NBT Bancorp (NBTB) reported earnings of $0.23 per share in the first quarter, down 64% from the last quarter of 2019. The earnings decline was mostly attributable to a surge in provision expense amid the COVID-19 pandemic. NBTB's high exposure to consumer auto loans will likely drive provision expense in the year ahead because of the hike in unemployment. Moreover, a modest reduction in the net interest margin will pressurize earnings. On the other hand, the Paycheck Protection Program and the acquisition of Alliance Benefit Group will limit the earnings decline. Overall, I'm expecting earnings