sale. The market valuation of investment securities should be considered in the context of the entire balance sheet of the Company. With the exception of investment securities classified as available for sale, trading account assets and liabilities, and residential mortgage loans held for sale, the carrying values of financial instruments in the balance sheet are generally not adjusted for appreciation or depreciation in market value resulting from changes in interest rates. Federal regulators generally require banking institutions to maintain "core capital" and "total capital" ratios of at least 4% and 8%, respectively, of risk-adjusted total assets. In addition to the risk-based measures, Federal bank regulators have also implemented a minimum "leverage" ratio guideline of 3% of the quarterly average of total assets. Under regulatory guidelines, unrealized gains or losses on investment securities classified as available for sale are not recognized in determining regulatory capital. As previously noted, core capital includes the $250 million of trust preferred securities issued by First Empire Capital Trust I and First Empire Capital Trust II in January and June of 1997, respectively. Total capital also includes $175 million of subordinated notes issued by M&T Bank in prior years. The capital ratios of the Company and its banking subsidiaries, M&T Bank and M&T Bank, N.A., as of June 30, 1997 are presented in the accompanying table. 17 REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS June 30, 1997 FIRST EMPIRE M&T M&T (CONSOLIDATED) BANK BANK, N.A. -------------- ---- ---------- Core capital 10.81% 8.51% 16.68% Total capital 13.68% 11.43% 17.93% Leverage 8.96% 7.15% 7.88%
The Company has historically maintained capital ratios in excess of minimum regulatory guidelines largely through a high rate of internal capital generation. The rate of internal capital generation, or net income less dividends paid expressed as a percentage of average total stockholders' equity, was 16.25% during the second quarter of 1997, compared with 15.93% in the second quarter of 1996 and 15.88% in the initial 1997 quarter. In February 1997, First Empire announced a plan to repurchase and hold as treasury stock up to 303,317 shares of its common stock for reissuance upon the possible future exercise of outstanding stock options. As of June 30, 1997, First Empire had repurchased 124,711 common shares pursuant to the plan at an average cost of $320.68 per share. Including a prior repurchase plan completed in February 1997, First Empire repurchased 153,773 common shares during the first six months of 1997 at a total cost of $48.7 million. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this quarterly report contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Future Factors") which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. First Empire undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Future Factors include changes in interest rates, spreads on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and interest rate sensitivity; credit losses; sources of liquidity; regulatory supervision and oversight, including required capital levels; increasing price and product/service competition by competitors, including new entrants; rapid technological developments and changes; the ability to continue to introduce competitive new products and services on a timely, cost-effective basis; the mix of products/ services; containing costs and expenses; governmental and public policy changes, including environmental regulations; protection and validity of intellectual property rights; reliance on large customers; technological, implementation and cost/financial risks in large, multi-year contracts; the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings; continued availability of financing; and financial resources in the amounts, at the times and on the terms required to support the Company's future businesses. These are representative of the Future Factors that could affect the outcome of the forward-looking statements. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, general economic conditions, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, and other Future Factors. 18 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUARTERLY TRENDS
1997 QUARTERS 1996 QUARTERS --------------------- ------------------------------------------ TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT BASIS SECOND FIRST FOURTH THIRD SECOND FIRST - ------------------------------------ ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings and dividends Amounts in thousands, except per share Interest income..................... $ 265,301 257,029 257,196 251,336 248,673 244,714 Interest expense.................... 125,734 119,321 119,343 117,884 114,996 114,185 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income................. 139,567 137,708 137,853 133,452 133,677 130,529 Less: provision for possible credit losses............................ 11,000 11,000 11,475 10,475 11,700 9,675 Other income........................ 43,983 45,923 47,641 44,893 41,463 36,251 Less: other expense................. 102,070 104,284 107,082 107,658 97,921 96,317 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes.......... 70,480 68,347 66,937 60,212 65,519 60,788 Applicable income taxes............. 26,329 25,825 25,288 23,090 25,790 23,698 Taxable-equivalent adjustment....... 1,360 1,263 1,229 1,251 1,070 937 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income.......................... $ 42,791 41,259 40,420 35,871 38,659 36,153 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Cash dividends on preferred stock... $ -- -- -- -- -- 900 Per common share data Net income Primary......................... 6.17 5.81 5.70 5.05 5.36 5.20 Fully diluted................... 6.15 5.80 5.68 5.05 5.36 4.96 Net income, excluding securities transactions Primary......................... 6.19 5.81 5.73 5.05 5.36 5.17 Fully diluted................... 6.17 5.80 5.71 5.05 5.36 4.93 Cash dividends.................... $ .80 .80 .70 .70 .70 .70 Average common shares outstanding Primary........................... 6,928 7,100 7,098 7,104 7,212 6,778 Fully diluted..................... 6,950 7,114 7,121 7,106 7,216 7,295 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance sheet data Dollars in millions, except per share Average balances Total assets...................... $ 13,148 12,866 12,728 12,556 12,486 12,141 Earning assets.................... 12,740 12,464 12,308 12,124 12,044 11,695 Investment securities............. 1,715 1,611 1,659 1,798 1,939 1,830 Loans and leases, net of unearned discount........................ 10,842 10,715 10,527 10,253 9,997 9,672 Deposits.......................... 10,914 10,454 10,609 10,459 10,069 9,496 Stockholders' equity.............. 925 917 891 857 855 849 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- At end of quarter Total assets...................... $ 13,441 13,122 12,944 12,821 12,542 12,671 Earning assets.................... 12,903 12,621 12,504 12,282 12,015 12,129 Investment securities............. 1,708 1,693 1,572 1,753 1,817 2,108 Loans and leases, net of unearned discount........................ 10,980 10,803 10,722 10,437 10,129 9,912 Deposits.......................... 11,186 10,533 10,514 10,554 10,193 9,719 Stockholders' equity.............. 951 912 906 878 861 847 Equity per common share........... 143.64 137.33 135.45 130.58 126.70 123.76 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Performance ratios, annualized Return on Average assets.................... 1.31% 1.30% 1.26% 1.14% 1.25% 1.20% Average common stockholders' equity.......................... 18.55% 18.24% 18.05% 16.64% 18.18% 17.50% Net interest margin on average earning assets.................... 4.39% 4.48% 4.46% 4.38% 4.46% 4.49% Nonperforming assets to total assets, at end of quarter......... .79% .81% .82% .82% .75% .71% ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Market price per common share High.............................. $ 343 1/2 336 289 5/8 258 247 247 3/4 Low............................... 303 281 250 239 232 209 Closing........................... 337 320 288 249 241 246 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
-19- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANNUALIZED TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT RATES
1997 SECOND QUARTER 1997 FIRST QUARTER 1996 FOURTH QUARTER AVERAGE BALANCE IN MILLIONS; AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE INTEREST IN THOUSANDS BALANCE INTEREST RATE BALANCE INTEREST RATE BALANCE INTEREST RATE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Earning assets Loans and leases, net of unearned discount* Commercial, financial, etc...... $ 2,260 $ 47,680 8.46% 2,187 44,623 8.27% 2,072 42,480 8.16% Real estate..................... 6,265 134,710 8.60 6,139 131,135 8.54 6,082 131,894 8.67 Consumer........................ 2,317 53,347 9.23 2,389 54,311 9.22 2,373 55,118 9.24 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total loans and leases, net... 10,842 235,737 8.72 10,715 230,069 8.71 10,527 229,492 8.67 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks........................... 54 816 6.01 48 709 6.01 50 762 6.03 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities............ 64 860 5.40 32 405 5.22 37 492 5.32 Trading account................... 65 443 2.74 58 255 1.78 35 283 3.21 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total money-market assets..... 183 2,119 4.64 138 1,369 4.04 122 1,537 5.01 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment securities** U.S. Treasury and federal agencies........................ 1,192 19,002 6.39 1,064 16,679 6.36 1,097 17,069 6.19 Obligations of states and political subdivisions.......... 44 728 6.59 41 677 6.66 41 682 6.54 Other............................. 479 7,715 6.46 506 8,235 6.61 521 8,416 6.43 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investment securities... 1,715 27,445 6.42 1,611 25,591 6.44 1,659 26,167 6.27 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total earning assets.......... 12,740 265,301 8.35 12,464 257,029 8.36 12,308 257,196 8.31 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowance for possible credit losses............................ (272) (272) (271) Cash and due from banks............. 307 298 325 Other assets........................ 373 376 366 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets.................. $13,148 12,866 12,728 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liabilities and stockholders' equity Interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing deposits NOW accounts...................... $ 259 835 1.30 281 920 1.33 327 1,247 1.52 Savings deposits.................. 3,406 22,495 2.65 3,346 22,248 2.70 3,291 22,458 2.71 Time deposits..................... 5,852 82,254 5.64 5,410 73,757 5.53 5,516 77,006 5.55 Deposits at foreign office........ 216 2,873 5.33 255 3,239 5.16 258 3,354 5.16 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest-bearing deposits 9,733 108,457 4.47 9,292 100,164 4.37 9,392 104,065 4.41 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-term borrowings............... 789 10,230 5.20 1,075 13,700 5.17 881 11,785 5.32 Long-term borrowings................ 355 7,047 7.93 278 5,457 7.96 186 3,493 7.47 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest- bearing liabilities................. 10,877 125,734 4.64 10,645 119,321 4.55 10,459 119,343 4.54 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demand deposits..................... 1,181 1,162 1,217 Other liabilities................... 165 142 161 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities............. 12,223 11,949 11,837 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stockholders' equity................ 925 917 891 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........ $13,148 12,866 12,728 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest spread................. 3.71 3.81 3.77 Contribution of interest-free funds............................. 0.68 .67 .69 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest income/margin on earning assets.................... $139,567 4.39% 137,708 4.48% 137,853 4.46% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes nonaccrual loans. ** Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost. 20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANNUALIZED TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT RATES (continued) 1996 THIRD QUARTER 1996 SECOND QUARTER AVERAGE BALANCE IN MILLIONS; AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE INTEREST IN THOUSANDS BALANCE INTEREST RATE BALANCE INTEREST RATE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Earning assets Loans and leases, net of unearned discount* Commercial, financial, etc....... $ 2,023 $ 41,322 8.12% 2,032 41,682 8.25% Real estate...................... 5,972 128,704 8.62 5,846 126,747 8.67 Consumer......................... 2,258 52,268 9.21 2,119 49,160 9.33 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total loans and leases, net.... 10,253 222,294 8.62 9,997 217,589 8.75 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks. 24 354 5.98 18 266 6.14 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities............. 23 311 5.46 58 779 5.38 Trading account.................... 26 247 3.73 32 264 3.33 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total money-market assets...... 73 912 5.00 108 1,309 4.89 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment securities** U.S. Treasury and federal agencies. 1,208 18,719 6.16 1,324 20,248 6.15 Obligations of states and political subdivisions..................... 44 711 6.43 41 668 6.50 Other.............................. 546 8,700 6.34 574 8,859 6.21 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investment securities.... 1,798 28,130 6.23 1,939 29,775 6.17 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total earning assets........... 12,124 251,336 8.25 12,044 248,673 8.30 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowance for possible credit losses. (271) (269) Cash and due from banks.............. 345 331 Other assets......................... 358 380 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets................... $12,556 12,486 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liabilities and stockholders' equity Interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing deposits NOW accounts....................... $ 794 2,768 1.39 760 2,642 1.40 Savings deposits................... 2,854 21,170 2.95 2,872 20,673 2.90 Time deposits...................... 5,359 74,706 5.55 5,026 68,920 5.51 Deposits at foreign office......... 257 3,382 5.23 273 3,534 5.20 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest-bearing deposits..................... 9,264 102,026 4.38 8,931 95,769 4.31 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-term borrowings................ 928 12,311 5.28 1,243 15,657 5.07 Long-term borrowings................. 188 3,547 7.48 190 3,570 7.55 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest-bearing liabilities.................. 10,380 117,884 4.52 10,364 114,996 4.46 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demand deposits...................... 1,195 1,138 Other liabilities.................... 124 129 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities.............. 11,699 11,631 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stockholders' equity................. 857 855 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $12,556 12,486 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest spread.................. 3.73 3.84 Contribution of interest-free funds.. .65 .62 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest income/margin on earning assets............................. $133,452 4.38% 133,677 4.46% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes nonaccrual loans. ** Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost. 21 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. M&T Bank, N.A. and Giant of Maryland, Inc. ("Giant") are arbitrating the rights and liabilities of the parties to each other in connection with the termination of their co-branded credit card agreement. The resolution of this matter has been submitted to arbitration under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association following the termination of legal proceedings between the parties that were formerly pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. M&T Bank, N.A. initiated the arbitration proceeding. Giant alleges in the arbitration proceeding that M&T Bank, N.A. breached the co-branded credit card agreement by seeking to terminate the agreement and negligently misrepresenting certain information provided to Giant, and seeks damages in excess of $37 million, plus interest, costs, attorneys fees and other unspecified relief. M&T Bank, N.A. has denied Giant's allegations in the arbitration proceeding, and is pursuing its own claims against Giant in the same proceeding. Management believes that M&T Bank, N.A. has meritorious defenses to Giant's claims and is vigorously defending against them while pursuing relief under M&T Bank, N.A.'s claims against Giant. First Empire and its subsidiaries are subject in the normal course of business to various other pending and threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the aggregate ultimate liability, if any, arising out of litigation pending against First Empire or its subsidiaries will be material to First Empire's consolidated financial position, but at the present time is not in a position to determine whether such litigation will have a material adverse effect on First Empire's consolidated results of operations in any future reporting period. Item 2. Changes in Securities. (a) (Not applicable.) (b) In June 1997, Trust II, a Delaware business trust, issued $100 million of 8.277% Capital Securities. The Common Securities of Trust II are wholly owned by First Empire, and the Capital Securities represent preferred undivided interests in the assets of Trust II. The proceeds from the issuance of the Capital Securities ($100 million) and Common Securities ($3.09 million) were used by Trust II to purchase $103.09 million of 8.277% Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by First Empire. The Junior Subordinated Debentures represent the sole asset of Trust II and payments under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are Trust II's sole source of cash flow. Holders of the Capital Securities receive preferential cumulative cash distributions semi-annually each June 1st and December 1st at a rate of 8.277% per annum on the stated liquidation amount ($1,000) per Capital Security unless First Empire exercises its right to extend the payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for up to ten semi-annual periods, in which case payment of distributions on the Capital Securities will be deferred for a comparable period. During an extended interest period, First Empire may not pay dividends or distributions on, or repurchase, redeem or acquire any shares of its capital stock. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. (Not applicable.) Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. Information concerning the matters submitted to a vote of stockholders at First Empire's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 15, 1997 was previously reported in response to Item 4 of Part II of First Empire's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997. 22 Item 5. Other Information. On June 30, 1997, William C. Rappolt retired as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of First Empire and M&T Bank. Mr. Rappolt was succeeded in those positions on July 1, 1997 by Adam C. Kugler, previously a Senior Vice President in M&T Bank's Treasury Division. Also in June of 1997, the Company announced the appointment of Emerson L. Brumback to the position of Executive Vice President of First Empire and M&T Bank effective as of July 8, 1997. Mr. Brumback's immediate past position was executive vice president, national retail distribution, at Banc One Corporation. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report: Exhibit No. - ------- 11.1 Statement re: Computation of Earnings Per Common Share. Filed herewith. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule. Filed herewith. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. The following Current Reports on Form 8-K were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission: On June 2, 1997, a Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 1997 was filed to announce the consummation of the merger of The East New York Savings Bank with and into M&T Bank. On June 16, 1997, a Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 1997 was filed to announce First Empire's completion of a $100 million offering of Capital Securities. 23 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements 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. FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION Date: August 6, 1997 By: /s/ Michael P. Pinto ------------------------------ Michael P. Pinto Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 24 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. - ------- 11.1 Statement re: Computation of Earnings Per Common Share. Filed herewith. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule. Filed herewith. 25

                                                                 Exhibit No.11.1
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                FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
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THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE JUNE 30 JUNE 30 AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE 1997 1996 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Primary Average common shares outstanding 6,627 6,832 6,656 6,616 Common stock equivalents * 301 380 358 379 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Primary common shares outstanding 6,928 7,212 7,014 6,995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $42,791 38,659 84,050 74,812 Less: Cash dividends on preferred stock 0 0 0 900 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income available to common shareholders $42,791 38,659 84,050 73,912 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per common share--primary $ 6.17 5.36 11.98 10.56 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fully diluted Average common shares outstanding 6,627 6,832 6,656 6,616 Common stock equivalents * 323 384 376 384 Assumed conversion of 9% convertible preferred stock 0 0 0 245 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fully diluted average common shares outstanding 6,950 7,216 7,032 7,245 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $42,791 38,659 84,050 74,812 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per common share--fully diluted $ 6.15 5.36 11.95 10.32 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------ * Represents shares of First Empire's common stock issuable upon the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options granted pursuant to the First Empire State Corporation 1983 Stock Option Plan under the "treasury stock" method of accounting.
 


9 6-MOS DEC-31-1997 JUN-30-1997 399,094 96,116 46,309 72,484 1,561,442 146,930 147,422 11,313,318 271,933 13,440,995 11,186,195 658,966 216,878 427,919 0 0 40,487 910,550 13,440,995 484,801 51,485 3,421 519,707 208,621 245,055 274,652 22,000 (233) 206,354 136,204 84,050 0 0 84,050 11.98 11.95 4.44 82,525 31,810 2,741 0 270,466 29,883 9,350 271,933 144,240 0 127,693