form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

 (Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

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 0-12247

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
TEXAS
 
75-1848732
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
1201 S. Beckham, Tyler, Texas
 
75701
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
903-531-7111
(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  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x    No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x
 
The number of shares of the issuer's common stock, par value $1.25, outstanding as of July 27, 2012 was 17,358,651 shares.
 


 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
1
34
53
54
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
55
55
55
55
55
55
56
57
58
EXHIBIT 31.1 – CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
 
EXHIBIT 31.2 – CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
 
EXHIBIT 32 – CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
 
 
 
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 46,479     $ 40,989  
Interest earning deposits
    59,757       2,249  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    106,236       43,238  
Investment securities:
               
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
    418,215       282,956  
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    1,010       1,496  
Mortgage-backed and related securities:
               
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
    1,204,759       716,126  
Securities carried at fair value through income
          647,759  
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    330,138       365,631  
FHLB stock, at cost
    34,334       33,869  
Other investments, at cost
    2,064       2,064  
Loans held for sale
    1,447       3,552  
Loans:
               
Loans
    1,183,200       1,087,230  
Less:  allowance for loan losses
    (20,194 )     (18,540 )
Net Loans
    1,163,006       1,068,690  
Premises and equipment, net
    50,250       50,595  
Goodwill
    22,034       22,034  
Other intangible assets, net
    416       522  
Interest receivable
    17,929       19,426  
Deferred tax asset
    3,478        
Unsettled trades to sell securities
    1,071        
Other assets
    44,569       45,859  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,400,956     $ 3,303,817  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest bearing
  $ 641,139     $ 505,594  
Interest bearing
    1,754,733       1,816,077  
Total deposits
    2,395,872       2,321,671  
Short-term obligations:
               
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    1,948       2,945  
FHLB advances
    241,246       361,811  
Other obligations
    219       219  
Total short-term obligations
    243,413       364,975  
Long-term obligations:
               
FHLB  advances
    366,989       260,724  
Long-term debt
    60,311       60,311  
Total long-term obligations
    427,300       321,035  
Deferred tax liability
          3,458  
Unsettled trades to purchase securities
    42,300       1,196  
Other liabilities
    28,715       32,555  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    3,137,600       3,044,890  
                 
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Common stock - $1.25 par, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 19,382,489 shares issued in 2012 and 18,517,101 shares issued in 2011
    24,228       23,146  
Paid-in capital
    193,994       176,791  
Retained earnings
    66,565       72,646  
Treasury stock (2,023,838 shares at cost)
    (28,377 )     (28,377 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    6,946       14,721  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    263,356       258,927  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 3,400,956     $ 3,303,817  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Ended June 30,
   
Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Interest income
                       
Loans
  $ 17,526     $ 17,130     $ 34,296     $ 34,401  
Investment securities – taxable
    20       20       51       38  
Investment securities – tax-exempt
    2,961       3,209       5,628       6,438  
Mortgage-backed and related securities
    8,872       13,310       21,035       24,607  
FHLB stock and other investments
    54       52       133       132  
Other interest earning assets
    9       3       15       13  
Total interest income
    29,442       33,724       61,158       65,629  
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    2,765       4,051       6,160       8,087  
Short-term obligations
    1,734       1,705       3,326       3,434  
Long-term obligations
    2,398       3,401       5,131       7,282  
Total interest expense
    6,897       9,157       14,617       18,803  
Net interest income
    22,545       24,567       46,541       46,826  
Provision for loan losses
    2,174       1,860       5,226       3,998  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    20,371       22,707       41,315       42,828  
Noninterest income
                               
Deposit services
    3,838       4,028       7,586       7,907  
Gain on sale of securities available for sale
    3,297       3,920       9,269       5,471  
(Loss) gain on sale of securities carried at fair value through income
    (13 )     84       (498 )     338  
                                 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (21 )           (21 )      
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
    (19 )           (160 )      
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    (40 )           (181 )      
                                 
Fair value gains – securities
          2,456             4,083  
FHLB advance option impairment charges
    (1,364 )           (1,836 )      
Gain on sale of loans
    298       282       429       565  
Trust income
    669       645       1,346       1,296  
Bank owned life insurance income
    254       261       520       547  
Other
    1,123       959       2,234       2,064  
Total noninterest income
    8,062       12,635       18,869       22,271  
Noninterest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    12,142       11,622       23,975       23,313  
Occupancy expense
    1,851       1,778       3,609       3,499  
Equipment expense
    554       525       1,064       1,018  
Advertising, travel & entertainment
    603       550       1,207       1,103  
ATM and debit card expense
    287       266       566       481  
Director fees
    273       200       541       391  
Supplies
    222       161       381       385  
Professional fees
    390       457       941       1,012  
Postage
    182       186       357       365  
Telephone and communications
    445       345       851       682  
FDIC Insurance
    414       735       884       1,498  
Other
    1,733       1,291       3,242       3,101  
Total noninterest expense
    19,096       18,116       37,618       36,848  
                                 
Income before income tax expense
    9,337       17,226       22,566       28,251  
Provision for income tax expense
    1,608       4,100       4,698       5,886  
Net income
    7,729       13,126       17,868       22,365  
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
          (493 )           (1,358 )
Net income attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 7,729     $ 12,633     $ 17,868     $ 21,007  
Earnings per common share – basic
  $ 0.45     $ 0.73     $ 1.03     $ 1.22  
Earnings per common share – diluted
  $ 0.45     $ 0.73     $ 1.03     $ 1.22  
Dividends paid per common share
  $ 0.20     $ 0.17     $ 0.38     $ 0.34  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
Ended June 30,
   
Ended June 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net income
  $ 7,729     $ 13,126     $ 17,868     $ 22,365  
                                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                               
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale securities during the period
    863       20,126       (4,023 )     26,280  
                                 
Noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on the AFS securities
    19             160        
                                 
Reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of available for sale securities included in net income
    (3,297 )     (3,920 )     (9,269 )     (5,471 )
                                 
Reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale securities included in net income
    40             181        
                                 
Amortization of net actuarial loss, included in net periodic benefit cost
    512       366       1,011       732  
                                 
Amortization of prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost
    (12 )     (10 )     (22 )     (21 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (1,875 )     16,562       (11,962 )     21,520  
                                 
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other items of comprehensive income
    656       (5,797 )     4,187       (7,532 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (1,219 )     10,765       (7,775 )     13,988  
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 6,510     $ 23,891     $ 10,093     $ 36,353  

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


SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
               
Accu-
             
(in thousands, except share amounts)
               
mulated-
             
   
Common
Stock
   
Paid In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
   
Noncon-
trolling
Interest
   
Total
Equity
 
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 22,075     $ 162,877     $ 64,179     $ (28,377 )   $ (6,293 )   $ 1,113     $ 215,574  
Net Income
                    21,007                       1,358       22,365  
Other comprehensive income
                                    13,988               13,988  
Issuance of common stock (28,869 shares)
    36       531                                       567  
Stock compensation expense
            26                                       26  
Tax benefits related to stock compensation
            2                                       2  
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interest shareholders
                                            (475 )     (475 )
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.34 per share)
                    (5,453 )                             (5,453 )
Stock dividend declared
    981       15,014       (15,995 )                              
Balance at June 30, 2011
  $ 23,092     $ 178,450     $ 63,738     $ (28,377 )   $ 7,695     $ 1,996     $ 246,594  
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 23,146     $ 176,791     $ 72,646     $ (28,377 )   $ 14,721     $     $ 258,927  
Net Income
                    17,868                               17,868  
Other comprehensive loss
                                    (7,775 )             (7,775 )
Issuance of common stock (30,436 shares)
    38       595                                       633  
Stock compensation expense
            133                                       133  
Tax benefits related to stock compensation
            11                                       11  
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans
    10       39       (54 )                             (5 )
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.38 per share)
                    (6,436 )                             (6,436 )
Stock dividend declared
    1,034       16,425       (17,459 )                              
Balance at June 30, 2012
  $ 24,228     $ 193,994     $ 66,565     $ (28,377 )   $ 6,946     $     $ 263,356  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 17,868     $ 22,365  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
               
Depreciation
    1,778       1,646  
Amortization of premium
    22,864       16,782  
Accretion of discount and loan fees
    (2,399 )     (2,327 )
Provision for loan losses
    5,226       3,998  
Stock compensation expense
    133       26  
Deferred tax (benefit) expense
    (2,743 )     1,467  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (11 )      
Loss (gain) on sale of securities carried at fair value through income
    498       (338 )
Gain on sale of securities available for sale
    (9,269 )     (5,471 )
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
    181        
Fair value gain – securities
          (4,083 )
FHLB advance option impairment charges
    1,836        
Loss on sale of assets
          3  
Loss on retirement of assets
          90  
Impairment on other real estate owned
          145  
Gain on sale of other real estate owned
    (3 )     (221 )
Net change in:
               
Interest receivable
    1,497       (1,370 )
Other assets
    27       (2,593 )
Interest payable
    (458 )     (575 )
Other liabilities
    (2,393 )     2,364  
Loans held for sale
    2,105       3,845  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    36,737       35,753  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Securities held to maturity:
               
Purchases
          (6,394 )
Maturities, calls and principal repayments
    32,331       23,373  
Securities available for sale:
               
Purchases
    (1,213,923 )     (350,206 )
Sales
    448,725       326,701  
Maturities, calls and principal repayments
    163,809       138,176  
Securities carried at fair value through income:
               
Purchases
    (57,606 )     (344,728 )
Sales
    675,255       16,248  
Maturities, calls and principal repayments
    25,279       13,919  
Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock
    10,292       14,811  
Purchases of FHLB stock and other investments
    (10,757 )     (5,623 )
Net (increase) decrease in loans
    (100,529 )     32,740  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (1,433 )     (2,169 )
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
          6  
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    112       306  
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets
    2,070       2,767  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (26,375 )     (140,073 )

(continued)


SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(UNAUDITED) (continued)
(in thousands)
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net increase in demand and savings accounts
    198,420       87,107  
Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit
    (124,695 )     22,511  
Net decrease in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    (997 )     (767 )
Proceeds from FHLB advances
    9,133,164       3,349,032  
Repayment of FHLB advances
    (9,147,464 )     (3,378,823 )
Net capital distributions to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entities
          (475 )
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    11       2  
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
    633       567  
Dividends paid
    (6,436 )     (5,453 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    52,636       73,701  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    62,998       (30,619 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    43,238       79,073  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 106,236     $ 48,454  
                 
                 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
                 
Interest paid
  $ 15,075     $ 19,378  
Income taxes paid
  $ 9,200     $ 3,500  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
                 
Acquisition of other repossessed assets and real estate through foreclosure
  $ 2,621     $ 2,779  
Adjustment to pension liability
  $ (989 )   $ (711 )
5% stock dividend
  $ 17,459     $ 15,995  
Unsettled trades to purchase securities
  $ (42,300 )   $ (9,145 )
Unsettled trades to sell securities
  $ 1,071     $ 31,919  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. 
Basis of Presentation

In this report, the words “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the combined entities of Southside Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  The words “Southside” and “Southside Bancshares” refer to Southside Bancshares, Inc.  The words “Southside Bank” and “the Bank” refer to Southside Bank (which, subsequent to the internal merger of Fort Worth National Bank (“FWNB”) with and into Southside Bank, includes FWNB).  “FWBS” refers to Fort Worth Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company acquired by Southside of which FWNB was a wholly-owned subsidiary.  “SFG” refers to SFG Finance, LLC (formerly Southside Financial Group, LLC) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank as of July 15, 2011.  “SSI” refers to Southside Securities, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southside Bancshares, Inc.

The consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows and notes to the financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited; in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of such financial statements have been included.  Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the use of management’s estimates.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of judgment.  Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  All share data has been adjusted to give retroactive recognition to stock splits and stock dividends.  For a description of our significant accounting and reporting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Accounting Standards

ASU No. 2011-03, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) - Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.”  ASU 2011-03 is intended to improve financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity.  ASU 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control (i) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (ii) the collateral maintenance guidance related to that criterion.  ASU 2011-03 became effective for us on January 1, 2012 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.”  ASU 2011-04 amends Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to converge the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2011-04 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, changes certain principles in Topic 820 and requires additional fair value disclosures.  ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See “Note 9 - Fair Value Measurement.”

ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income.”  ASU 2011-05 amends Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income,” to require that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  Additionally, ASU 2011-05 requires entities to present, on the face of the financial statements, reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement or statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented.  The option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated.   ASU 2011-05 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011; however, certain provisions related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments have been deferred by ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.”  ASU 2011-05 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See “Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income” directly following our Consolidated Statements of Income in our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment.” ASU 2011-08 amends Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” to give entities the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary.  However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2011, and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.”  ASU 2011-11 amends Topic 210, “Balance Sheet,” to require an entity to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments, such as sales and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing/lending arrangements, and derivative instruments that are eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and/or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement.  ASU 2011-11 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2013, and is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

2. 
Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc. on a basic and diluted basis have been adjusted to give retroactive recognition to stock splits and stock dividends and is calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Three Months
   
Six Months
   
Ended June 30,
   
Ended June 30,
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
Basic and Diluted Earnings:
                     
Net income – Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 7,729     $ 12,633     $ 17,868     $ 21,007  
                                 
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    17,341       17,263       17,334       17,255  
Add:   Stock options
    12       6       10       5  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    17,353       17,269       17,344       17,260  
                                 
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                               
Net Income - Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 0.45     $ 0.73     $ 1.03     $ 1.22  
                                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                               
Net Income - Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  $ 0.45     $ 0.73     $ 1.03     $ 1.22  

On March 29, 2012, our board of directors declared a 5% stock dividend to common stock shareholders of record as of April 18, 2012, and payable on May 9, 2012.

During the second quarter of 2011, our board of directors approved equity grants in the form of stock options and restricted stock units.  These equity grants were made pursuant to the shareholder-approved Southside Bancshares, Inc. 2009 Incentive Plan.

For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012, there were approximately 4,000 and 9,000 antidilutive options, respectively.  For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011, there were approximately 3,000 and 6,000 antidilutive options, respectively.
 
 
3. 
Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Before-Tax
   
Tax (Expense)
   
Net-of-Tax
 
   
Amount
   
Benefit
   
Amount
 
Unrealized losses on securities:
                 
Unrealized holding losses arising during period
  $ (4,023 )   $ 1,408     $ (2,615 )
Noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on the AFS securities
    160       (56 )     104  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of AFS securities included in net income
    9,269       (3,244 )     6,025  
Less:  reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges of AFS securities included in net income
    (181 )     63       (118 )
Net unrealized losses on securities
    (12,951 )     4,533       (8,418 )
Change in pension plans
    989       (346 )     643  
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (11,962 )   $ 4,187     $ (7,775 )

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Before-Tax
   
Tax (Expense)
   
Net-of-Tax
 
   
Amount
   
Benefit
   
Amount
 
Unrealized losses on securities:
                 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 863     $ (302 )   $ 561  
Noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on the AFS securities
    19       (7 )     12  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of AFS securities included in net income
    3,297       (1,154 )     2,143  
Less:  reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment charges of AFS securities included in net income
    (40 )     14       (26 )
Net unrealized losses on securities
    (2,375 )     831       (1,544 )
Change in pension plans
    500       (175 )     325  
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (1,875 )   $ 656     $ (1,219 )

   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Before-Tax
   
Tax
   
Net-of-Tax
 
   
Amount
   
Expense
   
Amount
 
Unrealized gains on securities:
                 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 26,280     $ (9,198 )   $ 17,082  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of AFS securities included in net income
    5,471       (1,915 )     3,556  
Net unrealized gains on securities
    20,809       (7,283 )     13,526  
Change in pension plans
    711       (249 )     462  
Other comprehensive income
  $ 21,520     $ (7,532 )   $ 13,988  

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Before-Tax
   
Tax
   
Net-of-Tax
 
   
Amount
   
Expense
   
Amount
 
Unrealized gains on securities:
                 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
  $ 20,126     $ (7,044 )   $ 13,082  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of AFS securities included in net income
    3,920       (1,372 )     2,548  
Net unrealized gains on securities
    16,206       (5,672 )     10,534  
Change in pension plans
    356       (125 )     231  
Other comprehensive income
  $ 16,562     $ (5,797 )   $ 10,765  

 
4. 
Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment and mortgage-backed securities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are reflected in the tables below (in thousands):
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
          Gross              
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated
 
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
  Cost     Gains     OTTI     Other     Fair Value  
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 390,601     $ 24,699     $     $ 403     $ 414,897  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    5,404       35       2,121             3,318  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    114,274       3,556             85       117,745  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    1,070,507       18,033             1,526       1,087,014  
Total
  $ 1,580,786     $ 46,323     $ 2,121     $ 2,014     $ 1,622,974  
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
          Gross              
 
 
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated
 
HELD TO MATURITY:
  Cost     Gains     OTTI     Other     Fair Value  
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 1,010     $ 122     $     $     $ 1,132  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    21,763       1,301             11       23,053  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    308,375       10,738             4       319,109  
Total
  $ 331,148     $ 12,161     $     $ 15     $ 343,294  
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
          Gross              
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated
 
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
  Cost     Gains     OTTI     Other     Fair Value  
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 251,281     $ 31,221     $     $ 45     $ 282,457  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    2,925             2,426             499  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    99,974       7,158             80       107,052  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    589,687       20,127             740       609,074  
Total
  $ 943,867     $ 58,506     $ 2,426     $ 865     $ 999,082  
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
          Gross              
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated
 
HELD TO MATURITY:
  Cost     Gains     OTTI     Other     Fair Value  
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 1,010     $ 196     $     $     $ 1,206  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    486       15                   501  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    22,999       1,159             43       24,115  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    342,632       14,848             11       357,469  
Total
  $ 367,127     $ 16,218     $     $ 54     $ 383,291  


Securities carried at fair value through income were as follows (in thousands):

   
At June 30,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Mortgage-backed Securities:
           
U.S. Government Agencies
  $     $ 30,413  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
          617,346  
Total
  $     $ 647,759  

Net gains and losses on securities carried at fair value through income were as follows (in thousands):

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2012     2011  
Net (loss) gain on sales transactions
  $ (498 )   $ 338  
Net mark-to-market gains
          4,083  
Net (loss) gain on securities carried at fair value through income
  $ (498 )   $ 4,421  

    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    2012     2011  
Net (loss) gain on sales transactions
  $ (13 )   $ 84  
Net mark-to-market gains
          2,456  
Net (loss) gain on securities carried at fair value through income
  $ (13 )   $ 2,540  

The following table represents the unrealized loss on securities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and year ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

   
Less Than 12 Months
   
More Than 12 Months
   
Total
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Loss
 
As of June 30, 2012:
                                   
                                     
Available for Sale
                                   
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 66,858     $ 403     $     $     $ 66,858     $ 403  
Other Stocks and Bonds
                623       2,121       623       2,121  
Mortgage-Backed Securities
    420,684       1,587       2,409       24       423,093       1,611  
Total
  $ 487,542     $ 1,990     $ 3,032     $ 2,145     $ 490,574     $ 4,135  
                                                 
Held to Maturity
                                               
Mortgage-Backed Securities
  $ 3,455     $ 12     $ 375     $ 3     $ 3,830     $ 15  
Total
  $ 3,455     $ 12     $ 375     $ 3     $ 3,830     $ 15  
                                                 
As of December 31, 2011:
                                               
                                                 
Available for Sale
                                               
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 1,668     $ 42     $ 307     $ 3     $ 1,975     $ 45  
Other Stocks and Bonds
                499       2,426       499       2,426  
Mortgage-Backed Securities
    148,171       754       5,322       66       153,493       820  
Total
  $ 149,839     $ 796     $ 6,128     $ 2,495     $ 155,967     $ 3,291  
                                                 
Held to Maturity
                                               
Mortgage-Backed Securities
  $ 8,918     $ 54     $     $     $ 8,918     $ 54  
Total
  $ 8,918     $ 54     $     $     $ 8,918     $ 54  

When it is determined that a decline in fair value of Held to Maturity (“HTM”) and Available for Sale (“AFS”) securities is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the security is reduced to its estimated fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings for the credit portion and the noncredit portion to other comprehensive income.  In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis.
 
 
The turmoil in the capital markets had a significant impact on our estimate of fair value for certain of our securities.  We believe the fair values are reflective of illiquidity and credit impairment.  At June 30, 2012, we have in AFS Other Stocks and Bonds, $2.7 million amortized cost basis in pooled trust preferred securities (“TRUPs”).  Those securities are structured products with cash flows dependent upon securities issued by U.S. financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies.  Our estimate of fair value at June 30, 2012 for the TRUPs is approximately $623,000 and reflects the market illiquidity.  With the exception of the TRUPs, to the best of management’s knowledge and based on our consideration of the qualitative factors associated with each security, there were no securities in our investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at June 30, 2012 with an other-than-temporary impairment.

Given the facts and circumstances associated with the TRUPs we performed detailed cash flow modeling for each TRUP using an industry-accepted cash flow model.  Prior to loading the required assumptions into the model we reviewed the financial condition of each of the underlying issuing banks within the TRUP collateral pool that had not deferred or defaulted as of June 30, 2012.  Management’s best estimate of a deferral assumption was assigned to each issuing bank based on the category in which it fell.  Our analysis of the underlying cash flows contemplated various default, deferral and recovery scenarios to arrive at our best estimate of cash flows.  Based on that detailed analysis, we have concluded that the other-than-temporary impairment, which captures the credit component, was estimated at $3.3 million at June 30, 2012 and $3.1 million at December 31, 2011. The noncredit charge to other comprehensive income was estimated at $2.1 million and $2.4 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The carrying amount of the TRUPs was written down with $75,000 and $3.0 million recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  There was an additional write-down of the TRUPs recognized in earnings in the amount of approximately $40,000 and $181,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.  The cash flow model assumptions represent management’s best estimate and consider a variety of qualitative factors, which include, among others, the credit rating downgrades, the severity and duration of the mark-to-market loss, and the structural nuances of each TRUP.  Management believes that the detailed review of the collateral and cash flow modeling support the conclusion that the TRUPs had an other-than-temporary impairment at June 30, 2012.  We will continue to update our assumptions and the resulting analysis each reporting period to reflect changing market conditions.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the TRUPs and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the TRUPs before the anticipated recovery of their amortized cost basis.

The table below provides more detail on the TRUPs at June 30, 2012 (in thousands).

TRUP
   
Par
   
Credit
Loss
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Tranche
   
Credit
Rating
 
                                       
1     $ 2,000     $ 1,256     $ 744     $ 117     C1    
Ca
 
2       2,000       550       1,450       234     B1     C  
3       2,000       1,450       550       272     B2     C  
      $ 6,000     $ 3,256     $ 2,744     $ 623              

The following tables present a roll forward of the credit losses recognized in earnings, on AFS debt securities
(in thousands).

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 3,075     $ 3,075  
Additions for credit losses recognized on debt securities that had no previous impairment losses
           
Additions for credit losses recognized on debt securities that had previously incurred impairment losses
    181        
Balance, end of period
  $ 3,256     $ 3,075  

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 3,216     $ 3,075  
Additions for credit losses recognized on debt securities that had no previous impairment losses
           
Additions for credit losses recognized on debt securities that had previously incurred impairment losses
    40        
Balance, end of period
  $ 3,256     $ 3,075  

 
Interest income recognized on securities for the periods presented (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
U.S. Treasury
  $     $ 6  
State and Political Subdivisions
    5,642       6,452  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    37       18  
Mortgage-backed Securities
    21,035       24,607  
Total interest income on securities
  $ 26,714     $ 31,083  

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
U.S. Treasury
  $     $ 5  
State and Political Subdivisions
    2,968       3,215  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    13       9  
Mortgage-backed Securities
    8,872       13,310  
Total interest income on securities
  $ 11,853     $ 16,539  

There were no securities transferred from AFS to HTM during the six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.  There were no sales from the HTM portfolio during the six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.  There were $331.1 million and $367.1 million of securities classified as HTM at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Of the $9.3 million in net securities gains from the AFS portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2012, there were $9.4 million in realized gains and approximately $105,000 in realized losses.  Of the $5.5 million in net securities gains from the AFS portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2011, there were $5.6 million in realized gains and $115,000 in realized losses.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at June 30, 2012, are presented below by contractual maturity.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.  Mortgage-backed securities are presented in total by category due to the fact that mortgage-backed securities typically are issued with stated principal amounts, and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with varying maturities.  The characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, such as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the security holder.  The term of a mortgage-backed pass-through security thus approximates the term of the underlying mortgages and can vary significantly due to prepayments.

   
June 30, 2012
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Available for sale securities:
 
(in thousands)
 
             
Investment Securities
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 5,106     $ 5,166  
Due after one year through five years
    11,273       11,589  
Due after five years through ten years
    58,021       60,334  
Due after ten years
    321,605       341,126  
      396,005       418,215  
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,184,781       1,204,759  
Total
  $ 1,580,786     $ 1,622,974  

   
June 30, 2012
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Held to maturity securities:
 
(in thousands)
 
             
Investment Securities
           
Due in one year or less
  $     $  
Due after one year through five years
           
Due after five years through ten years
           
Due after ten years
    1,010       1,132  
      1,010       1,132  
Mortgage-backed securities
    330,138       342,162  
Total
  $ 331,148     $ 343,294  
 
 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities with book values of $1.01 billion and $1.04 billion were pledged as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, to collateralize Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, repurchase agreements, and public funds or for other purposes as required by law.

Securities with limited marketability, such as FHLB stock and other investments, are carried at cost, which approximates its fair value and assessed for other-than-temporary impairment.  These securities have no maturity date.

5. 
Loans and Allowance for Probable Loan Losses

Loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):

   
At
   
At
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Real Estate Loans:
           
Construction
  $ 105,675     $ 111,361  
1-4 Family residential
    325,720       247,479  
Other
    214,885       206,519  
Commercial loans
    146,499       143,552  
Municipal loans
    215,256       207,261  
Loans to individuals
    175,165       171,058  
Total loans
    1,183,200       1,087,230  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    20,194       18,540  
Net loans
  $ 1,163,006     $ 1,068,690  

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is based on the most current review of the loan portfolio and is validated by multiple processes.  First, the bank utilizes historical data to establish general reserve amounts for each class of loans.  While we track several years of data, we primarily review one year data because we have found that longer periods will not respond quickly enough to market conditions.  Second, our lenders have the primary responsibility for identifying problem loans and estimating necessary reserves based on customer financial stress and underlying collateral.  These recommendations are reviewed by the Senior lender, the Special Assets department, and the Loan Review department and are reviewed by the President.  Third, the Loan Review department does independent reviews of the portfolio on an annual basis.  The Loan Review department follows a board-approved annual loan review scope.  The loan review scope encompasses a number of metrics that takes into consideration the size of the loan, the type of credit extended, the seasoning of the loan along with the performance of the loan.  The loan review scope as it relates to size, focuses more on larger dollar loan relationships, typically, for example, aggregate debt of $500,000 or greater.  The Loan Review officer also tracks specific reserves for loans by type compared to general reserves to determine trends in comparative reserves as well as losses not reserved for prior to charge off to determine the efficiency of the specific reserve process.

At each review, a subjective analysis methodology is used to grade the respective loan.  Categories of grading vary in severity from loans that do not appear to have a significant probability of loss at the time of review to loans that indicate a probability that the entire balance of the loan will be uncollectible.  If full collection of the loan balance appears unlikely at the time of review, estimates of future expected cash flows or appraisals of the collateral securing the debt are used to allocate the necessary allowances.  The internal loan review department maintains a list of all loans or loan relationships that are graded as having more than the normal degree of risk associated with them.  In addition, a list of specifically reserved loans or loan relationships of $50,000 or more is updated on a quarterly basis in order to properly allocate necessary allowances and keep management informed on the status of attempts to correct the deficiencies noted with respect to the loan.

For loans to individuals, the methodology associated with determining the appropriate allowance for losses on loans primarily consists of an evaluation of individual payment histories, remaining term to maturity and underlying collateral support.

Industry experience indicates that a portion of our loans will become delinquent and a portion of the loans will require partial or entire charge-off.  Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of properties used as collateral for loans and problems affecting the credit of the borrower and the ability of the borrower to make payments on the loan.  Our determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on various considerations, including an analysis of the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss experience, specific loans which would have loan loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, current economic conditions, the views of the bank regulators (who have the authority to require additional allowances), and geographic and industry loan concentration.
 
 
Consumer loans at SFG are reserved for based on general estimates of loss at the time of purchase for current loans.  SFG loans experiencing past due status or extension of maturity characteristics are reserved for at significantly higher levels based on the circumstances associated with each specific loan.  In general the reserves for SFG are calculated based on the past due status of the loan.  For reserve purposes, the portfolio has been segregated by past due status and by the remaining term variance from the original contract.  During repayment, loans that pay late will take longer to pay out than the original contract.  Additionally, some loans may be granted extensions for extenuating payment circumstances.  The remaining term extensions increase the risk of collateral deterioration and, accordingly, reserves are increased to recognize this risk.

For loans purchased after August 1, 2010, additional reserve methods have been added.  New pools purchased are reserved at their estimated annual loss.  Thereafter, the reserve is adjusted based on the actual performance versus projected performance.  Additionally, beginning with the fourth quarter of 2010, data mining measures were further enhanced to track migration within risk tranches.  Reserves are adjusted quarterly to match the migration metrics.

Credit Quality Indicators

We categorize loans into risk categories on an ongoing basis, based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as:  current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  We use the following definitions for risk ratings:

 
·
Satisfactory (Rating 1 – 4) – This rating is assigned to all satisfactory loans.  This category, by definition, should consist of completely acceptable credit.  Credit and collateral exceptions should not be present, although their presence would not necessarily prohibit a loan from being rated Satisfactory, if deficiencies are in process of correction.  These loans will not be included in the Watch List.

 
·
Satisfactory (Rating 5) – Special Treatment Required – (Pass Watch) – These loans require some degree of special treatment, but not due to credit quality.  This category does not include loans specially mentioned or adversely classified by the Loan Review Officer or regulatory authorities; however, particular attention must be accorded such credits due to characteristics such as:

 
·
A lack of, or abnormally extended payment program;
 
·
A heavy degree of concentration of collateral without sufficient margin;
 
·
A vulnerability to competition through lesser or extensive financial leverage; and
 
·
A dependence on a single, or few customers, or sources of supply and materials without suitable substitutes or alternatives.

 
·
Special Mention (Rating 6) – A Special Mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date.  Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

 
·
Substandard (Rating 7) – Substandard loans are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 
·
Doubtful (Rating 8) – Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation, in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 
·
Loss (Rating 9) – Loans classified as Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted.  This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.

Loans not meeting risk ratings five through nine are reserved for as a group of similar type pass rated credits and included in the general portion of the allowance for loan losses.
 
 
The general portion of the loan loss allowance is reflective of historical charge-off levels for similar loans adjusted for changes in current conditions and other relevant factors.  These factors are likely to cause estimated losses to differ from historical loss experience and include:

 
·
Changes in lending policies or procedures, including underwriting, collection, charge-off, and recovery procedures;
 
·
Changes in local, regional and national economic and business conditions including entry into new markets;
 
·
Changes in the volume or type of credit extended;
 
·
Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management;
 
·
Changes in the volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual, restructured, or classified loans;
 
·
Changes in loan review or Board oversight; and
 
·
Changes in the level of concentrations of credit.
 
 
The following tables detail activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses by portfolio segment for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Real Estate
                               
   
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 2,620     $ 1,957     $ 3,051     $ 2,877     $ 619     $ 6,244     $ 1,172     $ 18,540  
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
    (178 )     396       177       433       12       4,419       (33 )     5,226  
Loans charged off
    (15 )     (53 )     (93 )     (375 )           (4,466 )           (5,002 )
Recoveries of loans charged off
    47       160       3       253             967             1,430  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,474     $ 2,460     $ 3,138     $ 3,188     $ 631     $ 7,164     $ 1,139     $ 20,194  

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Real Estate
                               
   
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 2,682     $ 2,290     $ 3,065     $ 3,342     $ 608     $ 6,918     $ 1,169     $ 20,074  
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
    (227 )     57       165       78       23       2,108       (30 )     2,174  
Loans charged off
    (7 )     (42 )     (93 )     (287 )           (2,343 )           (2,772 )
Recoveries of loans charged off
    26       155       1       55             481             718  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,474     $ 2,460     $ 3,138     $ 3,188     $ 631     $ 7,164     $ 1,139     $ 20,194  

   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Real Estate
                               
   
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 2,585     $ 1,988     $ 3,354     $ 3,746     $ 607     $ 7,978     $ 453     $ 20,711  
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
    210       181       (524 )     (231 )     3       3,288       1,071       3,998  
Loans charged off
    (9 )     (383 )     (80 )     (927 )           (5,672 )           (7,071 )
Recoveries of loans charged off
    14       93       273       328             1,063             1,771  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,800     $ 1,879     $ 3,023     $ 2,916     $ 610     $ 6,657     $ 1,524     $ 19,409  

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Real Estate
                               
   
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 2,832     $ 1,808     $ 3,321     $ 3,497     $ 605     $ 7,121     $ 596     $ 19,780  
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
    (37 )     107       (376 )     (421 )     5       1,654       928       1,860  
Loans charged off
    (9 )     (64 )           (377 )           (2,573 )           (3,023 )
Recoveries of loans charged off
    14       28       78       217             455             792  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,800     $ 1,879     $ 3,023     $ 2,916     $ 610     $ 6,657     $ 1,524     $ 19,409  
 
 
The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based on impairment method as described in the allowance for loan losses methodology discussion for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
   
As of June 30, 2012
 
   
Real Estate
                               
   
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Ending balance – individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 695     $ 901     $ 512     $ 1,383     $ 102     $ 340     $     $ 3,933  
Ending balance – collectively evaluated for impairment
    1,779       1,559       2,626       1,805       529       6,824       1,139       16,261  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,474     $ 2,460     $ 3,138     $ 3,188     $ 631     $ 7,164     $ 1,139     $ 20,194  

   
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
Real Estate
                               
   
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Ending balance – individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 888     $ 788     $ 511     $ 1,108     $ 110     $ 347     $     $ 3,752  
Ending balance – collectively evaluated for impairment
    1,732       1,169       2,540       1,769       509       5,897       1,172       14,788  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,620     $ 1,957     $ 3,051     $ 2,877     $ 619     $ 6,244     $ 1,172     $ 18,540  
 
The following tables detail activity of the Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments for the periods presented (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reserve For Unfunded Loan Commitments:
               
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
26
   
$
30
 
Provision (reversal) for losses on unfunded loan commitments
   
(23
)
   
(8
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
3
   
$
22
 

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reserve For Unfunded Loan Commitments:
               
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
26
   
$
30
 
Provision (reversal) for losses on unfunded loan commitments
   
(23
)
   
(8
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
3
   
$
22
 
 
 
The following tables set forth the balance in the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based on impairment method as described in the allowance for loan losses methodology discussion for the periods presented (in thousands):

   
Real Estate
                         
June 30, 2012
 
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Total
 
                                           
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 4,883     $ 12,120     $ 10,986     $ 5,821     $ 620     $ 1,261     $ 35,691  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    100,792       313,600       203,899       140,678       214,636       173,904       1,147,509  
Total ending loan balance
  $ 105,675     $ 325,720     $ 214,885     $ 146,499     $ 215,256     $ 175,165     $ 1,183,200  

   
Real Estate
                         
December 31, 2011
 
Construction
   
1-4 Family
Residential
   
Other
   
Commercial
Loans
   
Municipal
Loans
   
Loans to
Individuals
   
Total
 
                                           
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 6,274     $ 12,453     $ 9,394     $ 5,986     $ 651     $ 1,320     $ 36,078  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    105,087       235,026       197,125       137,566       206,610       169,738       1,051,152  
Total ending loan balance
  $ 111,361     $ 247,479     $ 206,519     $ 143,552     $ 207,261       171,058     $ 1,087,230  

The following tables set forth loans by credit quality indicator for the periods presented (in thousands):

June 30, 2012
 
Pass
   
Pass
Watch
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                                           
Real Estate Loans:
                                         
Construction
  $ 100,792     $     $ 20     $ 4,736     $ 127     $     $ 105,675  
1-4 Family residential
    313,600       1,736       3,942       5,374       1,068             325,720  
Other
    203,899       3,387       4,173       3,280       146             214,885  
Commercial loans
    140,678       957             4,187       674       3       146,499  
Municipal loans
    214,636       232             388                   215,256  
Loans to individuals
    173,904       39             930       266       26       175,165  
Total
  $ 1,147,509     $ 6,351     $ 8,135     $ 18,895     $ 2,281     $ 29     $ 1,183,200  

December 31, 2011
 
Pass
   
Pass
Watch
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                                           
Real Estate Loans:
                                         
Construction
  $ 105,087     $ 785     $ 20     $ 5,285     $ 184     $     $ 111,361  
1-4 Family residential
    235,026       1,763       5,299       4,345       1,046             247,479  
Other
    197,126       2,911       2,877       3,475       130             206,519  
Commercial loans
    137,565       908       242       4,772       55       10       143,552  
Municipal loans
    206,610       231             420                   207,261  
Loans to individuals
    169,738       81             976       236       27       171,058  
Total
  $ 1,051,152     $ 6,679     $ 8,438     $ 19,273     $ 1,651     $ 37     $ 1,087,230  
 
 
The following table sets forth nonperforming assets for the periods presented (in thousands):

   
At
June 30,
2012
   
At
December 31,
2011
 
             
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 10,077     $ 10,299  
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days
    1       5  
Restructured loans
    2,352       2,109  
Other real estate owned
    960       453  
Repossessed assets
    388       322  
Total Nonperforming Assets
  $ 13,778     $ 13,188  

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

Nonaccrual loans are those loans which are 90 days or more delinquent and collection in full of both the principal and interest is in doubt.  Additionally, some loans that are not delinquent may be placed on nonaccrual status due to doubts about full collection of principal or interest.  When a loan is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and the accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes.  Payments of contractual interest are recognized as income only to the extent that full recovery of the principal balance of the loan is reasonably certain.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, except for consumer loans which are generally carried in nonaccrual only when they are in excess of 90 days delinquent, and future payments are reasonably assured.  Other factors, such as the value of collateral securing the loan and the financial condition of the borrower must be considered in judgments as to potential loan loss.

Loans are considered impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The measurement of impaired loans is generally based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate stipulated in the loan agreement, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral.  In measuring the fair value of the collateral, in addition to relying on third party appraisals, we use assumptions such as discount rates, and methodologies, such as comparison to the recent selling price of similar assets, consistent with those that would be utilized by unrelated third parties performing a valuation.

Nonaccrual loans and accruing loans past due more than 90 days include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

The following table sets forth the recorded investment in nonaccrual and accruing loans past due more than 90 days by class of loans for the periods presented (in thousands):

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Nonaccrual
   
Accruing Loans
Past Due More
Than 90 Days
   
Nonaccrual
   
Accruing Loans
Past Due More
Than 90 Days
 
Real Estate Loans:
                       
Construction
  $ 3,149     $     $ 3,894     $  
1-4 Family residential
    2,320             2,362        
Other
    865             781        
Commercial loans
    1,858             1,353        
Loans to individuals
    1,885       1       1,909       5  
Total
  $ 10,077     $ 1     $ 10,299     $ 5  
 
 
The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans (in thousands):

   
June 30, 2012
 
   
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater than
90 Days
Past Due
   
Total Past
Due
   
Loans Not
Past Due
   
Total
 
Real Estate Loans:
                                   
Construction
  $ 271     $ 61     $ 3,149     $ 3,481     $ 102,194     $ 105,675  
1-4 Family residential
    143       466       2,320       2,929       322,791       325,720  
Other
    180       236       865       1,281       213,604       214,885  
Commercial loans
    353       393       1,858       2,604       143,895       146,499  
Municipal loans
                            215,256       215,256  
Loans to individuals
    3,019       718       1,886       5,623       169,542       175,165  
Total
  $ 3,966     $ 1,874     $ 10,078     $ 15,918     $ 1,167,282     $ 1,183,200  

   
December 31, 2011
 
   
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater than
90 Days
Past Due
   
Total Past
Due
   
Loans Not
Past Due
   
Total
 
Real Estate Loans:
                                   
Construction
  $ 185     $ 146     $ 3,894     $ 4,225     $ 107,136     $ 111,361  
1-4 Family residential
    4,289       1,051       2,362       7,702       239,777       247,479  
Other
    1,129       296       781       2,206       204,313       206,519  
Commercial loans
    1,353       129       1,353       2,835       140,717       143,552  
Municipal loans
                            207,261       207,261  
Loans to individuals
    4,614       960       1,914       7,488       163,570       171,058  
Total
  $ 11,570     $ 2,582     $ 10,304     $ 24,456     $ 1,062,774     $ 1,087,230  

Impaired loans, primarily nonaccrual loans, were as follows (in thousands):

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses
  $ 1     $ 4  
Loans with allocated allowance for loan losses
    12,395       12,366  
Total
  $ 12,396     $ 12,370  
                 
Amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated
  $ 2,645     $ 2,639  

At any time a potential loss is recognized in the collection of principal, proper reserves should be allocated.  Loans are charged off when deemed uncollectible.  Loans are charged down as soon as collection by liquidation is evident to the liquidation value of the collateral net of liquidation costs, if any, and placed in nonaccrual status.

The following table sets forth interest income recognized on nonaccrual and restructured loans by class of loans for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Accruing
Interest at
Original
Contracted
Rate
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Accruing
Interest at
Original
Contracted
Rate
 
             
Real Estate Loans:
                       
Construction
  $     $ 128     $ 6     $ 143  
1-4 Family residential
    9       80       47       85  
Other
    20       65       29       87  
Commercial loans
    12       55       5       43  
Loans to individuals
    150       272       253       447  
Total
  $ 191     $ 600     $ 340     $ 805  
 
 
The following tables set forth impaired loans by class of loans for the periods presented (in thousands).  Average recorded investment is reported on a year-to-date basis.

June 30, 2012
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
   
Total
Recorded
Investment
   
Loan Losses
Allocated
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
                                     
Real Estate Loans:
                                   
Construction
  $ 4,289     $     $ 3,149     $ 3,149     $ 346     $ 3,591  
1-4 Family residential
    2,880             2,810       2,810       461       2,908  
Other
    1,996             1,558       1,558       176       1,558  
Commercial loans
    2,212             2,092       2,092       797       2,010  
Loans to individuals
    3,069       1       2,786       2,787       865       2,950  
Total
  $ 14,446     $ 1     $ 12,395     $ 12,396     $ 2,645     $ 13,017  

December 31, 2011
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
   
Total
Recorded
Investment
   
Loan Losses
Allocated
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
                                     
Real Estate Loans:
                                   
Construction
  $ 4,909     $     $ 3,895     $ 3,895     $ 597     $ 4,054  
1-4 Family residential
    2,449             2,362       2,362       320       2,362  
Other
    1,930             1,508       1,508       380       1,744  
Commercial loans
    1,570             1,493       1,493       485       1,748  
Loans to individuals
    3,389       4       3,108       3,112       857       4,508  
Total
  $ 14,247     $ 4     $ 12,366     $ 12,370     $ 2,639     $ 14,416  

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession.  Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses.  Effective July 1, 2011, we adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-02, “Receivables (Topic 310) – A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.”  We reassessed all loan modifications occurring since January 1, 2011 for identification as troubled debt restructurings.

The following tables set forth troubled debt restructurings for the periods presented (in thousands):

    As of June 30, 2012  
   
Number of
Contracts
   
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   
Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Real Estate Loans:
                 
Construction
    2     $ 93     $ 83  
1-4 Family residential
    10       970       917  
Other
    2       824       782  
Commercial loans
    8       879       866  
Loans to individuals
    22       126       63  
Total
          $ 2,892     $ 2,711  

 
   
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
Number of
Contracts
   
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   
Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Real Estate Loans:
                 
Construction
    2     $ 93     $ 87  
1-4 Family residential
    4       325       320  
Other
    1       732       728  
Commercial loans
    2       141       141  
Loans to individuals
    12       111       89  
Total
          $ 1,402     $ 1,365  

The loans identified as troubled debt restructurings were previously reported as impaired loans prior to restructuring.  As of June 30, 2012, the modifications related to extending the amortization periods were $1.7 million, lowering interest rates were $409,000 and principal forgiveness of the loans were $40,000.  In addition, loan modifications extending the amortization period, lowering interest rates and principal forgiveness were $601,000.  Of the loans restructured, $1.3 million were on nonaccrual status as of June 30, 2012.  Because the loans were classified and on nonaccrual status both before and after restructuring, the modifications did not impact our determination of the allowance for loan losses.  For the six months ended June 30, 2012, defaults on loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings were not significant.

6. 
Long-term Obligations
 
Long-term obligations are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
FHLB Advances (1)
  $ 366,989     $ 260,724  
                 
Long-term Debt (2)
               
Southside Statutory Trust III Due 2033 (3)
    20,619       20,619  
Southside Statutory Trust IV Due 2037 (4)
    23,196       23,196  
Southside Statutory Trust V Due 2037 (5)
    12,887       12,887  
Magnolia Trust Company I Due 2035 (6)
    3,609       3,609  
Total Long-term Debt
    60,311       60,311  
Total Long-term Obligations
  $ 427,300     $ 321,035  

 
 
(1)
At June 30, 2012, the weighted average cost of these advances was 2.00%.  Long-term FHLB Advances have maturities ranging from July 2013 through July 2028.
 
(2)
This long-term debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations.
 
(3)
This debt carries an adjustable rate of 3.4006% through September 29, 2012 and adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 294 basis points.
 
(4)
This debt carries a fixed rate of 6.518% through October 30, 2012 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 130 basis points.
 
(5)
This debt carries a fixed rate of 7.48% through December 15, 2012 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 225 basis points.
 
(6)
This debt carries an adjustable rate of 2.26685% through August 22, 2012 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 180 basis points.


During 2010 and 2011, we entered into the option to fund between one and a half and two years forward from the advance commitment date $200 million par in long-term advance commitments from the FHLB at the rates on the date the option was purchased.  During the three months ended June 30, 2012, $40 million par of long-term advance commitments expired unexercised.  We recorded impairment charges of $1.4 million and $1.8 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, in our income statement.  At June 30, 2012, we had $195,000 in fair value of the FHLB advance option fees on our balance sheet.  The remaining fee, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, will be amortized over the term of the advance when we exercise the advance commitments.  Should we determine the advance commitments will not be exercised or they are further impaired, the remaining fee will be expensed in the period determination is made.

Below is a table detailing the optional advance commitment terms (dollars in thousands):

Advance
Commitment
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Advance
Commitment
Term at
Exercise Date
 
Advance
Commitment
Rate
 
Option
Fee Paid
 
Impairment
 
Fair
Value
Option
Fee
 
                                   
$
25,000
 
09/20/12
 
36 months
 
1.325%
 
$
1,105
 
$
1,093
 
$
12
 
 
25,000
 
09/20/12
 
48 months
 
1.674%
   
1,410
   
1,403
   
7
 
 
20,000
 
10/09/12
 
36 months
 
1.153%
   
789
   
742
   
47
 
 
20,000
 
10/09/12
 
48 months
 
1.466%
   
1,042
   
1,008
   
34
 
 
20,000
 
10/09/12
 
60 months
 
1.807%
   
1,216
   
1,188
   
28
 
 
20,000
 
03/18/13
 
60 months
 
2.510%
   
1,528
   
1,498
   
30
 
 
15,000
 
03/18/13
 
36 months
 
1.622%
   
828
   
811
   
17
 
 
15,000
 
03/18/13
 
48 months
 
2.086%
   
1,017
   
997
   
20
 
$
160,000
             
$
8,935
 
$
8,740
 
$
195
 

7. 
Employee Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
Defined Benefit
             
   
Pension Plan
   
Restoration Plan
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
 
$
868
   
$
768
   
$
80
   
$
87
 
Interest cost
   
1,533
     
1,490
     
195
     
198
 
Expected return on assets
   
(2,058
)
   
(1,941
)
   
     
 
Net loss recognition
   
852
     
581
     
159
     
151
 
Prior service credit amortization
   
(21
)
   
(21
)
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
1,174
   
$
877
   
$
433
   
$
435
 

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
Defined Benefit
             
   
Pension Plan
   
Restoration Plan
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
 
$
403
   
$
374
   
$
30
   
$
44
 
Interest cost
   
770
     
749
     
96
     
98
 
Expected return on assets
   
(1,029
)
   
(969
)
   
     
 
Net loss recognition
   
437
     
296
     
75
     
70
 
Prior service credit amortization
   
(11
)
   
(11
)
   
(1
)
   
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
570
   
$
439
   
$
200
   
$
212
 

Employer Contributions.  We previously disclosed in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, that we expected to contribute $3.0 million to our defined benefit pension plan and $80,000 to our restoration plan in 2012.  As of June 30, 2012, contributions of $1.5 million and $40,000 were made to our defined benefit and restoration plans, respectively.
 
 
8. 
Share-based Incentive Plans

2009 Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”)

On April 16, 2009, our shareholders approved the Southside Bancshares, Inc. 2009 Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”), which is a stock-based incentive compensation plan.  A total of 1,215,507 shares of our common stock were reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2009 Incentive Plan.  Under the 2009 Incentive Plan, we were authorized to grant nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or any combination thereof to certain officers.  During the three months ended June 30, 2011, we granted RSUs and NQSOs pursuant to the 2009 Incentive Plan.

As of June 30, 2012, there were 130,103 nonvested awards outstanding.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, there was $94,000 and $133,000, respectively, share-based compensation expense related to the 2009 Incentive Plan.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, there was $32,000 and $46,000, respectively, of income tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense.  As of June 30, 2011, there were 214,438 nonvested awards outstanding.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, there was $26,000 share-based compensation expense and $9,000 of income tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $949,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the 2009 Incentive Plan for the nonvested awards granted in June 2011.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.63 years.  There was $1.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2009 Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2011.

The fair value of each NQSO granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes method of option pricing with the following weighted-average assumptions for grants in 2011:  dividend yield of 3.54%; risk-free interest rate of 2.30%; expected life of 6.5 and 7.0 years for the three-year and four-year vesting schedule, respectively; and expected volatility of 42.07% and 41.50% for the three-year and four-year vesting schedule, respectively.

The NQSOs have contractual terms of 10 years and vest in equal annual installments over either a three- or four-year period.

The fair value of each RSU is the ending stock price on the date of grant.  The RSUs vest in equal annual installments over either a three- or four-year period.

Each award is evidenced by an award agreement that specifies the option price, if applicable, the duration of the award, the number of shares to which the award pertains, and such other provisions as the Board determines.

1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan (“the ISO Plan”)

In April 1993, we adopted the Southside Bancshares, Inc. 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan ("the ISO Plan"), a stock-based incentive compensation plan.  The ISO Plan expired March 31, 2003.  Before the ISO Plan expired, awards were granted to selected employees.

As of June 30, 2012 and 2011, there were no nonvested shares for the ISO Plan.  For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, there was no stock-based compensation expense related to the ISO Plan.

As of June 30, 2012 and 2011, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to the ISO Plan for nonvested options granted in March 2003.

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes method of option pricing with the following weighted-average assumptions for grants in 2003: dividend yield of 1.93%; risk-free interest rate of 4.93%; expected life of six years; and expected volatility of 28.90%.

Under the ISO Plan, we were authorized to issue shares of common stock pursuant to "Awards" granted in the form of incentive stock options (intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended).  Before the ISO Plan expired, awards were granted to selected employees.  No stock options have been available for grant under the ISO Plan since its expiration in March 2003.

The ISO Plan provided that the exercise price of any stock option not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.  The outstanding stock options have contractual terms of 10 years.  All options vest on a graded schedule, 20% per year for five years, beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant date.

Shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards are issued from authorized shares and not from treasury shares.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, there were 9,549 and 880 shares, respectively, issued in connection with stock compensation awards from available authorized shares.
 
A combined summary of activity in our share-based plans as of June 30, 2012 is presented below:

         
Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding
   
Stock Options
Outstanding
 
   
Shares
Available
for Grant
   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
    1,001,069       35,070     $ 18.28       189,857     $ 17.82     $ 5.59  
Granted
                                   
Stock options exercised
                      (1,634 )     9.89        
Stock awards vested
          (7,759 )     18.28                    
Forfeited
    35,077       (8,218 )     18.28       (26,859 )     18.28       5.59  
Canceled/expired
                                   
Balance, June 30, 2012
    1,036,146       19,093     $ 18.28       161,364     $ 17.82     $ 5.59  

Other information regarding options outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2012 is as follows:

   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
$
9.89
9.89
 
8,855
 
$
9.89
 
0.75
 
8,855
 
$
9.89
 
 
18.28
18.28
 
152,509
   
18.28
 
8.94
 
41,499
   
18.28
 
Total
 
161,364
 
$
17.82
 
8.49
 
50,354
 
$
16.80
 

The total intrinsic value (i.e., the amount by which the fair value of the underlying common stock exceeds the exercise price of a stock option on exercise date) of outstanding stock options and exercisable stock options was $747,000 and $284,000 at June 30, 2012, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $18,000 and $7,000, respectively.

Cash received from stock option exercises for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $16,000 and $9,000, respectively.  The tax benefit realized related to the stock option awards was $11,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.  The tax benefit realized for the deductions related to the stock option exercises was $2,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

9. 
Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.  The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs.  An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction.  Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

Valuation techniques including the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach are utilized to determine fair value.  Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our investment department and reported to our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) for review.  An entity must consider all aspects of nonperforming risk, including the entity’s own credit standing when measuring fair value of a liability.  Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.  A fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.  The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
 
 
Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.
 
Securities Available for Sale – U.S. Treasury securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs.  Other securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
 
Securities Carried at Fair Value through Income – U.S. Treasury securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs.  Other securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
 
We review the prices quarterly supplied by the independent pricing service for reasonableness and to ensure such prices are aligned with traditional pricing matrices.  In addition, we obtain an understanding of their underlying pricing methodologies and their Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements-Reporting on Controls of a Service Organization (“SSAE 16”).  We validate prices supplied by the independent pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from, in most cases, four additional third party sources.  For securities where prices are outside a reasonable range, we further review those securities to determine what a reasonable price estimate is for that security, given available data.
 
Certain financial assets are measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP.  Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with our monthly and/or quarterly valuation process.  There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Loans Held for Sale - These loans are reported at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is determined based on expected proceeds, which are based on sales contracts and commitments and are considered Level 2 inputs.  At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, based on our estimates of fair value, no valuation allowance was recognized.

Foreclosed Assets – Foreclosed assets are carried at fair value less costs to sell.  The fair value measurements of foreclosed assets can include Level 2 measurement inputs such as real estate appraisals and comparable real estate sales information, in conjunction with Level 3 measurement inputs such as cash flow projections, qualitative adjustments, sales cost estimates, etc.  As a result, the categorization of foreclosed assets is Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  In connection with the measurement and initial recognition of certain foreclosed assets, we may recognize charge-offs through the allowance for loan losses.

Impaired Loans – Certain impaired loans may be reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria or appraisals.  At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the impact of loans with specific reserves based on the fair value of the collateral was reflected in our allowance for loan losses.
 
 
Certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test.  Certain nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, as well as intangible assets and other nonfinancial long-lived assets (such as real estate owned) that are measured at fair value in the event of an impairment.  The framework became applicable to these fair value measurements beginning January 1, 2009.

The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Gains
(Losses)
 
June 30, 2012
                             
Recurring fair value measurements
                             
Investment Securities:
                             
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 414,897     $     $ 414,897     $     $  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    3,318             2,695       623       (181 )
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                                       
U.S. Government Agencies
    117,745             117,745              
Government-Sponsored Enterprise
    1,087,014             1,087,014              
Total recurring fair value measurements
  $ 1,622,974     $     $ 1,622,351     $ 623     $ (181 )
                                         
Nonrecurring fair value measurements
                                       
Foreclosed assets (1)
  $ 1,348     $     $     $ 1,348     $ (481 )
Impaired loans (2)
    9,751                   9,751       (11 )
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements
  $ 11,099     $     $     $ 11,099     $ (492 )

         
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
December 31, 2011
                       
Recurring fair value measurements
                       
Securities Available for Sale
                       
Investment Securities:
                       
State and Political Subdivisions
  $ 282,457     $     $ 282,457     $  
Other Stocks and Bonds
    499                   499  
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                               
U.S. Government Agencies
    107,052             107,052        
Government-Sponsored Enterprise
    609,074             609,074        
Total available for sale securities
  $ 999,082     $     $ 998,583     $ 499  
Securities carried at fair value through income
                               
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                               
U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 30,413     $     $ 30,413     $  
Government-Sponsored Enterprise
    617,346             617,346        
Total securities carried at fair value through income
  $ 647,759     $     $ 647,759     $  
Total recurring fair value measurements
  $ 1,646,841     $     $ 1,646,342     $ 499  
                                 
Nonrecurring fair value measurements
                               
Foreclosed assets (1)
  $ 775     $     $     $ 775  
Impaired loans (2)
    9,731                   9,731  
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements
  $ 10,506     $     $     $ 10,506  

 
(1)
Losses represent related losses on foreclosed properties that were written down subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed properties.
 
(2)
Loans represent collateral dependent impaired loans with a specific valuation allowance.  Losses on these loans represent charge-offs which are netted against the allowance for loan losses.
 
 
The following tables present additional information about financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Other Stocks and Bonds
           
             
Balance at Beginning of Period
  $ 499     $ 189  
                 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
               
Included in earnings
    (181 )      
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    305       768  
Purchases
           
Issuances
           
Settlements
           
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
           
Balance at End of Period
  $ 623     $ 957  
                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the periods included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date
  $ (181 )   $  

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Other Stocks and Bonds
           
             
Balance at Beginning of Period
  $ 658     $ 1,005  
                 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
               
Included in earnings
    (40 )      
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    5       (48 )
Purchases
           
Issuances
           
Settlements
           
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
           
Balance at End of Period
  $ 623     $ 957  
                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the periods included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date
  $ (40 )   $  

 
The following tables present income statement classification of realized and unrealized gains and losses due to changes in fair value recorded in earnings for the periods presented for recurring Level 3 assets, as shown in the previous tables (in thousands):
 
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  
   
Net Securities Gains
(Losses)
   
Other Noninterest Income
(Loss)
    Total  
Securities Available for Sale   Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized  
                                     
Investment securities:
                                   
Other stocks and bonds
  $     $     $ (181 )   $     $ (181 )   $  
 
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
   
Net Securities Gains
(Losses)
   
Other Noninterest Income
(Loss)
    Total  
Securities Available for Sale   Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized  
                                     
Investment securities:
                                   
Other stocks and bonds
  $     $     $ (40 )   $     $ (40 )   $  

The following table presents quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in our Level 3 recurring fair value measurements as of June 30, 2012.  No liabilities were recorded as Level 3 at June 30, 2012 (in thousands):
 
    As of June 30, 2012  
Securities Available for Sale   Fair Value  
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable
Input
  Range of Inputs  
         
Discounted Cash
Flows
 
Constant
prepayment rate
    1% - 2 %
                       
Investment securities:             Discount Rate    
Libor + 14% - 15
%
                       
Other stocks and bonds
  $ 623      
Loss Severity
    25% - 100 %
 
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our trust preferred securities (“TRUPS”) included the credit rating downgrades, the severity and duration of the mark-to-market loss, and the structural nuances of each TRUP.  Our analysis of the underlying cash flows contemplated various default, deferral and recovery scenarios to arrive at our best estimate of cash flows.  Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs would result in a significant lower (higher) fair value.

Level 3 assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2012 included loans for which a specific allowance was established based on the fair value of collateral and other real estate for which fair value of the properties was less than the cost basis.  For both asset classes, the unobservable inputs were the additional adjustments applied by management to the appraised values to reflect such factors as non-current appraisals and revisions to estimated time to sell.  These adjustments are determined based on qualitative judgments made by management on a case-by-case basis and are not quantifiable inputs, although they are used in the determination of fair value.

We reported at fair value through income certain of our mortgage-backed securities with embedded derivatives and purchased at a significant premium, which we defined as greater than 111.111% as opposed to bifurcating the embedded derivative and valuing it on a stand-alone basis, as these embedded derivatives are not readily identifiable and measurable and as such cannot be bifurcated.  At June 30, 2012, we had no securities carried at fair value through income.  During the first quarter of 2012, we sold all of our securities carried at fair value through income.  The sale of these securities resulted in a loss on sale of securities carried at fair value through income of $498,000.  At December 31, 2011, we had $647.8 million classified as securities carried at fair value through income.  The changes in fair value recorded in income was an increase of $2.5 million and $4.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.
 
 
Assets and liabilities accounted for under the fair value election are initially measured at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in earnings.  Such changes in the fair value of assets for which we elected the fair value option are included in current period earnings with classification in the income statement line item reflected in the following tables (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Changes in fair value included in net income:
           
Mortgage-backed Securities:
           
U.S. Government Agencies
  $     $ 50  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
          4,033  
Total
  $     $ 4,083  
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Changes in fair value included in net income:
           
Mortgage-backed Securities:
           
U.S. Government Agencies
  $     $ 61  
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
          2,395  
Total
  $     $ 2,456  

Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet is required, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other estimation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  Such techniques and assumptions, as they apply to individual categories of our financial instruments, are as follows:

 
Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of those assets' fair value.

 
Investment and mortgage-backed and related securities - Fair values for these securities are based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services.

 
FHLB stock and other investments - The carrying amount of FHLB stock is a reasonable estimate of those assets’ fair value.

 
Loans receivable - For adjustable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, the carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of those assets' fair value.  The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  Nonperforming loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or the underlying value of the collateral where applicable.

 
Deposit liabilities - The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount on demand at the reporting date, that is, the carrying value.  Fair values for fixed rate CDs are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements - Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements generally have an original term to maturity of one day and thus are considered short-term borrowings.  Consequently, their carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 
FHLB advances - The fair value of these advances is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates at which advances would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

 
Long-term debt - The carrying amount for the long-term debt is estimated by discounting future cash flows using estimated rates at which long-term debt would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the remaining maturities.  This type of debt is issued much less frequently since the economic crisis beginning in 2007.  Therefore, the discount rate is a best estimate.
 
 
The following tables present our financial assets, financial liabilities, and unrecognized financial instruments at both their respective carrying amounts and fair value (in thousands):

         
Estimated Fair Value
 
June 30, 2012
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Financial Assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 106,236     $ 106,236     $ 106,236     $     $  
Investment securities:
                                       
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    1,010       1,132             1,132        
Mortgage-backed and related securities:
                                       
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    330,138       342,162             342,162        
FHLB stock and other investments, at cost
    36,398       36,398             36,398        
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    1,163,006       1,160,201                   1,160,201  
Loans held for sale
    1,447       1,447             1,447        
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Retail deposits
  $ 2,395,872     $ 2,399,755     $     $ 2,399,755     $  
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    1,948       1,948             1,948        
FHLB advances
    608,235       613,600             613,600        
Long-term debt
    60,311       45,856             45,856        

         
Estimated Fair Value
 
December 31, 2011
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Financial Assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 43,238     $ 43,238     $ 43,238     $     $  
Investment securities:
                                       
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    1,496       1,707             1,707        
Mortgage-backed and related securities:
                                       
Held to maturity, at amortized cost
    365,631       381,584             381,584        
FHLB stock and other investments, at cost
    35,933       35,933             35,933        
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    1,068,690       1,073,298                   1,073,298  
Loans held for sale
    3,552       3,552             3,552        
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Retail deposits
  $ 2,321,671     $ 2,329,243     $     $ 2,329,243     $  
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    2,945       2,945             2,945        
FHLB advances
    622,535       636,129             636,129        
Long-term debt
    60,311       45,132             45,132        

As discussed earlier, the fair value estimate of financial instruments for which quoted market prices are unavailable is dependent upon the assumptions used.  Consequently, those estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented in the above fair value table do not necessarily represent their underlying value.

The estimated fair value of our commitments to extend credit, credit card arrangements and letters of credit, estimated using Level 3 inputs, was not material at June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.
 
 
10. 
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet-Risk. In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain financial instruments, with off-balance-sheet risk, to meet the financing needs of our customers.  These off-balance-sheet instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount reflected in the financial statements.  The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement and exposure to credit loss that we have in these particular classes of financial instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided that the terms established in the contract are met.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may require payment of fees.  Since some commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments to customers.

We had outstanding unused commitments to extend credit of $138.9 million and $116.0 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Each commitment has a maturity date and the commitment expires on that date with the exception of credit card and ready reserve commitments, which have no stated maturity date.  Unused commitments for credit card and ready reserve at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $12.6 million and $12.7 million, respectively, and are reflected in the due after one year category.  We had outstanding standby letters of credit of $6.1 million and $6.5 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The scheduled maturities of unused commitments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Unused commitments:            
Due in one year or less
  $ 88,589     $ 85,737  
Due after one year
    50,351       30,291  
Total
  $ 138,940     $ 116,028  

We apply the same credit policies in making commitments and standby letters of credit as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments.  We evaluate each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the borrower.  Collateral held varies but may include cash or cash equivalents, negotiable instruments, real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, oil, gas and mineral interests, property, plant and equipment.

Lease Commitments. We lease certain branch facilities and office equipment under operating leases.  It is expected that certain leases will be renewed, or equipment replaced with new leased equipment, as these leases expire.

Securities. In the normal course of business we buy and sell securities.  There were $42.3 million of unsettled trades to purchase and $1.1 million of unsettled trades to sell securities at June 30, 2012.  There were no unsettled trades to sell securities at December 31, 2011.  There were $1.2 million of unsettled trades to purchase securities at December 31, 2011.

Deposits. There were no unsettled issuances of brokered CDs at June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

Litigation. We are involved with various litigation in the normal course of business.  Management, after consulting with our legal counsel, believes that any liability resulting from litigation will not have a material effect on the financial position and results of operations and our liquidity.
 
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of our operations, and should be read and reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements, and the notes thereto, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

We reported a decrease in net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011.  Net income attributable to Southside Bancshares, Inc. for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $7.7 million and $17.9 million, respectively, compared to $12.6 million and $21.0 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this document and in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of Southside Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company, may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date.  These statements may include words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "anticipate," “appear,” "believe," "could," "should," "may," "intend," "probability," "risk," "target," "objective," “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.  For example, discussions of the effect of our expansion, trends in asset quality and earnings from growth, and certain market risk disclosures are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations.  By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future.  As a result, actual income gains and losses could materially differ from those that have been estimated.  Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

 
·
general economic conditions, either globally, nationally, in the State of Texas, or in the specific markets in which we operate, including, without limitation, the deterioration of the commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction and development, credit and liquidity markets, which could cause an adverse change in our net interest margin, or a decline in the value of our assets, which could result in realized losses;
 
·
legislation, regulatory changes or changes in monetary or fiscal policy that adversely affect the businesses in which we are engaged, including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve’s actions with respect to interest rates and other regulatory responses to current economic conditions;
 
·
adverse changes in the status or financial condition of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (the “GSEs”) impacting the GSEs’ guarantees or ability to pay or issue debt;
 
·
adverse changes in the credit portfolio of other U.S. financial institutions relative to the performance of certain of our investment securities;
 
·
economic or other disruptions caused by acts of terrorism in the United States, Europe or other areas;
 
·
changes in the interest rate yield curve such as flat, inverted or steep yield curves, or changes in the interest rate environment that impact interest margins and may impact prepayments on the mortgage-backed securities portfolio;
 
·
increases in our nonperforming assets;
 
·
our ability to maintain adequate liquidity to fund operations and growth;
 
·
the failure of our assumptions underlying allowance for loan losses and other estimates;
 
·
unexpected outcomes of, and the costs associated with, existing or new litigation involving us;
 
·
changes impacting our balance sheet and leverage strategy;
 
·
risks related to actual U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities prepayments exceeding projected prepayment levels;
 
·
risks related to U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities prepayments increasing due to U.S. Government programs designed to assist homeowners to refinance their mortgage that might not otherwise have qualified;
 
·
our ability to monitor interest rate risk;
 
·
significant increases in competition in the banking and financial services industry;
 
·
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits;
 
·
technological changes;
 
·
our ability to increase market share and control expenses;
 
·
the effect of changes in federal or state tax laws;
 
·
the effect of compliance with legislation or regulatory changes;
 
 
 
·
the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices;
 
·
risks of mergers and acquisitions including the related time and cost of implementing transactions and the potential failure to achieve expected gains, revenue growth or expense savings;
 
·
credit risks of borrowers, including any increase in those risks due to changing economic conditions; and
 
·
risks related to loans secured by real estate, including the risk that the value and marketability of collateral could decline.

All written or oral forward-looking statements made by us or attributable to us are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice.  We disclaim any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

Impact of Dodd-Frank Act

On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial services industry, although some of its provisions apply to companies that are significantly larger than us. The Dodd-Frank Act directs applicable regulatory authorities to promulgate regulations implementing its provisions, and its effect on us and the financial services industry as a whole will be clarified as those regulations are issued.  Major elements of the Dodd-Frank Act include:

 
·
A permanent increase in deposit insurance coverage to $250,000 per account, unlimited deposit insurance on noninterest bearing transaction accounts beginning December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012, and an increase in the minimum Deposit Insurance Fund reserve requirement from 1.15% to 1.35%, with assessments to be based on assets as opposed to deposits;
 
·
New disclosure and other requirements relating to executive compensation and corporate governance;
 
·
New prohibitions and restrictions on the ability of a banking entity and nonbank financial company to engage in proprietary trading and have certain interests in, or relationships with, a hedge fund or private equity fund;
 
·
Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act aimed at improving consumer protections with respect to mortgage originations, including originator compensation, minimum repayment standards, and prepayment considerations;
 
·
The establishment of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which will be responsible for identifying and monitoring systemic risks posed by financial firms, activities, and practices;
 
·
The development of regulations to limit debit card interchange fees;
 
·
The future elimination of newly issued trust preferred securities as a permitted element of Tier 1 capital;
 
·
The creation of a special regime to allow for the orderly liquidation of systemically important financial companies, including the establishment of an orderly liquidation fund;
 
·
The development of regulations to address derivatives markets, including clearing and exchange trading requirements and a framework for regulating derivatives-market participants;
 
·
Enhanced supervision of credit rating agencies through the Office of Credit Ratings within the SEC;
 
·
Increased regulation of asset-backed securities, including a requirement that issuers of asset-backed securities retain at least 5% of the risk of the asset-backed securities; and
 
·
The establishment of a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection with centralized authority, including examination and enforcement authority, for consumer protection in the banking industry.

Regulatory agencies are still in the process of issuing regulations, rules and reporting requirements as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act.  As a result, we are continuing to evaluate the potential impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business, financial condition and results of operations and expect that some provisions may have adverse effects on us, such as the cost of complying with the numerous new regulations and reporting requirements mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our accounting and reporting estimates conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial services industry.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  We consider our critical accounting policies to include the following:

Allowance for Losses on Loans.  The allowance for losses on loans represents our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio.  The allowance for losses on loans is increased by the provision for losses on loans charged to expense and reduced by loans charged-off, net of recoveries.  The provision for losses on loans is determined based on our assessment of several factors:  reviews and evaluations of specific loans, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and the related impact on specific borrowers and industry groups, historical loan loss experience, the level of classified and nonperforming loans and the results of regulatory examinations.
 
 
The loan loss allowance is based on the most current review of the loan portfolio and is validated by multiple processes.  The servicing officer has the primary responsibility for updating significant changes in a customer's financial position.  Each officer prepares status updates on any credit deemed to be experiencing repayment difficulties which, in the officer's opinion, would place the collection of principal or interest in doubt.  Our internal loan review department is responsible for an ongoing review of our loan portfolio with specific goals set for the loans to be reviewed on an annual basis.

At each review, a subjective analysis methodology is used to grade the respective loan.  Categories of grading vary in severity from loans that do not appear to have a significant probability of loss at the time of review to loans that indicate a probability that the entire balance of the loan will be uncollectible.  If full collection of the loan balance appears unlikely at the time of review, estimates of future expected cash flows or appraisals of the collateral securing the debt are used to allocate the necessary allowances.  The internal loan review department maintains a list of all loans or loan relationships that are graded as having more than the normal degree of risk associated with them.  In addition, a list of specifically reserved loans or loan relationships of $50,000 or more is updated on a quarterly basis in order to properly allocate necessary allowance and keep management informed on the status of attempts to correct the deficiencies noted with respect to the loan.

Loans are considered impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The measurement of impaired loans is generally based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate stipulated in the loan agreement, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral.  In measuring the fair value of the collateral, in addition to relying on third party appraisals, we use assumptions such as discount rates, and methodologies, such as comparison to the recent selling price of similar assets, consistent with those that would be utilized by unrelated third parties performing a valuation.

Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, economic conditions, historical loss experience and the conditions of the various markets in which collateral may be sold all may affect the required level of the allowance for losses on loans and the associated provision for loan losses.

As of June 30, 2012, our review of the loan portfolio indicated that a loan loss allowance of $20.2 million was adequate to cover probable losses in the portfolio.

Refer to “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Loan Loss Experience and Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Note 7 – Loans and Allowance for Probable Loan Losses” of the Notes to Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for a detailed description of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses.

Estimation of Fair Value.  The estimation of fair value is significant to a number of our assets and liabilities.  In addition, GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  Fair values for securities are volatile and may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates and the shape of yield curves.  Fair values for most investment and mortgage-backed securities are based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on the quoted prices of similar instruments or estimates from independent pricing services.  Where there are price variances outside certain ranges from different pricing services for specific securities, those pricing variances are reviewed with other market data to determine which of the price estimates is appropriate for that period.  For securities carried at fair value through income, the change in fair value from the prior period is recorded on our income statement as fair value gain (loss) – securities.

At September 30, 2008 and continuing at June 30, 2012, the valuation inputs for our AFS trust preferred securities (“TRUPs”) became unobservable as a result of the significant market dislocation and illiquidity in the marketplace.  Although we continue to rely on nonbinding prices compiled by third party vendors, the visibility of the observable market data (Level 2) to determine the values of these securities has become less clear.  Fair values of financial assets are determined in an orderly transaction and not a forced liquidation or distressed sale at the measurement date.  While we feel the financial market conditions at June 30, 2012 reflect the market illiquidity from forced liquidation or distressed sales for these TRUPs, we determined that the fair value provided by our pricing service continues to be an appropriate fair value for financial statement measurement and therefore, as we verified the reasonableness of that fair value, we have not otherwise adjusted the fair value provided by our vendor.  However, the severe decline in estimated fair value is caused by the significant illiquidity in this market which contrasts sharply with our assessment of the fundamental performance of these securities.  Therefore, we believe the estimate of fair value is still not clearly based on observable market data and will be based on a range of fair value data points from the market place as a result of the illiquid market specific to this type of security.  Accordingly, we determined that the TRUPs security valuation is based on Level 3 inputs.
 
 
Impairment of Investment Securities and Mortgage-backed Securities.  Investment and mortgage-backed securities classified as AFS are carried at fair value and the impact of changes in fair value are recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as an unrealized gain or loss in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  Securities classified as AFS or HTM are subject to our review to identify when a decline in value is other-than-temporary.  Factors considered in determining whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: whether the decline is substantial; the duration of the decline; the reasons for the decline in value; whether the decline is related to a credit event, a change in interest rate or a change in the market discount rate; and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis.  When it is determined that a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the security is reduced to its estimated fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings for the credit portion and the noncredit portion to other comprehensive income.  For certain assets we consider expected cash flows of the investment in determining if impairment exists.
 
The turmoil in the capital markets had a significant impact on our estimate of fair value for certain of our securities.  We believe the fair values are reflective of a combination of illiquidity and credit impairment.  At June 30, 2012 we have in AFS Other Stocks and Bonds $2.7 million amortized cost basis in pooled TRUPs.  Those securities are structured products with cash flows dependent upon securities issued by U.S. financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies.  Our estimate of fair value at June 30, 2012 for the TRUPs is approximately $623,000 and reflects the market illiquidity.  With the exception of the TRUPs, to the best of management’s knowledge and based on our consideration of the qualitative factors associated with each security, there were no securities in our investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at June 30, 2012 with an other-than-temporary impairment.  Given the facts and circumstances associated with the TRUPs, we performed detailed cash flow modeling for each TRUP using an industry accepted model.  Prior to loading the required assumptions into the model, we reviewed the financial condition of the underlying issuing banks within the TRUP collateral pool that had not deferred or defaulted as of June 30, 2012.
 
Management’s best estimate of a default assumption, based on a third party method, was assigned to each issuing bank based on the category in which it fell.  Our analysis of the underlying cash flows contemplated various default, deferral and recovery scenarios to arrive at our best estimate of cash flows.  Based on that detailed analysis, we have concluded that the other-than-temporary impairment which captures the credit component in compliance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities,” was estimated at $3.3 million at June 30, 2012 and $3.1 million at December 31, 2011, respectively.  The noncredit charge to other comprehensive income was estimated at $2.1 million and $2.4 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The carrying amount of the TRUPs was written down with $181,000 recognized in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  There was no write-down required during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The cash flow model assumptions represent management’s best estimate and consider a variety of qualitative factors, which include, among others, the credit rating downgrades, severity and duration of the mark-to-market loss, and structural nuances of each TRUP.  Management believes the detailed review of the collateral and cash flow modeling support the conclusion that the TRUPs had an other-than-temporary impairment at June 30, 2012.  We will continue to update our assumptions and the resulting analysis each reporting period to reflect changing market conditions.  Additionally, we do not currently intend to sell the TRUPs and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the TRUPs before the anticipated recovery of their amortized cost basis.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The plan obligations and related assets of our defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”) are presented in “Note 13 – Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Entry into the Plan by new employees was frozen effective December 31, 2005.  Plan assets, which consist primarily of marketable equity and debt instruments, are valued using observable market quotations.  Plan obligations and the annual pension expense are determined by independent actuaries and through the use of a number of assumptions that are reviewed by management.  Key assumptions in measuring the plan obligations include the discount rate, the rate of salary increases and the estimated future return on plan assets.  In determining the discount rate, we utilized a cash flow matching analysis to determine a range of appropriate discount rates for our defined benefit pension and restoration plans.  In developing the cash flow matching analysis, we constructed a portfolio of high quality noncallable bonds (rated AA- or better) to match as close as possible the timing of future benefit payments of the plans at December 31, 2011.  Based on this cash flow matching analysis, we were able to determine an appropriate discount rate.

Salary increase assumptions are based upon historical experience and our anticipated future actions.  The expected long-term rate of return assumption reflects the average return expected based on the investment strategies and asset allocation on the assets invested to provide for the Plan’s liabilities.  We considered broad equity and bond indices, long-term return projections, and actual long-term historical Plan performance when evaluating the expected long-term rate of return assumption.  At June 30, 2012, the weighted-average actuarial assumptions of the Plan were: a discount rate of 4.84%; a long-term rate of return on Plan assets of 7.25%; and assumed salary increases of 4.50%.  Material changes in pension benefit costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions.  Future annual amounts could be impacted by changes in the number of Plan participants, changes in the level of benefits provided, changes in the discount rates, changes in the expected long-term rate of return, changes in the level of contributions to the Plan and other factors.
 
 
Long-term Advance Commitments. During 2011 and 2010, we entered into the option to fund between one and a half and two years forward from the advance commitment date, $200 million par in long-term advance commitments from the FHLB at the FHLB rates on the date the option was purchased.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, $40 million par of long-term commitments expired unexercised.  A table detailing the optional advance commitment terms is presented in “Note 6 – Long-Term Obligations” to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.  In order to obtain these commitments from the FHLB we paid fees of $10.95 million, which at June 30, 2012 had been impaired and the carrying value on the balance sheet was $195,000.  The remaining fee, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, will be amortized over the term of the advance upon exercise of the advance commitments.  If any of the options are impaired, then the amount of the impairment on that option will be charged against income during the period it occurs.  In determining if it is still probable that we will exercise the advance commitments quarterly, we compare all the costs of the advance commitment with the current advance rate available from the FHLB.  If the current advance rate is reasonably close to or greater than the advance commitment rate then it is probable we will exercise our option.  If the current rate is less, then we review the slope of the yield curve to determine if the forward yield curve supports our assumption that it is probable we will exercise the advance commitments.  If the current rate is less and the forward yield curve does not support our assumption that it is probable we will exercise the advance commitments, then we value the option to determine if it is impaired and if so record the impairment in that period.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Details of our off-balance-sheet arrangements, commitments and contingencies as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are included in “Note 10 – Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies” in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements included in this report.

Balance Sheet Strategy

We utilize wholesale funding and securities to enhance our profitability and balance sheet composition by determining acceptable levels of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk consistent with prudent capital management.  This balance sheet strategy consists of borrowing a combination of long and short-term funds from the FHLB and, when determined appropriate, issuing brokered CDs.  These funds are invested primarily in U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, and to a lesser extent, long-term municipal securities.  Although U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities often carry lower yields than traditional mortgage loans and other types of loans we make, these securities generally (i) increase the overall quality of our assets because of either the implicit or explicit guarantees of the U.S. Government, (ii) are more liquid than individual loans and (iii) may be used to collateralize our borrowings or other obligations.  While the strategy of investing a substantial portion of our assets in U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities and to a lesser extent municipal securities has historically resulted in lower interest rate spreads and margins, we believe that the lower operating expenses and reduced credit risk combined with the managed interest rate risk of this strategy have enhanced our overall profitability over the last several years.  At this time, we utilize this balance sheet strategy with the goal of enhancing overall profitability by maximizing the use of our capital.

Risks associated with the asset structure we maintain include a lower net interest rate spread and margin when compared to our peers, changes in the slope of the yield curve, which can reduce our net interest rate spread and margin, increased interest rate risk, the length of interest rate cycles, changes in volatility spreads associated with the mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities, the unpredictable nature of mortgage-backed securities prepayments and credit risks associated with the municipal securities.  See “Part I - Item 1A.  Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for a discussion of risks related to interest rates.  Our asset structure, net interest spread and net interest margin require us to closely monitor our interest rate risk.  An additional risk is the change in fair value of the AFS securities portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates.  Significant increases in interest rates, especially long-term interest rates, could adversely impact the fair value of the AFS securities portfolio, which could also significantly impact our equity capital.  Due to the unpredictable nature of mortgage-backed securities prepayments, the length of interest rate cycles, and the slope of the interest rate yield curve, net interest income could fluctuate more than simulated under the scenarios modeled by our ALCO and described under “Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this report.

Determining the appropriate size of the balance sheet is one of the critical decisions any bank makes.  Our balance sheet is not merely the result of a series of micro-decisions, but rather the size is controlled based on the economics of assets compared to the economics of funding.  The current low interest rate environment and investment and economic landscape makes it uncertain whether we will experience significant asset growth driven by an increase in the securities portfolio over the near term.
 
 
The management of our securities portfolio as a percentage of earning assets is guided by changes in our overall loan and deposit levels, combined with changes in our wholesale funding levels.  If adequate quality loan growth is not available to achieve our goal of enhancing profitability by maximizing the use of capital, as described above, then we could purchase additional securities, if appropriate, which could cause securities as a percentage of earning assets to increase.  Should we determine that increasing the securities portfolio or replacing the current securities maturities and principal payments is not an efficient use of capital, we could decrease the level of securities through proceeds from maturities, principal payments on mortgage-backed securities or sales.  Our balance sheet strategy is designed such that our securities portfolio should help mitigate financial performance associated with slower loan growth and higher credit costs.

The quarter ended June 30, 2012 was marked by proactive management of the securities portfolio which included restructuring a portion of the portfolio.  During the first quarter we sold all of our securities carried at fair value through income as management determined it did not want additional, potentially significant, swings in net income associated with fair value changes for these securities.  The sale of these securities resulted in a loss on sale of securities carried at fair value of $498,000.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, as interest rates remained low and prepayments on our mortgage-backed securities increased, we continued to sell primarily lower yielding, longer duration municipal securities and more prepayment volatile mortgage-backed securities and replaced them with primarily shorter duration municipal securities and potentially less prepayment volatile mortgage-backed securities that might perform better in both the current and potentially higher interest rate environment in the future.  The sale of these securities resulted in a gain on the sale of available for sale securities of $3.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the size of the securities portfolio increased to a level similar to the combined securities portfolio at December 31, 2011.  The net result was an increase in our investment and U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities from $1.78 billion at March 31, 2012, to $1.95 billion at June 30, 2012.  The average coupon of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio decreased to 5.5% at June 30, 2012 from 6.12% at December 31, 2011 as a result of the sale of the securities carried at fair value through income combined with reinvestment into coupons on average below 6.00%.  At June 30, 2012, securities as a percentage of assets increased to 57.5%, when compared to 55.2% at March 31, 2012 and decreased when compared to 61.0% at December 31, 2011.  Our balance sheet management strategy is dynamic and will be continually reevaluated as market conditions warrant.  As interest rates, yield curves, mortgage-backed securities prepayments, funding costs, security spreads and loan and deposit portfolios change, our determination of the proper types and maturities of securities to own, proper amount of securities to own and funding needs and funding sources will continue to be reevaluated.  Should the economics of asset accumulation decrease, we might allow the balance sheet to shrink through run-off or asset sales.  However, should the economics become more attractive, we will strategically increase the balance sheet.

With respect to liabilities, we will, to a much lesser extent, continue to utilize a combination of FHLB advances and deposits to achieve our strategy of minimizing cost while achieving overall interest rate risk objectives as well as the liability management objectives of the ALCO.  FHLB funding and brokered CDs represent wholesale funding sources we are currently utilizing.  Our FHLB borrowings at June 30, 2012 increased 34.1%, or $154.8 million, to $608.2 million from $453.5 million at March 31, 2012 primarily as a result of an increase in the securities portfolio.  During 2010 and 2011 we entered into the option to purchase, between one and a half and two years forward from the advance commitment date, $200 million par in long-term advance commitments from FHLB at the FHLB rates on the date the option was purchased.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, $40 million par of long-term commitments expired unexercised.  As of June 30, 2012 we had $61.9 million in brokered CDs of which all were long-term.  All of the long-term brokered CDs, except for one $5.0 million CD, have short-term calls that we control.  We utilized long-term callable brokered CDs because the brokered CDs better matched overall ALCO objectives at the time of issuance by protecting us with fixed rates should interest rates increase, while providing us options to call the funding should interest rates decrease.  We are actively evaluating the callable brokered CDs and may exercise the call option if there is an economic benefit.  Our wholesale funding policy currently allows maximum brokered CDs of $180 million; however, this amount could be increased to match changes in ALCO objectives.  The potential higher interest expense and lack of customer loyalty are risks associated with the use of brokered CDs.  During 2012 and 2011, overall growth in deposits resulted in a decrease in our total wholesale funding as a percentage of deposits, not including brokered CDs, to 28.7% at June 30, 2012, from 33.6% at June 30, 2011 and 36.4% at December 31, 2011.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is one of the principal sources of a financial institution's earnings stream and represents the difference or spread between interest and fee income generated from interest earning assets and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds.  Fluctuations in interest rates or interest rate yield curves, as well as repricing characteristics and volume and changes in the mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, materially impact net interest income.

Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $46.5 million, a decrease of $285,000, or 0.6%, compared to the same period in 2011.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, total interest income decreased $4.5 million, or 6.8%, to $61.2 million compared to $65.6 million for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in total interest income was the result of a decrease in the average yield on average interest earning assets from 5.01% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 4.32% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 which more than offset the increase in average interest earning assets of $218.0 million, or 7.7%, from $2.85 billion to $3.06 billion.  Total interest expense decreased $4.2 million, or 22.3%, to $14.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to $18.8 million during the same period in 2011.  The decrease was attributable to a decrease in the average yield on interest bearing liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2012, to 1.21% from 1.62% for the same period in 2011, which more than offset the increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $95.8 million, or 4.1%, from $2.34 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to $2.44 billion for the same period in 2012.
 
 
Net interest income decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011 primarily as a result of a decrease in interest income which was primarily driven by a decrease in mortgage-backed and related securities investment income.  Our average interest earning assets during this period increased $268.7 million, or 9.4%.  The decrease in the average yield on interest bearing liabilities of 45 basis points is a result of an overall decrease in interest rates compared to the same period in 2011.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, our net interest spread and net interest margin decreased to 2.98% and 3.21%, respectively, from 3.52% and 3.80% when compared to the same period in 2011.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, average loans increased $78.1 million, or 7.4%, compared to the same period in 2011.  1-4 Family Residential loans represent a large part of this increase.  The average yield on loans decreased from 6.91% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 6.39% for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The decrease in interest income on loans of $105,000, or 0.3%, to $34.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to $34.4 million for the same period in 2011 was the result of a decrease in the average yield which more than offset the increase in the average balance.  The decrease in the yield on loans was due to overall lower interest rates.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, average loans increased $115.4 million, or 11.0%, to $1.17 billion, when compared to $1.05 billion for the same period in 2011.  The average yield on loans decreased from 6.91% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to 6.37% for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Due to the competitive loan pricing environment, we anticipate that we may be required to continue to offer lower interest rate loans that compete with those offered by other financial institutions in order to retain quality loan relationships.  Offering lower interest rate loans could impact the overall loans yield and, therefore, profitability.

Average investment and mortgage-backed securities increased $133.5 million, or 7.7%, from $1.74 billion to $1.88 billion, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  At June 30, 2012, virtually all of our mortgage-backed securities were fixed rate securities with less than three percent variable rate mortgage-backed securities.  The overall yield on average investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased to 3.17% during the six months ended June 30, 2012, from 3.96% during the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the average yield primarily reflects an increase in prepayments on the mortgage-backed securities during 2012 when compared to 2011, the purchase of lower yielding securities when compared to both those securities paying off and securities carried at fair value through income that were sold and the lower interest rate environment during 2012 when compared to 2011.  Interest income on investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased $4.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012, or 14.1%, compared to the same period in 2011 due to a decrease in the average yield which more than offset the increase in the average balance.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, average investment and mortgage-backed securities increased $145.2 million, or 8.2%, to $1.92 billion, when compared to $1.77 billion for the same period in 2011 .  The overall yield on average investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased to 2.80% during the three months ended June 30, 2012, from 4.09% during the same period in 2011 primarily as a result of an increase in prepayments which increased the amortization expense.  Interest income from investment and mortgage-backed securities decreased $4.7 million, or 28.3%, to $11.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $16.5 million for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the average yield primarily reflects an increase in prepayments on the mortgage-backed securities during 2012 when compared to 2011, the purchase of lower yielding securities when compared to both those securities paying off and securities carried at fair value through income to the overall lower interest rate environment in 2012 when compared to 2011.  The decrease in interest income for the three months is due to a decrease in the average yield which more than offset the increase in the average balance.

Average FHLB stock and other investments increased $4.2 million, or 13.7%, to $34.6 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to $30.4 million for the same period in 2011 due to an increase in FHLB advances during 2012 and the corresponding requirement to hold stock associated with those advances.  Interest income from our FHLB stock and other investments increased $1,000, or 0.8%, during the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011 due to an increase in the average balance which more than offset the decrease in the average yield from 0.88% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 0.77% for the same period in 2012.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, average FHLB stock and other investments increased $6.9 million, or 24.3%, to $35.2 million, when compared to $28.3 million for the same period in 2011.  The FHLB stock is a variable instrument with the rate typically tied to the federal funds rate.  We are required as a member of FHLB to own a specific amount of stock that changes as the level of our FHLB advances and asset size change.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, interest income from FHLB stock and other investments increased $2,000, or 3.8%, to $54,000, when compared to $52,000 for the same period in 2011 as a result of the increase in the average balance, which more than offset the decrease in the average yield from 0.74% in 2011 to 0.62% in 2012.

Average interest earning deposits increased $3.7 million, or 33.4%, to $14.8 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to $11.1 million for the same period in 2011.  Interest income from interest earning deposits increased $2,000, or 15.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011, as a result of the increase in the average balance which more than offset the decrease in the average yield from 0.24% in 2011 to 0.20% in 2012.  Average interest earning deposits increased $2.1 million, or 34.8%, to $8.2 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to $6.1 million for the same period in 2011.  Interest income from interest earning deposits increased $6,000, or 200.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011, as a result of an increase in the average balance and an increase in the average yield from 0.20% in 2011 to 0.44% in 2012.
 
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2012, our average securities increased more than our average loans compared to the same period in 2011.  The mix of our average interest earning assets reflected no change in average total securities as a percentage of total average interest earning assets compared to the prior period as securities averaged 62.3% during the same period in 2011.  Average loans decreased to 37.2% of average total interest earning assets and other interest earning asset categories averaged 0.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  During 2011, the comparable mix was 37.3% in loans and 0.4% in the other interest earning asset categories.

Total interest expense decreased $4.2 million, or 22.3%, to $14.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to $18.8 million during the same period in 2011.  The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased funding costs as the average yield on interest bearing liabilities decreased from 1.62% for 2011 to 1.21% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, which more than offset an increase in average interest bearing liabilities.  The increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $95.8 million, or 4.1% included an increase in deposits of $51.3 million, or 3.0%, an increase in short-term advances of $72.8 million, or 30.4%, offset by a decrease in long-term FHLB advances of $28.2 million, or 8.9%.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, total interest expense decreased $2.3 million, or 24.7%, to $6.9 million, compared to $9.2 million for the same period in 2011, as a result of a decrease in the average yield while partially offset by an increase in the average balance on interest bearing liabilities.  Average interest bearing liabilities increased $142.5 million, or 6.1%, while the average yield decreased from 1.57% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 to 1.12% for the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Average interest bearing deposits increased $51.3 million, or 3.0%, from $1.72 billion to $1.78 billion, while the average rate paid decreased from 0.95% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to 0.70% for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, average interest bearing deposits increased $10.7 million, or 0.6%, to $1.74 billion, when compared to $1.73 billion for the same period in 2011, while the average rate paid decreased from 0.94% for the three month period ended June 30, 2011 to 0.64% for the three month period ended June 30, 2012.  Average time deposits decreased $35.1 million, or 4.1%, from $856.9 million to $821.8 million and the average rate paid decreased to 1.07% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to 1.35% for the same period in 2011.  Average interest bearing demand deposits increased $75.1 million, or 9.6%, while the average rate paid decreased to 0.40% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to 0.57% for the same period in 2011.  Average savings deposits increased $11.3 million, or 13.6%, while the average rate paid decreased to 0.16% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to 0.29% for the same period in 2011.  Interest expense for interest bearing deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2012, decreased $1.9 million, or 23.8%, when compared to the same period in 2011 due to the decrease in the average yield which more than offset the increase in the average balance.  Average noninterest bearing demand deposits increased $99.1 million, or 22.1%, during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The latter three categories, which are considered the lowest cost deposits, comprised 64.6% of total average deposits during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 60.6% during the same period in 2011.  The increase in our average total deposits is primarily the result of an increase in deposits from municipalities and, to a lesser extent, deposit growth due to branch expansion and continued market penetration.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we issued $5.0 million of long-term brokered CDs.  All of the long-term brokered CDs, except for one $5.0 million CD, have short-term calls that we control.  When we utilize long-term callable brokered CDs it is because the brokered CDs better match overall ALCO objectives at the time of issuance by protecting us with fixed rates should interest rates increase, while providing us options to call the funding should interest rates decrease.  At June 30, 2012, we had $61.9 million in brokered CDs that represented 2.6% of deposits compared to $163.8 million, or 7.1%, of deposits at December 31, 2011.  At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of the brokered CDs had maturities of less than six years.  Our wholesale funding policy currently allows maximum brokered CDs of $180 million; however, this amount could be increased to match changes in ALCO objectives.  We have been actively calling our brokered CDs and replacing them with long-term FHLB advances which has allowed us to both extend the maturities and lower the funding costs.  The potential higher interest cost and lack of customer loyalty are risks associated with the use of brokered CDs.

Average short-term interest bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of FHLB advances, federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements, were $311.9 million, an increase of $72.8 million, or 30.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  Interest expense associated with short-term interest bearing liabilities decreased $108,000, or 3.1%, and the average rate paid decreased 76 basis points to 2.14% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to 2.90% for the same period in 2011.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, average short-term interest bearing liabilities increased $108.2 million, or 41.8%, when compared to the same period in 2011.  Interest expense associated with short-term interest bearing liabilities increased $29,000, or 1.7%, and the average rate paid decreased to 1.90% for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 when compared to 2.64% for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the average rate paid was due to the change in the mix between long-term FHLB advances rolling into the short-term FHLB advances category and short-term advances taken out with less than 30 day maturities.  The increase in the interest expense was due to an increase in the average balance which more than offset the decrease in the average rate paid.
 
 
Average long-term interest bearing liabilities consisting of FHLB advances decreased $28.2 million, or 8.9%, during the six months ended June 30, 2012 to $289.7 million as compared to $318.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Interest expense associated with long-term FHLB advances decreased $2.2 million, or 38.6%, and the average rate paid decreased 118 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, long-term interest bearing liabilities increased $23.6 million, or 8.2%, when compared to the same period in 2011.  Interest expense associated with long-term FHLB advances decreased $1.0 million, or 39.2%, and the average rate paid decreased to 2.03% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to 3.60% for the same period in 2011.  The increase in the average long-term FHLB advances is due primarily to the purchase of long-term advances during the first six months of 2012 which more than offset the advances classified as long-term at December 31, 2011 rolling into the short-term category.  In addition, as $40 million of the $200 million par in long-term advance commitments from the FHLB expired, long-term advances at rates below the advance commitment rates that expired were taken out.  During 2011 and 2010, we entered into the option to fund between one and a half years and two years forward from the advance commitment date, $200 million par in long-term advance commitments from the FHLB at the FHLB rates on the date the option was purchased.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, $40 million par of long-term commitments expired unexercised.  In order to obtain these commitments from the FHLB, we paid fees, of $10.95 million.  During the third quarter of 2011, the value of the FHLB advance option fees became impaired.  They were further impaired during the fourth quarter of 2011 resulting in a total charge of $8.92 million in 2011.  During the first six months of 2012, the FHLB advance option fees were impaired an additional $1.84 million.  At June 30, 2012, the remaining FHLB advance option fees on the balance sheet were $195,000.  The remaining FHLB advance option fees, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, will be amortized over the term of the advance when we exercise the advance commitments.  Should we determine the advance commitments will not be exercised, or they are further impaired, the fee will be expensed in the period determination is made.  FHLB advances are collateralized by FHLB stock, securities and nonspecific real estate loans.

Average long-term debt, consisting of our junior subordinated debentures issued in 2003 and August 2007 and junior subordinated debentures acquired in the purchase of FWBS, was $60.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.  Interest expense associated with long-term debt increased $36,000, or 2.2% to $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011, as a result of an increase in the average yield of 11 basis points during the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  Interest expense was $825,000 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $11,000, or 1.4%, when compared to the same period in 2011, as a result of an increase in the average yield of 9 basis points.  The interest rate on the $20.6 million of long-term debentures issued to Southside Statutory Trust III adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 294 basis points.  The $23.2 million of long-term debentures issued to Southside Statutory Trust IV and the $12.9 million of long-term debentures issued to Southside Statutory Trust V have fixed rates of 6.518% through October 30, 2012 and 7.48% through December 15, 2012, respectively, and thereafter, adjust quarterly.  The interest rate on the $3.6 million of long-term debentures issued to Magnolia Trust Company I, assumed in the purchase of FWBS, adjusts quarterly at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 180 basis points.
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The analysis below shows average interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the interest earning assets and the average cost of the interest bearing liabilities.
 
   
AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELDS
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
AVG
BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG
YIELD
   
AVG
BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG
YIELD
 
ASSETS
                                   
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                   
Loans (1) (2)
  $ 1,137,397     $ 36,132       6.39 %   $ 1,059,313     $ 36,281       6.91 %
Loans Held For Sale
    1,637       31       3.81 %     3,106       68       4.41 %
Securities:
                                               
Investment Securities (Taxable)(4)
    5,167       51       1.98 %     7,058       38       1.09 %
Investment Securities (Tax-Exempt)(3)(4)
    278,435       8,473       6.12 %     302,421       9,564       6.38 %
Mortgage-backed and Related Securities (4)
    1,592,499       21,035       2.66 %     1,433,080       24,607       3.46 %
Total Securities
    1,876,101       29,559       3.17 %     1,742,559       34,209       3.96 %
FHLB stock and other investments, at cost
    34,553       133       0.77 %     30,390       132       0.88 %
Interest Earning Deposits
    14,750       15       0.20 %     11,054       13       0.24 %
Total Interest Earning Assets
    3,064,438       65,870       4.32 %     2,846,422       70,703       5.01 %
NONINTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                               
Cash and Due From Banks
    42,004                       44,511                  
Bank Premises and Equipment
    50,551                       50,514                  
Other Assets
    167,295                       121,472                  
Less:  Allowance for Loan Loss
    (19,501 )                     (19,657 )                
Total Assets
  $ 3,304,787                     $ 3,043,262                  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Savings Deposits
  $ 94,647       73       0.16 %   $ 83,343       118       0.29 %
Time Deposits
    821,752       4,371       1.07 %     856,860       5,744       1.35 %
Interest Bearing Demand Deposits
    859,343       1,716       0.40 %     784,228       2,225       0.57 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    1,775,742       6,160       0.70 %     1,724,431       8,087       0.95 %
Short-term Interest Bearing Liabilities
    311,948       3,326       2.14 %     239,179       3,434       2.90 %
Long-term Interest Bearing Liabilities – FHLB Dallas
    289,743       3,476       2.41 %     317,985       5,663       3.59 %
Long-term Debt (5)
    60,311       1,655       5.52 %     60,311       1,619       5.41 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    2,437,744       14,617       1.21 %     2,341,906       18,803       1.62 %
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Demand Deposits
    547,150                       448,073                  
Other Liabilities
    53,926                       26,384                  
Total Liabilities
    3,038,820                       2,816,363                  
                                                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (6)
    265,967                       226,899                  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 3,304,787                     $ 3,043,262                  
NET INTEREST INCOME
          $ 51,253                     $ 51,900          
NET INTEREST MARGIN ON AVERAGE EARNING ASSETS
                    3.36 %                     3.68 %
NET INTEREST SPREAD
                    3.11 %                     3.39 %
 
(1)
Interest on loans includes fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)
Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $1,867 and $1,948 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(3)
Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $2,845 and $3,126 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(4)
For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.
(5)
Represents junior subordinated debentures issued by us to Southside Statutory Trust III, IV, and V in connection with the issuance by Southside Statutory Trust III of $20 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust IV of $22.5 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust V of $12.5 million of trust preferred securities and junior subordinated debentures issued by FWBS to Magnolia Trust Company I in connection with the issuance by Magnolia Trust Company I of $3.5 million of trust preferred securities.
(6)
Includes average equity of noncontrolling interest of $1,788 for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Note: As of June 30, 2012 and 2011, loans totaling $10,077 and $13,208, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. The policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

 
   
AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELDS
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
AVG
BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG
YIELD
   
AVG
BALANCE
   
INTEREST
   
AVG
YIELD
 
ASSETS
                                   
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                   
Loans (1) (2)
  $ 1,165,141     $ 18,442       6.37 %   $ 1,049,692     $ 18,076       6.91 %
Loans Held For Sale
    1,568       14       3.59 %     2,491       31       4.99 %
Securities:
                                               
Investment Securities (Taxable)(4)
    5,660       20       1.42 %     5,082       20       1.58 %
Investment Securities (Tax-Exempt)(3)(4)
    307,465       4,483       5.86 %     299,807       4,778       6.39 %
Mortgage-backed and Related Securities (4)
    1,606,106       8,872       2.22 %     1,469,138       13,310       3.63 %
Total Securities
    1,919,231       13,375       2.80 %     1,774,027       18,108       4.09 %
FHLB stock and other investments, at cost
    35,202       54       0.62 %     28,317       52       0.74 %
Interest Earning Deposits
    8,226       9       0.44 %     6,101       3       0.20 %
Total Interest Earning Assets
    3,129,368       31,894       4.10 %     2,860,628       36,270       5.09 %
NONINTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                               
Cash and Due From Banks
    41,112                       43,330                  
Bank Premises and Equipment
    50,509                       50,655                  
Other Assets
    167,246                       131,926                  
Less:  Allowance for Loan Loss
    (19,945 )                     (19,266 )                
Total Assets
  $ 3,368,290                     $ 3,067,273                  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Savings Deposits
  $ 96,527       36       0.15 %   $ 85,778       58       0.27 %
Time Deposits
    782,371       1,894       0.97 %     867,694       2,943       1.36 %
Interest Bearing Demand Deposits
    863,308       835       0.39 %     778,084       1,050       0.54 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    1,742,206       2,765       0.64 %     1,731,556       4,051       0.94 %
Short-term Interest Bearing Liabilities
    367,195       1,734       1.90 %     259,025       1,705       2.64 %
Long-term Interest Bearing Liabilities – FHLB Dallas
    311,550       1,573       2.03 %     287,903       2,587       3.60 %
Long-term Debt (5)
    60,311       825       5.50 %     60,311       814       5.41 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    2,481,262       6,897       1.12 %     2,338,795       9,157       1.57 %
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                               
Demand Deposits
    565,344                       465,578                  
Other Liabilities
    55,593                       27,679                  
Total Liabilities
    3,102,199                       2,832,052                  
                                                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (6)
    266,091                       235,221                  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 3,368,290                     $ 3,067,273                  
NET INTEREST INCOME
          $ 24,997                     $ 27,113          
NET INTEREST MARGIN ON AVERAGE EARNING ASSETS
                    3.21 %                     3.80 %
NET INTEREST SPREAD
                    2.98 %                     3.52 %
 
(1)
Interest on loans includes fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)
Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $930 and $977 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(3)
Interest income includes taxable-equivalent adjustments of $1,522 and $1,569 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(4)
For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.
(5)
Represents junior subordinated debentures issued by us to Southside Statutory Trust III, IV, and V in connection with the issuance by Southside Statutory Trust III of $20 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust IV of $22.5 million of trust preferred securities, Southside Statutory Trust V of $12.5 million of trust preferred securities and junior subordinated debentures issued by FWBS to Magnolia Trust Company I in connection with the issuance by Magnolia Trust Company I of $3.5 million of trust preferred securities.
(6)
Includes average equity of noncontrolling interest of $2,068 for the three months ended June 30, 2011.
 
Note: As of June 30, 2012 and 2011, loans totaling $10,077 and $13,208, respectively, were on nonaccrual status.  The policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.
 
 
Noninterest Income

Noninterest income consists of revenue generated from a broad range of financial services and activities including deposit related fee based services such as ATM, overdraft, and check processing fees.  In addition, we earn income from the sale of loans and securities, trust services, bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”), brokerage services, and other fee generating programs that we either provide or in which we participate.

Noninterest income was $8.1 million and $18.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to $12.6 million and $22.3 million for the same periods in 2011, a decrease of $4.6 million, or 36.2%, and $3.4 million, or 15.3%, respectively.  The primary reason for the decrease in noninterest income was due to the decrease in gains on the sales of securities carried at fair value through income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same periods in 2011.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we had gain on sale of AFS securities of $9.3 million compared to gains of $5.5 million for the same period in 2011.  Gain on sale of AFS securities for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were $3.3 million compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2011.  The fair value of the AFS securities portfolio at June 30, 2012 was $1.62 billion with a net unrealized gain on that date of $42.2 million.  The net unrealized gain is comprised of $46.3 million in unrealized gains and $4.1 million in unrealized losses.  The fair value of the HTM securities portfolio at June 30, 2012 was $343.3 million with a net unrealized gain on that date of $12.2 million.  The net unrealized gain is comprised of $12.2 million in unrealized gains and approximately $15,000 in unrealized losses.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we proactively managed the investment portfolio which included restructuring a portion of our investment portfolio.  During the first quarter of 2012, we sold all of our securities carried at fair value through income as management determined it did not want additional, potentially significant, swings in net income associated with fair value changes for these securities.  The sale of these securities resulted in a loss on sale of securities carried at fair value through income of $498,000.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, as interest rates remained low, we continued to sell primarily lower yielding, longer duration municipal securities and more prepayment volatile mortgage-backed securities and replaced them with primarily shorter duration municipal securities and potentially less prepayment volatile mortgage-backed securities that might perform better in both the current and potentially higher interest rate environment in the future.  The sale of these securities resulted in a gain on the sale of available for sale securities of $3.3 million.  There can be no assurance that the level of security gains reported during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, will continue in future periods.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, there was no fair value gain (loss) on securities carried at fair value through income compared to fair value income of $2.5 million and $4.1 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.  This is due to the fact that we sold all of our securities carried at fair value through income during the six months ending June 30, 2012.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the value of the FHLB advance option fees became further impaired resulting in a $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, impairment charge.  At June 30, 2012, the carrying value of the FHLB advance option fees on the balance sheet was $195,000.

Deposit services income decreased $190,000, or 4.7%, and $321,000, or 4.1%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in overdraft income.

Gain on sale of loans increased $16,000, or 5.7%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and decreased $136,000, or 24.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011.  The decrease for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was due primarily to a decrease in the dollar amount of loans sold and the related servicing release and secondary market fees.

Trust income increased $24,000, or 3.7%, and $50,000, or 3.9%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011 due to the addition of several new accounts.

Other income increased $164,000, or 17.1%, and $170,000, or 8.2%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011 as a result of increases in brokerage services income and trading income.

Noninterest Expense

We incur numerous types of noninterest expenses associated with the operation of our various business activities, the largest of which are salaries and employee benefits.  In addition, we incur numerous other expenses, the largest of which are detailed in the consolidated statements of income.

Noninterest expense was $19.1 million and $37.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to $18.1 million and $36.8 million for the same periods in 2011, respectively, representing an increase of $980,000, or 5.4%, and $770,000, or 2.1%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.


Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $520,000, or 4.5%, and $662,000, or 2.8%, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, was primarily the result of increases in personnel associated with our overall growth and expansion, an increase in retirement expense and normal salary increases for existing personnel.

Direct salary expense and payroll taxes increased $226,000, or 2.3%, and $298,000, or 1.5%, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011.

Retirement expense, included in salary and benefits, increased $182,000, or 21.3%, and $423,000, or 24.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase was primarily related to the increase in the defined benefit and restoration plans.  The defined benefit and restoration plan increased primarily due to the changes in the actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic pension costs for 2012 when compared to 2011.  Specifically, the assumed long-term rate of return was 7.25% and the assumed discount rate was decreased to 4.84%.  We will continue to evaluate the assumed long-term rate of return and the discount rate to determine if either should be changed in the future.  If either of these assumptions were decreased, the cost and funding required for the retirement plan could increase.

Health and life insurance expense, included in salary and benefits, increased $112,000, or 11.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, and decreased $59,000, or 3.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 when compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase for the three months ended June 30, 2012 is due to increased health claims expense and plan administrative cost for the comparable period of time.  We have a self-insured health plan which is supplemented with stop loss insurance policies.  Health insurance costs are rising nationwide and these costs may increase during the remainder of 2012.

ATM and debit card expense increased $21,000, or 7.9%, and $85,000, or 17.7%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011 due to an increase in processing expenses.

Director fees increased $73,000, or 36.5%, and $150,000, 38.4%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011.  Effective January 5, 2012, Mr. B. G. Hartley retired as Chief Executive Officer of Southside Bancshares, Inc. and became a non-employee Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.  The increase is primarily due to his fee received for serving in that role.

Supplies increased $61,000, or 37.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and decreased $4,000, or 1.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, when compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase for the three months ended June 30, 2012 is due to bank growth.

Professional fees decreased $67,000, or 14.7%, and $71,000, or 7.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2011 due to a decrease in legal fees.

Telephone and communications increased $100,000, or 29.0%, and $169,000, or 24.8%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2011 due to bank growth and upgraded systems.

FDIC insurance decreased $321,000 or 43.7%, and $614,000, or 41.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011 due to a change in the FDIC assessment calculation effective for the second quarter of 2011.

Other expense increased $442,000, or 34.2%, and $141,000, or 4.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011 as a result of increases in bank examination fees as well as OREO and repossessed assets expenses.

Income Taxes

Pre-tax income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $9.3 million and $22.6 million, respectively, compared to $17.2 million and $28.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011.  Income tax expense was $1.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $4.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.  The effective tax rate as a percentage of pre-tax income was 17.2% and 20.8% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to 23.8% and 20.8% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.  The decrease in the effective tax rate and income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was due to an increase in tax-exempt income as a percentage of taxable income as compared to the same period in 2011.

 
Capital Resources

Our total shareholders' equity at June 30, 2012, was $263.4 million, representing an increase of 1.7%, or $4.4 million from December 31, 2011 and represented 7.7% of total assets at June 30, 2012 compared to 7.8% of total assets at December 31, 2011.

Increases to our shareholders’ equity consisted of net income of $17.9 million, the issuance of $633,000 in common stock (30,436 shares) through our employee stock and dividend reinvestment plans offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $7.8 million and $6.4 million in dividends paid.

On March 29, 2012, our board of directors declared a 5% stock dividend to common stock shareholders of record as of April 18, 2012, and payable on May 9, 2012.

Under the Federal Reserve Board's risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies, the minimum ratio of total capital to risk-adjusted assets (including certain off-balance sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is currently 8%.  The minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets is 4%.  Our $20 million, $22.5 million, $12.5 million and $3.5 million of trust preferred securities issued by our subsidiaries, Southside Statutory Trust III, IV, V and Magnolia Trust Company I, respectively, are considered Tier 1 capital by the Federal Reserve Board and will continue to be under the Dodd-Frank Act.  Any trust preferred securities that are issued by our subsidiaries in the future will be considered Tier 2 capital.  The Federal Reserve Board also requires bank holding companies to comply with the minimum leverage ratio guidelines.  The leverage ratio is the ratio of bank holding company's Tier 1 capital to its total consolidated quarterly average assets, less goodwill and certain other intangible assets.  The guidelines require a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements.  Management believes that, as of June 30, 2012, we met all capital adequacy requirements to which we were subject.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires bank regulatory agencies to take "prompt corrective action" with respect to FDIC-insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements.  A depository institution's treatment for purposes of the prompt corrective action provisions will depend on how its capital levels compare to various capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation.  Prompt corrective action and other discretionary actions could have a direct material effect on our financial statements.

It is management's intention to maintain our capital at a level acceptable to all regulatory authorities and future dividend payments will be determined accordingly.  Regulatory authorities require that any dividend payments made by either us or the Bank, not exceed earnings for that year.  Shareholders should not anticipate a continuation of the cash dividend simply because of the existence of a dividend reinvestment program.  The payment of dividends will depend upon future earnings, our financial condition, and other related factors including the discretion of the board of directors.
 
 
To be categorized as well capitalized we must maintain minimum Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table:

 
 
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Actions
Provisions
 
 
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of June 30, 2012:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 309,635       22.52 %   $ 109,992       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank Only
  $ 306,149       22.27 %   $ 109,957       8.00 %   $ 137,446       10.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 292,363       21.26 %   $ 54,996       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank Only
  $ 288,877       21.02 %   $ 54,978       4.00 %   $ 82,468       6.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 292,363       8.85 %   $ 132,148       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank Only
  $ 288,877       8.75 %   $ 132,052       4.00 %   $ 165,065       5.00 %
       
As of December 31, 2011:
     
                                                 
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 296,715       22.36 %   $ 106,152       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank Only
  $ 285,539       21.52 %   $ 106,159       8.00 %   $ 132,699       10.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 280,050       21.11 %   $ 53,076       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank Only
  $ 268,874       20.26 %   $ 53,080       4.00 %   $ 79,619       6.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 280,050       8.63 %   $ 129,795       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank Only
  $ 268,874       8.29 %   $ 129,698       4.00 %   $ 162,122       5.00 %

(1)  
Refers to quarterly average assets as calculated by bank regulatory agencies.

The table below summarizes our key equity ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Return on Average Assets
    1.09 %     1.39 %
Return on Average Shareholders' Equity
    13.51       18.82  
Dividend Payout Ratio – Basic
    36.89       27.87  
Dividend Payout Ratio – Diluted
    36.89       27.87  
Average Shareholders' Equity to Average Total Assets
    8.05       7.40  
     
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    2012     2011  
                 
Return on Average Assets
    0.92 %     1.65 %
Return on Average Shareholders' Equity
    11.68       21.73  
Dividend Payout Ratio – Basic
    44.44       23.29  
Dividend Payout Ratio – Diluted
    44.44       23.29  
Average Shareholders' Equity to Average Total Assets
    7.90       7.60  
 
 
Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Liquidity management involves our ability to convert assets to cash with a minimum of loss to enable us to meet our obligations to our customers at any time.  This means addressing (1) the immediate cash withdrawal requirements of depositors and other funds providers; (2) the funding requirements of all lines and letters of credit; and (3) the short-term credit needs of customers.  Liquidity is provided by short-term investments that can be readily liquidated with a minimum risk of loss.  Cash, interest earning deposits, federal funds sold and short-term investments with maturities or repricing characteristics of one year or less continue to be a substantial percentage of total assets.  At June 30, 2012, these investments were 18.8% of total assets as compared to 19.0% at December 31, 2011 and 15.5% at June 30, 2011.  The decrease to 18.8% at June 30, 2012 is primarily reflective of changes in the investment portfolio.  Liquidity is further provided through the matching, by time period, of rate sensitive interest earning assets with rate sensitive interest bearing liabilities.  Southside Bank has three lines of credit for the purchase of overnight federal funds at prevailing rates.  One $25.0 million and two $15.0 million unsecured lines of credit have been established with Frost Bank, Comerica Bank and TIB - The Independent Bankers Bank, respectively.  There were no federal funds purchased at June 30, 2012.  Southside Bank has a $5.0 million line of credit with Frost Bank to be used to issue letters of credit.  At June 30, 2012, the amount of additional funding Southside Bank could obtain from FHLB using unpledged securities at FHLB was approximately $538.9 million, net of FHLB stock purchases required.  Southside Bank obtained no letters of credit from FHLB as collateral for a portion of its public fund deposits.

Interest rate sensitivity management seeks to avoid fluctuating net interest margins and to enhance consistent growth of net interest income through periods of changing interest rates.  The ALCO closely monitors various liquidity ratios, interest rate spreads and margins.  The ALCO performs interest rate simulation tests that apply various interest rate scenarios including immediate shocks and market value of portfolio equity (“MVPE”) with interest rates immediately shocked plus and minus 200 basis points to assist in determining our overall interest rate risk and adequacy of the liquidity position.  In addition, the ALCO utilizes a simulation model to determine the impact on net interest income of several different interest rate scenarios.  By utilizing this technology, we can determine changes that need to be made to the asset and liability mixes to minimize the change in net interest income under these various interest rate scenarios.

Composition of Loans

One of our main objectives is to seek attractive lending opportunities in Texas, primarily in the counties in which we operate.  The geographic concentration of the loans as of December 31, 2011 is provided in our 2011 Form 10-K.  There were no substantial changes in these concentrations during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Substantially all of our loan originations are made to borrowers who live in and conduct business in the counties in Texas in which we operate, with the exception of municipal loans which are made almost entirely in Texas, and purchases of automobile loan portfolios throughout the United States.  Municipal loans are made to municipalities, counties, school districts and colleges primarily throughout the state of Texas.  Through SFG, we purchase portfolios of automobile loans from a variety of lenders throughout the United States.  These high yield loans represent existing subprime automobile loans with payment histories that are collateralized by new and used automobiles.  At June 30, 2012, the SFG loans totaled approximately $76.1 million.  We look forward to the possibility that our loan growth will accelerate in the future when the economy in the markets we serve improve and as we work to identify and develop additional markets and strategies that will allow us to expand our lending territory.  Total loans increased $96.0 million, or 8.8%, to $1.18 billion for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $1.09 billion at December 31, 2011, and increased $144.4 million, or 13.9%, from $1.04 billion at June 30, 2011.  Average loans increased $78.1 million, or 7.4%, when compared to the same period in 2011.

Our market areas to date have not experienced the level of downturn in the economy and real estate prices that some of the harder hit areas of the country have experienced.  However, we have experienced weakening conditions associated with the real estate led downturn and have strengthened our underwriting standards, especially related to all aspects of real estate lending.  Our real estate loan portfolio does not have Alt-A or subprime mortgage exposure.

The following table sets forth loan totals for the periods presented:

   
At
   
At
   
At
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Real Estate Loans:                  
Construction
  $ 105,675     $ 111,361     $ 108,851  
1-4 Family Residential
    325,720       247,479       221,283  
Other
    214,885       206,519       193,341  
Commercial Loans
    146,499       143,552       134,197  
Municipal Loans
    215,256       207,261       200,537  
Loans to Individuals
    175,165       171,058       180,599  
Total Loans
  $ 1,183,200     $ 1,087,230     $ 1,038,808  
 
 
Our 1-4 family residential mortgage loans increased $78.2 million, or 31.6%, to $325.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $247.5 million at December 31, 2011, and $104.4 million, or 47.2%, from $221.3 million at June 30, 2011.

Municipal loans increased $8.0 million, or 3.9%, to $215.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $207.3 million at December 31, 2011, and $14.7 million, or 7.3%, from $200.5 million at June 30, 2011.  The increase in municipal loans is due to overall market volatility related to credit markets, including municipal credits.  This provided additional opportunities for us to lend to municipalities.

Construction loans decreased $5.7 million, or 5.1%, to $105.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $111.4 million at December 31, 2011, and $3.2 million, or 2.9%, from $108.9 million at June 30, 2011.

Other real estate loans, which are comprised primarily of commercial real estate loans, increased $8.4 million, or 4.1%, to $214.9 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $206.5 million at December 31, 2011, and $21.5 million, or 11.1%, from $193.3 million at June 30, 2011.

Commercial loans increased $2.9 million, or 2.1%, to $146.5 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $143.6 million at December 31, 2011, and $12.3 million, or 9.2%, from $134.2 million at June 30, 2011.  The increase in commercial loans is reflective of increased loan demand for this type of loan in our market area.

Loans to individuals, which includes SFG loans, increased $4.1 million, or 2.4%, to $175.2 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2012 from $171.1 million at December 31, 2011, and decreased $5.4 million, or 3.0%, from $180.6 million at June 30, 2011.  Most of the increase for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is due to the purchase of additional automobile loan pools.  The decrease as compared to June 30, 2011 is due to a decrease of SFG loans due to a sale of $6.2 million of SFG loans due to the implementation of Dodd Frank.

Loan Loss Experience and Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is based on the most current review of the loan portfolio and is validated by multiple processes.  First, the bank utilizes historical data to establish general reserve amounts for each class of loans.  While we track several years of data, we primarily review one year data because we found that longer periods will not respond quickly enough to market conditions.  Second, our lenders have the primary responsibility for identifying problem loans and estimating necessary reserves based on customer financial stress and underlying collateral.  These recommendations are reviewed by the Senior lender, the Special Assets department, and the Loan Review department and are reviewed by the President.  Third, the Loan Review department does independent reviews of the portfolio on an annual basis.  The Loan Review department follows a board-approved annual loan review scope.  The loan review scope encompasses a number of metrics that takes into consideration the size of the loan, the type of credit extended, the seasoning of the loan and the performance of the loan.  The loan review scope as it relates to size, focuses more on larger dollar loan relationships, typically, for example, aggregate debt of $500,000 or greater.  The Loan Review officer also tracks specific reserves for loans by type compared to general reserves to determine trends in comparative reserves as well as losses not reserved for prior to charge off to determine the efficiency of the specific reserve process.

At each review, a subjective analysis methodology is used to grade the respective loan.  Categories of grading vary in severity from loans that do not appear to have a significant probability of loss at the time of review to loans that indicate a probability that the entire balance of the loan will be uncollectible.  If full collection of the loan balance appears unlikely at the time of review, estimates of future expected cash flows or appraisals of the collateral securing the debt are used to allocate the necessary allowances.  The internal loan review department maintains a list of all loans or loan relationships that are graded as having more than the normal degree of risk associated with them.  In addition, a list of specifically reserved loans or loan relationships of $50,000 or more is updated on a quarterly basis in order to properly allocate necessary allowances and keep management informed on the status of attempts to correct the deficiencies noted with respect to the loan.

For loans to individuals the methodology associated with determining the appropriate allowance for losses on loans primarily consists of an evaluation of individual payment histories, remaining term to maturity and underlying collateral support.

Industry experience indicates that a portion of our loans will become delinquent and a portion of the loans will require partial or entire charge-off.  Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of properties used as collateral for loans and problems affecting the credit of the borrower and the ability of the borrower to make payments on the loan.  Our determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on various considerations, including an analysis of the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss experience, specific loans which would have loan loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, current economic conditions, the views of the bank regulators (who have the authority to require additional allowances), and geographic and industry loan concentration.
 
 
Consumer loans at SFG are reserved for based on general estimates of loss at the time of purchase for current loans.  SFG loans experiencing past due status or extension of maturity characteristics are reserved for at significantly higher levels based on the circumstances associated with each specific loan.  In general the reserves for SFG are calculated based on the past due status of the loan.  For reserve purposes, the portfolio has been segregated by past due status and by the remaining term variance from the original contract.  During repayment, loans that pay late will take longer to pay out than the original contract.  Additionally, some loans may be granted extensions for extenuating payment circumstances.  The remaining term extensions increase the risk of collateral deterioration and accordingly, reserves are increased to recognize this risk.

For SFG automobile loan pools purchased after August 1, 2010, additional reserve methods have been added.  New pools purchased are reserved at their estimated annual loss.  Thereafter, the reserve is adjusted based on the actual performance versus projected performance.  Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2010, data mining measures were further enhanced to track migration within risk tranches.  Reserves are adjusted quarterly to match the migration metrics.

After all of the data in the loan portfolio is accumulated, the reserve allocations are separated into various loan classes.  At June 30, 2012, the unallocated portion of the allowance for loan loss was $1.1 million, or 0.1%, of loans.

As of June 30, 2012, our review of the loan portfolio indicated that a loan loss allowance of $20.2 million was adequate to cover probable losses in the portfolio.  Changes in economic and other conditions may require future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, loan charge-offs were $2.8 million and $5.0 million and recoveries were $718,000 and $1.4 million, resulting in net charge-offs of $2.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, loan charge-offs were $3.0 million and $7.1 million and recoveries were $792,000 and $1.8 million, resulting in net charge-offs of $2.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively.  The decrease in net charge-offs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was primarily related to economic conditions requiring the write-down of nonperforming loans in the previous year.  The necessary provision expense was estimated at $2.2 million and $5.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $1.9 million and $4.0 million for the comparable periods in 2011, respectively.  The increase in provision expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 was primarily a result of the increase in loans.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets consist of delinquent loans 90 days or more past due, nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned (“OREO”), repossessed assets and restructured loans.  Nonaccrual loans are those loans which are 90 days or more delinquent and collection in full of both the principal and interest is in doubt.  Additionally, some loans that are not delinquent may be placed on nonaccrual status due to doubts about full collection of principal or interest.  When a loan is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and the accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes.  Restructured loans represent loans that have been renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrowers.  Categorization of a loan as nonperforming is not in itself a reliable indicator of potential loan loss.  Other factors, such as the value of collateral securing the loan and the financial condition of the borrower must be considered in judgments as to potential loan loss.  OREO represents real estate taken in full or partial satisfaction of debts previously contracted.  The dollar amount of OREO is based on a current evaluation of the OREO at the time it is recorded on our books, net of estimated selling costs.  Updated valuations are obtained as needed and any additional impairments are recognized.
 
 
The following tables set forth nonperforming assets for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
   
At
June 30,
2012
   
At
December 31,
2011
   
At
June 30,
2011
 
                   
                   
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 10,077     $ 10,299     $ 13,208  
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days
    1       5       8  
Restructured loans
    2,352       2,109       1,757  
Other real estate owned
    960       453       412  
Repossessed assets
    388       322       318  
Total Nonperforming Assets
  $ 13,778     $ 13,188     $ 15,703  

   
At
June 30,
2012
   
At
December 31,
2011
   
At
June 30,
2011
 
         
(unaudited)
       
Asset Quality Ratios:
                   
     
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Nonaccruing loans to total loans
   
0.85
%
 
 
0.95
%
   
1.27
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccruing loans
   
200.40
 
 
 
180.02
     
146.95
 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets
   
146.57
 
 
 
140.58
     
123.60
 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
   
1.71
 
 
 
1.71
     
1.87
 
Nonperforming assets to total assets
   
0.41
     
0.40
     
0.50
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
0.63
     
0.92
     
1.01
 

Total nonperforming assets at June 30, 2012 were $13.8 million, an increase of $590,000, or 4.5%, from $13.2 million at December 31, 2011 and decreased $1.9 million, or 12.3%, from $15.7 million at June 30, 2011.  In general, the decreasing trend in nonperforming assets is reflective of recoveries in our current economic market.

From December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012, nonaccrual loans decreased $222,000, or 2.2%, to $10.1 million and from June 30, 2011, decreased $3.1 million, or 23.7%.  Of the total nonaccrual loans at June 30, 2012, 23.0% are residential real estate loans, 8.6% are commercial real estate loans, 18.4% are commercial loans, 18.8% are loans to individuals, primarily SFG automobile loans, and 31.2% are construction loans.  Accruing loans past due more than 90 days decreased $4,000, or 80.0%, to $1,000 at June 30, 2012 from $5,000 at December 31, 2011 and from June 30, 2011, decreased $7,000, or 87.5%.  Restructured loans increased $243,000, or 11.5%, to $2.4 million at June 30, 2012 from $2.1 million at December 31, 2011 and $595,000, or 33.9%, from $1.8 million at June 30, 2011.  OREO increased $507,000, or 111.9%, to $960,000 at June 30, 2012 from $453,000 at December 31, 2011 and increased $548,000, or 133.0%, from $412,000 at June 30, 2011.  The OREO at June 30, 2012, consisted primarily of residential and commercial real estate property.  We are actively marketing all properties and none are being held for investment purposes.  Repossessed assets increased $66,000, or 20.5%, to $388,000 at June 30, 2012 from $322,000 at December 31, 2011 and increased $70,000, or 22.0%, from $318,000 at June 30, 2011.

Reorganization

Effective February 14, 2012, Southside Bank became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Southside Bancshares, Inc. as a result of the merger of Southside Delaware Financial Corporation with and into Southside Bancshares, Inc.

Accounting Pronouncements

See “Note 1 – Basis of Presentation” in our financial statements included in this report.
 
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” included in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this report.

Refer to the discussion of market risks included in “Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  There have been no significant changes in the types of market risks we face since December 31, 2011.

In the banking industry, a major risk exposure is changing interest rates.  The primary objective of monitoring our interest rate sensitivity, or risk, is to provide management the tools necessary to manage the balance sheet to minimize adverse changes in net interest income as a result of changes in the direction and level of interest rates.  Federal Reserve Board monetary control efforts, the effects of deregulation, the current economic downturn and legislative changes have been significant factors affecting the task of managing interest rate sensitivity positions in recent years.

In an attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates, management closely monitors our exposure to interest rate risk through our ALCO.  Our ALCO meets regularly and reviews our interest rate risk position and makes recommendations to our board for adjusting this position.  In addition, our board reviews our asset/liability position on a monthly basis.  We primarily use two methods for measuring and analyzing interest rate risk:  net income simulation analysis and MVPE modeling.  We utilize the net income simulation model as the primary quantitative tool in measuring the amount of interest rate risk associated with changing market rates.  This model quantifies the effects of various interest rate scenarios on projected net interest income and net income over the next 12 months.  The model was used to measure the impact on net interest income relative to a base case scenario of rates increasing 100 and 200 basis points or decreasing 100 and 200 basis points over the next 12 months.  These simulations incorporate assumptions regarding balance sheet growth and mix, pricing and the repricing and maturity characteristics of the existing and projected balance sheet.  The impact of interest rate-related risks such as prepayment, basis and option risk are also considered.  As of June 30, 2012, the model simulations projected that 100 and 200 basis point immediate increases in interest rates would result in positive variances on net interest income of 7.83% and 5.71%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months, while an immediate decrease in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points would result in a negative variance in net interest income of 4.23% and 7.31%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months.  As of June 30, 2011, the model simulations projected that 100 and 200 basis point immediate increases in interest rates would result in negative variances on net interest income of 0.70% and 1.77%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months, while an immediate decrease in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points would result in a negative variance in net interest income of 0.86% and 3.91%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months.  As part of the overall assumptions, certain assets and liabilities have been given reasonable floors.  This type of simulation analysis requires numerous assumptions including but not limited to changes in balance sheet mix, prepayment rates on mortgage-related assets and fixed rate loans, cash flows and repricings of all financial instruments, changes in volumes and pricing, future shapes of the yield curve, relationship of market interest rates to each other (basis risk), credit spread and deposit sensitivity.  Assumptions are based on management’s best estimates but may not accurately reflect actual results under certain changes in interest rates.

The ALCO monitors various liquidity ratios to ensure a satisfactory liquidity position for us.  Management continually evaluates the condition of the economy, the pattern of market interest rates and other economic data to determine the types of investments that should be made and at what maturities.  Using this analysis, management from time to time assumes calculated interest sensitivity gap positions to maximize net interest income based upon anticipated movements in the general level of interest rates.  Regulatory authorities also monitor our gap position along with other liquidity ratios.  In addition, as described above, we utilize a simulation model to determine the impact of net interest income under several different interest rate scenarios.  By utilizing this technology, we can determine changes that need to be made to the asset and liability mixes to mitigate the change in net interest income under these various interest rate scenarios.
 
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of June 30, 2012.  Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2012 due to the fact that there was a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed in more detail below.  Based on a number of factors, including remediation actions taken to address the material weaknesses, we believe the consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates, and for the periods, presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As disclosed in Part II, Item 9A of our December 31, 2011 Form 10-K, management identified a series of deficiencies that in aggregate were determined to be a material weakness related to our security price verification controls and a material weakness related to the evaluation of impairment of the FHLB advance option fees.

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, we enhanced our price verification controls.  We utilized multiple pricing services to assist with our price verification procedures.  In addition, procedures were designed to review security prices with variances outside predetermined ranges.  We have also enhanced our controls to evaluate impairment of the FHLB advance option fees.  This includes the performance of assessing the probability of the exercise for the FHLB advance option fees including, but not limited to, the review of current FHLB interest rates, forward yield curves and the results of valuation models.

As of June 30, 2012, management believes it has placed in operation controls to address the material weaknesses mentioned above, and believes that the material weakness identified with respect to the FHLB advance option fees  has been remediated. However, given the timing of certain remediation activities, there was not sufficient evidence to conclude upon the sustained effectiveness with respect to security price verification controls.  As a result, management is evaluating the operating effectiveness of the controls implemented with respect to security price verification to ensure sustainability and will take further remediation actions should any evidence of ineffectiveness be found.

Our Audit Committee has directed management to monitor and test the controls implemented and develop additional controls should any of the new controls require additional enhancement.  In addition, under the direction of our Audit Committee, management will continue to review and make necessary changes to the overall design of our internal control environment, as well as policies and procedures to improve the overall effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Management believes the measures described above and others that will be implemented as necessary will remediate the control deficiencies we identified and strengthen our internal control over financial reporting.  Management is committed to continuous improvement of our internal control processes and will continue to diligently review our financial reporting controls and procedures.  As management continues to evaluate and work to improve internal control over financial reporting, we may determine to take additional measures to address control deficiencies or determine to modify, or in appropriate circumstances not to complete, certain of the remediation measures described above.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except as described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to legal proceedings arising in the normal conduct of business. Management believes that at June 30, 2012 such litigation is not material to our financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

Additional information regarding risk factors appears in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Forward Looking Statements” of this Form 10-Q and in Part I — “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not Applicable.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.
 
 
ITEM 6.

Exhibit No.
   
     
3 (a)
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective April 17, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant's Form 8-K, filed April 20, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3 (b)(i)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective February 28, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed March 5, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3(b)(ii)
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective August 27, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K/A, filed September 10, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).
     
3(b)(iii)
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc. effective September 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed September 2, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).
     
*31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
*31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
*32
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
**101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
     
**101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
**101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
**101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
**101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
     
**101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
   
*Filed herewith.
     
   
**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
 
   
 
BY:
/s/ SAM DAWSON
 
 
Sam Dawson, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
DATE: August 6, 2012
 
 
 
 
BY:
/s/ LEE R. GIBSON
 
 
Lee R. Gibson, CPA, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
DATE: August 6, 2012
 


Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
**101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
     
**101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
**101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
**101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
**101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
     
**101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

*The certifications attached as Exhibit 32 accompany this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and are “furnished” to the Commission pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed “filed” by us for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 
 
58