berkshire_hills10q-85812.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
 
 berkshire hills bancorp
(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007

OR

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

For the transition period from __________________ to _________________

Commission File Number 0-51584

 BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
  (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
04-3510455
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
24 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
01201
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(413) 443-5601
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 

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 ý    No ¨

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

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer ¨

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

The Registrant had 8,855,308 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of August 7, 2007.


1


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-Q

INDEX
 
   
Page
 
     
 
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
15
     
 
17
     
 
18
     
25
     
25
     
 
     
26
     
26
     
26
     
26
     
27
     
27
     
27
     
 
28
     
 
 


2



PART I

ITEM 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE SHEETS
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Assets
           
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $
25,913
    $
30,985
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
184,122
     
194,206
 
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
   
39,642
     
39,968
 
                 
Residential mortgages
   
618,442
     
599,273
 
Commercial mortgages
   
594,974
     
567,074
 
Commercial business loans
   
172,299
     
189,758
 
Consumer loans
   
344,527
     
342,882
 
Total loans
   
1,730,242
     
1,698,987
 
Less:  Allowance for loan losses
    (19,151 )     (19,370 )
Net loans
   
1,711,091
     
1,679,617
 
                 
Premises and equipment, net
   
31,537
     
29,130
 
Goodwill
   
105,051
     
104,531
 
Other intangible assets
   
15,474
     
16,810
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
   
30,836
     
30,338
 
Other assets
   
25,966
     
24,057
 
Total assets
  $
2,169,632
    $
2,149,642
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Demand deposits
  $
178,673
    $
178,109
 
NOW deposits
   
134,978
     
153,087
 
Money market deposits
   
323,838
     
297,155
 
Savings deposits
   
195,439
     
202,213
 
Total non-maturity deposits
   
832,928
     
830,564
 
Brokered time deposits
   
29,098
     
41,741
 
Other time deposits
   
666,488
     
649,633
 
Total time deposits
   
695,586
     
691,374
 
Total deposits
   
1,528,514
     
1,521,938
 
Borrowings
   
353,083
     
345,005
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
15,464
     
15,464
 
Other liabilities
   
6,219
     
9,074
 
Total liabilities
   
1,903,280
     
1,891,481
 
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Preferred stock ($.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued)
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock ($.01 par value; 26,000,000 shares authorized; 10,600,472 shares issued)
   
106
     
106
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
202,441
     
200,975
 
Unearned compensation
    (2,805 )     (1,896 )
Retained earnings
   
112,621
     
105,731
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (1,274 )    
92
 
Treasury stock, at cost (1,758,149 shares at June 30, 2007
               
and 1,887,068 at December 31, 2006)
    (44,737 )     (46,847 )
Total stockholders' equity
   
266,352
     
258,161
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
2,169,632
    $
2,149,642
 
                 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest and dividend income
                       
Loans
  $
29,152
    $
24,017
    $
57,674
    $
46,373
 
Securities and other
   
2,842
     
4,195
     
5,790
     
8,909
 
Total interest and dividend income
   
31,994
     
28,212
     
63,464
     
55,282
 
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
   
12,318
     
9,843
     
24,267
     
18,599
 
Borrowings and junior subordinated debenture
   
4,638
     
3,911
     
8,969
     
7,617
 
Total interest expense
   
16,956
     
13,754
     
33,236
     
26,216
 
Net interest income
   
15,038
     
14,458
     
30,228
     
29,066
 
Non-interest income
                               
Insurance commissions and fees
   
3,786
     
581
     
8,777
     
1,489
 
Deposit service fees
   
1,788
     
1,383
     
3,302
     
2,669
 
Wealth management fees
   
968
     
772
     
1,887
     
1,528
 
Loan service fees
   
48
     
125
     
357
     
351
 
Total fee income
   
6,590
     
2,861
     
14,323
     
6,037
 
Other
   
303
     
520
     
726
     
938
 
Gain on sale of securities, net
   
-
     
529
     
81
     
1,026
 
Total non-interest income
   
6,893
     
3,910
     
15,130
     
8,001
 
Total net revenue
   
21,931
     
18,368
     
45,358
     
37,067
 
Provision for loan losses
   
100
     
600
     
850
     
890
 
Non-interest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
8,230
     
5,758
     
16,741
     
11,411
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
2,385
     
1,822
     
4,871
     
3,753
 
Marketing, data processing, and professional services
   
2,116
     
1,595
     
4,063
     
3,225
 
Non-recurring expense
   
-
     
385
     
153
     
385
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
662
     
478
     
1,324
     
956
 
Other
   
1,710
     
1,600
     
3,360
     
3,133
 
Total non-interest expense
   
15,103
     
11,638
     
30,512
     
22,863
 
                                 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
6,728
     
6,130
     
13,996
     
13,314
 
Income tax expense
   
2,152
     
1,888
     
4,478
     
4,254
 
Net income from continuing operations
   
4,576
     
4,242
     
9,518
     
9,060
 
                                 
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
   
-
     
359
     
-
     
359
 
Income tax expense
   
-
     
138
     
-
     
138
 
Net income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
221
     
-
     
221
 
Net income
  $
4,576
    $
4,463
    $
9,518
    $
9,281
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
                               
Continuing operations
  $
0.52
    $
0.50
    $
1.09
    $
1.07
 
Discontinued operations
   
-
     
0.02
     
-
     
0.02
 
Total
  $
0.52
    $
0.52
    $
1.09
    $
1.09
 
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
                               
Continuing operations
  $
0.52
    $
0.48
    $
1.07
    $
1.03
 
Discontinued operations
   
-
     
0.03
     
-
     
0.03
 
Total
  $
0.52
    $
0.51
    $
1.07
    $
1.06
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
                               
Basic
   
8,732
     
8,513
     
8,697
     
8,492
 
Diluted
   
8,875
     
8,760
     
8,855
     
8,758
 

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
 
             
Total stockholders' equity at beginning of period
  $
258,161
    $
246,066
 
Comprehensive income:
               
Net income
   
9,518
     
9,281
 
Change in net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale,
               
net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects
    (1,437 )     (4,152 )
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments
   
71
      (36 )
Total comprehensive income
   
8,152
     
5,093
 
Cash dividends declared ($0.28 per share in 2007 and $0.42 per share in 2006)
    (2,456 )     (3,613 )
Treasury stock purchased
    (385 )     (2,279 )
Exercise of stock options
   
1,457
     
1,655
 
Reissuance of treasury stock-other
   
1,641
     
1,608
 
Stock-based compensation
   
76
     
120
 
Tax benefit from stock compensation
   
615
     
574
 
Change in unearned compensation
    (909 )     (974 )
Total stockholders' equity at end of period
  $
266,352
    $
248,250
 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


5


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $
9,518
    $
9,281
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Provision for loan losses
   
850
     
890
 
Depreciation, amortization, and deferrals, net
   
2,833
     
2,830
 
Stock-based compensation
   
807
     
756
 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
    (615 )     (574 )
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies
    (498 )     (540 )
Net gains on sales of securities and loans, net
    (81 )     (1,026 )
Net change in all other assets
    (3,731 )     (2,550 )
Net change in other liabilities
    (2,855 )    
1,530
 
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
   
6,228
     
10,597
 
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities
   
-
     
359
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
6,228
     
10,956
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Sales of securities available for sale
   
2,046
     
17,243
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and prepayments - securities available for sale
   
15,982
     
28,961
 
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (10,169 )     (14,209 )
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and prepayments - securities held to maturity
   
5,736
     
7,700
 
Purchases of securities held to maturity
    (5,411 )     (20,318 )
Increase in loans, net
    (31,004 )     (135,803 )
Capital expenditures
    (4,006 )     (3,617 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
   
-
     
370
 
Total net cash used by investing activities
    (26,826 )     (119,673 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
   
6,576
     
92,285
 
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances
   
79,325
     
177,014
 
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    (66,247 )     (161,766 )
Repayment of bank note
    (5,000 )    
-
 
Treasury stock purchased
    (385 )     (2,279 )
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock
   
3,098
     
3,263
 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
   
615
     
574
 
Cash dividends paid
    (2,456 )     (2,406 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
15,526
     
106,685
 
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,072 )     (2,032 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
30,985
     
31,087
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $
25,913
    $
29,055
 
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Interest paid on deposits
  $
24,472
    $
18,550
 
Interest paid on borrowed funds
   
8,917
     
7,765
 
Income taxes paid, net
   
5,006
     
1,239
 

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.           GENERAL

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation, and Use of Estimates
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. ("Berkshire" or the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Berkshire Bank (the "Bank") and Berkshire Insurance Group, but exclude its wholly-owned subsidiary Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I, which is accounted for using the equity method.  The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the year.
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are susceptible to near-term changes include the determination of the allowance for loan losses, tax related assets and liabilities, and the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Business
 
Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through its offices in Western Massachusetts and Northeastern New York. Its primary deposit products are checking, NOW, money market, savings, and time deposit accounts.  Its primary lending products are residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, commercial business loans and consumer loans. The Company offers electronic banking, cash management, and other transaction and reporting services. The Company offers wealth management services including trust, financial planning, and investment services. The Company is the agent for complete lines of property and casualty, life, disability, and health insurance.
 

 
 

7


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Earnings Per Common Share
 
Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following (average diluted shares outstanding are calculated using the treasury stock method):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
4,576
    $
4,463
    $
9,518
    $
9,281
 
                                 
Average number of common shares outstanding
   
8,831
     
8,613
     
8,791
     
8,596
 
Less: average number of unvested stock award shares
    (99 )     (100 )     (94 )     (104 )
Average number of basic shares outstanding
   
8,732
     
8,513
     
8,697
     
8,492
 
Plus: average number of unvested stock award shares
   
99
     
100
     
94
     
104
 
Plus: average number of dilutive shares based on stock options
   
44
     
147
     
64
     
162
 
Average number of diluted shares outstanding
   
8,875
     
8,760
     
8,855
     
8,758
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.52
    $
0.52
    $
1.09
    $
1.09
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.52
    $
0.51
    $
1.07
    $
1.06
 
                                 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)
 
SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for FinancialAssets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 permits all entities to choose to elect to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings. Eligible items include any recognized financial assets and liabilities with certain exceptions including but not limited to, deposit liabilities, investments in subsidiaries, and certain deferred compensation arrangements. The decision about whether to elect the fair value option is generally applied on an instrument -by-instrument basis, is generally irrevocable, and is applied only to an entire instrument and not to only specified risks, specific cash flows, or portions of that instrument. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Management is currently analyzing the impact of making this election for any of the Company’s eligible financial assets or liabilities.
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation and Task Force Issue
 
FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement 109.”   The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met.
 

8


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties. Adoption of FIN 48 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.  The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.  The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for federal and state income taxes.
 
EITF No. 06-10, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.”  In March 2007, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue No. 06-10 (“EITF 06-10”), “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” EITF 06-10 requires employers to recognize a liability for the post-retirement benefit related to collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements in accordance with SFAS No. 106 or APB Opinion No. 12. EITF 06-10 also requires employers to recognize and measure an asset based on the nature and substance of the collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement. The provisions of EITF 06-10 are effective for the Company on January 1, 2008, with earlier application permitted, and are to be applied as a change in accounting principle either through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings or other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the year of adoption; or as a change in accounting principle through retrospective application to all prior periods. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impacts of adopting EITF 06-10 on its financial statements.
 
 
2.         PENDING MERGER

On  May 14, 2007,  the  Company  entered  into a definitive  merger  agreement  with Factory Point Bancorp,  Inc., the parent company of The Factory Point National Bank of Manchester Center, Vermont, pursuant to which Factory Point Bancorp will  merge with and into Berkshire Hills Bancorp, with the Company being the surviving entity.  Under the terms of the agreement, the stockholders of Factory Point Bancorp will be entitled to elect to receive either $19.50 in cash or 0.5844 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for each Factory Point Bancorp share held by them, subject to procedures to ensure that 80% of the total shares of Factory Point common stock will be exchanged for Berkshire Hills common stock and that the remainder will be exchanged for cash.  The  completion of the merger is subject  to  approval  by the  stockholders  of  both  companies  and  customary regulatory  approvals.  The merger is expected to close in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2007.  This merger agreement had no significant effect on the Company's financial statements for the periods presented.



9


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3.           SECURITIES

A summary of securities follows:
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
June 30, 2007
           
Securities Available for Sale
           
Debt securities:
           
Municipal bonds and obligations
  $
62,331
    $
61,740
 
Mortgage-backed securities, other
   
87,905
     
86,392
 
Other bonds and obligations
   
13,124
     
13,039
 
Total debt securities
   
163,360
     
161,171
 
Equity securities:
               
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
19,720
     
19,720
 
Other equity securities
   
2,549
     
3,231
 
Total equity securities
   
22,269
     
22,951
 
Total securities available for sale
   
185,629
     
184,122
 
                 
Securities Held to Maturity
               
Municipal bonds and obligations
   
35,940
     
35,402
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
3,702
     
3,626
 
Total securities held to maturity
   
39,642
     
39,028
 
Total securities
  $
225,271
    $
223,150
 

                 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
December 31, 2006
               
Securities Available for Sale
               
Debt securities:
               
Municipal bonds and obligations
  $
63,788
    $
64,503
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
85,102
     
84,334
 
Other bonds and obligations
   
20,392
     
20,439
 
Total debt securities
   
169,282
     
169,276
 
Equity securities:
               
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
21,766
     
21,766
 
Other equity securities
   
2,921
     
3,164
 
Total equity securities
   
24,687
     
24,930
 
Total securities available for sale
   
193,969
     
194,206
 
                 
Securities Held to Maturity
               
Municipal bonds and obligations
   
35,572
     
35,286
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
4,396
     
4,400
 
Total securities held to maturity
   
39,968
     
39,686
 
Total securities
  $
233,937
    $
233,892
 


10



BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.           LOANS

Loans consisted of the following:
 
   
June 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance
   
Balance
 
Residential mortgages:
           
1 - 4 Family
  $
578
    $
567
 
Construction
   
40
     
32
 
Total residential mortgages
   
618
     
599
 
                 
Commercial mortgages:
               
Construction
   
129
     
130
 
Single and multi-family
   
62
     
65
 
Other commercial mortgages
   
404
     
372
 
Total commercial mortgages
   
595
     
567
 
                 
Commercial business loans
   
172
     
190
 
Total commercial loans
   
767
     
757
 
                 
Consumer loans:
               
Auto
   
204
     
196
 
Home equity and other
   
141
     
147
 
Total consumer loans
   
345
     
343
 
Total loans
  $
1,730
    $
1,699
 

 
5.           LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE

Activity in the allowance for loan losses was as follows:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,   
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $
19,370
    $
13,001
 
Provision for loan losses
   
850
     
890
 
Loans charged-off
    (1,305 )     (695 )
Recoveries
   
236
     
341
 
Balance at end of period
  $
19,151
    $
13,537
 

 

11



BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.           DEPOSITS

A summary of period end time deposits is as follows:
   
June 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance
   
Balance
 
Time less than $100,000
  $
376
    $
370
 
Time $100,000 or more
   
291
     
280
 
Brokered time
   
29
     
42
 
Total time deposits
  $
696
    $
692
 

 
7.           REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Bank’s actual and required capital ratios were as follows:

               
FDIC Minimum 
   
June 30, 2007 
 
December 31, 2006 
 
to be Well Capitalized 
                   
Total capital to risk weighted assets
    10.5 %     10.3 %     10.0 %
                         
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
   
9.4
     
9.1
     
6.0
 
                         
Tier 1 capital to average assets
   
8.0
     
7.7
     
5.0
 

At each date shown, Berkshire Bank met the conditions to be classified as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table above.


8.           STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

A combined summary of activity in the Company’s stock award and stock option plans for the six months ended June 30, 2007 is presented in the following table:
 
   
Non-vested Stock Awards Outstanding
   
Stock Options Outstanding 
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
Number of
   
Grant Date
   
Number of
   
Exercise
 
(Shares in thousands)
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Price
 
Balance, December 31, 2006
   
93
    $
30.98
     
586
    $
20.62
 
Granted
   
49
     
33.72
     
20
     
33.46
 
Stock options exercised
   
-
     
-
      (92 )    
15.90
 
Stock awards vested
    (41 )    
30.80
     
-
     
-
 
Forfeited
    (2 )    
34.15
      (1 )    
22.30
 
Balance, June 30, 2007
   
99
    $
32.35
     
513
    $
21.96
 
                                 
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, proceeds from stock option exercises totaled $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, there were 141,000 shares issued in connection with stock option exercises and non-vested stock awards.  All of these shares were issued from available treasury stock.  Stock-based compensation expense totaled $807 thousand and $756 thousand during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards.
 

12



BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9.           OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Company has two reportable operating segments, Banking and Insurance, which are delineated by the consolidated subsidiaries of Berkshire Hills Bancorp.  Banking includes the activities of Berkshire Bank and its subsidiaries, which provide commercial and consumer banking services.  Insurance includes the activities of Berkshire Insurance Group, which provides commercial and consumer insurance services.  The only other consolidated financial activity of the Company is the Parent, which consists of the transactions of Berkshire Hills Bancorp.  There are no income statement eliminations.  The total consolidated average assets are net of eliminations of $269 million and $225 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and $272 million and $266 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as those of the Company.  The Insurance segment and the Parent reimburse the Bank for administrative services provided to them.  Income tax expense for the individual segments is calculated based on the activity of the segments, and the Parent records the tax expense or benefit necessary to reconcile to the consolidated total.  The Parent does not allocate capital costs.  Average assets include securities available-for-sale based on amortized cost.

A summary of the Company’s operating segments was as follows:
                     
Total
 
 (In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Parent
   
Consolidated
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2007
                       
 Net interest income
  $
15,495
    $
-
    $ (457 )   $
15,038
 
 Provision for loan losses
   
100
     
-
     
-
     
100
 
 Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
15,395
     
-
      (457 )    
14,938
 
 Non-interest income
   
3,100
     
3,793
     
-
     
6,893
 
 Non-interest expense
   
12,303
     
2,581
     
219
     
15,103
 
 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
6,192
     
1,212
      (676 )    
6,728
 
 Income tax expense (benefit)
   
1,892
     
497
      (237 )    
2,152
 
 Net income (loss)
  $
4,300
    $
715
    $ (439 )   $
4,576
 
                                 
 Average assets (in millions)
  $
2,151
    $
32
    $
273
    $
2,187
 
                                 

                           
Total
 
 (In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Parent
   
Consolidated
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
                               
 Net interest income
  $
14,717
    $
-
    $ (259 )   $
14,458
 
 Provision for loan losses
   
600
     
-
     
-
     
600
 
 Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
14,117
     
-
      (259 )    
13,858
 
 Non-interest income
   
3,326
     
584
     
-
     
3,910
 
 Non-interest expense
   
10,913
     
510
     
215
     
11,638
 
 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
6,530
     
74
      (474 )    
6,130
 
 Income tax expense (benefit)
   
2,024
     
30
      (166 )    
1,888
 
 Net income (loss) from continuing operations
   
4,506
     
44
      (308 )    
4,242
 
 Net income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
221
     
221
 
 Net income (loss)
  $
4,506
    $
44
    $ (87 )   $
4,463
 
                                 
 Average assets (in millions)
  $
2,043
    $
5
    $
266
    $
2,089
 
                                 
 
 

13



BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9.           OPERATING SEGMENTS  (continued)

                     
Total
 
 (In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Parent
   
Consolidated
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
                       
 Net interest income
  $
31,225
    $
-
    $ (997 )   $
30,228
 
 Provision for loan losses
   
850
     
-
     
-
     
850
 
 Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
30,375
     
-
      (997 )    
29,378
 
 Non-interest income
   
6,200
     
8,854
     
76
     
15,130
 
 Non-interest expense
   
25,062
     
5,081
     
369
     
30,512
 
 Income (loss) before income taxes
   
11,513
     
3,773
      (1,290 )    
13,996
 
 Income tax expense (benefit)
   
3,383
     
1,547
      (452 )    
4,478
 
 Net income (loss)
  $
8,130
    $
2,226
    $ (838 )   $
9,518
 
                                 
 Average assets (in millions)
  $
2,137
    $
31
    $
275
    $
2,171
 

                                 
                           
Total
 
 (In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Parent
   
Consolidated
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
                               
 Net interest income
  $
29,567
    $
-
    $ (501 )   $
29,066
 
 Provision for loan losses
   
890
     
-
     
-
     
890
 
 Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
28,677
     
-
      (501 )    
28,176
 
 Non-interest income
   
6,508
     
1,493
     
-
     
8,001
 
 Non-interest expense
   
21,516
     
973
     
374
     
22,863
 
 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
13,669
     
520
      (875 )    
13,314
 
 Income tax expense (benefit)
   
4,347
     
213
      (306 )    
4,254
 
 Net income (loss) from continuing operations
   
9,322
     
307
      (569 )    
9,060
 
 Net income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
221
     
221
 
 Net income (loss)
  $
9,322
    $
307
    $ (348 )   $
9,281
 
                                 
 Average assets (in millions)
  $
2,061
    $
5
    $
266
    $
2,066
 
                                 


14



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


OVERVIEW

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this document and with Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In the following discussion, income statement comparisons are against the same period of the previous year and balance sheet comparisons are against the previous fiscal year-end, unless otherwise noted.  Operating results discussed herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2007 or any future period.   In management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, certain reclassifications have been made to make prior periods comparable. Tax-equivalent adjustments are the result of increasing income from tax-advantaged securities by an amount equal to the taxes that would be paid if the income were fully taxable based on a 35% federal income tax rate.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Berkshire Bank - AMERICA'S MOST EXCITING BANK(SM). Established in 1846, Berkshire Bank is one of Massachusetts' oldest and largest independent banks and the largest banking institution based in Western Massachusetts. The Bank is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts with branches serving communities throughout Western Massachusetts and Northeastern New York. The Company is a diversified regional financial services company, delivering exceptional customer service and a broad array of competitively priced deposit, loan, insurance, wealth management and trust services and investment products. The Company has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Factory Point Bancorp, Inc., which is located in Southern Vermont.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions and may describe future plans, strategies and expectations of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries. This document may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations, as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved or realized. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans and strategies are inherently uncertain. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth under Item 1A. - “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and in Form 10-Q, and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual conditions, events, or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all of the areas in which we conduct our business; conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry; changes in interest rates and energy prices, which may affect our net income or future cash flows; changes in deposit flows, and in demand for deposit, loan, and investment products and other financial services in our local markets; changes in real estate values, which could impact the quality of the assets securing our loans; changes in the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios; changes in competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions; the ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we may acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames; our timely development of new and competitive products or services in a changing environment, and the acceptance of such products or services by our customers; the outcome of pending or threatened litigation or of other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future; changes in accounting principles, policies, practices, or guidelines; changes in legislation and regulation; operational issues and/or capital spending necessitated by the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems on which we are highly dependent; changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; war or terrorist activities; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and geopolitical factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, and services.

15


Additionally, the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our expectations only as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES, AND NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2006 Form 10-K. Please see those policies in conjunction with this discussion.   The accounting and reporting policies followed by the Company conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company bases estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company considers accounting estimates to be critical to reported financial results if (i) the accounting estimate requires management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and (ii) different estimates that management reasonably could have used for the accounting estimate in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Accounting policies related to the allowance for loan losses, income taxes, and goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are considered to be critical, as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by management.   For additional information regarding critical accounting policies, refer to Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to consolidated financial statements and the sections captioned "Critical Accounting Policies" and "Loan Loss Allowance" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2006 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s application of critical accounting policies since year-end 2006, except for the implementation of FIN 48, which did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Please refer to the note on Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 to the financial statements of this report for a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

16


Selected Financial Data
 
The following summary data is based in part on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, and other information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
 
   
At or for the Three Months Ended
   
At or for the Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,   
  
June 30,   
 
   
2007
   
2006
  
2007
   
2006
 
Performance Ratios:
                       
Return on average assets
    0.84 %     0.85 %     0.88 %     0.90 %
Return on average equity
   
6.86
     
7.00
     
7.27
     
7.36
 
Net interest margin
   
3.15
     
3.16
     
3.19
     
3.21
 
Stockholders' equity/total assets
   
12.28
     
11.56
     
12.28
     
11.56
 
                                 
Period Growth (annualized):
                               
Total loans
    - %     28 %     4 %     19 %
Total deposits
    (2 )    
4
     
1
     
14
 
                                 
Financial Data:  (In millions)
                               
Total assets
  $
2,170
    $
2,148
    $
2,170
    $
2,148
 
Total loans
   
1,730
     
1,551
     
1,730
     
1,551
 
Other earning assets
   
227
     
397
     
227
     
397
 
Total intangible assets
   
121
     
99
     
121
     
99
 
Deposits
   
1,529
     
1,464
     
1,529
     
1,464
 
Borrowings and debentures
   
369
     
428
     
369
     
428
 
Stockholders' equity
   
266
     
248
     
266
     
248
 
                                 
Asset Quality Ratios:
                               
Net charge-offs annualized/average loans
    0.14 %     0.04 %     0.12 %     0.05 %
Loan loss allowance/total loans
   
1.11
     
0.87
     
1.11
     
0.87
 
Nonperforming assets/total assets
   
0.42
     
0.04
     
0.42
     
0.04
 
                                 
Per Share Data:
                               
Earnings - diluted
  $
0.52
    $
0.51
    $
1.07
    $
1.06
 
Dividends declared
   
0.14
     
0.28
     
0.28
     
0.42
 
Book value
   
30.12
     
28.79
     
30.12
     
28.79
 
Common stock price:
                               
High
   
34.00
     
36.39
     
34.82
     
36.39
 
Low
   
31.43
     
32.77
     
31.43
     
32.37
 
Close
   
31.51
     
35.48
     
31.51
     
35.48
 
                                 
For the Period: (In thousands)
                               
Net interest income
  $
15,038
    $
14,458
    $
30,228
    $
29,066
 
Provision for loan losses
   
100
     
600
     
850
     
890
 
Non-interest income
   
6,893
     
3,910
     
15,130
     
8,001
 
Non-interest expense
   
15,103
     
11,638
     
30,512
     
22,863
 
Net income
   
4,576
     
4,463
     
9,518
     
9,281
 
                                 
(1) All performance ratios are annualized and based on average balance sheet amounts where applicable.
 
                                 
 

17


Average Balances and Average Yields/Rate
 
The following table presents average balances and an analysis of average rates and yields on an annualized fully taxable equivalent basis for the periods included.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
  
Six Months Ended June 30, 
 
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
Average
   
Yield /
   
Average
   
Yield /
   
Average
   
Yield /
   
Average
   
Yield /
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Loans
 
 
   
 
               
 
   
 
   
 
       
Residential mortgages
  $
612
      5.36 %   $
561
      5.19 %   $
608
      5.33 %   $
558
      5.14 %
Commercial mortgages
   
593
     
7.55
     
450
     
7.32
     
586
     
7.51
     
440
     
7.28
 
Commercial business loans
   
192
     
7.81
     
162
     
8.07
     
190
     
7.95
     
157
     
7.78
 
Consumer loans
   
344
     
6.98
     
313
     
6.74
     
342
     
6.98
     
305
     
6.68
 
Total loans
   
1,741
     
6.71
     
1,486
     
6.46
     
1,726
     
6.74
     
1,460
     
6.34
 
                                                                 
Securities  and other
   
234
     
5.91
     
409
     
4.59
     
235
     
5.99
     
415
     
4.75
 
Total earning assets
   
1,975
     
6.63
     
1,895
     
6.07
     
1,961
     
6.63
     
1,875
     
6.03
 
Other assets
   
212
             
194
             
210
             
191
         
Total assets
  $
2,187
            $
2,089
            $
2,171
            $
2,066
         
                                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
                                                               
Deposits
                                                               
NOW deposits
  $
140
      1.50 %   $
140
      1.02 %   $
141
      1.52 %   $
141
      1.01 %
Money market deposits
   
310
     
3.73
     
284
     
3.36
     
302
     
3.68
     
277
     
3.24
 
Savings deposits
   
196
     
1.08
     
208
     
0.78
     
198
     
1.07
     
213
     
0.77
 
Time deposits
   
704
     
4.78
     
644
     
4.17
     
703
     
4.78
     
627
     
4.02
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
1,350
     
3.66
     
1,276
     
3.09
     
1,344
     
3.64
     
1,258
     
2.96
 
Borrowings and debentures
   
386
     
4.82
     
380
     
4.13
     
381
     
4.75
     
380
     
4.04
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,736
     
3.92
     
1,656
     
3.33
     
1,725
     
3.89
     
1,638
     
3.23
 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
   
178
             
172
             
175
             
170
         
Other liabilities
   
7
             
6
             
7
             
6
         
Total liabilities
   
1,921
             
1,834
             
1,907
             
1,814
         
                                                                 
Stockholders' equity
   
266
             
255
             
264
             
252
         
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
2,187
            $
2,089
            $
2,171
            $
2,066
         
                                                                 
Interest rate spread
            2.71 %            
2.74
 %             2.74 %             2.80 %
Net interest margin
            3.15 %            
3.16
 %             3.19 %             3.21 %
                                                                 
Supplementary Data
                                                               
Total deposits (in millions)
  $
1,528
            $
1,448
            $
1,519
            $
1,428
         
Fully taxable equivalent income
                                                               
       adjustment (in thousands)
   
540
             
506
             
1,093
             
1,000
         
___________________________________________
(1)   The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, loans held for sale, and deferred fees and costs.
(2)   The average balance of investment securities is based on amortized cost.
 

18


SUMMARY

Berkshire’s second quarter 2007 net income was $4.6 million ($0.52 per diluted share), compared to $4.5 million ($0.51 per diluted share) in 2006.  Second quarter net income from continuing operations increased by 8% to $4.6 million in 2007 from $4.2 million in 2006.  For the first half of the year, Berkshire reported 2007 net income of $9.5 million ($1.07 per diluted share) compared to $9.3 million ($1.06 per diluted share) in 2006.  Six month income from continuing operations increased by 5% to $9.5 million in 2007 from $9.1 million in 2006.

Recent highlights include the following (income comparisons are for the second quarter compared to prior year, balance sheet comparisons are to prior quarter):

 
·
Announced agreement to acquire Factory Point Bancorp in Manchester Center, Vermont
 
·
Announced planned 7% increase in quarterly cash dividend to 15 cents per share
 
·
552% increase in insurance commissions and fees
 
·
28% increase in deposit and wealth management fees
 
·
18% annualized growth in average demand deposits
 
·
7% annualized growth in average loans, with 10% growth in average commercial loans
 
·
The new credit commitment pipeline rose to a record quarter-end level of $127 million
 
·
7% annualized growth in average deposits excluding $13 million in planned runoff of brokered time deposits; 5% annualized growth in total average deposits
 
·
Nonperforming assets were 0.42% of assets at quarter-end
 
·
Annualized net charge-offs were 0.14% of average loans for the quarter
 
·
Opened the tenth New York region branch, in the town of Glenville

Berkshire produced a 19% increase in second quarter revenues, which contributed to an 8% increase in earnings from continuing operations and higher earnings per share, which totaled $0.52 for the quarter.  Non-interest income rose to 31% of revenue, primarily due to the benefit from recent insurance agency acquisitions.  Berkshire’s diversified fee income growth has more than offset the ongoing impact of tighter interest margins, which had been anticipated.  Growth in average loans and deposits continued in the second quarter, benefiting from Berkshire Bank’s new branding as “America’s Most Exciting BankSM”.  The Bank also opened four new branches this year in its New York region.  Reflecting the momentum of Berkshire’s growth, Berkshire announced a 7% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to stockholders.

During the second quarter, Berkshire announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with Factory Point Bancorp of Manchester Center, Vermont, which merger is subject to the receipt of stockholder and regulatory approvals.  The addition of these seven branches in the attractive Southern Vermont market will bring Berkshire’s total bank branch count to 38, and its total office count to 48 including its 10 insurance offices.  This is an increase from 11 offices just a little more than two years ago and results from a balanced approach to acquisitions along with organic and de novo growth.  While the costs of its de novo New York branch region constrain the Company’s current earnings growth, the Company views this as a valuable investment in its franchise in New York’s growing Capital region and Tech Valley.

The Company’s asset quality remained well controlled in 2007. Berkshire does not engage in subprime lending programs and does not purchase investment securities backed by subprime mortgages.    Berkshire manages its risk profile to maintain a high quality loan portfolio in order to support steady long run earnings growth.  Berkshire’s continuing long run performance was recognized by the Boston Globe in May when, for the seventh year in a row, Berkshire was recognized as one of the 100 top performing Massachusetts-based public companies.

19



COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT JUNE 30, 2007 AND DECEMBER 31, 2006

Balance Sheet Summary.   Total assets grew at a 2% annualized rate to $2.17 billion from $2.15 billion during the first half of 2007.  Asset growth resulted primarily from loans which grew at a 4% annualized rate to $1.73 billion from $1.70 billion.  Before the outplacement of $23 million in commercial loan balances just prior to mid-year, the annualized growth rate of total loans was 6%.  Total deposits grew at a 1% annualized rate to $1.53 billion from $1.52 billion.  Adjusting for $13 million in planned run-off of brokered time deposits, deposits grew at a 3% annualized rate.  Stockholders’ equity grew at a 6% annualized rate to $266 million from $258 million.

Assets. The $20 million increase in total assets was due to $31 million in net loan growth, offset by a $10 million decrease in investment securities due primarily to run-off of the investment in trust preferred securities.

Loan growth included $28 million in commercial mortgages (10% annualized) and $19 million in residential mortgages (6% annualized).  While commercial construction loans declined slightly, this net change included new construction loans offset in part by existing construction loans converting to closed-end mortgages at the completion of construction.  Commercial business loans decreased by $18 million.  Near the end of the second quarter, the Company reduced its commercial business loans by $23 million due to the outplacement of certain balances which had grown to require fully monitored asset based lending which is outside of the Company’s current risk management parameters.  The change in loan composition also contributed to the lower loan loss provision during the quarter.  Indirect auto loans increased by $8 million (8% annualized) in the first half of 2007; originations of these loans have been slowed due to tighter lending margins.  Home equity and other loans were down 8% for the first half of the year, reflecting lower market demand for these loans following recent prime rate increases.

Berkshire’s commitments for new credit originations more than doubled during the quarter, climbing to a record quarter-end total of $127 million as of June 30, 2007.  This included an increase in residential mortgage commitments from $12 million to $42 million, and an increase in commercial credit commitments from $42 million to $85 million.  A portion of the increased residential mortgage commitments may be sold.  Commercial credit commitments include lines and letters of credit.  Berkshire had $219 million in outstanding commercial construction commitments at mid-year, including $31 million related to subdivision and single family residential construction, $39 million related to condominium construction, and $45 million related to hotel construction.  The Company had $129 million outstanding against these commitments at mid-year.

Asset quality remained well controlled at mid-year.  Berkshire does not offer subprime lending programs.  The average FICO scores on its consumer auto loans have increased in each of the last four quarters, reaching an average of 730 in the most recent quarter.  The annualized rate of net loan charge-offs was 0.12% during the first half of the year.   Nonperforming assets measured 0.42% of total assets at mid-year, compared to 0.35% at the prior year-end.  Nonperforming assets totaled $9.1 million at mid-year, and included one $6.0 million commercial relationship which has an improving outlook based on recent developments.  All other nonperforming assets were 0.14% of total assets.  Accruing delinquent loans were 0.36% of total loans at mid-year, compared to 0.26% six months ago and 0.40% twelve months ago.  The loan loss allowance measured 1.11% of total loans at mid-year, compared to 1.14% at the start of the year.  This change included the impact of the previously noted outplacement of commercial business loans, which had a higher allowance component.  The allowance included a $1.0 million impaired loan reserve on the above mentioned nonperforming commercial relationship. The Company had no foreclosed real estate at mid-year.  All other impaired loans totaled $17 million at mid-year 2007, compared to $8 million at the prior year-end.  The reserve on all other impaired loans was $0.4 million at mid-year, which was little changed from $0.3 million at the prior-year end.  The increase in impaired loans was generally due to several well collateralized performing loans where no loss is expected and balances were conservatively downgraded based on recent financial information.

20


 

Liabilities.  The $7 million increase in total deposits in the first half of 2007 included a $20 million increase offset by a $13 million decrease due to planned run-off of brokered time deposits.  The increase in deposits included a $27 million increase in money market deposits and an $11 million increase in time deposits over $100 thousand.  Berkshire has emphasized its promotion of money market deposits, which offer more relationship cross-sale opportunities than time deposits.  During the second quarter, Berkshire also adjusted its time deposit pricing due to some competitive conditions which it viewed as uneconomic.  As a result, time deposits under $100 thousand decreased during the second quarter, but remained up by $6 million for the first half of the year.  Demand deposits increased slightly in the first half of the year, and NOW accounts decreased.  Average demand deposits increased at an 18% annualized rate during the second quarter.  Berkshire emphasizes promotion of transaction deposit accounts which have a lower cost and which provide the most opportunities for other relationship cross-sales.  The total number of demand deposit accounts increased at a 3% annualized rate during the first half of 2007.  Total borrowings increased by $8 million during the first half of the year to provide additional funds to support loan growth.  Growth in borrowings included $10 million in new borrowings with a duration over five years to reduce the gap between assets and liabilities contractually repricing over five years.

Equity.  During the first half of 2007, total stockholders’ equity increased by $8 million (6% annualized) to $266 million due primarily to the benefit of retained earnings.  Total book value per share increased at a 3% annualized rate to $30.12, while the ratio of total equity to assets increased to 12.3% from 12.0%.  During the first half of the year, the Company repurchased 11,405 shares of common stock for an aggregate amount of $385 thousand.  The Company expects to resume purchases of its common stock after the shareholder meeting to vote on the Factory Point acquisition, subject to market conditions and other factors.  Berkshire has 273,595 in shares available to repurchase based on its current approved stock repurchase plan.  After the end of the second quarter, Berkshire announced that it is increasing its quarterly cash dividend on common stock by 7% to 15 cents from 14 cents, beginning with the third quarter dividend.  During the first quarter, the Bank received permission from its regulators to pay dividends to the Company in an aggregate amount of $10 million in 2007 subject to various conditions, including that the Bank maintain its “well capitalized” classification after factoring in the payments.  There were no dividends declared to the Company from the Bank during the first half of the year.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006

Net Income.  Net income increased for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006.  Net income from continuing operations increased by $0.3 million (8%) and $0.5 million (5%) for these periods, respectively.  Net income increased in the insurance segment, which reported a $0.7 million second quarter income increase and a $1.9 million increase in first half income in 2007 due to the insurance agency acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2006.  This more than offset the impact on bank earnings of the higher costs related to the expansion of the de novo branch program.  These costs increased by $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the second quarter and first half of 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006.  Earnings in 2007 also benefited from growth in the Bank’s net interest income and non-interest income, along with the impact of a lower loan loss provision in the second quarter.  The first half return on assets was 0.88% and return on equity was 7.3% in 2007, compared to 0.90% and 7.4% in 2006.  Net interest income in the second quarter of 2006 did not include a $0.4 million FHLB dividend, which was received in the third quarter of 2006.

Total Net Revenue.  Net revenue increased by $3.6 million (19%) and $8.3 million (22%) in the second quarter and first half of 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006.  These increases were primarily due to higher insurance revenue of $3.2 million and $7.3 million.  Results in 2006 included net securities gains of $0.5 million in the second quarter and $1.0 million in the first half of the year.  Excluding securities gains, first half net revenue per diluted share increased by 24% to $5.11 in 2007 from $4.12 in 2006.

21


 
Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased by $0.6 million (4%) and $1.2 million (4%) in the second quarter and first half of 2007, compared to the same periods in 2006.  This increase included the $0.4 million impact of the delayed FHLB dividend for the second quarter of 2006 which was not paid until the third quarter of 2006.  The increase also reflected the benefit of growth in average earning assets which was due to loan growth.  Average earning assets increased by $80 million (4%) and $86 million (5%) in the second quarter and first half of 2007, compared to 2006.

The benefit of earning asset growth was partially offset by the impact of a lower net interest margin.  The year-to-year second quarter net interest margin declined to 3.15% from 3.16%, and the decrease would have been to 3.15% from 3.24% if the FHLB dividend had not been delayed.  This tightening reflected the Company’s modest liability sensitivity during a time of rising interest rates, along with shifts in consumer preferences for higher cost money market and time deposit accounts.  Additionally, the Company has been adversely impacted by the inversion of the yield curve, which has reduced the spread between loan yields and deposit costs.

Net interest income had risen from $14.6 million in the first quarter of 2006 to $15.6 million in the fourth quarter, and then declined to $15.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 and $15.0 million in second quarter.  Both asset yields and liability costs had increased in each quarter since the first quarter of 2006 due to the lagged impact of interest rate increases which were primarily related to seventeen consecutive hikes in the federal funds interest rate by the Federal Reserve Bank over a two year period which ended at mid-year in 2006.  Asset yields remained unchanged in the most recent quarter, compared to the trailing quarter.  For these periods, liability costs continued to increase due primarily to scheduled repricings of borrowings.

Berkshire is promoting lower cost transaction accounts to help offset margin pressures and to provide increased cross-selling opportunities.  The Company is also benefiting from its commercial lending activities, which are the fastest growing and highest yielding component of the loan portfolio.  The benefit from the higher loan commitment pipeline and from deposit pricing changes is expected to contribute to net interest income in the second half of 2007.  The net interest margin in 2007 included a negative impact of about 0.05% due to the cost of borrowings to finance the insurance agency acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2006.  The margin benefited from the securities restructuring at the beginning of that same quarter, which initially generated a benefit of 0.20 – 0.25% towards the net interest margin.

Non-Interest Income.  Total second quarter fee income increased by $3.7 million (130%) in 2007 compared to 2006, and first half fee income increased by $8.3 million (137%).  These increases were primarily due to the insurance agency acquisitions, which produced fee income growth of $3.2 million and $7.3 million in the above periods, respectively.  Insurance fee income is seasonal, with approximately 60 – 65% of total insurance fees received in the first half of the year.  This seasonality includes contingent fee income, which represents 25-30% of total annual insurance fee income.  For the first half of the year, deposit fee income increased by 24% due primarily to additional convenience services which were introduced in the third quarter of 2006.  Wealth management fees grew by 24%, reflecting growth in total assets under management which increased at a 20% annualized rate to $544 million in the first half of 2007.  Net securities gains decreased in 2007 due to the liquidation of most marketable equity securities in 2006.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in an amount sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The level of the allowance is a critical accounting estimate, which is subject to uncertainty. The level of the allowance was included in the discussion of financial condition.  The second quarter provision for loan losses was $100 thousand in 2007 compared to $600 thousand in 2006.  For the first six months, the provision was $850 thousand in 2007 compared to $890 thousand in 2006.  The provision for the most recent quarter included the impact of the outplacement of certain commercial loan balances and the change in loan composition as previously discussed.  For the first half of the year, the Company recorded higher net charge-offs and lower loan growth in 2007 compared to 2006.

22

 

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased by $3.5 million (30%) in the second quarter and by $7.6 million (33%) in the first half of 2007 compared to 2006.  For the first half of the year, additional expense from the acquired insurance agencies totaled $4.1 million, and expenses related to the de novo branch program increased by $1.1 million due to new branches.  The remaining $2.4 million increase (10%) in total non-interest expense was in all other non-interest expense related to higher overhead for the Company’s transition into a regional bank, together with initiatives to develop sales, products, and new branding.  Marketing costs increased by $0.7 million, primarily due to the costs of the new branding campaign, along with additional branch openings.  The total non-interest expense related to the de novo branch program was $1.8 million in the first half of 2007 ($0.12 per diluted share after-tax), compared to $0.7 million in the first half of 2006 ($0.05 per diluted share after-tax).  Berkshire views these costs as an investment in franchise expansion in the attractive Albany and Tech Valley New York area.  Estimated FDIC premium expense of $0.4 million in the first half of 2007 was offset by a transitional credit which was estimated to be approximately $1.1 million as of year-end 2006.  First quarter 2007 non-interest expense included nonrecurring charges totaling $153 thousand on the sale of swaps related to brokered time deposits.  

Income from Discontinued Operations and Income Tax Expense. Results for the second quarter of 2006 included $359 thousand of pretax income from discontinued operations from the sale of the Company’s data processing subsidiary in June 2004.  This amount represented the balance of certain contingent sale proceeds held in escrow relating to liabilities which were assumed by the purchaser.  The effective tax rate in the second quarter and first half of 2007 was 32%, compared to 31% and 32% in the same periods of 2006.

Results of Segment Operations.  The Company acquired five affiliated insurance agencies in the fourth quarter of 2006.  The Company had not previously established operating segments for the purposes of financial statement disclosure.  Due to the change in the composition of the Company’s business as a result of the insurance agency acquisitions, the Company has designated two operating segments for financial statement disclosure: banking and insurance.  Additional information about the Company’s accounting for segment operations is contained in Note 9 to the financial statements.

One of the Company's strategies is to emphasize fee income growth to diversify revenues, enhance customer benefit, and reduce reliance on net interest income where margins are under pressure.  The Company's acquisition of insurance agencies in the fourth quarter of 2006 was a significant step in implementing this strategy.  The first half net profit of the insurance segment increased by $1.9 million due to the impact of the acquired insurance agencies.  Additionally, the acquired agencies have a significant seasonality to revenues and earnings due to the impact of annual contingency revenues which are received in the first half of the year.   The increase in insurance segment income more than offset the $1.2 million decrease in earnings from the banking segment.  This change included after-tax impacts of $0.7 million related to higher costs of the expanded de novo program, $0.6 million due to lower net securities gains/losses,  and $0.4 million in higher marketing costs related primarily to branding related costs.

Comprehensive Income. Accumulated other comprehensive income is a component of total stockholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Comprehensive income includes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, which consists principally of changes (after-tax) in the unrealized market gains and losses of investment securities available for sale.  The change in accumulated other comprehensive income was a loss of $1.4 million in the first half of 2007, compared to a loss of $4.2 million in the first half of 2006 primarily due to changes in bond prices as a result of interest rate changes.  The Company recorded first half total comprehensive income of $8.2 million in 2007, compared to $5.1 million in 2006.

23


 
Liquidity and Cash Flows. The Company’s primary sources of funds were deposit growth and borrowings in the first half of 2007.   The primary use of funds was loan growth.  Net deposit and loan growth are expected to continue to be significant sources and uses of funds. Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank are a significant source of liquidity for daily operations and for borrowings targeted for specific asset/liability purposes. Berkshire Hills Bancorp’s primary routine sources of funds are expected to be dividends from Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Insurance Group.  The holding company also receives cash from the exercise of stock options and uses cash for dividends, stock repurchases and debt service.  Additional discussion about the Company’s liquidity and cash flows is contained in the Company’s 2006 Form 10-K in Item 7.  The Company has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Factory Point Bancorp for consideration comprised 80% of stock and 20% of cash.  The cash component is expected to total approximately $16 million.  Additionally, direct costs of the merger are expected to total about $7 million.  The cash for these expenditures is expected to be provided primarily from borrowings, with dividends from subsidiaries also providing a potential liquidity source.

Capital Resources. Please see the “Equity” section of the Comparison of Financial Condition for a discussion of stockholders’ equity.  At June 30, 2007, Berkshire Bank continued to be classified as “well capitalized.”  Additional information about regulatory capital is contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and in the 2006 Form 10-K.  As noted above, the Company expects to issue stock in exchange for 80% of the shares of Factory Point Bancorp according to the terms of the pending merger agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations.  In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in the Company’s financial instruments. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk.  Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit. A further presentation of the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements is presented in the Company’s 2006 Form 10-K. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company did not engage in any off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  Information relating to payments due under contractual obligations is presented in the 2006 Form 10-K.  Except for the definitive merger agreement with Factory Point Bancorp, there were no material changes in the Company’s payments due under contractual obligations during the first six months of 2007.  The impact of the Factory Point acquisition is discussed further in the Company’s SEC filings related to this transaction.



24



ITEM 3.                QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 
There has not been any material change in the market risk disclosure from that contained in the Company’s 2006 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

 
ITEM 4.                CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective for gathering, analyzing, and disclosing the information the Company is required to disclose in the reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. As of August 1, 2007, Kevin P. Riley joined Berkshire Hills Bancorp as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer.  Prior to this date, the Controller also carried the duties of Interim Chief Financial Officer while the Company was acting to fill a vacancy in the position of Chief Financial Officer.  This change was not a response to an identified significant deficiency or material weakness.  There was no other change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

 

 

 

 

 

25


PART II
 

ITEM 1.                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is not involved in any legal proceedings other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the normal course of business.  Such routine proceedings, in the aggregate, are believed by management to be immaterial to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 

ITEM 1A.             RISK FACTORS

During the second quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement with Factory Point Bancorp which includes the issuance of additional shares of the Company’s common stock.  Risk factors related to this transaction are described in the Company’s SEC filing on Form S-4/A dated July 17, 2007.  There have been no other material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
 
 
ITEM 2.                UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


(a)
No Company unregistered securities were sold by the Company during the quarter ended June 30, 2007.
(b)
Not applicable.
(c)
The following table provides certain information with regard to shares repurchased by the Company in the second quarter of 2007.

               
Total number of shares
   
Maximum number of
 
   
Total number
   
Average
   
purchased as part of
   
shares that may yet
 
   
of shares
   
price paid
   
publicly announced
   
be purchased under
 
Period
 
purchased
   
per share
   
plans or programs
   
the plans or programs
 
April 1-30, 2007
   
-
    $
-
     
-
     
273,784
 
May 1-31, 2007
   
189
     
33.65
     
189
     
273,595
 
June 1-30, 2007
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
273,595
 
Total
   
189
    $
33.65
     
189
     
273,595
 
                                 
On February 23, 2006, the Company authorized a new plan to purchase up to 300,000 shares from time to time, subject to market conditions.  This repurchase plan will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors.  There were no other stock purchase plans in effect at June 30, 2007, and the Company has no plans that it has elected to terminate prior to expiration or under which it does not intend to make further purchases.  As of June 30, 2007, there have been 26,405 shares purchased pursuant to the current plan.  The shares purchased in the second quarter represent outstanding shares delivered to pay for the taxes upon the vesting of stock awards.
 

ITEM 3.                DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


None.

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ITEM 4.                SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the company was held on May 3, 2007.
 
                 
1.
The following individuals were elected as directors, each for a three-year term by the following vote:
   
     
FOR
 
WITHHELD
     
John B. Davies
 
7,946,729
 
127,155
     
Rodney C. Dimock
 
7,945,637
 
128,247
     
Edward G. McCormick
7,896,434
 
177,450
     
David E. Phelps
 
7,915,416
 
158,468
     
                 
2.
The appointment of Wolf and Company, P.C. as independent auditors of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007 was ratified by the stockholders by the following vote:
 
 
     
FOR
 
AGAINST
 
ABSTENTIONS
 
     
8,025,437
 
45,426
 
3,021
 
 

ITEM 5.                OTHER INFORMATION


None.


ITEM 6.                EXHIBITS


 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 14, 2007 by and between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Factory Point Bancorp, Inc. (1)
 
 
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.(2)
 
 
3.2
Bylaws of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.(3)
 
 
4.1
Draft Stock Certificate of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.(2)
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
___________________________________________
 
(1)
Incorporated herein by reference from Annex A of the Form S-4, Registration Statement and amendments thereto, initially filed on June 26, 2007, Registration No. 333-144062.
 
(2)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form S-1, Registration Statement and amendments thereto, initially filed on March 10, 2000, Registration No. 333-32146.
 
(3)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2006.



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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.


 BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
     
     
Dated: August 8, 2007
By:
/s/  Michael P. Daly
   
Michael P. Daly
   
President, Chief Executive Officer
   
and Director
     
     
Dated: August 8, 2007
By:
/s/  Kevin P. Riley
   
Kevin P. Riley
   
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
   
and Treasurer
     

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