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 March 31, 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                                 14240
     Buffalo, New York                             (Zip Code)
   (Address of principal 
     executive offices)                

 
                                (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 April 30, 1997: 6,616,932 shares.




                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
                 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1997
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REPORT PAGE - --------------------------------------------------- ---- Part I. Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheet - March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 3 Consolidated Statement of Income - Three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 4 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 5 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity--Three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 6 Consolidated Summary of Changes in Allowance for Possible Credit Losses - Three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 6 Notes to Financial Statements 7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 9 Part II. Other Information 21 Signatures 23 Exhibit Index 24
2 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (unaudited)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------- Assets Cash and due from banks $ 376,741 324,659 Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks................... 47,713 47,325 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities.......................................... 20,926 125,326 Trading account...................................... 56,040 37,317 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total money-market assets.......................... 124,679 209,968 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investment securities Available for sale (cost: $1,558,244 at March 31, 1997; $1,400,976 at December 31, 1996).................... 1,543,855 1,396,672 Held to maturity (market value: $94,636 at March 31, 1997; $119,316 at December 31, 1996)................ 94,224 118,616 Other (market value: $55,226 at March 31, 1997; $56,410 at December 31, 1996)............................... 55,226 56,410 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total investment securities........................ 1,693,305 1,571,698 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loans and leases....................................... 11,177,030 11,120,221 Unearned discount.................................... (374,257) (398,098) Allowance for possible credit losses................. (273,573) (270,466) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loans and leases, net.............................. 10,529,200 10,451,657 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Premises and equipment................................. 126,646 128,521 Accrued interest and other assets...................... 271,661 257,412 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets....................................... $ 13,122,232 12,943,915 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liabilities Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 1,218,840 1,352,929 NOW accounts........................................... 329,010 334,787 Savings deposits....................................... 3,295,495 3,280,788 Time deposits.......................................... 5,464,580 5,352,749 Deposits at foreign office............................. 225,440 193,236 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total deposits..................................... 10,533,365 10,514,489 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal funds purchased and agreements to repurchase securities............................................ 866,548 1,015,408 Other short-term borrowings............................ 273,531 134,779 Accrued interest and other liabilities................. 208,645 195,578 Long-term borrowings................................... 327,960 178,002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total liabilities...................................... 12,210,049 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............................. 98,150 96,597 Retained earnings...................................... 972,978 937,072 Unrealized investment losses, net...................... (8,486) (2,485) Treasury stock--common, at cost - 1,455,170 shares at March 31, 1997; 1,411,286 shares at December 31, 1996................. (190,946) (166,012) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total stockholders' equity......................... 912,183 905,659 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $ 13,122,232 12,943,915 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 --------------------------- AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Interest income Loans and leases, including fees $ 229,575 213,206 Money-market assets Deposits at banks 709 1,031 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities 405 1,403 Trading account 221 273 Investment securities Fully taxable 23,798 27,419 Exempt from federal taxes 1,058 445 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest income 255,766 243,777 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest expense NOW accounts 920 2,773 Savings deposits 22,248 20,521 Time deposits 73,757 65,456 Deposits at foreign office 3,239 2,129 Short-term borrowings 13,700 19,689 Long-term borrowings 5,457 3,617 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest expense 119,321 114,185 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest income 136,445 129,592 Provision for possible credit losses 11,000 9,675 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest income after provision for possible credit losses 125,445 119,917 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other income Mortgage banking revenues 12,075 10,391 Service charges on deposit accounts 10,385 9,905 Trust income 6,903 6,173 Merchant discount and other credit card fees 5,231 3,055 Trading account and foreign exchange gains (losses) 1,349 (704) Gain (loss) on sales of bank investment securities (45) 318 Other revenues from operations 10,025 7,113 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total other income 45,923 36,251 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other expense Salaries and employee benefits 55,559 52,128 Equipment and net occupancy 13,233 13,416 Printing, postage and supplies 3,351 3,819 Deposit insurance 486 780 Other costs of operations 31,655 26,174 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total other expense 104,284 96,317 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 67,084 59,851 Income taxes 25,825 23,698 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 41,259 36,153 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income per common share Primary $ 5.81 5.20 Fully diluted 5.80 4.96 Cash dividends per common share .80 .70 Average common shares outstanding Primary 7,100 6,778 Fully diluted 7,114 7,295
4 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 IN THOUSANDS 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from Net income $ 41,259 36,153 operating activities Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Provision for possible credit losses 11,000 9,675 Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment 5,123 4,938 Amortization of capitalized mortgage servicing rights 3,230 2,507 Provision for deferred income taxes (1,017) (4,479) Asset write-downs 216 250 Net gain on sales of assets (1,470) (418) Net change in accrued interest receivable, payable 11,749 1,190 Net change in other accrued income and expense 15,550 18,283 Net change in loans held for sale 74,695 (15,359) Net change in trading account assets and liabilities (5,061) (27,777) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 155,274 24,963 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from Proceeds from sales of investment investing activities securities Available for sale 120,429 20,531 Proceeds from maturities of investment securities Available for sale 54,098 81,547 Held to maturity 29,345 5,069 Purchases of investment securities Available for sale (329,941) (443,763) Held to maturity (4,956) (7,230) Other (882) (2,776) Net (increase) decrease in interest- bearing deposits at banks (388) 67,191 Additions to capitalized mortgage servicing rights (12,179) (4,095) Net increase in loans and leases (163,308) (346,107) Capital expenditures, net (1,961) (3,744) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 123,043 -- Other, net (3,326) 6,082 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by investing activities (190,026) (627,295) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from Net increase (decrease) in deposits (112,376) 248,515 financing activities Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings (23,770) 461,090 Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities 150,000 -- Payments on long-term borrowings (68) (2,382) Purchases of treasury stock (29,529) (28,360) Dividends paid--common (5,353) (4,446) Dividends paid--preferred -- (900) Other, net 3,530 (9,528) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (17,566) 663,989 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (52,318) 61,657 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 449,985 364,119 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 397,667 425,776 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental Interest received during the period $ 262,527 244,530 disclosure of cash Interest paid during the period 115,090 114,943 flow information Income taxes paid during the period 2,500 3,224 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental schedule of noncash Real estate acquired in settlement of investing and loans $ 1,766 1,945 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)
ADDITIONAL UNREALIZED DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, PREFERRED COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED INVESTMENT TREASURY EXCEPT PER SHARE STOCK STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS LOSSES, NET STOCK TOTAL - ----------------------- ----------------------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------- 1996 Balance--January 1, 1996................. $40,000 40,487 98,657 805,486 (3,155) (135,222) $ 846,253 Net income............. -- -- -- 36,153 -- -- 36,153 Preferred stock cash dividends............ -- -- -- (900) -- -- (900) Common stock cash dividends -$.70 per share................ -- -- -- (4,446) -- -- (4,446) Exercise of stock options.............. -- -- 663 -- -- 2,068 2,731 Purchases of treasury stock................ -- -- -- -- -- (28,360) (28,360) 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........ -- -- -- -- (4,280) -- (4,280) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance--March 31, 1996................. $-- 40,487 92,786 836,293 (7,435) (114,980) $ 847,151 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 Balance--January 1, 1997................. $-- 40,487 96,597 937,072 (2,485) (166,012) $ 905,659 Net income............. -- -- -- 41,259 -- -- 41,259 Common stock cash dividends -$.80 per share................ -- -- -- (5,353) -- -- (5,353) Exercise of stock options.............. -- -- 1,553 -- -- 4,595 6,148 Purchases of treasury stock................ -- -- -- -- -- (29,529) (29,529) Unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale, net.................. -- -- -- -- (6,001) -- (6,001) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance--March 31,1997.............. $-- 40,487 98,150 972,978 (8,486) (190,946) $ 912,183 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE CREDIT LOSSES (unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- Beginning balance...................................................... $ 270,466 262,344 Provision for possible credit losses................................... 11,000 9,675 Net charge-offs Charge-offs.......................................................... (13,653) (8,162) Recoveries........................................................... 5,760 3,058 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total net charge-offs.............................................. (7,893) (5,104) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending balance......................................................... $ 273,573 266,915 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 ("Issuer Trust"), a Delaware business trust, issued $150 million of 8.234% capital securities ("Capital Securities"). The common securities of the Issuer Trust are wholly owned by First Empire State Corporation ("First Empire"), and such securities are the only class of the Issuer Trust's securities possessing general voting powers. The Capital Securities represent preferred undivided interests in the assets of the Issuer Trust, and are classified in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as long-term borrowings, with 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 issuance of the Capital Securities ($150 million) and common securities ($4.64 million) were used by the Issuer Trust to purchase $154.64 million of 8.234% junior subordinated debentures ("Junior Subordinated Debentures") issued by First Empire. The Junior Subordinated Debentures represent the sole asset of the Issuer Trust and payments under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are the Issuer Trust's sole source of cash flow. Holders of the Capital Securities receive preferential cumulative cash distributions semi-annually each February 1st and August 1st at a rate of 8.234% 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. 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, but only in each case to the extent of funds held by the Issuer Trust. 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 date of the Junior Subordinated Debentures (February 1, 2027) or the earlier redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole upon the occurrence of one or more events ("Events") set forth in the indenture relating to the Capital Securities, and in whole or in part at any time after February 1, 2007 contemporaneously with First Empire's optional redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole or in part. The Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemable prior to their stated maturity date at First Empire's option (i) on or after February 1, 2007, 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. 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. -7- 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 $6.17 and $5.81, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and $5.51 and $4.97, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 1996. 4. Contingencies Information regarding legal proceedings is included in Part II, Item I, ("Legal Proceedings") of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. -8- Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Overview First Empire State Corporation ("First Empire") earned $41.3 million or $5.80 per fully diluted common share in the first quarter of 1997, increases of 14% and 17%, respectively, from the first quarter of 1996 when net income was $36.2 million or $4.96 per common share on a fully diluted basis. Net income was $40.4 million or $5.68 per fully diluted common share in the fourth quarter of 1996. Primary earnings per common share rose 12% to $5.81 in the recent quarter from $5.20 in the first quarter of 1996. Primary earnings per share were $5.70 in 1996's fourth quarter. The annualized rate of return on average assets for First Empire and its consolidated subsidiaries ("the Company") in the first quarter of 1997 was 1.30%, compared with 1.20% in the year-earlier quarter and 1.26% in 1996's last quarter. The annualized return on average common stockholders' equity was 18.24% in the initial 1997 quarter, compared with 17.50% and 18.05% in the first and fourth quarters of 1996, respectively. On January 31, 1997, First Empire completed an offering of trust preferred securities ("Capital Securities") that raised $150 million of regulatory capital. The 30-year offering of 8.234% fixed-rate cumulative Capital Securities was issued through First Empire Capital Trust I ("the Issuer Trust"), a Delaware business trust that was formed by First Empire to facilitate the transaction. The Capital Securities provide investors with call protection for ten years. The Issuer Trust was formed solely to issue the Capital Securities and advance the proceeds to First Empire by purchasing a like amount of First Empire's 8.234% junior subordinated debentures. The proceeds of the Capital Securities qualify as Tier 1 or core capital for First Empire under the Federal Reserve Board's current risk-based capital guidelines. The Capital Securities are classified as long-term borrowings and distributions on the securities are included in interest expense. Payments on the junior subordinated debt of First Empire, which are in turn passed through the Issuer Trust to the holders of the Capital Securities, are serviced through existing liquidity and cash flow sources of First Empire. Under current federal tax law, First Empire is permitted to deduct interest payments on the junior subordinated debt in computing taxable income. On January 24, 1997, the Company acquired two branch offices from GreenPoint Bank, including approximately $131 million in deposits. The branches are located in Westchester County, New York. Taxable-equivalent Net Interest Income Taxable-equivalent net interest income rose 5% to $137.7 million in the first quarter of 1997 from $130.5 million in the year-earlier quarter. Growth in average loans and leases was the most significant factor contributing to the rise. Average loans and leases increased $1.0 billion, or 11%, to $10.7 billion in the first quarter of 1997 from $9.7 billion in the year-earlier quarter. While first quarter 1997 average loans and leases were 2% higher than the $10.5 billion averaged in 1996's final quarter, the rate of growth slowed from that experienced in 1996's quarterly periods. The accompanying table summarizes quarterly changes in the major components of the loan and lease portfolio. -9- AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (net of unearned discount) Dollars in millions
Percent increase (decrease) from ---------------------------- 1ST QTR. 1ST QTR. 4TH QTR. 1997 1996 1996 --------- ------------- ------------- Commercial, financial, etc $ 2,187 10% 6% Real estate--commercial 4,005 10 3 Real estate--consumer 2,134 6 (2) Consumer Automobile 1,117 25 -- Home equity 636 6 2 Credit cards 300 35 2 Other 336 16 1 --------- -- -- Total consumer 2,389 19 1 --------- -- -- Total $ 10,715 11% 2% --------- -- -- --------- -- --
Due, in part, to loan growth, average holdings of investment securities in the first quarter of 1997 were decreased from both the first and final quarters of 1996. Average investment securities declined to $1.6 billion in the recent quarter from $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 1996 and $1.7 billion in 1996's fourth quarter. Money-market assets averaged $138 million in 1997's initial quarter, compared with $193 million in the year-earlier quarter and $122 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. 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 totaled $12.5 billion in the initial 1997 quarter, an increase of $769 million, or 7%, from $11.7 billion in the first quarter of 1996. Average earning assets were $12.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 1996. Core deposits, which include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings deposits and nonbrokered domestic time deposits under $100,000, represent a significant source of funding to the Company. The Company's New York State branch network is the principal source of core deposits, which generally carry lower interest rates than wholesale funds of comparable maturities. 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 wholly owned commercial bank subsidiary of First Empire. Average core deposits increased to $8.1 billion in 1997's initial quarter from $7.7 billion in the year earlier quarter, and were essentially equal to the fourth quarter of 1996. Average core deposits of M&T Bank, N.A., which began operations in the fourth quarter of 1995, were $388 million in the recently completed quarter, compared with $87 million in the first quarter of 1996 and $382 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. The accompanying table provides an analysis of quarterly changes in the components of average core deposits. AVERAGE CORE DEPOSITS Dollars in millions
Percent increase (decrease) from ------------------------- 1ST QTR. 1ST QTR. 4TH QTR. 1997 1996 1996 --------- -------- -------- NOW accounts $ 281 (63)% ( 14)% Savings deposits 3,346 19 2 Time deposits less than $100,000 3,337 11 1 Demand deposits 1,162 3 (4) ----- -- -- Total $8,126 6 % - % ----- -- -- ----- -- --
-10- 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. Brokered deposits are used to reduce short-term borrowings and lengthen the average maturity of interest-bearing liabilities. Brokered deposits averaged $1.1 billion during the recent quarter and totaled $1.1 billion at March 31, 1997, compared with an average balance of $830 million during the comparable 1996 period and a total balance of $879 million at March 31, 1996. Brokered deposits averaged $1.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 1996. The weighted average remaining term to maturity of brokered deposits at March 31, 1997 was 1.8 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. As a supplement 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 $1.1 billion in the recent quarter, compared with $1.5 billion and $881 million in the first and fourth quarters of 1996, respectively. Also providing funding during the first quarter of 1997 was the aforementioned issuance of $150 million of Capital Securities. These securities are included in long-term borrowings, which also include $175 million of subordinated notes issued by Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company ("M&T Bank"), a wholly owned commercial bank subsidiary of First Empire. Long-term borrowings averaged $278 million and $192 million in the first quarter of 1997 and 1996, respectively, and $186 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. Net interest income is impacted by changes in the composition of the Company's earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in interest rates and spreads. Net interest spread, or the difference between the taxable-equivalent yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.81% in the first quarter of 1997, compared with 3.85% in the year-earlier quarter. The 4 basis point (hundredths of one percent) narrowing of the net interest spread was the result of a 6 basis point decline in the yield on earning assets to 8.36% in the initial 1997 quarter from 8.42% in the first quarter of 1996, partially offset by a 2 basis point decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 4.55% in the first quarter of 1997 from 4.57% in the corresponding 1996 quarter. The net interest spread was 3.77% in the fourth quarter of 1996 when the yield on earning assets was 8.31% and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 4.54%. The contribution to net interest margin of interest-free funds in the first quarter of 1997 was .67%, up from .64% in the comparable quarter of 1996, but down slightly from .69% in 1996's final quarter. The increase from the first quarter of 1996 resulted from a 10% increase in average interest-free funds. Average interest-free funds, consisting largely of non-interest bearing demand deposits and stockholders' equity, totaled $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 1997, up from $1.6 billion a year earlier, but essentially equal to the fourth quarter of 1996. 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. As part of the management of interest rate risk, the Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements 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 March 31, 1997 and 1996 was $2.3 billion. 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 $34 million swap, the Company pays a fixed rate of interest and receives a variable rate. At March 31, 1997 the weighted average rates to be received and paid under interest rate swap agreements were 6.20% and 5.53%, respectively. As of March 31, 1997, the Company had also entered into forward-starting swaps with an aggregate -11- notional amount of $115 million. Such forward-starting swaps had no effect on the Company's net interest income through March 31, 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 MARCH 31 ---------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 -------------------------- ------------------------ AMOUNT RATE * AMOUNT RATE * ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Increase (decrease) in: Interest income.................................................. $ 177 .01% $ (39) -% Interest expense................................................. (3,208) (.12) (3,153) (.13) ------------- ---------- Net interest income/margin......................................... $ 3,385 .11% $ 3,114 .11% ------------- --- ---------- --- ------------- --- ---------- --- Average notional amount **......................................... $ 2,287,090 $2,232,907 ------------- ---------- ------------- ----------
- ------------------------ * 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 March 31, 1997 it would have paid approximately $18 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 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 reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Giving consideration to interest rate swaps in place at March 31, 1997 and utilizing a computer model which aids management in assessing the potential impact of future changes in interest rates and spreads, management's assessment is that the variability of net interest income in the next two years may be largely unaffected by changes in interest rates, but that additional interest rate risk management actions may be necessary to counter any detrimental effect which a sustained decrease in interest rates could likely 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 $150 million of junior subordinated debt issued in January 1997, 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 March 31, 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. -12- PROVISION FOR POSSIBLE CREDIT LOSSES The provision for possible credit losses in the first quarter of 1997 was $11.0 million, up from $9.7 million in the first quarter of 1996, but down slightly from $11.5 million in 1996's fourth quarter. Net loan charge-offs in the first three months of 1997 totaled $7.9 million, up from $5.1 million in 1996's first quarter, but down from $11.5 million in last year's fourth quarter. Net charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average loans and leases were .30% in the first quarter of 1997, compared with .21% in the corresponding 1996 quarter and .43% in the fourth quarter of 1996. Net charge-offs of consumer loans in the first quarter of 1997 were $8.8 million, compared with $5.0 million in the year-earlier quarter and $9.5 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. 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 first quarter of 1997 compared with the first quarter of 1996. Net consumer loan charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average consumer loans and leases were 1.50% in the initial 1997 quarter, compared with 1.00% in the first quarter of 1996 and 1.60% in 1996's final quarter. Nonperforming loans were $97.0 million or .90% of total loans and leases outstanding at March 31, 1997, compared with $82.6 million or .83% at March 31, 1996 and $97.9 million or .91% at December 31, 1996. The increase from the corresponding quarter in 1996 was due mainly to the inclusion in loans past due ninety days but still accruing interest of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans serviced by the Company and repurchased from the Government National Mortgage Association during the second and third quarters of 1996. These loans are covered by guarantees of government agencies. The costs associated with servicing these loans were reduced as a result of the repurchases. Such repurchased loans totaled $13.9 million and $16.3 million at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively. Nonperforming commercial real estate loans totaled $25.6 million at March 31, 1997, $33.7 million at March 31, 1996 and $27.1 million at December 31, 1996. Included in these totals were loans secured by properties located in the New York City metropolitan area of $8.2 million at March 31, 1997, $10.4 million at March 31, 1996 and $10.3 million at December 31, 1996. Nonperforming consumer loans and leases totaled $17.4 million at March 31, 1997, compared with $13.7 million at March 31, 1996 and $17.6 million at December 31, 1996. The increase in nonperforming consumer loans from March 31, 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 .74% at March 31, 1997 and .66% and .73% at March 31 and December 31, 1996, respectively. The repayment performance of consumer loans continues to be closely monitored by management. Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans were $8.7 million at March 31, 1997, $7.5 million at March 31, 1996 and $8.5 million at December 31, 1996. A comparative summary of nonperforming assets and certain credit quality ratios is presented in the accompanying table. -13- NONPERFORMING ASSETS Dollars in thousands
1997 1996 QUARTERS FIRST -------------------------------------------- QUARTER FOURTH THIRD SECOND FIRST ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- Nonaccrual loans..................................... $ 57,366 58,232 59,517 57,603 67,098 Loans past due 90 days or more....................... 36,857 39,652 36,958 27,406 15,513 Renegotiated loans................................... 2,741 -- -- -- -- ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- Total nonperforming loans............................ 96,964 97,884 96,475 85,009 82,611 Other real estate owned.............................. 8,694 8,523 8,467 8,890 7,508 ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- Total nonperforming assets........................... $ 105,658 106,407 104,942 93,899 90,119 ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- Government guaranteed nonperforming loans*........... $ 22,753 25,847 27,475 18,267 6,663 ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- Nonperforming loans to total loans and leases, net of unearned discount.................................. .90% .91% .92% .84% .83% Nonperforming assets to total net loans and other real estate owned.................................. .98% .99% 1.00% .93% .91% ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------- --------- ---------
- -------------------- * Included in total nonperforming loans. The allowance for possible credit losses at March 31, 1997 was $273.6 million, or 2.53% of total loans and leases, compared with $266.9 million or 2.69% a year earlier and $270.5 million or 2.52% at December 31, 1996. The ratio of the allowance for possible credit losses to nonperforming loans was 282% at the most recent quarter-end, compared with 323% at March 31, 1996 and 276% at December 31, 1996. Management regularly assesses the adequacy of the allowance for possible credit losses and records a provision to replenish or build the allowance to a level necessary to maintain an adequate reserve position. In making such assessment, management performs an ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio, 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 March 31, 1997 was adequate to absorb credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio. OTHER INCOME Other income totaled $45.9 million in the first quarter of 1997, compared with $36.3 million in the year-earlier quarter and $47.6 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. Mortgage banking revenues were $12.1 million in the recent quarter, compared with $10.4 million in the year-earlier quarter and $11.5 million in the final quarter of 1996. Residential mortgage loan servicing fees totaled $5.8 million in the initial quarter of 1997, up from $5.2 million in the first quarter of 1996 and $5.4 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. Gains from sales of residential mortgage loans and loan servicing rights were $5.6 million in the recently completed quarter, compared with $4.7 million in the year earlier quarter and $5.7 million in 1996's final quarter. Residential mortgage loans serviced for others totaled $6.5 billion and $5.5 billion at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Capitalized servicing assets were $51 million and $42 million at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $10.4 million in the first quarter of 1997, an increase of 5% from $9.9 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year and essentially equal to the fourth quarter of -14- 1996. Trust income was $6.9 million in the first quarter of 1997, compared with $6.2 million in last year's first quarter and $7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. Merchant discount and other credit card fees were $5.2 million in the recent quarter, compared with $3.1 million and $5.8 million in the first and fourth quarters of 1996, respectively. The increase over the year-earlier period resulted from previous expansion of the Company's co-branded credit card business. Effective March 28, 1997, M&T Bank, N.A. terminated the co-branded credit card program that had been initiated in May 1996 with Giant of Maryland, Inc. Approximately $1.5 million of merchant discount and other credit card fees for the first quarter of 1997 were related to this program. Trading account and foreign exchange activity resulted in gains of $1.3 million in the first 1997 quarter and the last quarter of 1996, compared with losses of $704 thousand in the first quarter of 1996. Other revenue from operations totaled $10.0 million in 1997's initial quarter, up $2.9 million from the comparable quarter of 1996, largely due to a $1.5 million gain realized upon termination of a lease for one of the Company's branch offices and higher fees earned from the sales of mutual funds and annuities. Other revenue from operations totaled $11.2 million in the fourth quarter of 1996 when $2.8 million of gains were realized from sales of venture capital investments of the Company. Other Expense Other expense totaled $104.3 million in the first quarter of 1997, compared with $96.3 million in the first quarter of 1996 and $107.1 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. Salaries and employee benefits expense was $55.6 million in the recent quarter, an increase of 7% from $52.1 million in the corresponding 1996 quarter and 2% from $54.6 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. Factors contributing to the higher expenses were merit salary increases and higher costs associated with incentive-based compensation arrangements and employee benefits. Nonpersonnel expense totaled $48.7 million in the first quarter of 1997, compared with $44.2 million in the year-earlier quarter. The 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 recently terminated co-branded credit card program were approximately $2.2 million in the first quarter of 1997. Nonpersonnel expense in the recent quarter declined $3.8 million from $52.5 million in the fourth quarter of 1996 due largely to lower advertising expenses. Capital Stockholders' equity at March 31, 1997 of $912 million was equal to 6.95% of total assets, compared with $847 million or 6.69% of total assets a year earlier and $906 million or 7.00% at December 31, 1996. On a per share basis, stockholders' equity was $137.33 at March 31, 1997, up from $123.76 and $135.45 at March 31 and December 31, 1996, respectively. Stockholders' equity at March 31, 1997 was reduced by $8.5 million, or $1.28 per common share, for the net after-tax impact of unrealized losses on investment securities classified as available for sale, compared with $7.4 million or $1.09 per common share at March 31, 1996 and $2.5 million or $.37 per common share at December 31, 1996. Such unrealized losses represent the amount by which amortized cost exceeded the fair value of investment securities classified as available for sale, net of applicable income taxes. The market evaluation 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. 15 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. The January 1997 issuance of Capital Securities enhanced the Company's capital ratios. Under regulatory guidelines, core capital includes the Capital Securities and total capital also includes subordinated notes issued by M&T Bank. Unrealized gains or losses on investment securities classified as available for sale are not recognized in determining regulatory capital. The capital ratios of the Company and its banking subsidiaries, M&T Bank, The East New York Savings Bank ("East New York") and M&T Bank, N.A., as of March 31, 1997 are presented in the accompanying table. REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS March 31, 1997 FIRST EMPIRE M&T EAST M&T (CONSOLIDATED) BANK NEW YORK BANK, N.A. --------------- --------- ----------- ---------- Core capital................ 9.76% 7.47% 12.80% 14.78% Total capital............... 12.66% 10.59% 14.06% 16.04% Leverage.................... 8.15% 6.45% 7.65% 6.64% 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 an annualized percentage of average total stockholders' equity, was 15.88% during the first quarter of 1997, compared with 14.60% and 15.96% in the first and fourth quarters of 1996, respectively. During the first quarter of 1997, First Empire acquired 29,062 shares pursuant to and thereby completing the program announced in November 1995 to repurchase up to 380,582 shares of its common stock to be held as treasury stock for reissuance at the time of stock option exercises. The 380,582 shares repurchased under that plan were acquired at an average cost of $243.72 per share. In February 1997, another plan was announced to repurchase and hold as treasury stock up to 303,317 additional shares, also for reissuance upon the possible future exercise of outstanding stock options. As of March 31, 1997, First Empire had repurchased 63,361 common shares pursuant to the new plan at an average cost of $328.59 per share. 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 "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "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, 16 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. 17 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES QUARTERLY TRENDS
1996 QUARTERS 1997 ----------------------------------------- TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT BASIS FIRST QUARTER FOURTH THIRD SECOND FIRST - -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE Interest income......................................... $ 257,029 257,196 251,336 248,673 244,714 Interest expense........................................ 119,321 119,343 117,884 114,996 114,185 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income..................................... 137,708 137,853 133,452 133,677 130,529 Less: provision for possible credit losses.............. 11,000 11,475 10,475 11,700 9,675 Other income............................................ 45,923 47,641 44,893 41,463 36,251 Less: other expense..................................... 104,284 107,082 107,658 97,921 96,317 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes.............................. 68,347 66,937 60,212 65,519 60,788 Applicable income taxes................................. 25,825 25,288 23,090 25,790 23,698 Taxable-equivalent adjustment........................... 1,263 1,229 1,251 1,070 937 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income.............................................. $ 41,259 40,420 35,871 38,659 36,153 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Cash dividends on preferred stock....................... $ -- -- -- -- 900 Per common share data Net income Primary............................................... 5.81 5.70 5.05 5.36 5.20 Fully diluted......................................... 5.80 5.68 5.05 5.36 4.96 Net income, excluding securities transactions Primary............................................... 5.81 5.73 5.05 5.36 5.17 Fully diluted......................................... 5.80 5.71 5.05 5.36 4.93 Cash dividends......................................... $ .80 .70 .70 .70 .70 Average common shares outstanding Primary............................................... 7,100 7,098 7,104 7,212 6,778 Fully diluted......................................... 7,114 7,121 7,106 7,216 7,295 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance sheet data Dollars in millions, except per share Average balances Total assets.......................................... $ 12,866 12,728 12,556 12,486 12,141 Earning assets........................................ 12,464 12,308 12,124 12,044 11,695 Investment securities................................. 1,611 1,659 1,798 1,939 1,830 Loans and leases, net of unearned discount............ 10,715 10,527 10,253 9,997 9,672 Deposits.............................................. 10,454 10,609 10,459 10,069 9,496 Stockholders' equity.................................. 917 891 857 855 849 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- At end of quarter Total assets.......................................... $ 13,122 12,944 12,821 12,542 12,671 Earning assets........................................ 12,621 12,504 12,282 12,015 12,129 Investment securities................................. 1,693 1,572 1,753 1,817 2,108 Loans and leases, net of unearned discount............ 10,803 10,722 10,437 10,129 9,912 Deposits.............................................. 10,533 10,514 10,554 10,193 9,719 Stockholders' equity.................................. 912 906 878 861 847 Equity per common share............................... 137.33 135.45 130.58 126.70 123.76 ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Performance ratios, annualized Return on Average assets........................................ 1.30% 1.26% 1.14% 1.25% 1.20% Average common stockholders' equity................... 18.24% 18.05% 16.64% 18.18% 17.50% Net interest margin on average earning assets........... 4.48% 4.46% 4.38% 4.46% 4.49% Nonperforming assets to total assets, at end of quarter............................................... .81% .82% .82% .75% .71% ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Market price per common share High.................................................. $ 336 289 5/8 258 247 247 3/4 Low................................................... 281 250 239 232 209 Closing............................................... 320 288 249 241 246
- 18 -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANNUALIZED TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT RATES 1997 FIRST QUARTER 1996 FOURTH QUARTER AVERAGE BALANCE IN MILLIONS; INTEREST IN AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE THOUSANDS BALANCE INTEREST RATE BALANCE INTEREST RATE - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Assets Earning assets Loans and leases, net of unearned discount* Commercial, financial, etc................ $ 2,187 $ 44,623 8.27% 2,072 42,480 8.16% Real estate............................... 6,139 131,135 8.54 6,082 131,894 8.67 Consumer.................................. 2,389 54,311 9.22 2,373 55,118 9.24 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total loans and leases, net............. 10,715 230,069 8.71 10,527 229,492 8.67 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks........ 48 709 6.01 50 762 6.03 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities....................... 32 405 5.22 37 492 5.32 Trading account........................... 58 255 1.78 35 283 3.21 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total money-market assets............... 138 1,369 4.04 122 1,537 5.01 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Investment securities** U.S. Treasury and federal agencies........ 1,064 16,679 6.36 1,097 17,069 6.19 Obligations of states and political subdivisions............................ 41 677 6.66 41 682 6.54 Other..................................... 506 8,235 6.61 521 8,416 6.43 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total investment securities............. 1,611 25,591 6.44 1,659 26,167 6.27 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total earning assets.................... 12,464 257,029 8.36 12,308 257,196 8.31 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Allowance for possible credit losses........ (272) (271) Cash and due from banks..................... 298 325 Other assets................................ 376 366 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total assets............................ $ 12,866 12,728 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Liabilities and stockholders' equity Interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing deposits NOW accounts.............................. $ 281 920 1.33 327 1,247 1.52 Savings deposits.......................... 3,346 22,248 2.70 3,291 22,458 2.71 Time deposits............................. 5,410 73,757 5.53 5,516 77,006 5.55 Deposits at foreign office................ 255 3,239 5.16 258 3,354 5.16 Total interest-bearing deposits......... 9,292 100,164 4.37 9,392 104,065 4.41 Short-term borrowings....................... 1,075 13,700 5.17 881 11,785 5.32 Long-term borrowings........................ 278 5,457 7.96 186 3,493 7.47 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total interest-bearing liabilities...... 10,645 119,321 4.55 10,459 119,343 4.54 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Demand deposits............................. 1,162 1,217 Other liabilities........................... 142 161 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities....................... 11,949 11,837 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Stockholders' equity........................ 917 891 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................ $ 12,866 12,728 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net interest spread......................... 3.81 3.77 Contribution of interest-free funds......... .67 .69 - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net interest income/margin on earning assets.................................... $137,708 4.48% 137,853 4.46% - -------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
1996 THIRD QUARTER AVERAGE BALANCE IN MILLIONS; INTEREST IN AVERAGE AVERAGE THOUSANDS BALANCE INTEREST RATE - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Assets Earning assets Loans and leases, net of unearned discount* Commercial, financial, etc................ 2,023 41,322 8.12% Real estate............................... 5,972 128,704 8.62 Consumer.................................. 2,258 52,268 9.21 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total loans and leases, net............. 10,253 222,294 8.62 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks........ 24 354 5.98 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities....................... 23 311 5.46 Trading account........................... 26 247 3.73 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total money-market assets............... 73 912 5.00 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Investment securities** U.S. Treasury and federal agencies........ 1,208 18,719 6.16 Obligations of states and political subdivisions............................ 44 711 6.43 Other..................................... 546 8,700 6.34 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total investment securities............. 1,798 28,130 6.23 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total earning assets.................... 12,124 251,336 8.25 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Allowance for possible credit losses........ (271) Cash and due from banks..................... 345 Other assets................................ 358 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total assets............................ 12,556 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Liabilities and stockholders' equity Interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing deposits NOW accounts.............................. 794 2,768 1.39 Savings deposits.......................... 2,854 21,170 2.95 Time deposits............................. 5,359 74,706 5.55 Deposits at foreign office................ 257 3,382 5.23 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total interest-bearing deposits......... 9,264 102,026 4.38 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Short-term borrowings....................... 928 12,311 5.28 Long-term borrowings........................ 188 3,547 7.48 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total interest-bearing liabilities...... 10,380 117,884 4.52 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Demand deposits............................. 1,195 Other liabilities........................... 124 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities....................... 11,699 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Stockholders' equity........................ 857 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................ 12,556 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net interest spread......................... 3.73 - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Contribution of interest-free funds......... .65 Net interest income/margin on earning assets.................................... 133,452 4.38% - -------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
- ------------------------ * Includes nonaccrual loans. ** Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost. (continued) 19
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANNUALIZED TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT RATES (continued) 1996 SECOND QUARTER 1996 FIRST QUARTER AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE BALANCE IN MILLIONS; INTEREST IN THOUSANDS BALANCE INTEREST RATE BALANCE INTEREST - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Assets Earning assets Loans and leases, net of unearned discount* Commercial, financial, etc.................................... $ 2,032 $ 41,682 8.25% 1,995 40,538 Real estate................................................... 5,846 126,747 8.67 5,672 124,924 Consumer...................................................... 2,119 49,160 9.33 2,005 48,285 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total loans and leases, net................................. 9,997 217,589 8.75 9,672 213,747 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks............................ 18 266 6.14 62 1,031 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities........ 58 779 5.38 102 1,403 Trading account............................................... 32 264 3.33 29 306 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total money-market assets................................... 108 1,309 4.89 193 2,740 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Investment securities** U.S. Treasury and federal agencies............................ 1,324 20,248 6.15 1,173 17,987 Obligations of states and political subdivisions.............. 41 668 6.50 36 617 Other......................................................... 574 8,859 6.21 621 9,623 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total investment securities................................. 1,939 29,775 6.17 1,830 28,227 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total earning assets........................................ 12,044 248,673 8.30 11,695 244,714 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Allowance for possible credit losses............................ (269) (266) Cash and due from banks......................................... 331 335 Other assets.................................................... 380 377 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total assets................................................ $ 12,486 12,141 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Liabilities and stockholders' equity Interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing deposits NOW accounts.................................................. $ 760 2,642 1.40 759 2,773 Savings deposits.............................................. 2,872 20,673 2.90 2,803 20,521 Time deposits................................................. 5,026 68,920 5.51 4,642 65,456 Deposits at foreign office.................................... 273 3,534 5.20 166 2,129 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total interest-bearing deposits............................. 8,931 95,769 4.31 8,370 90,879 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Short-term borrowings........................................... 1,243 15,657 5.07 1,484 19,689 Long-term borrowings............................................ 190 3,570 7.55 192 3,617 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total interest-bearing liabilities.......................... 10,364 114,996 4.46 10,046 114,185 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Demand deposits................................................. 1,138 1,126 Other liabilities............................................... 129 120 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities........................................... 11,631 11,292 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Stockholders' equity............................................ 855 849 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................. $ 12,486 12,141 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net interest spread............................................. 3.84 Contribution of interest-free funds............................. .62 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net interest income/margin on earning assets................... $ 133,677 4.46% 130,529 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
* Includes nonaccrual loans. **Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost.
AVERAGE AVERAGE BALANCE IN MILLIONS; INTEREST IN THOUSANDS RATE - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Assets Earning assets Loans and leases, net of unearned discount* Commercial, financial, etc.................................... 8.17% Real estate................................................... 8.81 Consumer...................................................... 9.68 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total loans and leases, net................................. 8.89 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Money-market assets Interest-bearing deposits at banks............................ 6.68 Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities........ 5.53 Trading account............................................... 4.34 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total money-market assets................................... 5.73 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Investment securities** U.S. Treasury and federal agencies............................ 6.17 Obligations of states and political subdivisions.............. 6.85 Other......................................................... 6.23 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total investment securities................................. 6.20 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total earning assets........................................ 8.42 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Allowance for possible credit losses............................ Cash and due from banks......................................... Other assets.................................................... - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total assets................................................ - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Liabilities and stockholders' equity Interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing deposits NOW accounts.................................................. 1.47 Savings deposits.............................................. 2.94 Time deposits................................................. 5.67 Deposits at foreign office.................................... 5.16 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total interest-bearing deposits............................. 4.37 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Short-term borrowings........................................... 5.34 Long-term borrowings............................................ 7.57 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total interest-bearing liabilities.......................... 4.57 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Demand deposits................................................. Other liabilities............................................... - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total liabilities........................................... - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Stockholders' equity............................................ - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................. - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Net interest spread............................................. 3.85 Contribution of interest-free funds............................. .64 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Net interest income/margin on earning assets.................... 4.49% - ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
- ------------------------ *Includes nonaccrual loans. **Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost. 20 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 January 1997, the Issuer Trust, a Delaware business trust, issued $150 million of 8.234% Capital Securities. The common securities of the Issuer Trust are wholly owned by First Empire, and the Capital Securities represent preferred undivided interests in the assets of the Issuer Trust. The proceeds from the issuance of the Capital Securities ($150 million) and common securities ($4.64 million) were used by the Issuer Trust to purchase $154.64 million of 8.234% junior subordinated debentures ("Junior Subordinated Debentures") issued by First Empire. The Junior Subordinated Debentures represent the sole asset of the Issuer Trust and payments under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are the Issuer Trust's sole source of cash flow. Holders of the Capital Securities receive preferential cumulative cash distributions semi-annually each February 1st and August 1st at a rate of 8.234% 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. The 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of First Empire was held on April 15, 1997. At the 1997 Annual Meeting, stockholders elected seventeen (17) directors, all of whom were then serving as directors of First Empire, for terms of one (1) year and until their successors are elected and 21 qualified. The following table reflects the tabulation of the votes with respect to each director who was elected at the 1997 Annual Meeting. NUMBER OF VOTES --------------------- NOMINEE FOR WITHHELD - ------------------------------ --------- --------- Brent D. Baird...................................... 6,104,990 7,076 John H. Benisch..................................... 6,105,034 7,032 C. Angela Bontempo.................................. 6,096,827 15,239 Robert T. Brady................................... . 6,097,534 14,532 Patrick J. Callan................................... 6,105,034 7,032 Richard E. Garman................................... 6,102,368 9,698 James V. Glynn...................................... 6,105,034 7,032 Roy M. Goodman...................................... 5,659,634 452,432 Patrick W.E. Hodgson................................ 6,105,034 7,032 Samuel T. Hubbard, Jr............................... 6,097,734 14,332 Lambros J. Lambros.................................. 6,105,008 7,058 Wilfred J. Larson................................... 6,102,394 9,672 Jorge G. Pereira.................................... 5,664,858 447,208 Raymond D. Stevens, Jr.............................. 6,101,872 10,194 Herbert L. Washington............................... 5,661,083 450,983 John L. Wehle, Jr................................... 6,097,734 14,332 Robert G. Wilmers................................... 6,104,926 7,140 Item 5. Other Information. (None.) Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report: Exhibit No. - -------- 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of First Empire State Corporation dated May 7, 1997, filed by the Secretary of State of New York on May 8, 1997. Filed herewith. 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. First Empire filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1997, all of which only reported Other Events disclosed under Item 5 of Form 8-K: On January 2, 1997, First Empire filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 27, 1996, reporting on its December 27, 1996 public announcement of the intended merger of East New York with and into M&T Bank. On January 23, 1997, First Empire filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 9, 1997, announcing its results of operations for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and other matters. On February 11, 1997, a Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31, 1997 was filed to announce First Empire's completion of a $150 million offering of trust preferred securities. On February 21, 1997, First Empire filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 19, 1997, concerning the public announcement of a new program to repurchase up to 303,317 shares of First Empire's common stock and other matters. 22 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: May 14, 1997 By: /s/ Michael P. Pinto ----------------------------- Michael P. Pinto Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 23 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. - -------- 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of First Empire State Corporation, dated May 7, 1997. Filed herewith. 11.1 Statement re: Computation of Earnings Per Common Share. Filed herewith. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule. Filed herewith. 24

                                                             Exhibit No. 3.1
 
                     RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
                                       OF
 
                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
 
               UNDER SECTION 807 OF THE BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW
 
    The undersigned, being the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 
Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and 
Secretary of First Empire State Corporation, pursuant to Section 807 of the 
Business Corporation Law of the State of New York, do hereby restate, certify 
and set forth: 

    (1) The name of the corporation is FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION. 

    (2) The certificate of incorporation was filed by the Department of State 
on the 6th day of November, 1969. A first restated certificate of 
incorporation was filed by the Department of State on the 19th day of 
December, 1969; a second restated certificate of incorporation was filed by 
the Department of State on the 28th day of April, 1986; and a third restated 
certificate of incorporation was filed by the Department of State on the 20th 
day of April, 1989. 

    (3) Thereafter, an amendment to the restated certificate of incorporation 
was filed by the Department of State on the 14th day of March, 1991 which 
designated a series of 9% convertible preferred shares of the Corporation. 
All of the shares of the 9%

       


convertible preferred shares of the Corporation authorized by that 
designation were issued on March 15, 1991, and on March 29, 1996 all of such 
preferred shares were converted into shares of the common stock of the 
Corporation and thereupon canceled. 

    (4) The restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, is hereby 
further amended to effect an amendment authorized by the Business Corporation 
Law, to repeal the amendment to the third restated certificate of 
incorporation and thereby delete from Article FOURTH the provisions that 
established the series of 9% convertible preferred shares of the Corporation. 
Article FIFTH, relating to the service of process address, is also hereby 
amended. 

    (5) The text of the certificate of incorporation, as amended heretofore, 
is hereby restated as amended to read as hereinafter set forth in full:


                  CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION 
                                of 
                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
                 ------------------------------


         FIRST:   The name of the Corporation is FIRST EMPIRE STATE 
CORPORATION.
 
                                       2


         SECOND:   The purpose or purposes for which it is formed are:
 
  (1) To engage in the business of a bank holding company.

  (2) To acquire by purchase, subscription or otherwise, and to own and
      hold and exercise all the powers and privileges of ownership and to sell,
      exchange, or otherwise dispose of and deal in and with shares, bonds, and
      other securities, interests or obligations issued by any person,
      corporation, firm, or other entity, domestic or foreign.
 
  (3) To the extent permitted by law to cause to be organized, merged or
      consolidated, any corporation, firm or other entity, domestic or foreign.
 
  (4) To the extent permitted by law to render services, assistance, and
      advice to, and to act as representative or agent in any capacity of, any
      person, corporation, firm, or other entity, domestic or foreign.
 
  (5) To arrange for, finance, pay or cause to be paid the compensation of
      the directors, officers or employees of any corporation, firm, or other
      entity in the business affairs of which the Corporation shall have any
      interest and to adopt, alter or amend any plan or plans for additional
      compensation to such directors, officers or employees.
 
  (6) To purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire, and to own, improve,
      mortgage or otherwise encumber, real and personal property, or any 
      interest therein wherever situated.
 
The foregoing purposes shall be construed in furtherance and not in 
limitation of powers now or hereafter conferred by the laws of the State of 
New York.
 
         THIRD:   The office of the Corporation is to be located in the City 
of Buffalo, County of Erie, and State of New York.

                                       3


         FOURTH:   1. The aggregate number of shares of stock which the 
Corporation shall have authority to issue is sixteen million (16,000,000) 
shares, divided into two classes, namely, preferred shares and common shares. 
The number of preferred shares authorized is one million (1,000,000) shares 
of the par value of one dollar ($1.00) per share. The number of common shares 
authorized is fifteen million (15,000,000) shares of the par value of five 
dollars ($5.00) per share.
 
    2. Authority is hereby granted to the Board of Directors at any time and 
from time to time to issue the preferred shares in one or more series and for 
such consideration, not less than the par value thereof, as may be fixed from 
time to time by the Board of Directors, and, before the issuance of any 
shares of a particular series to fix the designation of such series, the 
number of shares to comprise such series, the dividend rate or rates payable 
with respect to the shares of such series, the redemption price or prices, 
the voting rights, and any other relative rights, preferences and limitations 
pertaining to such series. In lieu of issuing a new series, the Board of 
Directors may increase the number of shares of a series already outstanding. 
Before the issue of any shares of a series established by the Board of 
Directors, the Board shall cause to be delivered to the Department of State 
the necessary certificate of amendment under the Business Corporation Law of 
the State of New York as now in effect or hereafter amended.
 
                                       4



    3. The description of the common shares and of their relative rights and 
limitations are as follows:
 
        (a) Out of the assets of the Corporation which are by law available for
    the payment of dividends remaining after all dividends to which any
    preferred shares then outstanding shall be entitled shall have been declared
    and paid or set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, dividends
    may be declared and paid upon the common shares to the exclusion of the
    holders of preferred shares.
 
        (b) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
    dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of record of any
    preferred shares then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid the amount
    which the Board of Directors prior to issuance of such preferred shares
    fixed to be paid for each such share upon such liquidation, dissolution or
    winding up as set forth in the necessary certificate of amendment, as
    required by Article FOURTH, Paragraph 2 above plus accumulated dividends on
    such shares up to the date of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
    the Corporation and no more. After payment to the holders of any preferred
    shares then outstanding of the amount payable to them as aforesaid, the
    remaining assets of the Corporation shall be payable to and distributed
    ratably among the holders of record of the common shares.
 
        (c) The holders of the common shares shall vote share for share,
    together with the holders of any series of the preferred shares entitled to
    have voting rights except as may be provided by the Board of Directors with
    respect to any other series of the preferred shares.
 
         FIFTH: The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the 
Corporation upon whom process against the Corporation may be served. The post 
office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any 
process against the Corporation 

                                       5


served upon him is Executive Offices, 19th Floor, One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New 
York 14240.
 
         SIXTH:   No holder of shares of the Corporation of any class, now or 
hereafter authorized, shall have any preferential or preemptive right to 
subscribe for, purchase or receive any shares of the Corporation of any 
class, now or hereafter authorized, or any options or warrants for such 
shares, or any rights to subscribe to or purchase such shares, or any 
securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares, which may at any 
time be issued, sold or offered for sale by the Corporation.
 
         SEVENTH:   As to any act or omission occurring after the adoption of 
this provision, a director of the Corporation shall, to the maximum extent 
permitted by the laws of the State of New York, have no personal liability to 
the Corporation or any of its stockholders for damages for any breach of duty 
as a director, provided that this Article SEVENTH shall not eliminate or 
reduce the liability of a director in any case where such elimination or 
reduction is not permitted by law. 

                            ----------------------------

   (6) This restatement of the certificate of incorporation of FIRST EMPIRE 
STATE CORPORATION was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation 
at a meeting thereof duly convened and held on April 15, 1997.
 
                                       6


    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed, signed and verified this
certificate this 7th day of May, 1997.


                                     FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION 


                                     By: /s/ Robert G. Wilmers 
                                        -----------------------
                                          Chairman of the Board, 
                                          President and 
                                          Chief Operating Officer


                                     By: /s/ Richard A. Lammert 
                                        -------------------------
                                          Senior Vice President, 
                                          General Counsel and Secretary

                                       7


STATE OF NEW YORK ) 
                  )    SS.:
COUNTY OF ERIE    )        

 
    Robert G. Wilmers and Richard A. Lammert, being first duly sworn, depose 
and say that they are respectively, the Chairman of the Board, President and 
Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and 
Secretary of FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION, that they have read the 
foregoing certificate and know the contents thereof and that the statements 
therein contained are true. 

                                     /s/ Robert G. Wilmers 
                                     ----------------------

                                    /s/ Richard A. Lammert
                                    -----------------------




Sworn to before me 
this 7th day of 
May, 1997. 

/s/ Timothy G. McEvoy 
- ---------------------
Notary Public
 
                                       8


                       RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
                                       OF
 
                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
 
               UNDER SECTION 807 OF THE BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW
 
Dated:                   May 7, 1997

Filer:                   Richard A. Lammert, Esq. 
                         Senior Vice President, 
                         General Counsel and Secretary
                         First Empire State Corporation 
                         One M & T Plaza 
                         Buffalo, New York 14240

                                       9


                      Exhibit No. 11.1

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Primary Average common shares outstanding...................... 6,685 6,399 Common stock equivalents *............................. 415 379 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Primary common shares outstanding...................... 7,100 6,778 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income............................................. $41,259 36,153 Less: Cash dividends on preferred stock................ -- 900 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income available to common shareholders........... $41,259 35,253 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per common share--primary..................... $5.81 5.20 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fully diluted Average common shares outstanding...................... 6,685 6,399 Common stock equivalents *............................. 429 406 Assumed conversion of 9% convertible preferred stock....................................... -- 490 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fully diluted average common shares outstanding..... 7,114 7,295 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income..................................... $41,259 36,153 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per common share--fully diluted....... $5.80 4.96 - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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 3-MOS DEC-31-1997 MAR-31-1997 376,741 47,713 20,926 56,040 1,543,855 149,450 149,862 11,177,030 273,573 13,122,232 10,533,365 1,140,079 208,645 327,960 0 0 40,487 871,696 13,122,232 229,575 24,856 1,335 255,766 100,164 119,321 136,445 11,000 (45) 104,284 67,084 41,259 0 0 41,259 5.81 5.80 4.48 57,366 36,857 2,741 0 270,466 13,653 5,760 273,573 144,574 0 128,999