Edgar Filing: SANDY SPRING BANCORP INC

Form 10-K 2007 (00310308.DOC;1)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2017

( ) 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: 0-19065

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland 52-1532952

(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

17801 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland 20832

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

301-774-6400

(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 filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X No

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes X No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer X Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company x Emerging growth company x

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)

Yes No X

The number of outstanding shares of common stock outstanding as of November 3, 2017

Common stock, $1.00 par value – 23,993,562 shares

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition - Unaudited at
	September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Unaudited for the Three and Nine Months
	Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Unaudited for
	the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	6

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Unaudited for the Nine
	Months Ended September 30, 2017	7

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – Unaudited for the
	Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	8

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
	FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	35

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
	ABOUT MARKET RISK	61

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES		61

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS		61

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS		61

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS		61

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES		62

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES		62

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION		62

Item 6. EXHIBITS		62

SIGNATURES		63

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and written or oral communications made from time to time by or on behalf of Sandy Spring Bancorp and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), may contain statements relating to future events or future results of the Company that are considered “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend” and “potential,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “should,” “could,” or “may.” Forward-looking statements include statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

Forward-looking statements reflect our expectation or prediction of future conditions, events or results based on information currently available. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in Item 1A of the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1A of Part II of this report and the following:

· general business and economic conditions nationally or in the markets that the Company serves could adversely affect, among other things, real estate prices, unemployment levels, and consumer and business confidence, which could lead to decreases in the demand for loans, deposits and other financial services that we provide and increases in loan delinquencies and defaults;

· changes or volatility in the capital markets and interest rates may adversely impact the value of securities, loans, deposits and other financial instruments and the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet as well as our liquidity;

· our liquidity requirements could be adversely affected by changes in our assets and liabilities;

· our investment securities portfolio is subject to credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk as well as changes in the estimates we use to value certain of the securities in our portfolio;

· the effect of legislative or regulatory developments including changes in laws concerning taxes, banking, securities, insurance and other aspects of the financial services industry;

· competitive factors among financial services companies, including product and pricing pressures and our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified banking professionals;

· the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and other regulatory agencies; and

· the effect of fiscal and governmental policies of the United States federal government.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws.

Part I
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION - UNAUDITED


			September 30,		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)			2017		2016
Assets
	Cash and due from banks		$	50,076	$	53,190
	Federal funds sold			2,838		1,953
	Interest-bearing deposits with banks			49,267		78,982
		Cash and cash equivalents		102,181		134,125
	Residential mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value)			7,084		13,222
	Investments available-for-sale (at fair value)			756,069		733,554
	Other equity securities			39,853		46,094
	Total loans			4,194,118		3,927,808
		Less: allowance for loan losses		(44,924)		(44,067)
	Net loans			4,149,194		3,883,741
	Premises and equipment, net			54,108		53,562
	Other real estate owned			1,448		1,911
	Accrued interest receivable			16,045		14,589
	Goodwill			85,768		85,768
	Other intangible assets, net			604		680
	Other assets			122,434		124,137
Total assets			$	5,334,788	$	5,091,383

Liabilities
	Noninterest-bearing deposits		$	1,312,710	$	1,138,139
	Interest-bearing deposits			2,643,082		2,439,405
		Total deposits		3,955,792		3,577,544
	Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased			146,569		125,119
	Advances from FHLB			632,917		790,000
	Subordinated debentures			-		30,000
	Accrued interest payable and other liabilities			35,030		35,148
		Total liabilities		4,770,308		4,557,811

Stockholders' Equity
	Common stock -- par value $1.00; shares authorized 50,000,000; shares
		issued and outstanding 23,990,370 and 23,901,084 at September 30, 2017 and
		December 31, 2016, respectively		23,990		23,901
	Additional paid in capital			167,455		165,871
	Retained earnings			376,512		350,414
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(3,477)		(6,614)
		Total stockholders' equity		564,480		533,572
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			$	5,334,788	$	5,091,383



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED

				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)				2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans and leases			$	43,891	$	38,224	$	126,861	$	111,358
	Interest on loans held for sale				119		96		273		294
	Interest on deposits with banks				108		49		289		156
	Interest and dividends on investment securities:
		Taxable			3,410		2,623		10,572		8,749
		Exempt from federal income taxes			2,053		1,864		6,110		5,753
	Interest on federal funds sold				8		1		18		3
			Total interest income		49,589		42,857		144,123		126,313
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits					3,701		2,128		9,212		6,006
Interest on retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased					83		74		238		212
Interest on advances from FHLB					3,108		2,699		9,385		8,812
Interest on subordinated debt					-		225		12		698
			Total interest expense		6,892		5,126		18,847		15,728
Net interest income					42,697		37,731		125,276		110,585
Provision for loan losses					934		781		2,450		4,974
			Net interest income after provision for loan losses		41,763		36,950		122,826		105,611
Non-interest income:
	Investment securities gains				-		-		1,275		1,919
	Service charges on deposit accounts				2,140		2,035		6,121		5,894
	Mortgage banking activities				632		1,129		2,080		2,770
	Wealth management income				4,864		4,347		14,092		13,200
	Insurance agency commissions				1,950		1,786		4,924		4,180
	Income from bank owned life insurance				609		616		1,808		1,846
	Bank card fees				1,211		1,189		3,609		3,498
	Other income				1,340		1,482		5,040		5,391
			Total non-interest income		12,746		12,584		38,949		38,698
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits				18,442		17,848		54,525		53,299
	Occupancy expense of premises				3,294		3,130		9,907		9,765
	Equipment expense				1,722		1,745		5,213		5,102
	Marketing				784		628		2,223		1,971
	Outside data services				1,286		1,349		4,045		4,067
	FDIC insurance				850		726		2,478		2,012
	Amortization of intangible assets				25		34		76		94
	Merger expenses				345		-		1,332		-
	Other expense				4,443		3,866		14,241		16,204
			Total non-interest expense		31,191		29,326		94,040		92,514
Income before income taxes					23,318		20,208		67,735		51,795
Income tax expense					8,229		6,734		22,793		16,861
			Net income	$	15,089	$	13,474	$	44,942	$	34,934

Per share information:
Basic net income per share				$	0.62	$	0.56	$	1.86	$	1.45
Diluted net income per share				$	0.62	$	0.56	$	1.86	$	1.45
Dividends declared per common share				$	0.26	$	0.24	$	0.78	$	0.72

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED

				Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)				2017		2016		2017		2016
Net income				$	15,089	$	13,474	$	44,942	$	34,934
	Other comprehensive income:
	Investments available-for-sale:
		Net change in unrealized gains/(losses) on investments available-for-sale			113		(2,641)		5,618		10,612
			Related income tax (expense)/benefit		(45)		1,036		(2,236)		(4,227)
		Net investment gains reclassified into earnings			-		-		(1,275)		(1,919)
			Related income tax expense		-		-		508		765
			Net effect on other comprehensive income for the period		68		(1,605)		2,615		5,231

	Defined benefit pension plan:
		Recognition of unrealized loss			296		295		886		870
			Related income tax benefit		(129)		(111)		(364)		(339)
			Net effect on other comprehensive income for the period		167		184		522		531
	Total other comprehensive income				235		(1,421)		3,137		5,762
Comprehensive income				$	15,324	$	12,053	$	48,079	$	40,696

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED

			Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)			2017		2016
Operating activities:
Net income			$	44,942	$	34,934
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization			5,939		5,940
	Provision for loan losses			2,450		4,974
	Share based compensation expense			1,611		1,341
	Tax benefits associated with share based compensation			700		287
	Deferred income tax expense			163		646
	Origination of loans held for sale			(105,970)		(130,409)
	Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale			114,474		151,077
	Gains on sales of loans held for sale			(2,653)		(2,461)
	(Gains) losses on sales of other real estate owned			(82)		48
	Investment securities gains			(1,275)		(1,919)
	Net (increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable			(1,456)		320
	Net decrease in other assets			(5,314)		(1,731)
	Net increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities			19		(5,999)
	Other – net			3,521		(731)
		Net cash provided by operating activities		57,069		56,317
Investing activities:
	Proceeds of other equity securities			6,241		5,507
	Purchases of investments available-for-sale			(125,028)		(120,273)
	Proceeds from sales of investment available-for-sale			2,251		40,863
	Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal payments of investments held-to-maturity			-		5,004
	Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal payments of investments available-for-sale			103,775		227,419
	Net increase in loans			(306,755)		(303,709)
	Proceeds from the sales of other real estate owned			1,228		1,393
	Proceeds from sales of loans previously held for investment			40,031		-
	Acquisition of business activity, net of cash acquired			-		(1,347)
	Expenditures for premises and equipment			(4,589)		(4,250)
		Net cash (used) in investing activities		(282,846)		(149,393)
Financing activities:
	Net increase in deposits			378,248		273,427
	Net increase in retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased			21,450		15,060
	Proceeds from advances from FHLB			3,080,000		1,805,000
	Repayment of advances from FHLB			(3,237,083)		(1,940,000)
	Retirement of subordinated debt			(30,000)		(5,000)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock			1,015		1,268
	Stock tendered for payment of withholding taxes			(953)		(683)
	Repurchase of common stock			-		(13,273)
	Dividends paid			(18,844)		(17,408)
		Net cash provided by financing activities		193,833		118,391
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				(31,944)		25,315
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				134,125		72,882
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period			$	102,181	$	98,197

Supplemental disclosures:
	Interest payments		$	19,244	$	16,193
	Income tax payments			22,927		16,825
	Transfer of investments held-to-maturity to available-for-sale			-		203,118
	Transfer from loans to residential mortgage loans held for sale			39,744		18,752
	Transfer from loans to other real estate owned			700		-

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED

`								Accumulated
				Additional				Other		Total
		Common		Paid-In		Retained		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		Stock		Capital		Earnings		Income (Loss)		Equity
Balances at January 1, 2017		$	23,901	$	165,871	$	350,414	$	(6,614)	$	533,572
	Net income		-		-		44,942		-		44,942
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-		3,137		3,137
Common stock dividends - $0.78 per share			-		-		(18,844)		-		(18,844)
Stock compensation expense			-		1,611		-		-		1,611
Common stock issued pursuant to:
	Stock option plan - 28,736 shares		29		521		-		-		550
	Employee stock purchase plan - 13,486 shares		13		452		-		-		465
	Restricted stock - 47,064 shares		47		(1,000)		-		-		(953)
Balances at September 30, 2017		$	23,990	$	167,455	$	376,512	$	(3,477)	$	564,480

Balance at January 1, 2016		$	24,296	$	175,588	$	325,840	$	(1,297)	$	524,427
	Net income		-		-		34,934		-		34,934
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-		5,762		5,762
Common stock dividends - $0.72 per share			-		-		(17,408)		-		(17,408)
Stock compensation expense			-		1,628		-		-		1,628
Common stock issued pursuant to:
	Stock option plan - 34,646 shares		35		500		-		-		535
	Employee stock purchase plan - 18,767 shares		19		433		-		-		452
	Director's stock purchase plan - 258 shares		-		15		-		-		15
	Restricted stock - 49,648 shares		49		(466)		-		-		(417)
Purchase of treasury shares - 512,459 shares			(512)		(12,761)		-		-		(13,273)
Balances at September 30, 2016		$	23,887	$	164,937	$	343,366	$	4,465	$	536,655




















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the CONDENSED Consolidated Financial Statements - UNAUDITED

Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Sandy Spring Bancorp (the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, is the bank holding company for Sandy Spring Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank offers a broad range of commercial banking, retail banking, mortgage and trust services throughout central Maryland, Northern Virginia and the greater Washington D.C. market through its operation of 44 community offices and six financial centers across the region. The Bank also offers a comprehensive menu of insurance and wealth management services through its subsidiaries, Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation and West Financial Services, Inc.

Basis of Presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and prevailing practices within the financial services industry for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements and prevailing practices within the banking industry. The following summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is presented to assist the reader in understanding the financial and other data presented in this report. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods or for the year ending December 31, 2017. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (comprising only normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods have been included. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts, as necessary, to conform to the current period presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of the issuance of its financial statements.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 3, 2017. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s accounting policies as disclosed in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sandy Spring Bank and its subsidiaries, Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation and West Financial Services, Inc. Consolidation has resulted in the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and affect the reported amounts of revenues earned and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that could change significantly relate to the provision for loan losses and the related allowance, determination of impaired loans and the related measurement of impairment, potential impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, valuation of investment securities and the determination of whether impaired securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, valuation of other real estate owned, prepayment rates, valuation of share-based compensation, the assessment that a liability should be recognized with respect to any matters under litigation, the calculation of current and deferred income taxes and the actuarial projections related to pension expense and the related liability.

Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks (items with stated original maturity of three months or less).

Pending Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB issued Update No. 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, in March 2017. This guidance is intended to eliminate the current diversity in practice with respect to the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Under current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), entities generally amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life. As a result, upon the exercise of a call on a callable debt security held at a premium, the unamortized premium is recorded as a loss in earnings. The amendments in this update shorten the amortization period for such callable debt securities held at a premium requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. This guidance is effective for a public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer for its fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, in January 2017. The objective of this guidance is to simplify an entity’s required test for impairment of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In Step 2 an entity measured a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill, an entity had to determine the fair value at the impairment date of its assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized assets and liabilities, following a procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Under this Update, an entity should perform its annual or quarterly goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit and the entity must consider the income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. This guidance is effective for a public business entity that is an SEC filer for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued Update 2017-1, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, in January 2017. The objective of this guidance is to clarify the definition of a business to provide entities with assistance in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update provides a screen to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities (a “set”) is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable assets or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The screen thus reduces the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this Update (1) require that to be considered a business, a set must include, at a minimum, an input and substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and (2) remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The amendments provide a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present. The framework includes two sets of criteria to consider that depend on whether a set has outputs. Although outputs are not required for an asset to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business; therefore, the Board has developed more stringent criteria for sets without outputs. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, in August 2016. This guidance is intended to reduce the diversity in practice with respect to the presentation and classification of items in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard’s provisions will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. An entity may elect early adoption but must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2016-13, Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL), in June 2016. This guidance changes the impairment model for most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments. Entities will be required to use an expected loss model, replacing the incurred loss model that is currently in use. Under the new guidance, an entity will measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current condition and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This will result in earlier recognition of loss allowances in most instances. Credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities (regardless of whether the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary) will be measured in a manner similar to the present, except that such losses will be recorded as allowances rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the related securities. With respect to trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance-sheet credit exposures, the guidance requires that an entity estimate its lifetime expected credit loss and record an allowance resulting in the net amount expected to be collected to be reflected as the financial asset. Entities are also required to provide significantly more disclosures, including information used to track credit quality by year of origination for most financing receivables. This guidance is effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard’s provisions will be applied as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption by public business entities is permitted for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is assessing this guidance to determine its impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), in March 2016. This guidance is intended to clarify a potential implementation issue with respect to determining whether an entity is a principal or an agent in an arrangement. The guidance provides indicators to assist in this evaluation when another party is involved in the arrangement to identify which party is the principal and which party is the agent. The effective date for this guidance is the same as the effective date of Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2016-02, Leases, in February 2016. From the lessee’s perspective, the new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement for lessees. The guidance also eliminates the current real estate-specific provision and changes the guidance on sale-leaseback transactions, initial direct costs and lease executory costs. With respect to lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. All entities will classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. In applying this guidance entities will also need to determine whether an arrangement contains a lease or service agreement. Disclosures are required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financials statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. For public entities, this guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. The Company is assessing this guidance to determine its impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall, in January 2016. This guidance requires entities to measure equity investments at fair value and recognize changes on fair value in net income. The guidance also provides a new measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and don’t qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. Entities will have to record changes in instrument –specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income, except for certain financial liabilities of consolidated collateralized financing entities. Entities will also have to reassess the realizability of a deferred tax asset related to an available-for-sale debt security in combination with their other deferred tax assets. This simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. For public entities, the guidance in this update is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption by public entities is permitted as of the beginning of the year of adoption for selected amendments by a cumulative effect adjustment to the balance sheet. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), in May 2014 that provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The guidance also provides for a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets, such as property and equipment, including real estate. The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance must be adopted using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. The Company’s revenue is comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, net interest income, mortgage origination and servicing activities, and gains and losses from securities. Accordingly, the majority of the Company’s revenues will not be affected. The following revenue streams were identified to be in scope of ASC 606: 1) wealth management income; 2) insurance agency commissions; 3) bank card fees; and 4) service charges on deposit accounts. The Company has completed an assessment of the revenue contracts for the revenue streams identified to be in scope as well as worked with industry participants on matters of interpretation and application. The Company’s accounting policies and revenue recognition principles will not change materially as the principles of ASC 606 are largely consistent with the current revenue recognition practices. The Company plans to expand qualitative disclosures of non-interest income at adoption date in the first quarter of 2018.

Note 2 – Investments

Investments available-for-sale

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments available-for-sale at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:

			September 30, 2017								December 31, 2016
					Gross		Gross		Estimated				Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
(In thousands)			Cost		Gains		Losses		Value		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
U.S. government agencies			$	109,348	$	-	$	(2,008)	$	107,340	$	124,314	$	32	$	(2,556)	$	121,790
State and municipal				312,656		8,534		(63)		321,127		281,090		7,180		(586)		287,684
Mortgage-backed				316,770		2,724		(2,615)		316,879		314,029		2,851		(4,169)		312,711
Corporate debt				9,100		422		-		9,522		9,100		34		-		9,134
Trust preferred				931		58		-		989		1,089		-		(77)		1,012
	Total debt securities			748,805		11,738		(4,686)		755,857		729,622		10,097		(7,388)		732,331
Marketable equity securities				212		-		-		212		1,223		-		-		1,223
		Total investments available-for-sale	$	749,017	$	11,738	$	(4,686)	$	756,069	$	730,845	$	10,097	$	(7,388)	$	733,554

Any unrealized losses in the U.S. government agencies, state and municipal, mortgage-backed or corporate debt investment securities at September 30, 2017 are not the result of credit related events but due to changes in interest rates. These declines in fair market value are considered temporary in nature and are expected to recover over time as these securities approach maturity.

The mortgage-backed securities portfolio at September 30, 2017 is composed entirely of either the most senior tranches of GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC collateralized mortgage obligations ($108.5 million), or GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities ($208.4 million). The Company does not intend to sell these securities and has sufficient liquidity to hold these securities for an adequate period of time to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

At September 30, 2017 the trust preferred portfolio consisted of one pooled trust preferred security. The pooled trust preferred security, which is backed by debt issued by banks and thrifts, totaled $0.9 million with a fair value of $1.0 million. The fair value of this security was determined by management through the use of a third party valuation specialist due to the limited trading activity for this security.

As a result of this evaluation, it was determined that the pooled trust preferred security had not incurred any credit-related other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The security had an insignificant unrealized gain at September 30, 2017 recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The security is not expected to be sold and the Company has the ability to hold it until maturity.

The following table provides the activity of OTTI on investment securities due to credit losses recognized in earnings for the period indicated:

(In thousands)		OTTI Losses
Cumulative credit losses on investment securities, through December 31, 2016	$	531

Additions for credit losses not previously recognized		-

Cumulative credit losses on investment securities through September 30, 2017	$	531

Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual available-for-sale securities have been in an unrealized loss position at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:

September 30, 2017

Continuous Unrealized

Losses Existing for:

Number

Total

Less than

More than

Unrealized

(Dollars in thousands)

Securities

Fair Value

12 months

Losses

U.S. government agencies

102,340

2,008

State and municipal

11,076

Mortgage-backed

171,833

2,012

603

2,615

Total

285,249

4,057

629

4,686

		December 31, 2016
						Continuous Unrealized
						Losses Existing for:
		Number								Total
		of				Less than		More than		Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)		Securities		Fair Value		12 months		12 months		Losses
U.S. government agencies			12	$	96,788	$	2,556	$	-	$	2,556
State and municipal			53		48,010		516		70		586
Mortgage-backed			37		212,844		3,971		198		4,169
Trust preferred			1		1,012		-		77		77
	Total		103	$	358,654	$	7,043	$	345	$	7,388

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of debt securities available-for-sale by contractual maturity at the dates indicated are provided in the following table. The Company has allocated mortgage-backed securities into the four maturity groupings reflected in the following table using the expected average life of the individual securities based on statistics provided by independent third party industry sources. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

September 30, 2017

December 31, 2016

Estimated

Estimated

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

(In thousands)

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Due in one year or less

10,821

10,934

7,493

7,541

Due after one year through five years

173,513

179,386

156,953

162,233

Due after five years through ten years

244,098

245,324

282,468

282,713

Due after ten years

320,373

320,213

282,708

279,844

Total debt securities available for sale

748,805

755,857

729,622

732,331

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, investments available-for-sale with a book value of $448.2 million and $453.0 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for certain government deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. The outstanding balance of no single issuer, except for U.S. Agencies securities, exceeded ten percent of stockholders' equity at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Equity securities

Other equity securities at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:

(In thousands)		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Federal Reserve Bank stock		$	8,382	$	8,334
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock			31,471		37,760
	Total equity securities	$	39,853	$	46,094

Note 3 – LOANS

Outstanding loan balances at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are net of unearned income including net deferred loan costs of $2.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The loan portfolio segment balances at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:

(In thousands)		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage	$	882,890	$	841,692
	Residential construction		171,814		150,229
Commercial real estate:
	Commercial owner occupied real estate		831,461		775,552
	Commercial investor real estate		1,104,669		928,113
	Commercial AD&C		295,222		308,279
Commercial business			451,667		467,286
Consumer			456,395		456,657
	Total loans	$	4,194,118	$	3,927,808

Note 4 – CREDIT QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Allowance for Loan Losses

Summary information on the allowance for loan loss activity for the period indicated is provided in the following table:

			Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)			2017		2016
Balance at beginning of year			$	44,067	$	40,895
	Provision for loan losses			2,450		4,974
	Loan charge-offs			(2,044)		(2,586)
	Loan recoveries			451		659
		Net charge-offs		(1,593)		(1,927)
Balance at period end			$	44,924	$	43,942

The following tables provide information on the activity in the allowance for loan losses by the respective loan portfolio segment for the period indicated:

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Commercial Real Estate

Residential Real Estate

Commercial

Owner

Residential

(Dollars in thousands)

Business

AD&C

Investor R/E

Occupied R/E

Consumer

Mortgage

Construction

Total

Balance at beginning of year

7,539

4,652

12,939

7,885

2,828

7,261

963

44,067

Provision (credit)

2,552

(829)

1,230

(481)

147

(241)

2,450

Charge-offs

(1,469)

(5)

(560)

(10)

(2,044)

Recoveries

103

101

451

Net recoveries (charge-offs)

(1,396)

103

(5)

(459)

(1,593)

Balance at end of period

8,695

3,926

14,262

7,399

2,516

7,071

1,055

44,924

Total loans and leases

451,667

295,222

1,104,669

831,461

456,395

882,890

171,814

4,194,118

Allowance for loans losses to total loans ratio

1.93%

1.33%

1.29%

0.89%

0.55%

0.80%

0.61%

1.07%

Balance of loans specifically evaluated for impairment

8,403

137

5,589

5,517

na.

2,867

22,513

Allowance for loans specifically evaluated for impairment

3,841

589

340

na.

4,770

Specific allowance to specific loans ratio

45.71%

10.54%

6.16%

na.

21.19%

Balance of loans collectively evaluated

443,264

295,085

1,099,080

825,944

456,395

880,023

171,814

4,171,605

Allowance for loans collectively evaluated

4,854

3,926

13,673

7,059

2,516

7,071

1,055

40,154

Collective allowance to collective loans ratio

1.10%

1.33%

1.24%

0.85%

0.55%

0.80%

0.61%

0.96%

		For the Year Ended December 31,2016
				Commercial Real Estate								Residential Real Estate
								Commercial
		Commercial		Commercial		Commercial		Owner				Residential		Residential
(Dollars in thousands)		Business		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Consumer		Mortgage		Construction		Total
Balance at beginning of year		$	6,529	$	4,691	$	10,440	$	7,984	$	3,456	$	6,901	$	894	$	40,895
Provision (credit)			1,563		(31)		2,563		(104)		112		1,406		37		5,546
Charge-offs			(597)		(48)		(197)		-		(888)		(1,404)		-		(3,134)
Recoveries			44		40		133		5		148		358		32		760
	Net recoveries (charge-offs)		(553)		(8)		(64)		5		(740)		(1,046)		32		(2,374)
Balance at end of period		$	7,539	$	4,652	$	12,939	$	7,885	$	2,828	$	7,261	$	963	$	44,067

Total loans and leases		$	467,286	$	308,279	$	928,113	$	775,552	$	456,657	$	841,692	$	150,229	$	3,927,808
Allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio			1.61%		1.51%		1.39%		1.02%		0.62%		0.86%		0.64%		1.12%

Balance of loans specifically evaluated for impairment		$	7,018	$	137	$	8,107	$	5,567	$	na.	$	3,263	$	-	$	24,092
Allowance for loans specifically evaluated for impairment		$	2,604	$	-	$	1,736	$	485	$	na.	$	-	$	-	$	4,825
Specific allowance to specific loans ratio			37.10%		-		21.41%		8.71%		na.		-		-		20.03%

Balance of loans collectively evaluated		$	460,268	$	308,142	$	920,006	$	769,985	$	456,657	$	838,429	$	150,229	$	3,903,716
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated		$	4,935	$	4,652	$	11,203	$	7,400	$	2,828	$	7,261	$	963	$	39,242
Collective allowance to collective loans ratio			1.07%		1.51%		1.22%		0.96%		0.62%		0.87%		0.64%		1.01%

The following table provides summary information regarding impaired loans at the dates indicated and for the periods then ended:

(In thousands)		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Impaired loans with a specific allowance		$	13,436	$	13,563
Impaired loans without a specific allowance			9,077		10,529
	Total impaired loans	$	22,513	$	24,092

Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans		$	4,770	$	4,825
Allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated			40,154		39,242
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	44,924	$	44,067

Average impaired loans for the period		$	23,772	$	26,382
Contractual interest income due on impaired loans during the period		$	1,813	$	2,082
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis		$	462	$	511
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on an accrual basis		$	215	$	186

The following tables present the recorded investment with respect to impaired loans, the associated allowance by the applicable portfolio segment and the principal balance of the impaired loans prior to amounts charged-off at the dates indicated:

			September 30, 2017
					Commercial Real Estate								Total Recorded
									Commercial		All		Investment in
					Commercial		Commercial		Owner		Other		Impaired
*(In thousands)*			Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Loans		Loans
Impaired loans with a specific allowance
		Accruing	$	896	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	896
		Non-accruing		4,355		-		5,177		1,223		-		10,755
		Restructured accruing		1,138		-		-		-		-		1,138
		Restructured non-accruing		8		-		-		639		-		647
	Balance		$	6,397	$	-	$	5,177	$	1,862	$	-	$	13,436

	Allowance		$	3,841	$	-	$	589	$	340	$	-	$	4,770

Impaired loans without a specific allowance
		Non-accruing	$	556	$	-	$	412	$	1,629	$	-	$	2,597
		Restructured accruing		278		-		-		505		550		1,333
		Restructured non-accruing		1,172		137		-		1,521		2,317		5,147
	Balance		$	2,006	$	137	$	412	$	3,655	$	2,867	$	9,077

Total impaired loans
		Accruing	$	896	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	896
		Non-accruing		4,911		-		5,589		2,852		-		13,352
		Restructured accruing		1,416		-		-		505		550		2,471
		Restructured non-accruing		1,180		137		-		2,160		2,317		5,794
	Balance		$	8,403	$	137	$	5,589	$	5,517	$	2,867	$	22,513

Unpaid principal balance in total impaired loans			$	11,331	$	4,398	$	10,173	$	7,707	$	3,699	$	37,308

	September 30, 2017
			Commercial Real Estate								Total Recorded
							Commercial		All		Investment in
			Commercial		Commercial		Owner		Other		Impaired
*(In thousands)*	Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Loans		Loans
Average impaired loans for the period	$	7,853	$	137	$	7,150	$	5,650	$	2,982	$	23,772
Contractual interest income due on impaired loans during the period	$	668	$	245	$	485	$	355	$	60
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis	$	182	$	-	$	17	$	138	$	125
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on an accrual basis	$	167	$	-	$	-	$	19	$	29

			December 31, 2016
					Commercial Real Estate								Total Recorded
									Commercial		All		Investment in
					Commercial		Commercial		Owner		Other		Impaired
(In thousands)			Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Loans		Loans
Impaired loans with a specific allowance
		Non-accruing	$	2,807	$	-	$	7,029	$	1,884	$	-	$	11,720
		Restructured accruing		1,140		-		-		-		-		1,140
		Restructured non-accruing		64		-		-		639		-		703
	Balance		$	4,011	$	-	$	7,029	$	2,523	$	-	$	13,563

	Allowance		$	2,604	$	-	$	1,736	$	485	$	-	$	4,825

Impaired loans without a specific allowance
		Non-accruing	$	1,562	$	-	$	562	$	1,083	$	-	$	3,207
		Restructured accruing		45		-		-		744		560		1,349
		Restructured non-accruing		1,400		137		516		1,217		2,703		5,973
	Balance		$	3,007	$	137	$	1,078	$	3,044	$	3,263	$	10,529

Total impaired loans
		Non-accruing	$	4,369	$	-	$	7,591	$	2,967	$	-	$	14,927
		Restructured accruing		1,185		-		-		744		560		2,489
		Restructured non-accruing		1,464		137		516		1,856		2,703		6,676
	Balance		$	7,018	$	137	$	8,107	$	5,567	$	3,263	$	24,092

Unpaid principal balance in total impaired loans			$	10,082	$	4,398	$	12,805	$	7,760	$	3,971	$	39,016


	December 31, 2016
			Commercial Real Estate								Total Recorded
							Commercial		All		Investment in
			Commercial		Commercial		Owner		Other		Impaired
(In thousands)	Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Loans		Loans
Average impaired loans for the period	$	5,646	$	150	$	9,480	$	6,561	$	4,545	$	26,382
Contractual interest income due on impaired loans during the period	$	570	$	294	$	718	$	310	$	190
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis	$	153	$	-	$	43	$	266	$	49
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on an accrual basis	$	107	$	-	$	-	$	37	$	42

Credit Quality

The following tables provide information on the credit quality of the loan portfolio by segment at the dates indicated:

September 30, 2017

Commercial Real Estate

Residential Real Estate

Commercial

Owner

Residential

(In thousands)

Commercial

AD&C

Investor R/E

Occupied R/E

Consumer

Mortgage

Construction

Total

Non-performing loans and assets:

Non-accrual loans

6,091

137

5,589

5,012

3,152

7,345

182

27,508

Loans 90 days past due

225

226

Restructured loans

1,416

505

550

2,471

Total non-performing loans

7,507

137

5,589

5,517

3,153

8,120

182

30,205

Other real estate owned

365

1,044

1,448

Total non-performing assets

7,546

502

5,589

5,517

3,153

9,164

182

31,653

		December 31, 2016
				Commercial Real Estate								Residential Real Estate
								Commercial
				Commercial		Commercial		Owner				Residential		Residential
(In thousands)		Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Consumer		Mortgage		Construction		Total
Non-performing loans and assets:
	Non-accrual loans	$	5,833	$	137	$	8,107	$	4,823	$	2,859	$	7,257	$	195	$	29,211
	Loans 90 days past due		-		-		-		-		-		232		-		232
	Restructured loans		1,185		-		-		744		-		560		-		2,489
Total non-performing loans			7,018		137		8,107		5,567		2,859		8,049		195		31,932
	Other real estate owned		39		365		395		637		-		475		-		1,911
Total non-performing assets		$	7,057	$	502	$	8,502	$	6,204	$	2,859	$	8,524	$	195	$	33,843

September 30, 2017

Commercial Real Estate

Residential Real Estate

Commercial

Owner

Residential

(In thousands)

Commercial

AD&C

Investor R/E

Occupied R/E

Consumer

Mortgage

Construction

Total

Past due loans

31-60 days

1,442

1,137

820

4,627

8,026

61-90 days

776

656

4,172

5,604

> 90 days

225

226

Total past due

2,218

1,137

1,477

9,024

13,856

Non-accrual loans

6,091

137

5,589

5,012

3,152

7,345

182

27,508

Current loans

443,358

295,085

1,099,080

825,312

451,766

866,521

171,632

4,152,754

Total loans

451,667

295,222

1,104,669

831,461

456,395

882,890

171,814

4,194,118

			December 31, 2016
					Commercial Real Estate								Residential Real Estate
									Commercial
					Commercial		Commercial		Owner				Residential		Residential
(In thousands)			Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Consumer		Mortgage		Construction		Total
Past due loans
	31-60 days		$	663	$	896	$	850	$	1,479	$	808	$	3,969	$	-	$	8,665
	61-90 days			672		-		1,206		744		1,104		2,139		-		5,865
	> 90 days			-		-		-		-		-		232		-		232
		Total past due		1,335		896		2,056		2,223		1,912		6,340		-		14,762
	Non-accrual loans			5,833		137		8,107		4,823		2,859		7,257		195		29,211
	Current loans			460,118		307,246		917,950		768,506		451,886		828,095		150,034		3,883,835
		Total loans	$	467,286	$	308,279	$	928,113	$	775,552	$	456,657	$	841,692	$	150,229	$	3,927,808

The following tables provide information by credit risk rating indicators for each segment of the commercial loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

September 30, 2017

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial

Owner

(In thousands)

Commercial

AD&C

Investor R/E

Occupied R/E

Total

Pass

435,183

295,085

1,096,591

817,605

2,644,464

Special Mention

1,929

2,342

5,652

9,923

Substandard

14,555

137

5,736

8,204

28,632

Doubtful

Total

451,667

295,222

1,104,669

831,461

2,683,019

		December 31, 2016
				Commercial Real Estate
								Commercial
				Commercial		Commercial		Owner
(In thousands)		Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Total
	Pass	$	442,725	$	308,142	$	917,255	$	758,651	$	2,426,773
	Special Mention		10,010		-		2,395		9,255		21,660
	Substandard		14,551		137		8,463		7,646		30,797
	Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-
Total		$	467,286	$	308,279	$	928,113	$	775,552	$	2,479,230

Homogeneous loan pools do not have individual loans subjected to internal risk ratings therefore, the credit indicator applied to these pools is based on their delinquency status. The following tables provide information by credit risk rating indicators for those remaining segments of the loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

September 30, 2017

Residential Real Estate

Residential

(In thousands)

Consumer

Mortgage

Construction

Total

Performing

453,242

874,770

171,632

1,499,644

Non-performing:

90 days past due

225

226

Non-accruing

3,152

7,345

182

10,679

Restructured loans

550

Total

456,395

882,890

171,814

1,511,099

			December 31, 2016
					Residential Real Estate
					Residential		Residential
(In thousands)			Consumer		Mortgage		Construction		Total
	Performing		$	453,798	$	833,643	$	150,034	$	1,437,475
	Non-performing:
		90 days past due		-		232		-		232
		Non-accruing		2,859		7,257		195		10,311
		Restructured loans		-		560		-		560
Total			$	456,657	$	841,692	$	150,229	$	1,448,578

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company restructured $1.3 million in loans. No modifications resulted in the reduction of the principal in the associated loan balances. Restructured loans are subject to periodic credit reviews to determine the necessity and adequacy of a specific loan loss allowance based on the collectability of the recorded investment in the restructured loan. Loans restructured during 2017 did not have any specific reserves. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company restructured $0.6 million in loans. Modifications consisted principally of interest rate concessions and no modifications resulted in the reduction of the recorded investment in the associated loan balances. Loans restructured during 2016 did not have significant specific reserves at December 31, 2016. The commitments to lend additional funds on loans that have been restructured at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not significant.

The following table provides the amounts of the restructured loans at the date of restructuring for specific segments of the loan portfolio during the period indicated:

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial

All

Commercial

Owner

Other

(In thousands)

Commercial

AD&C

Investor R/E

Occupied R/E

Loans

Total

Troubled debt restructurings

Restructured accruing

492

Restructured non-accruing

387

396

783

Balance

879

396

1,275

Specific allowance

Restructured and subsequently defaulted

		For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
				Commercial Real Estate
								Commercial		All
				Commercial		Commercial		Owner		Other
(In thousands)		Commercial		AD&C		Investor R/E		Occupied R/E		Loans		Total
Troubled debt restructurings
	Restructured accruing	$	42	$	-	$	-	$	508	$	-	$	550
	Restructured non-accruing		-		-		-		-		-		-
Balance		$	42	$	-	$	-	$	508	$	-	$	550

Specific allowance		$	39	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	39

Restructured and subsequently defaulted		$	-	$	-	$	479	$	-	$	-	$	479

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned totaled $1.5 million and $1.9 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The recorded investment of consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process as of September 30, 2017 totaled $0.5 million.

Note 5 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets and goodwill are presented at the dates indicated in the following table:

September 30, 2017

Weighted

December 31, 2016

Weighted

Gross

Net

Average

Gross

Net

Average

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Remaining

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Remaining

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Amortization

Amount

Life

Amount

Amortization

Amount

Life

Amortizing intangible assets:

Other identifiable intangibles

786

(182)

604

13.2 years

786

(106)

680

13.8 years

Total amortizing intangible assets

786

(182)

604

786

(106)

680

Goodwill

85,768

85,768

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets within the years ending December 31:

(In thousands)		Amount
2017		$	24
2018			95
2019			83
2020			66
Thereafter			336
	Total amortizing intangible assets	$	604

Note 6 – Deposits

The following table presents the composition of deposits at the dates indicated:

(In thousands)				September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Noninterest-bearing deposits				$	1,312,710	$	1,138,139
Interest-bearing deposits:
	Demand				608,527		615,058
	Money market savings				1,023,153		927,837
	Regular savings				321,194		310,471
	Time deposits of less than $100,000				292,395		258,621
	Time deposits of $100,000 or more				397,813		327,418
		Total interest-bearing deposits			2,643,082		2,439,405
			Total deposits	$	3,955,792	$	3,577,544

Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity

The Company’s 2015 stock repurchase program expired on August 31, 2017. Under the recently expired repurchase program a total of 736,139 shares of common stock were repurchased.

Note 8 – Share Based Compensation

At September 30, 2017, the Company had two share based compensation plans in existence, the 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan (“Omnibus Stock Plan”) and the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Incentive Plan”). The Omnibus Stock Plan expired during the second quarter of 2015 but has outstanding options that may still be exercised. The Omnibus Incentive Plan is described in the following paragraph.

The Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved on May 6, 2015 and provides for the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualifying stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock grants, restricted stock units and performance awards to selected employees on a periodic basis at the discretion of the board. The Omnibus Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock, of which 1,339,989 are available for issuance at September 30, 2017, has a term of ten years, and is administered by a committee of at least three directors appointed by the board of directors. Options granted under the plan have an exercise price which may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant and must be exercised within seven to ten years from the date of grant. The exercise price of stock options must be paid for in full in cash or shares of common stock, or a combination of both. The board committee has the discretion when making a grant of stock options to impose restrictions on the shares to be purchased upon the exercise of such options. The Company generally issues authorized but previously unissued shares to satisfy option exercises.

The fair values of all of the options granted for the periods indicated have been estimated using a binomial option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions for the periods shown are presented in the following table:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Dividend yield	2.45	%	3.48	%
Weighted average expected volatility	40.27	%	41.54	%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate	2.14	%	1.42	%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)	5.67		5.71
Weighted average grant-date fair value	$13.42		$7.75

The dividend yield is based on estimated future dividend yields. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual term of the share option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Expected volatilities are generally based on historical volatilities. The expected term of share options granted is generally derived from historical experience.

Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the respective stock option or restricted stock grant. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to the awards of stock options and restricted stock grants. Compensation expense of $1.5 million and $1.4 million was recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The total of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was approximately $0.2 million as of September 30, 2017. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years. The total of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock was approximately $4.8 million as of September 30, 2017. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.2 years. The fair value of the options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was not significant.

In the first quarter of 2017, 12,941 stock options were granted, subject to a three year vesting schedule with one third of the options vesting on April 1^st of each year. The Company granted 55,211 shares of restricted stock in the first quarter of 2017, 6,479 shares are subject to a three year vesting schedule with one third of the shares vesting each year and 41,859 shares are subject to a five year vesting schedule with one fifth of the shares vesting each year. All of these restricted shares will vest on April 1^st of each year. An additional 6,873 shares of performance based restricted stock grants were also approved as part of the restricted shares granted in the first quarter. The performance shares are subject to cliff vesting after three years based on the relative performance of the Company’s stock price in comparison to a selected peer group. Vesting can vary from 0-150% of the initial grant based on the results of the Company’s stock performance.

A summary of share option activity for the period indicated is reflected in the following table:

					Weighted
		Number	Weighted		Average	Aggregate
		of	Average		Contractual	Intrinsic
		Common	Exercise		Remaining	Value
		Shares	Share Price		Life (Years)	(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2017		108,503	$	22.46		$	1,902
Granted		12,941	$	42.48
Exercised		(28,736)	$	19.11		$	638
Forfeited or expired		(3,577)	$	30.07
Balance at September 30, 2017		89,131	$	24.16	3.8	$	1,374

Exercisable at September 30, 2017		58,646	$	22.46	2.8	$	1,113

Weighted average fair value of options
	granted during the year		$	13.42

A summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock for the period indicated is presented in the following table:

	Number	Weighted
	of	Average
	Common	Grant-Date
(In dollars, except share data):	Shares	Fair Value
Restricted stock at January 1, 2017	212,646	$	25.19
Granted	55,211	$	42.48
Vested	(70,382)	$	23.82
Forfeited	(7,800)	$	27.21
Restricted stock at September 30, 2017	189,675	$	30.67

Note 9 – Pension, Profit Sharing, and Other Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”). Benefits after January 1, 2005, are based on the benefit earned as of December 31, 2004, plus benefits earned in future years of service based on the employee’s compensation during each such year. All benefit accruals for employees were frozen as of December 31, 2007 based on past service and thus salary increases and additional years of service after such date no longer affect the defined benefit provided by the plan although additional vesting may continue to occur.

The Company's funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended. In addition, the Company contributes additional amounts as it deems appropriate based on benefits attributed to service prior to the date of the plan freeze. The Plan invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of managed fixed income and equity funds.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the periods indicated are presented in the following table:

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)		2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		$	410	$	416	$	1,230	$	1,242
Expected return on plan assets			(497)		(404)		(1,489)		(1,151)
Recognized net actuarial loss			296		295		886		870
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	209	$	307	$	627	$	961

Contributions

The decision as to whether or not to make a plan contribution and the amount of any such contribution is dependent on a number of factors. Such factors include the investment performance of the plan assets in the current economy and, since the plan is currently frozen, the remaining investment horizon of the plan. After consideration of these factors, the Company made a contribution of $2.2 million to the plan during the third quarter of 2017.

Note 10 – Net Income per Common Share

The calculation of net income per common share for the periods indicated is presented in the following table:

			Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars and amounts in thousands, except per share data)			2017		2016		2017		2016
Net income			$	15,089	$	13,474	$	44,942	$	34,934

Basic:
Basic weighted average EPS shares				24,200		24,096		24,171		24,124

		Basic net income per share	$	0.62	$	0.56	$	1.86	$	1.45

Diluted:
Basic weighted average EPS shares				24,200		24,096		24,171		24,124
Dilutive common stock equivalents				23		27		30		27
	Dilutive EPS shares			24,223		24,123		24,201		24,151

		Diluted net income per share	$	0.62	$	0.56	$	1.86	$	1.45

Anti-dilutive shares				5		3		3		5

NOTE 11 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income is defined as net income plus transactions and other occurrences that are the result of non-owner changes in equity. For condensed financial statements presented for the Company, non-owner changes in equity are comprised of unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale debt securities and any minimum pension liability adjustments. The following table presents the activity in net accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the components of the activity for the periods indicated:

		Unrealized Gains
		(Losses) on
		Investments		Defined Benefit
*(In thousands)*		Available-for-Sale		Pension Plan		Total
Balance at January 1, 2017		$	1,642	$	(8,256)	$	(6,614)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification, net of tax		3,382		-		3,382
	Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		(767)		522		(245)
Current period change in other comprehensive income, net of tax			2,615		522		3,137
Balance at September 30, 2017		$	4,257	$	(7,734)	$	(3,477)

		Unrealized Gains
		(Losses) on
		Investments		Defined Benefit
(In thousands)		Available-for-Sale		Pension Plan		Total
Balance at January 1, 2016		$	6,566	$	(7,863)	$	(1,297)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification, net of tax		6,385		-		6,385
	Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		(1,154)		531		(623)
Current period change in other comprehensive income, net of tax			5,231		531		5,762
Balance at September 30, 2016		$	11,797	$	(7,332)	$	4,465

The following table provides the information on the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods indicated:

				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)				2017		2016
Unrealized gains/(losses) on investments available-for-sale
	Affected line item in the Statements of Income:
	Investment securities gains			$	1,275		$	1,919
	Income before taxes				1,275			1,919
	Tax expense				(508)			(765)
	Net income			$	767		$	1,154

Amortization of defined benefit pension plan items
	Affected line item in the Statements of Income:
		Recognized actuarial loss⁽¹⁾		$	(886)		$	(870)
			Income before taxes		(886)			(870)
			Tax benefit		364			339
			Net loss	$	(522)		$	(531)
(1) This amount is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost, see Note 9

Note 12 – Financial Instruments with Off-balance Sheet Risk and Derivatives

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps (“swaps”) to facilitate customer transactions and meet their financing needs. These swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. Interest rate swap contracts involve the risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty or customer owes the Company, and results in credit risk to the Company. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is negative, the Company owes the customer or counterparty and therefore, has no credit risk. The notional value of commercial loan swaps outstanding was $18.1 million with a fair value of $0.8 million as of September 30, 2017 compared to $18.9 million with a fair value of $1.0 million as of December 31, 2016. The swap positions are offset to minimize the potential impact on the Company’s financial statements. Fair values of the swaps are carried as both gross assets and gross liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of condition. The associated net gains and losses on the swaps are recorded in other non-interest income.

Note 13 – Litigation

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject in the ordinary course of business to various pending or threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. After consultation with legal counsel, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, arising out of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, operating results or liquidity.

Note 14 – Fair Value

Generally accepted accounting principles provide entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities and commitments at fair value (i.e. the fair value option), on an instrument-by-instrument basis, that are otherwise not permitted to be accounted for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability or upon entering into a commitment. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. The Company applies the fair value option on residential mortgage loans held for sale. The fair value option on residential mortgage loans allows the recognition of gains on sale of mortgage loans to more accurately reflect the timing and economics of the transaction.

The standard for fair value measurement establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below.

Basis of Fair Value Measurement:

Level 1- Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2- Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

Level 3- Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported by little or no market activity).

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Changes to interest rates may result in changes in the cash flows due to prepayments or extinguishments. Accordingly, this could result in higher or lower measurements of the fair values.

Assets and Liabilities

Mortgage loans held for sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on quotations from the secondary market for similar instruments and are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments available-for-sale

U.S. government agencies and mortgage-backed securities

Valuations are based on active market data and use of evaluated broker pricing models that vary based by asset class and includes available trade, bid, and other market information. Generally, the methodology includes broker quotes, proprietary models, descriptive terms and conditions databases coupled with extensive quality control programs. Multiple quality control evaluation processes review available market, credit and deal level information to support the evaluation of the security. If there is a lack of objectively verifiable information available to support the valuation, the evaluation of the security is discontinued. Additionally, proprietary models and pricing systems, mathematical tools, actual transacted prices, integration of market developments and experienced evaluators are used to determine the value of a security based on a hierarchy of market information regarding a security or securities with similar characteristics. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

State and municipal securities

Proprietary valuation matrices are used for valuing all tax-exempt municipals that can incorporate changes in the municipal market as they occur. Market evaluation models include the ability to value bank qualified municipals and general market municipals that can be broken down further according to insurer, credit support, state of issuance and rating to incorporate additional spreads and municipal curves. Taxable municipals are valued using a third party model that incorporates a methodology that captures the trading nuances associated with these bonds. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Trust preferred securities and corporate debt

In active markets, these types of instruments are valued based on quoted market prices that are readily accessible at the measurement date and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions are valued or adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management uses a process that employs certain assumptions to determine the present value. Positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest rate swap agreements

Interest rate swap agreements are measured by alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency in markets that are not active. Based on the complex nature of interest rate swap agreements, the markets these instruments trade in are not as efficient and are less liquid than that of the more mature Level 1 markets. These markets do however have comparable, observable inputs in which an alternative pricing source values these assets in order to arrive at a fair market value. These characteristics classify interest rate swap agreements as Level 2.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities at the dates indicated that were accounted for or disclosed at fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

September 30, 2017

Quoted Prices in

Significant

Active Markets for

Significant Other

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Observable Inputs

Inputs

(In thousands)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

Assets

Residential mortgage loans held for sale

7,084

Investments available-for-sale:

U.S. government agencies

107,340

State and municipal

321,127

Mortgage-backed

316,879

Corporate debt

9,522

Trust preferred

989

Marketable equity securities

212

Interest rate swap agreements

816

Liabilities

Interest rate swap agreements

(816)

			December 31, 2016
			Quoted Prices in				Significant
			Active Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
(In thousands)			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Assets
	Residential mortgage loans held for sale		$	-	$	13,222	$	-	$	13,222
	Investments available-for-sale:
		U.S. government agencies		-		121,790		-		121,790
		State and municipal		-		287,684		-		287,684
		Mortgage-backed		-		312,711		-		312,711
		Corporate debt		-		-		9,134		9,134
		Trust preferred		-		-		1,012		1,012
		Marketable equity securities		-		1,223		-		1,223
	Interest rate swap agreements			-		1,010		-		1,010

Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	-	$	(1,010)	$	-	$	(1,010)

The following table provides unrealized losses included in assets measured in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition at fair value on a recurring basis for the period indicated:

			Significant
			Unobservable
			Inputs
(In thousands)			(Level 3)
Investments available-for-sale:
	Balance at January 1, 2017		$	10,146
		Principal redemption		(159)
		Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive loss		524
	Balance at September 30, 2017		$	10,511

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets subject to fair value adjustments (impairment) on a nonrecurring basis at the date indicated that are valued at the lower of cost or market. Assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

September 30, 2017

Quoted Prices in

Significant

Active Markets

Other

Significant

for Identical

Observable

Unobservable

(In thousands)

Assets (Level 1)

Inputs (Level 2)

Inputs (Level 3)

Total

Total Losses

Impaired loans

8,521

(11,806)

Other real estate owned

1,448

(136)

Total

9,969

(11,942)

		December 31, 2016
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
(In thousands)		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Total Losses
Impaired loans		$	-	$	-	$	8,981	$	8,981	$	(10,600)
Other real estate owned			-		-		1,911		1,911		(107)
	Total	$	-	$	-	$	10,892	$	10,892	$	(10,707)

At September 30, 2017, impaired loans totaling $22.5 million were written down to fair value of $17.7 million as a result of specific loan loss allowances of $4.8 million associated with the impaired loans which was included in the allowance for loan losses. Impaired loans totaling $24.1 million were written down to fair value of $19.3 million at December 31, 2016 as a result of specific loan loss allowances of $4.8 million associated with the impaired loans.

Loan impairment is measured using the present value of expected cash flows, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral (less selling costs) if the loans are collateral dependent. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable. The value of business equipment, inventory and accounts receivable collateral is based on net book value on the business’ financial statements and, if necessary, discounted based on management’s review and analysis. Appraised and reported values may be discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the factors identified above. Valuation techniques are consistent with those techniques applied in prior periods.

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to OREO. Subsequently, OREO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. The estimated fair value for other real estate owned included in Level 3 is determined by independent market based appraisals and other available market information, less cost to sell, that may be reduced further based on market expectations or an executed sales agreement. If the fair value of the collateral deteriorates subsequent to initial recognition, the Company records the OREO as a non-recurring Level 3 adjustment. Valuation techniques are consistent with those techniques applied in prior periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate the value, whether or not such financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet. Fair value is the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation, and is best evidenced by a quoted market price, if one exists.

Quoted market prices, where available, are shown as estimates of fair market values. Because no quoted market prices are available for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, the fair value of such instruments has been derived based on the amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates based on observable inputs (“Level 2”) or unobservable inputs (“Level 3”).

Present value techniques used in estimating the fair value of many of the Company's financial instruments are significantly affected by the assumptions used. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate cash settlement of the instrument. Additionally, the accompanying estimates of fair values are only representative of the fair values of the individual financial assets and liabilities, and should not be considered an indication of the fair value of the Company.

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:

Fair Value Measurements

September 30, 2017

Quoted Prices in

Estimated

Active Markets for

Significant Other

Significant

Carrying

Fair

Identical Assets

Observable Inputs

Unobservable Inputs

(In thousands)

Amount

Value

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Financial Assets

Other equity securities

39,853

Loans, net of allowance

4,149,194

4,200,409

Other assets

95,136

Financial Liabilities

Time deposits

690,208

688,271

Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and

federal funds purchased

146,569

Advances from FHLB

632,917

639,022

					Fair Value Measurements
	December 31, 2016				Quoted Prices in
			Estimated		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Significant
	Carrying		Fair		Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
(In thousands)	Amount		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets
Other equity securities	$	46,094	$	46,094	$	-	$	46,094	$	-
Loans, net of allowance		3,883,741		3,933,700		-		-		3,933,700
Other assets		93,328		93,328		-		93,328		-

Financial Liabilities
Time deposits	$	586,039	$	584,868	$	-	$	584,868	$	-
Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and
federal funds purchased		125,119		125,119		-		125,119		-
Advances from FHLB		790,000		800,756		-		800,756		-
Subordinated debentures		30,000		29,985		-		-		29,985

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each category of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Temporary Investments: The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value and have been excluded from the table above.

Investments: The fair value of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices, prices quoted for similar instruments, and prices obtained from independent pricing services.

Loans: For certain categories of loans, such as mortgage, installment and commercial loans, the fair value is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. Expected cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.

Accrued interest receivable: The carrying value of accrued interest receivable approximates fair value due to the short-term duration and has been excluded from the table above.

Other assets: The investment in bank-owned life insurance represents the cash surrender value of the policies at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 as determined by each insurance carrier.

Deposits: The fair value of demand, money market savings and regular savings deposits, which have no stated maturity, were considered equal to their carrying amount, representing the amount payable on demand. While management believes that the Bank’s core deposit relationships provide a relatively stable, low-cost funding source that has a substantial intangible value separate from the value of the deposit balances, these estimated fair values do not include the intangible value of core deposit relationships, which comprise a significant portion of the Bank’s deposit base.

Short-term borrowings: The carrying values of short-term borrowings, including overnight, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased approximates the fair values due to the short maturities of those instruments.

Long-term borrowings: The fair value of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) advances and subordinated debentures was estimated by computing the discounted value of contractual cash flows payable at current interest rates for obligations with similar remaining terms. The Company's credit risk is not material to calculation of fair value because the FHLB borrowings are collateralized. The Company classifies advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy since the fair value of such borrowings is based on rates currently available for borrowings with similar terms and remaining maturities. Subordinated debentures are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the lack of market activity of such instruments.

Accrued interest payable: The carrying value of accrued interest payable approximates fair value due to the short-term duration and has been excluded from the previous table.

Note 15 - Segment Reporting

Currently, the Company conducts business in three operating segments—Community Banking, Insurance and Investment Management. Each of the operating segments is a strategic business unit that offers different products and services. The Insurance and Investment Management segments were businesses that were acquired in separate transactions where management of the acquired business was retained. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company. However, the segment data reflect inter-segment transactions and balances.

The Community Banking segment is conducted through Sandy Spring Bank and involves delivering a broad range of financial products and services, including various loan and deposit products to both individuals and businesses. Parent company income is included in the Community Banking segment, as the majority of effort of these functions is related to this segment. Major revenue sources include net interest income, gains on sales of mortgage loans, trust income fees and service charges on deposit accounts. Expenses include personnel, occupancy, marketing, equipment and other expenses. Non-cash charges associated with amortization of intangibles was not significant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Insurance segment is conducted through Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of the Bank, and offers annuities as an alternative to traditional deposit accounts. Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation operates Sandy Spring Insurance, a general insurance agency located in Annapolis, Maryland, and Neff and Associates, located in Ocean City, Maryland. Major sources of revenue are insurance commissions from commercial lines, personal lines, and medical liability lines. Expenses include personnel and support charges. Non-cash charges associated with amortization of intangibles was not significant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Investment Management segment is conducted through West Financial Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Bank. This asset management and financial planning firm, located in McLean, Virginia, provides comprehensive investment management and financial planning to individuals, families, small businesses and associations including cash flow analysis, investment review, tax planning, retirement planning, insurance analysis and estate planning. West Financial currently has approximately $1.3 billion in assets under management. Major revenue sources include non-interest income earned on the above services. Expenses include personnel and support charges. Non-cash charges associated with amortization of intangibles was not significant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Information for the operating segments and reconciliation of the information to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated is presented in the following tables:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Community

Investment

Inter-Segment

(In thousands)

Banking

Insurance

Mgmt.

Elimination

Total

Interest income

49,590

(3)

49,589

Interest expense

6,895

(3)

6,892

Provision for loan losses

934

Noninterest income

8,915

1,948

2,092

(209)

12,746

Noninterest expense

28,634

1,559

1,207

(209)

31,191

Income before income taxes

22,042

389

887

23,318

Income tax expense

7,725

158

346

8,229

Net income

14,317

231

541

15,089

Assets

5,333,539

7,499

11,807

(18,057)

5,334,788

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Community				Investment		Inter-Segment
(In thousands)	Banking		Insurance		Mgmt.		Elimination		Total
Interest income	$	42,856	$	1	$	2	$	(2)	$	42,857
Interest expense		5,128		-		-		(2)		5,126
Provision for loan losses		781		-		-		-		781
Non-interest income		9,071		1,783		1,909		(179)		12,584
Non-interest expense		26,822		1,510		1,173		(179)		29,326
Income before income taxes		19,196		274		738		-		20,208
Income tax expense		6,339		108		287		-		6,734
Net income	$	12,857	$	166	$	451	$	-	$	13,474


Assets	$	4,811,948	$	7,986	$	12,064	$	(21,387)	$	4,810,611

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Community

Investment

Inter-Segment

(In thousands)

Banking

Insurance

Mgmt.

Elimination

Total

Interest income

144,123

(7)

144,123

Interest expense

18,854

(7)

18,847

Provision for loan losses

2,450

Noninterest income

28,545

4,923

6,109

(628)

38,949

Noninterest expense

87,035

4,238

3,395

(628)

94,040

Income before income taxes

64,329

686

2,720

67,735

Income tax expense

21,454

279

1,060

22,793

Net income

42,875

407

1,660

44,942

Assets

5,333,539

7,499

11,807

(18,057)

5,334,788

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Community				Investment		Inter-Segment
(In thousands)	Banking		Insurance		Mgmt.		Elimination		Total
Interest income	$	126,313	$	2	$	4	$	(6)	$	126,313
Interest expense		15,734		-		-		(6)		15,728
Provision for loan losses		4,974		-		-		-		4,974
Non-interest income		29,426		4,186		5,621		(535)		38,698
Non-interest expense		86,201		3,711		3,137		(535)		92,514
Income before income taxes		48,830		477		2,488		-		51,795
Income tax expense		15,701		191		969		-		16,861
Net income	$	33,129	$	286	$	1,519	$	-	$	34,934

Assets	$	4,811,948	$	7,986	$	12,064	$	(21,387)	$	4,810,611

Note 16 – PENDING AQUISITION

On May 15, 2017, the Company and WashingtonFirst Bankshares, Inc., a Virginia corporation (“WashingtonFirst”) and parent company for WashingtonFirst Bank, entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger that provides for WashingtonFirst to merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”). At the effective time of the Merger, the combined entity shall exist as a Maryland corporation.

Subsequent to the effective date of the Merger, WashingtonFirst Bank, a Virginia state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WashingtonFirst, will merge with and into the Bank (the “Bank Merger”). The Bank will survive the Bank Merger and continue to exist as a Maryland banking corporation.

Under the terms of the agreement, WashingtonFirst shareholders are expected to receive 0.8713 shares of Company common stock for each share owned of WashingtonFirst common stock, subject to adjustment if the Company’s average stock price during a specified measurement period prior to closing is more than $50.15 or less than $37.07 per share. The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, has a value of approximately $498 million in the aggregate, based on the Company’s closing price of $42.72 on May 15, 2017. Upon closing, Sandy Spring shareholders will own approximately 67.8% of the combined company and WashingtonFirst’s shareholders will own approximately 32.2% of the combined company.

As of June 30, 2017, WashingtonFirst had $2.1 billion in assets with 19 full-service community banking offices throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. In addition, WashingtonFirst also provides wealth management services through its subsidiary, 1st Portfolio Wealth Advisors, and mortgage banking services through the bank’s subsidiary, WashingtonFirst Mortgage Corporation.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The Company

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company") is the bank holding company for Sandy Spring Bank (the "Bank"). The Company is registered as a bank holding company pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "Holding Company Act"). As such, the Company is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"). The Company began operating in 1988. The Bank traces its origin to 1868, making it among the oldest institutions in the region. The Bank is an independent, community oriented commercial banking business that conducts full-service banking through 44 community offices located in Central Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. The Bank is a state chartered bank subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve and the State of Maryland. The Bank's deposit accounts are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") to the maximum permitted by law. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is an Equal Housing Lender. The Company, the Bank, and its other subsidiaries are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.

The Company is a $5.3 billion community banking organization that focuses its lending and other services on businesses and consumers in the local market area. Through its subsidiaries, Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation and West Financial Services, Inc., Sandy Spring Bank offers a comprehensive menu of insurance and investment management services.

On May 16, 2017, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which WashingtonFirst Bankshares, Inc., the parent company for WashingtonFirst Bank, will merge with and into the Company in a transaction valued at approximately $498 million. WashingtonFirst, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, has 19 community banking offices and more than $2.1 billion in assets (as of June 30, 2017).

Overview

Net income for the Company for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $15.1 million ($0.62 per diluted share) as compared to net income of $13.5 million ($0.56 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2016. These results reflect the following events:

· Average total loans for the third quarter of 2017 increased 11% compared to the third quarter of 2016 due primarily to organic growth of 15% in the commercial loan portfolio. Overall, the entire portfolio grew $414 million over the prior year period.

· Average total deposits grew 12% to $4.0 billion for the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $3.5 billion for the third quarter of 2016.

· The net interest margin was 3.54% for the third quarter of 2017, compared to 3.50% for the third quarter of 2016.

· The return on average equity for the third quarter of 2017 increased to 10.74% as compared to 10.11% from the prior year.

· The Non-GAAP efficiency ratio was 53.76% for the current quarter as compared to 56.33% for the third quarter of 2016.

The local economy continues to exhibit positive trends such as low unemployment and increased housing starts; however, these trends have been tempered by other concerns such as the impact of recent weather related events, lack of wage growth and the strength of the dollar. These factors in concert have acted to restrict the pace of economic expansion. Volatility in global economic markets and geo-political unrest continues to cause some concern. Additionally, the prospect of rising interest rates has acted to restrain confidence among individual consumers and small and mid-sized businesses. Despite this mixed economic environment, management is optimistic that the regional economy will continue to present further growth opportunities for the Company.

Total assets at September 30, 2017 increased 5% compared to December 31, 2016 driven by loan balances that increased 7% during this period due to growth in commercial loans. Customer funding sources, which include deposits plus other short-term borrowings from core customers, increased 11% compared to balances at December 31, 2016. The increase in customer funding sources was driven primarily by increases of 10% in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing transaction accounts and 10% in money market savings accounts. Additionally, certificates of deposit increased 18% compared to the balances at December 31, 2016 as the Company increased rates to fund loan growth. Liquidity remained strong due to the borrowing lines with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and the Federal Reserve and the size and composition of the investment portfolio. During the first nine months of 2017, stockholders’ equity increased $31 million to $564 million due to the increase in retained earnings during the period.

Non-performing loans represented 0.72% of total loans at September 30, 2017 compared to 0.85% at September 30, 2016 due to asset growth. The Company’s non-performing loans were $30.2 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $32.0 million at September 30, 2016. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was 0.10% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 0.02% for the prior year quarter.

The net interest margin was 3.54% for the third quarter of 2017, compared to 3.50% for the third quarter of 2016. The margin improvement reflects the impact of loan growth, increase yields in the investment portfolio and the cumulative benefits associated with the previous execution of funding strategies.

The provision for loan losses was $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $0.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. The current quarter’s provision as compared to the prior year quarter was the driven by qualitative adjustments related to the composition and concentration of loan credits that offset the impact of lower quarterly loan growth in 2017 versus 2016.

Non-interest income increased marginally to $12.7 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $12.6 million for the third quarter of 2016. The current quarter reflected increases in wealth management and insurance agency commissions compared to the same period of the prior year that were offset by a decline in mortgage banking income.

Non-interest expenses increased 6% to $31.2 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $29.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in the current quarter was driven by performance incentives and volume driven compensation costs, merger costs and other miscellaneous expenses. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio was 53.76% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 56.33% for the third quarter of 2016 as a result of the growth in net interest income.

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES

		Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2017						2016
					Annualized						Annualized
	Average		(1)		Average		Average		(1)		Average
(Dollars in thousands and tax-equivalent)	Balances		Interest		Yield/Rate		Balances		Interest		Yield/Rate
Assets
Residential mortgage loans	$	863,040	$	22,651	3.50	%	$	818,599	$	21,010	3.42	%
Residential construction loans		166,459		4,656	3.74			141,743		3,804	3.59
Total mortgage loans		1,029,499		27,307	3.54			960,342		24,814	3.45
Commercial AD&C loans		301,537		11,126	4.93			273,922		9,511	4.64
Commercial investor real estate loans		1,015,903		33,978	4.47			790,864		27,087	4.57
Commercial owner occupied real estate loans		786,805		28,501	4.84			693,442		24,946	4.81
Commercial business loans		458,973		15,321	4.46			453,468		14,819	4.37
Total commercial loans		2,563,218		88,926	4.64			2,211,696		76,363	4.61
Consumer loans		459,118		12,496	3.67			450,280		11,691	3.49
Total loans (2)		4,051,835		128,729	4.25			3,622,318		112,868	4.16
Loans held for sale		7,189		273	5.06			10,854		294	3.61
Taxable securities		526,931		10,944	2.77			470,987		9,073	2.57
Tax-exempt securities (3)		297,818		9,455	4.23			281,938		8,912	4.21
Total investment securities		824,749		20,399	3.30			752,925		17,985	3.19
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		38,006		289	1.02			41,433		156	0.50
Federal funds sold		2,493		18	0.97			688		3	0.48
Total interest-earning assets		4,924,272		149,708	4.06			4,428,218		131,306	3.96

Less: allowance for loan losses		(44,324)						(42,215)
Cash and due from banks		48,184						46,255
Premises and equipment, net		53,680						53,318
Other assets		222,682						214,284
Total assets	$	5,204,494					$	4,699,860

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	613,498		372	0.08	%	$	578,473		335	0.08	%
Regular savings deposits		322,683		163	0.07			297,944		137	0.06
Money market savings deposits		992,069		3,333	0.45			914,499		1,446	0.21
Time deposits		637,478		5,344	1.12			550,195		4,088	0.99
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,565,728		9,212	0.48			2,341,111		6,006	0.34
Other borrowings		131,412		238	0.24			118,105		212	0.24
Advances from FHLB		683,231		9,385	1.84			565,493		8,812	2.08
Subordinated debentures		549		12	2.93			31,989		698	2.91
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,380,920		18,847	0.75			3,056,698		15,728	0.69

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		1,235,350						1,078,851
Other liabilities		41,537						38,981
Stockholders' equity		546,687						525,330
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	5,204,494					$	4,699,860

Net interest income and spread				130,861	3.31	%				115,578	3.27	%
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment				5,585						4,993
Net interest income			$	125,276					$	110,585

Interest income/earning assets					4.06	%					3.96	%
Interest expense/earning assets					0.51						0.47
Net interest margin					3.55	%					3.49	%

(1) Tax-equivalent income has been adjusted using the combined marginal federal and state rate of 39.88% for 2017 and 2016. The annualized taxable-equivalent
adjustments utilized in the above table to compute yields aggregated to $5.6 million and $5.0 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2) Non-accrual loans are included in the average balances.
(3) Includes only investments that are exempt from federal taxes.

Results of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net income for the Company for the first nine months of 2017 totaled $44.9 million ($1.86 per diluted share) compared to net income of $34.9 million ($1.45 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2016.

Net Interest Income

The largest source of the Company’s operating revenue is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. For purposes of this discussion and analysis, the interest earned on tax-exempt loans and investment securities has been adjusted to an amount comparable to interest subject to normal income taxes. The result is referred to as tax-equivalent interest income and tax-equivalent net interest income. The following discussion of net interest income should be considered in conjunction with the review of the information provided in the preceding table.

Net interest income for the first nine months of 2017 was $125.3 million compared to $110.6 million for the first nine months of 2016. On a tax-equivalent basis, net interest income for the first nine months of 2017 was $130.9 million compared to $115.6 million for the first nine months of 2016, a 13% increase. The preceding table provides an analysis of net interest income performance that reflects a net interest margin that has increased to 3.55% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 3.49% for the first nine months of 2016.

The higher net interest margin was driven by an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets as a result of loan growth. Additionally, the yields associated with the investment portfolio also increased compared to the prior year period. Average interest-earning assets increased by 11% while average interest-bearing liabilities increased 11% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased 15% in the first nine months of 2017. Percentage of average noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits remained at 32% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Interest Income

The Company's total tax-equivalent interest income increased 14% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the prior year period. The previous and following table reflects that the increase in interest income has been driven predominantly by loan growth and to a lesser extent by the performance of the investment portfolio.

The average balance of the loan portfolio increased 12% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. This growth occurred in all segments of the loan portfolio with the most significant growth in the commercial portfolio. The increases were driven by organic loan growth as the regional economy improved. Excluding the $0.7 million interest recovery from the full payoff of a previously acquired credit impaired loan, the yield on average loans increased by 6 basis points to 4.22% from the prior year’s 4.16%. The rise in the portfolio yield was driven primarily by an increase in the yields in most of the major segments of the loan portfolio as loan volumes had a greater impact than their associated rates on the increase in the overall yield.

The average yield on total investment securities increased 11 basis points as the average balance of the portfolio increased 10% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. The increase in the yield on investments was due primarily to securities purchased in early 2017 at favorable yields in addition to the decline in the size of the lower-yielding mortgage-backed securities portfolio due sales of such securities that occurred in early 2016. The effect of these transactions was to increase the relative size of the higher yielding state and municipal portfolio as part of the total investment securities portfolio.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased 20% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. The cost of interest-bearing deposits increased as the Company increased rates to maintain deposit relationships and to provide funding for loan growth. The average rate paid on Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased due to the prepayments of high rate advances over the past year. Average interest-bearing deposits increased 10% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. This increase was primarily due to increases of $192 million or 12% in average noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts together with increases of $87 million or 16% in certificates of deposit and $78 million or 8% in money market accounts as the Company increased rates on the deposit products.

Effect of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income

The following table analyzes the reasons for the changes from year-to-year in the principal elements that comprise net interest income:

			2017 vs. 2016							2016 vs. 2015
			Increase						Increase
			Or		Due to Change In Average:*				Or		Due to Change In Average:*
(Dollars in thousands and tax equivalent)			(Decrease)		Volume		Rate		(Decrease)		Volume		Rate
Interest income from earning assets:
	Residential mortgage loans		$	1,641	$	1,147	$	494	$	2,385	$	2,101	$	284
	Residential construction loans			852		688		164		75		189		(114)
	Commercial AD&C loans			1,615		997		618		2,047		1,965		82
	Commercial investor real estate loans			6,891		7,497		(606)		3,384		4,099		(715)
	Commercial owner occupied real estate loans			3,555		3,398		157		1,680		2,258		(578)
	Commercial business loans			502		186		316		1,712		1,802		(90)
	Leasing			-		-		-		(1)		(1)		-
	Consumer loans			805		230		575		884		420		464
	Loans held for sale			(21)		(117)		96		(128)		(91)		(37)
	Taxable securities			1,871		1,130		741		(2,391)		(2,612)		221
	Tax exempt securities			543		501		42		(484)		(313)		(171)
	Interest-bearing deposits with banks			133		(14)		147		87		10		77
	Federal funds sold			15		10		5		2		1		1
Total interest income				18,402		15,653		2,749		9,252		9,828		(576)

Interest expense on funding of earning assets:
	Interest-bearing demand deposits			37		37		-		23		23		-
	Regular savings deposits			26		8		18		29		8		21
	Money market savings deposits			1,887		129		1,758		463		74		389
	Time deposits			1,256		687		569		1,298		513		785
	Other borrowings			26		26		-		33		24		9
	Advances from FHLB			573		1,675		(1,102)		(962)		(420)		(542)
	Subordinated debentures			(686)		(686)		-		28		(61)		89
Total interest expense				3,119		1,876		1,243		912		161		751
		Net interest income	$	15,283	$	13,777	$	1,506	$	8,340	$	9,667	$	(1,327)


* Variances that are the combined effect of volume and rate, but cannot be separately identified, are allocated to the volume and rate variances
	based on their respective relative amounts.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income amounts and trends are presented in the following table for the periods indicated:

			Nine Months Ended September 30,				2017/2016		2017/2016
(Dollars in thousands)			2017		2016		$ Change			% Change
	Securities gains		$	1,275	$	1,919	$	(644)		(33.6)	%
	Service charges on deposit accounts			6,121		5,894		227		3.9
	Mortgage banking activities			2,080		2,770		(690)		(24.9)
	Wealth management income			14,092		13,200		892		6.8
	Insurance agency commissions			4,924		4,180		744		17.8
	Income from bank owned life insurance			1,808		1,846		(38)		(2.1)
	Bank card fees			3,609		3,498		111		3.2
	Other income			5,040		5,391		(351)		(6.5)
		Total non-interest income	$	38,949	$	38,698	$	251		0.6

Total non-interest income was $38.9 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $38.7 million for the first nine months of 2016. The first nine months of 2017 includes $1.3 million in gains on sales of investment securities. The prior year period included a $1.2 million gain on the extinguishment of subordinated debentures and $1.9 million in gains on the sales of investment securities. Excluding these gains, non-interest income increased 8% compared to the prior year period. Further detail by type of non-interest income follows:

· Gains on the sales of investment securities declined to $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $1.9 million for the first nine months of 2016. During the first nine months of 2017 the Company sold specific equity securities for gains that were applied to offset the impact of prepayment penalties incurred on FHLB advances during the second quarter of 2017. A similar strategy was executed for the same period of the prior year.

· Income from mortgage banking activities decreased in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 due primarily due to lower volumes of loan originations compared to the prior year period.

· Wealth management income is comprised of income from trust and estate services and investment management fees earned by the Company’s investment management subsidiary. Overall, wealth management income increased 7% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period of the prior year. The prior year’s wealth management income included $0.4 million in fees on sales of investment products. The portfolio responsible for these fees was sold in early 2016. Excluding these fees from the prior year period, wealth management income grew 10% from prior year levels. Trust services fees increased 10% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the prior year period. Investment management fees increased 10% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016, due to an increase in assets under management. Overall total assets under management increased to $2.7 billion at September 30, 2017 compared to $2.4 billion at September 30, 2016 primarily as a result of positive trends occurring in the financial markets and increased sales efforts.

· Insurance agency commissions increased for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 primarily due to the increased commission income resulting from the agency acquisition that occurred during the third quarter of the prior year.

· Other non-interest income decreased mainly due to a $1.2 million gain realized on the extinguishment of subordinated debentures in the first nine months of 2016. Excluding this gain, other non-interest income increased 20% for the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the first nine months of 2016 due to prepayment fees, commissions and incentives.

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expense amounts and trends are presented in the following table for the periods indicated:

		Nine Months Ended September 30,				2017/2016		2017/2016
(Dollars in thousands)		2017		2016		$ Change			% Change
Salaries and employee benefits		$	54,525	$	53,299	$	1,226		2.3	%
Occupancy expense of premises			9,907		9,765		142		1.5
Equipment expenses			5,213		5,102		111		2.2
Marketing			2,223		1,971		252		12.8
Outside data services			4,045		4,067		(22)		(0.5)
FDIC insurance			2,478		2,012		466		23.2
Amortization of intangible assets			76		94		(18)		(19.1)
Merger expenses			1,332		-		1,332		100.0
Professional fees			3,053		3,572		(519)		(14.5)
Other real estate owned			3		17		(14)		(82.4)
Other expense			11,185		12,615		(1,430)		(11.3)
	Total non-interest expense	$	94,040	$	92,514	$	1,526		1.6

Non-interest expenses totaled $94.0 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $92.5 million in the first nine months of 2016, a 2% increase. The non-interest expenses for nine months ended September 30, 2017, included $1.3 million in prepayment penalties for the early payoff of high-rate FHLB advances as compared to $3.2 million in prepayment penalties included for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The current period also included $1.3 million in merger expenses. Excluding the impact of prepayment penalties and merger expenses, non-interest expenses increased 2% over the prior year period. Further detail by category of non-interest expense follows:

· Salaries and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expenses, increased in the first nine months of 2017 due to higher compensation expense as a result of merit increases, performance incentives and volume based compensation costs. The increased compensation costs were partially offset by a decrease in healthcare and pension expense. The average number of full-time equivalent employees remained at 727 for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

· Occupancy expenses increased 1% compared to the prior year as rental expense associated with relocated facilities increased.

· Equipment expenses increased 2% in 2017 compared to 2016 due to increases in software and general maintenance expense.

· Marketing expense increased 13% as a result of focused marketing initiatives.

· FDIC insurance experienced a 23% increase directly associated with the asset growth of the Company over the past twelve months.

· Merger expense is the direct result of costs associated with the prospective WashingtonFirst acquisition.

· Outside data services and intangible amortization expense levels remained comparable to the prior year period.

· Other non-interest expenses decreased in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the prior year period. The current year included $1.3 million in penalties related to the prepayment of FHLB advances as compared to the previous year which included $3.2 million in prepayment penalties. Excluding these expenses, other non-interest expenses increased 4% for the first nine months compared to the prior year period.

Operating Expense Performance

Management views the GAAP efficiency ratio as an important financial measure of expense performance and cost management. The ratio expresses the level of non-interest expenses as a percentage of total revenue (net interest income plus total non-interest income). Lower ratios indicate improved productivity.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company also uses a traditional efficiency ratio that is a non-GAAP financial measure of operating expense control and efficiency of operations. Management believes that its traditional ratio better focuses attention on the operating performance of the Company over time than does a GAAP ratio, and is highly useful in comparing period-to-period operating performance of the Company’s core business operations. It is used by management as part of its assessment of its performance in managing non-interest expenses. However, this measure is supplemental, and is not a substitute for an analysis of performance based on GAAP measures. The reader is cautioned that the non-GAAP efficiency ratio used by the Company may not be comparable to GAAP or non-GAAP efficiency ratios reported by other financial institutions.

In general, the efficiency ratio is non-interest expenses as a percentage of net interest income plus non-interest income. Non-interest expenses used in the calculation of the non-GAAP efficiency ratio exclude goodwill impairment losses, the amortization of intangibles, and non-recurring expenses. Income for the non-GAAP ratio includes the favorable effect of tax-exempt income, and excludes securities gains and losses, which vary widely from period to period without appreciably affecting operating expenses, and non-recurring gains. The measure is different from the GAAP efficiency ratio, which also is presented in this report. The GAAP measure is calculated using non-interest expense and income amounts as shown on the face of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratios are reconciled and provided in the following table. The GAAP efficiency ratio improved in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 due primarily to the increase in net interest income discussed previously.

In addition, the Company uses pre-tax, pre-provision income as a measure of the level of recurring income before taxes. Management believes this provides financial statement users with a useful metric of the run-rate of revenues and expenses which is readily comparable to other financial institutions. This measure is calculated by adding the provision for loan losses, and the provision for income taxes back to net income. This metric increased in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 due primarily to the increase in net interest income.

				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)				2017		2016		2017		2016
Pre-tax pre-provision income:
Net income				$	15,089	$	13,474	$	44,942	$	34,934
	Plus non-GAAP adjustment:
		Merger expenses			345		-		1,332		-
		Income taxes			8,229		6,734		22,793		16,861
		Provision for loan losses			934		781		2,450		4,974
Pre-tax pre-provision income				$	24,597	$	20,989	$	71,517	$	56,769

Efficiency ratio - GAAP basis:
Non-interest expense				$	31,191	$	29,326	$	94,040	$	92,514

Net interest income plus non-interest income				$	55,443	$	50,315	$	164,225	$	149,283

Efficiency ratio - GAAP basis					56.26%		58.28%		57.26%		61.97%

Efficiency ratio - Non-GAAP basis:
Non-interest expense				$	31,191	$	29,326	$	94,040	$	92,514
	Less non-GAAP adjustment:
		Amortization of intangible assets			25		34		76		94
		Loss on FHLB redemption			-		-		1,275		3,167
		Merger expenses			345		-		1,332		-
Non-interest expenses - as adjusted				$	30,821	$	29,292	$	91,357	$	89,253

Net interest income plus non-interest income				$	55,443	$	50,315	$	164,225	$	149,283
	Plus non-GAAP adjustment:
		Tax-equivalent income			1,888		1,688		5,585		4,993
	Less non-GAAP adjustments:
			Securities gains		-		-		1,275		1,919
			Gain on redemption of subordinated debentures		-		-		-		1,200
	Net interest income plus non-interest income - as adjusted			$	57,331	$	52,003	$	168,535	$	151,157

	Efficiency ratio - Non-GAAP basis				53.76%		56.33%		54.21%		59.05%

Income Taxes

The Company had income tax expense of $22.8 million in the first nine months of 2017, compared to income tax expense of $16.9 million in the first nine months of 2016. The resulting effective tax rates were 33.7% for the first nine months of 2017 and 32.6% for the first nine months of 2016. This rate increase was due to the decline in tax-advantaged interest income in proportion to total interest income.

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net income for the Company for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $15.1 million ($0.62 per diluted share) compared to net income of $13.5 million ($0.56 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2016.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2017 was $42.7 million compared to $37.7 million for the third quarter of 2016. On a tax-equivalent basis, net interest income for the third quarter of 2017 was $44.6 million compared to $39.4 million for the third quarter of 2016, an increase of 13%. The following table provides an analysis of net interest income performance that reflects a net interest margin that has increased to 3.54% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 3.50% for the third quarter of 2016.

Average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by 12% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased 14% in the third quarter of 2017 while the percentage of average noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits increased to 33% in the current quarter compared to 32% in the third quarter of 2016. During the quarter the increase in the net interest margin was driven by an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets, loan and investment portfolio growth, and a reduced borrowing costs resulting from the prepayment of FHLB advances over the previous twelve months and the extinguishment of subordinated debentures early in the first quarter of 2017. The impact of these factors were partially offset by an increase in the cost of deposits as the Company increased rates to maintain deposit relationships and fund loan growth.

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES

		Three Months Ended September 30,
				2017						2016
					Annualized						Annualized
	Average		(1)		Average		Average		(1)		Average
(Dollars in thousands and tax-equivalent)	Balances		Interest		Yield/Rate		Balances		Interest		Yield/Rate
Assets
Residential mortgage loans	$	880,782	$	7,772	3.53	%	$	836,452	$	7,208	3.45	%
Residential construction loans		172,921		1,641	3.77			147,602		1,341	3.62
Total mortgage loans		1,053,703		9,413	3.57			984,054		8,549	3.47
Commercial AD&C loans		291,569		3,705	5.04			287,836		3,398	4.70
Commercial investor real estate loans		1,090,641		12,279	4.47			832,529		9,487	4.53
Commercial owner occupied real estate loans		808,802		9,492	4.66			717,371		8,581	4.76
Commercial business loans		459,779		5,252	4.53			446,123		4,863	4.34
Total commercial loans		2,650,791		30,728	4.60			2,283,859		26,329	4.59
Consumer loans		457,526		4,395	3.84			450,171		3,916	3.48
Total loans (2)		4,162,020		44,536	4.25			3,718,084		38,794	4.16
Loans held for sale		7,093		119	6.69			10,207		96	3.75
Taxable securities		512,420		3,531	2.76			432,706		2,717	2.51
Tax-exempt securities (3)		300,759		3,175	4.22			276,821		2,888	4.17
Total investment securities		813,179		6,706	3.30			709,527		5,605	3.16
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		34,007		108	1.26			38,773		49	0.51
Federal funds sold		2,834		8	1.16			847		1	0.49
Total interest-earning assets		5,019,133		51,477	4.08			4,477,438		44,545	3.96

Less: allowance for loan losses		(45,546)						(43,498)
Cash and due from banks		48,221						45,210
Premises and equipment, net		53,938						53,162
Other assets		221,622						214,708
Total assets	$	5,297,368					$	4,747,020

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	615,250		135	0.09	%	$	579,863		112	0.08	%
Regular savings deposits		326,827		57	0.07			305,077		48	0.06
Money market savings deposits		1,002,779		1,479	0.59			938,528		514	0.22
Time deposits		678,331		2,030	1.19			573,458		1,454	1.01
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,623,187		3,701	0.56			2,396,926		2,128	0.35
Other borrowings		133,145		83	0.25			120,702		74	0.24
Advances from FHLB		650,947		3,108	1.89			498,370		2,699	2.15
Subordinated debentures		-		-	-			30,000		225	3.00
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,407,279		6,892	0.80			3,045,998		5,126	0.67

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		1,293,470						1,131,739
Other liabilities		39,337						39,042
Stockholders' equity		557,282						530,241
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	5,297,368					$	4,747,020

Net interest income and spread				44,585	3.28	%				39,419	3.29	%
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment				1,888						1,688
Net interest income			$	42,697					$	37,731

Interest income/earning assets					4.08	%					3.96	%
Interest expense/earning assets					0.54						0.46
Net interest margin					3.54	%					3.50	%

(1) Tax-equivalent income has been adjusted using the combined marginal federal and state rate of 39.88% for 2017 and 2016. The annualized taxable-equivalent
adjustments utilized in the above table to compute yields aggregated to $1.9 million and $1.7 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2) Non-accrual loans are included in the average balances.
(3) Includes only investments that are exempt from federal taxes.

Interest Income

The Company's total tax-equivalent interest income increased 16% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year quarter. The previous table shows that this increase was driven primarily by loan growth and to a lesser degree by an increase in the investment portfolio during the previous twelve months.

The average balance of the loan portfolio increased 12% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period. The increase has been driven by organic loan growth due to the strength of the regional economy. The majority of growth was concentrated in the commercial real estate loan portfolios. The yield on average loans increased by 9 basis points compared to the prior year quarter.

The average yield on total investment securities increased 14 basis points while the average balance of the investment portfolio increased 15% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. The increase in the yield on investments was due to the addition of relatively higher-yielding tax-exempt municipal securities in 2017.

Average deposits increased 11% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. This increase was primarily due to increases of $197 million or 12% in average noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts together with increases of $105 million or 18% in certificates of deposit and $64 million or 7% in money market accounts as the Company increased rates on these products to maintain deposit relationships and fund loan growth. This increase was partially offset by the lower average rates paid on FHLB advances due in part to the prepayment of such advances during the previous twelve months.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income amounts and trends are presented in the following table for the periods indicated:

			Three Months Ended September 30,				2017/2016		2017/2016
(Dollars in thousands)			2017		2016		$ Change			% Change
	Service charges on deposit accounts		$	2,140	$	2,035	$	105		5.2	%
	Mortgage banking activities			632		1,129		(497)		(44.0)
	Wealth management income			4,864		4,347		517		11.9
	Insurance agency commissions			1,950		1,786		164		9.2
	Income from bank owned life insurance			609		616		(7)		(1.1)
	Bank card fees			1,211		1,189		22		1.9
	Other income			1,340		1,482		(142)		(9.6)
		Total non-interest income	$	12,746	$	12,584	$	162		1.3

Total non-interest income was $12.7 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $12.6 million for the third quarter of 2016, an increase of 1%. Further detail by type of non-interest income follows:

· Income from mortgage banking activities decreased in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 due to reduced lending volumes in the third quarter.

· Insurance agency commissions increased 9% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 due primarily to commission income from the agency acquisition in the third quarter of the prior year.

· Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 decreased 10%. The decrease for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 was due to a decline in gains resulting from asset sales and letter of credit fees.

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expense amounts and trends are presented in the following table for the periods indicated:

		Three Months Ended September 30,				2017/2016		2017/2016
(Dollars in thousands)		2017		2016		$ Change			% Change
Salaries and employee benefits		$	18,442	$	17,848	$	594		3.3	%
Occupancy expense of premises			3,294		3,130		164		5.2
Equipment expenses			1,722		1,745		(23)		(1.3)
Marketing			784		628		156		24.8
Outside data services			1,286		1,349		(63)		(4.7)
FDIC insurance			850		726		124		17.1
Amortization of intangible assets			25		34		(9)		(26.5)
Merger expenses			345		-		345		100.0
Professional fees			1,053		987		66		6.7
Other real estate owned			4		5		(1)		(20.0)
Other expense			3,386		2,874		512		17.8
	Total non-interest expense	$	31,191	$	29,326	$	1,865		6.4

Non-interest expenses totaled $31.2 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $29.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 and increase of 6%. Further detail by category of non-interest expense follows:

· Salaries and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expenses, increased in the third quarter of 2017 due primarily to an increase in compensation expenses as a result of performance incentives and volume driven compensation costs. The average number of full-time equivalent employees was 725 in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 729 in the third quarter of 2016.

· Occupancy expense increased due to higher rental expense associated with relocated facilities.

· Marketing expense increased 25% from the prior year quarter due to an increase in focused advertising campaigns.

· FDIC insurance expense increased due to asset growth.

· Merger expense is the direct result of costs associated with the prospective Washington First acquisition.

· Professional fees increased in the third quarter of 2017 due to increases in various professional and consulting fees.

· Other expenses for the third quarter of 2017 increased $0.5 million from the prior year quarter due to the use of various third party vendors to provide specific services.

Income Taxes

The Company had income tax expense of $8.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to income tax expense of $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. The resulting effective tax rate was 35.3% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 33.3% for the third quarter of 2016. The effective tax rate for the current quarter increased compared to the prior year quarter as tax-advantaged interest income declined in proportion to total interest income.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In general, the efficiency ratio is non-interest expenses as a percentage of net interest income plus non-interest income. Non-interest expenses used in the calculation of the non-GAAP efficiency ratio exclude goodwill impairment losses, the amortization of intangibles, and non-recurring expenses. Income for the non-GAAP ratio includes the favorable effect of tax-exempt income, and excludes securities gains and losses, which vary widely from period to period without appreciably affecting operating expenses, and non-recurring gains. The measure is different from the GAAP efficiency ratio, which also is presented in this report. The GAAP measure is calculated using non-interest expense and income amounts as shown on the face of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratios are reconciled and provided in the table on page 43. The GAAP efficiency ratio improved in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 as a direct result of the growth in net interest income.

In addition, the Company uses pre-tax, pre-provision income as a measure of the level of recurring income before taxes. Management believes this provides financial statement users with a useful metric of the run-rate of revenues and expenses which is readily comparable to other financial institutions. This measure is calculated by adding the provision for loan losses, and the provision for income taxes back to net income. This metric increased in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 primarily due to an increase in net interest income.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Company's total assets were $5.3 billion at September 30, 2017, an increase of $243 million or 5% compared to December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the growth in total loans, which increased 7% compared to the previous year end.

Analysis of Loans

A comparison of the loan portfolio at the dates indicated is presented in the following table:

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016				Period-to-Period Change
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount		%		Amount		%		$		%
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage	$	882,890	21.1	%	$	841,692	21.4	%	$	41,198	4.9	%
	Residential construction		171,814	4.1			150,229	3.8			21,585	14.4
Commercial real estate:
	Commercial owner occupied real estate		831,461	19.8			775,552	19.8			55,909	7.2
	Commercial investor real estate		1,104,669	26.3			928,113	23.6			176,556	19.0
	Commercial AD&C		295,222	7.0			308,279	7.9			(13,057)	(4.2)
Commercial business			451,667	10.8			467,286	11.9			(15,619)	(3.3)
Consumer			456,395	10.9			456,657	11.6			(262)	(0.1)
	Total loans	$	4,194,118	100.0	%	$	3,927,808	100.0	%	$	266,310	6.8

Total loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased 7% at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. The commercial loan portfolio increased 8% at September 30, 2017 driven by an increase of 19% in investor real estate loans. The owner occupied real estate portfolio increased 7% which was partially offset by decreases of 3% in the commercial business and 4% in the AD&C loan portfolios. The residential real estate portfolio, which is comprised of residential construction and permanent residential mortgage loans, increased 6% at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. This increase was driven by a 14% increase in residential construction loans during the third quarter. The consumer loan portfolio remained stable at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.

Analysis of Investment Securities

The composition of investment securities at the periods indicated is presented in the following table:

			September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016				Period-to-Period Change
(Dollars in thousands)			Amount		%		Amount		%		$		%
Investments available-for-sale:
	U.S. government agencies and corporations		$	107,340	13.5	%	$	121,790	15.6	%	$	(14,450)	(11.9)	%
	State and municipal			321,127	40.3			287,684	36.9			33,443	11.6
	Mortgage-backed			316,879	39.9			312,711	40.1			4,168	1.3
	Corporate debt			9,522	1.2			9,134	1.2			388	4.2
	Trust preferred			989	0.1			1,012	0.1			(23)	(2.3)
	Marketable equity securities			212	-			1,223	0.2			(1,011)	(82.7)
		Total available-for-sale securities		756,069	95.0			733,554	94.1			22,515	3.1

Investments held-to-maturity and other equity:
	Other equity securities			39,853	5.0			46,094	5.9			(6,241)	(13.5)
		Total held-to-maturity and other equity		39,853	5.0			46,094	5.9			(6,241)	(13.5)
Total securities			$	795,922	100.0	%	$	779,648	100.0	%	$	16,274	2.1

The investment portfolio increased 2% at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 as funds from increased deposits were invested at favorable rates.

The investment portfolio consists primarily of U.S. Agency securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Agency collateralized mortgage obligations and state and municipal securities. The duration of the portfolio was 3.4 years at September 30, 2017 and 3.3 years at December 31, 2016. The Company considers the duration of the portfolio to be adequate for liquidity purposes. This investment strategy has resulted in a portfolio with low credit risk that would provide the liquidity necessary to meet loan demand. The portfolio is monitored on a continuing basis with consideration given to interest rate trends and the structure of the yield curve and with constant assessment of economic projections and analysis.

Other Earning Assets

Residential mortgage loans held for sale were $7 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $13 million at December 31, 2016 due to the effect of the timing of loan sales on the amounts held for sale at quarter end. The aggregate of federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks decreased by $29 million to $52 million at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 due to the timing of cash flows.

Deposits

The composition of deposits at the periods indicated is presented in the following table:

			September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016				Period-to-Period Change
(Dollars in thousands)			Amount		%		Amount		%		$		%
Noninterest-bearing deposits			$	1,312,710	33.2	%	$	1,138,139	31.8	%	$	174,571	15.3	%
Interest-bearing deposits:
	Demand			608,527	15.4			615,058	17.2			(6,531)	(1.1)
	Money market savings			1,023,153	25.9			927,837	25.9			95,316	10.3
	Regular savings			321,194	8.1			310,471	8.7			10,723	3.5
	Time deposits of less than $100,000			292,395	7.4			258,621	7.2			33,774	13.1
	Time deposits of $100,000 or more			397,813	10.0			327,418	9.2			70,395	21.5
		Total interest-bearing deposits		2,643,082	66.8			2,439,405	68.2			203,677	8.3
Total deposits			$	3,955,792	100.0	%	$	3,577,544	100.0	%	$	378,248	10.6

Deposits and Borrowings

Total deposits increased $378 million or 11% at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. This increase was due primarily to increases of 15% in noninterest-bearing checking accounts and 10% in money market savings accounts. In addition, regular savings accounts increased 3% and certificates of deposit increased 18% compared to December 31, 2016. The increase in interest-bearing products occurred as the Company raised rates to maintain client relationships and to fund loan growth. Total borrowings decreased 18% at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 due to the reduced dependence on borrowings as a result of the growth in deposits and the extinguishment of $30 million in subordinated debentures during the first three months of 2017.

Capital Management

Management monitors historical and projected earnings, dividends and asset growth, as well as risks associated with the various types of on and off-balance sheet assets and liabilities, in order to determine appropriate capital levels. Total stockholders' equity was $564 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $534 million at December 31, 2016 as net income during the period exceeded the payment of dividends. The ratio of average equity to average assets was 10.50% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to 11.18% for the first nine months of 2016 as the ratio was affected by the growth of average assets.

Bank holding companies and banks are required to maintain capital ratios in accordance with guidelines adopted by the federal bank regulators. These guidelines are commonly known as Risk-Based Capital guidelines. The actual regulatory ratios and required ratios for capital adequacy are summarized for the Company in the following table.

Risk-Based Capital Ratios

			Minimum
	Ratios at		Regulatory
	September 30, 2017	December 31, 2016	Requirements
Total capital to risk-weighted assets	12.01%	12.80%	8.00%

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets	10.99%	11.74%	6.00%

Common equity tier 1 capital	10.99%	11.01%	4.50%

Tier 1 leverage	9.28%	10.14%	4.00%

As of September 30, 2017, the most recent notification from the Bank’s primary regulator categorized the Bank as a "well-capitalized" institution under the prompt corrective action rules of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Designation as a well-capitalized institution under these regulations is not a recommendation or endorsement of the Company or the Bank by federal bank regulators.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved revisions to its capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules that implement the revised standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly called Basel III, and address relevant provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The rules include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which were effective January 1, 2015, and revise the definition of what constitutes “capital” for calculating those ratios. The minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank are: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; (3) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (4) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The rules eliminate the inclusion of certain instruments, such as trust preferred securities, from Tier 1 capital. Instruments issued prior to May 19, 2010 have been grandfathered for companies with consolidated assets of $15 billion or less. The rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements, which must consist entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital. The new capital conservation buffer requirement began to phase in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase by that amount each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution would be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses to executive officers if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

Tangible Common Equity

Tangible equity, tangible assets and tangible book value per share are non-GAAP financial measures calculated using GAAP amounts. Tangible common equity and tangible assets exclude the balances of goodwill and other intangible assets from stockholder’s equity and total assets, respectively. Management believes that this non-GAAP financial measure provides information to investors that may be useful in understanding our financial condition. Because not all companies use the same calculation of tangible equity and tangible assets, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures calculated by other companies. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share are provided in the following table.

Tangible Common Equity Ratio – Non-GAAP

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Tangible common equity ratio:
Total stockholders' equity		$	564,480	$	533,572
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,477		6,614
	Goodwill		(85,768)		(85,768)
	Other intangible assets, net		(604)		(680)
Tangible common equity		$	481,585	$	453,738

Total assets		$	5,334,788	$	5,091,383
	Goodwill		(85,768)		(85,768)
	Other intangible assets, net		(604)		(680)
Tangible assets		$	5,248,416	$	5,004,935

Tangible common equity ratio			9.18%		9.07%

Tangible book value per share		$	20.07	$	18.98

Credit Risk

The fundamental lending business of the Company is based on understanding, measuring and controlling the credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s loan portfolio is subject to varying degrees of credit risk. Credit risk entails both general risks, which are inherent in the process of lending, and risk specific to individual borrowers. The Company’s credit risk is mitigated through portfolio diversification, which limits exposure to any single customer, industry or collateral type. Typically, each consumer and residential lending product has a generally predictable level of credit losses based on historical loss experience. Residential mortgage and home equity loans and lines generally have the lowest credit loss experience. Loans secured by personal property, such as auto loans, generally experience medium credit losses. Unsecured loan products, such as personal revolving credit, have the highest credit loss experience and for that reason, the Company has chosen not to engage in a significant amount of this type of lending. Credit risk in commercial lending can vary significantly, as losses as a percentage of outstanding loans can shift widely during economic cycles and are particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions. Generally, improving economic conditions result in improved operating results on the part of commercial customers, enhancing their ability to meet their particular debt service requirements. Improvements, if any, in operating cash flows can be offset by the impact of rising interest rates that may occur during improved economic times. Inconsistent economic conditions may have an adverse effect on the operating results of commercial customers, reducing their ability to meet debt service obligations.

Total non-performing loans decreased 5% to $30.2 million at September 30, 2017 compared to the balance at December 31, 2016. While the diversification of the lending portfolio among different commercial, residential and consumer product lines along with different market conditions of the D.C. suburbs, Northern Virginia and Baltimore metropolitan area has mitigated some of the risks in the portfolio, local economic conditions and levels of non-performing loans may continue to be influenced by the conditions being experienced in various business sectors of the economy on both a regional and national level.

To control and manage credit risk, management has a credit process in place to reasonably ensure that credit standards are maintained along with an in-house loan administration accompanied by oversight and review procedures. The primary purpose of loan underwriting is the evaluation of specific lending risks and involves the analysis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt as well as the assessment of the value of the underlying collateral. Oversight and review procedures include the monitoring of portfolio credit quality, early identification of potential problem credits and the proactive management of problem credits. As part of the oversight and review process, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses (the “allowance”).

The allowance represents an estimation of the losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance is determined through the ongoing evaluation of the credit portfolio, and involves consideration of a number of factors, as outlined below, to establish an adequate allowance for loan losses. Determination of the allowance is inherently subjective and requires significant estimates, including estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience and consideration of current economic trends, which may be susceptible to significant change. Loans deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance, while recoveries are credited to the allowance. Management adjusts the level of the allowance through the provision for loan losses, which is recorded as a current period operating expense.

The methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes: (1) a general allowance that reflects historical losses, as adjusted, by credit category, and (2) a specific allowance for impaired credits on an individual or portfolio basis. This methodology is further described in “Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The amount of the allowance is reviewed and approved quarterly by the Risk Committee of the board of directors.

The Company recognizes a collateral dependent lending relationship as non-performing when either the loan becomes 90 days delinquent or as a result of factors (such as bankruptcy, interruption of cash flows, etc.) considered at the monthly credit committee meeting. When a commercial loan is placed on non-accrual status, it is considered to be impaired and all accrued but unpaid interest is reversed. Classification as an impaired loan is based on a determination that the Company may not collect all principal and interest payments according to contractual terms. Impaired loans exclude large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment such as residential real estate and consumer loans. Typically, all payments received on non-accrual loans are first applied to the remaining principal balance of the loans. Any additional recoveries are credited to the allowance. Integral to the assessment of the allowance process is an evaluation that is performed to determine whether a specific allowance on an impaired loan is warranted and, when losses are confirmed, a charge-off is taken to reduce the loan to its net realizable value. Any further collateral deterioration results in either further specific allowances being established or additional charge-offs. At such time an action plan is agreed upon for the particular loan and an appraisal will be ordered depending on the time elapsed since the prior appraisal, the loan balance and/or the result of the internal evaluation. A current appraisal on large loans is usually obtained if the appraisal on file is more than 12 months old and there has been a material change in market conditions, zoning, physical use or the adequacy of the collateral based on an internal evaluation. The Company’s policy is to strictly adhere to regulatory appraisal standards. If an appraisal is ordered, no more than a 30 day turnaround is requested from the appraiser, who is selected by Credit Administration from an approved appraiser list. After receipt of the updated appraisal, the assigned credit officer will recommend to the Chief Credit Officer whether a specific allowance or a charge-off should be taken. The Chief Credit Officer has the authority to approve a specific allowance or charge-off between monthly credit committee meetings to ensure that there are no significant time lapses during this process.

The Company’s methodology for evaluating whether a loan is impaired begins with risk-rating credits on an individual basis and includes consideration of the borrower’s overall financial condition, payment record and available cash resources that may include the sufficiency of collateral value and, in a select few cases, verifiable support from financial guarantors. In measuring impairment, the Company looks primarily to the discounted cash flows of the project itself or to the value of the collateral as the primary sources of repayment of the loan. The Company may consider the existence of guarantees and the financial strength and wherewithal of the guarantors involved in any loan relationship. Guarantees may be considered as a source of repayment based on the guarantor’s financial condition and respective payment capacity. Accordingly, absent a verifiable payment capacity, a guarantee alone would not be sufficient to avoid classifying the loan as impaired.

Management has established a credit process that dictates that structured procedures be performed to monitor these loans between the receipt of an original appraisal and the updated appraisal. These procedures include the following:

· An internal evaluation is updated quarterly to include borrower financial statements and/or cash flow projections.

· The borrower may be contacted for a meeting to discuss an updated or revised action plan which may include a request for additional collateral.

· Re-verification of the documentation supporting the Company’s position with respect to the collateral securing the loan.

· At the monthly credit committee meeting the loan may be downgraded and a specific allowance may be decided upon in advance of the receipt of the appraisal.

· Upon receipt of the updated appraisal (or based on an updated internal financial evaluation) the loan balance is compared to the appraisal and a specific allowance is decided upon for the particular loan, typically for the amount of the difference between the appraisal and the loan balance.

· The Company will specifically reserve for or charge-off the excess of the loan amount over the amount of the appraisal net of closing costs.

If an updated appraisal is received subsequent to the preliminary determination of a specific allowance or partial charge-off, and it is less than the initial appraisal used in the initial assessment, an additional specific allowance or charge-off is taken on the related credit. Partially charged-off loans are not written back up based on updated appraisals and always remain on non-accrual with any and all subsequent payments first applied to the remaining balance of the loan as principal reductions. No interest income is recognized on loans that have been partially charged-off.

Loans that have their terms restructured (e.g., interest rates, loan maturity date, payment and amortization period, etc.) in circumstances that provide payment relief or other concessions, to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty are considered troubled debt restructured loans (TDR’s). All restructurings that constitute concessions to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered impaired loans and may either be in accruing status or non-accruing status. Non-accruing restructured loans may return to accruing status provided there is a sufficient period of payment performance in accordance with the restructure terms. Loans may be removed from disclosure as a troubled debt restructuring if their revised loans terms are considered to be consistent with terms that can be obtained in the credit market for loans with comparable risk.

The Company may extend the maturity of a performing or current loan that may have some inherent weakness associated with the loan. However, the Company generally follows a policy of not extending maturities on non-performing loans under existing terms. Maturity date extensions only occur under revised terms that clearly place the Company in a position to increase the likelihood of or assure full collection of the loan under the contractual terms and /or terms at the time of the extension that may eliminate or mitigate the inherent weakness in the loan. These terms may incorporate, but are not limited to additional assignment of collateral, significant balance curtailments/liquidations and assignments of additional project cash flows. Guarantees may be a consideration in the extension of loan maturities. As a general matter, the Company does not view extension of a loan to be a satisfactory approach to resolving non-performing credits. On an exception basis, certain performing loans that have displayed some inherent weakness in the underlying collateral values, an inability to comply with certain loan covenants which are not affecting the performance of the credit or other identified weakness may be extended.

Collateral values or estimates of discounted cash flows (inclusive of any potential cash flow from guarantees) are evaluated to estimate the probability and severity of potential losses. The actual occurrence and severity of losses involving impaired credits can differ substantially from estimates.

The determination of the allowance requires significant judgment, and estimates of probable losses in the loan portfolio can vary significantly from the amounts actually observed. While management uses available information to recognize probable losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in the credits comprising the portfolio and changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as may result from changes in economic conditions. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, and independent consultants engaged by the Bank, periodically review the loan portfolio and the allowance. Such reviews may result in adjustments to the allowance based upon their analysis of the information available at the time of each examination.

The Company makes provisions for loan losses in amounts necessary to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level, as established by use of the allowance methodology previously discussed. The provision for loan losses was $2.5 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $5.0 million in the first nine months of 2016. The decrease in the provision in the first nine months of 2017 reflects the continuation of improved loan portfolio credit quality as evidenced in the declining ratio of non-performing loans to total loans over the past year.

The Company typically sells a substantial portion of its fixed-rate residential mortgage originations in the secondary mortgage market. Concurrent with such sales, the Company is required to make customary representations and warranties to the purchasers about the mortgage loans and the manner in which they were originated. The related sale agreements grant the purchasers recourse back to the Company, which could require the Company to repurchase loans or to share in any losses incurred by the purchasers. This recourse exposure typically extends for a period of six to twelve months after the sale of the loan although the time frame for repurchase requests can extend for an indefinite period. Such transactions could be due to a number of causes including borrower fraud or early payment default. The Company has seen a very limited number of repurchase and indemnity demands from purchasers for such events and routinely monitors its exposure in this regard. The Company maintains a liability of $0.5 million for probable losses due to repurchases.

The Company periodically engages in whole loan sale transactions of its residential mortgage loans as a part its interest rate risk management strategy. The Company sold $39.7 million of loans on a servicing-retained basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and realized a total gain on sale of $422 thousand. Servicing asset associated with these sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, was $346 thousand. Income earned by the Company on its loan servicing rights is derived primarily from contractually specified servicing fees and other ancillary fees. Such income earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, was not significant.

Mortgage loan servicing rights are accounted for at amortized cost and are monitored for impairment on an ongoing basis. At September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the amortized cost of the Company's mortgage loan servicing rights was $723 thousand and $418 thousand, respectively. The Company did not incur any impairment losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Allowance for Loan Losses

During the third quarter of 2017, there were no changes in the Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses from the prior year. Variations can occur over time in the estimation of the allowance as a result of the credit performance of borrowers.

At September 30, 2017, total non-performing loans were $30.2 million, or 0.72% of total loans, compared to $31.9 million, or 0.81% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. The allowance represented 149% of non-performing loans at September 30, 2017 as compared to 138% at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans was 1.07% at September 30, 2017 as compared to 1.12% at December 31, 2016.

Continued analysis of the actual loss history on the problem credits in 2016 and 2017 provided an indication that the coverage of the inherent losses on the problem credits was adequate. The Company continues to monitor the impact of the economic conditions on our commercial customers together with the reduced inflow of non-accruals and criticized loans. The improvement in these credit metrics supports management’s outlook for continued improved credit quality performance.

The balance of impaired loans was $22.5 million, with specific allowances of $4.8 million against those loans at September 30, 2017, as compared to $24.1 million with specific allowances of $4.8 million, at December 31, 2016.

The Company's borrowers are concentrated in nine counties in Maryland, three counties in Virginia and in Washington D.C. Commercial and residential mortgages, including home equity loans and lines, represented 78% of total loans at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Certain loan terms may create concentrations of credit risk and increase the Company’s exposure to loss. These include terms that permit the deferral of principal payments or payments that are smaller than normal interest accruals (negative amortization); loans with high loan-to-value ratios; loans, such as option adjustable-rate mortgages, that may expose the borrower to future increases in repayments that are in excess of increases that would result solely from increases in market interest rates; and interest-only loans. The Company does not make loans that provide for negative amortization or option adjustable-rate mortgages.

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:

			Nine Months Ended		Year Ended
(Dollars in thousands)			September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Balance, January 1			$	44,067	$	40,895
Provision for loan losses				2,450		5,546
Loan charge-offs:
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage			(10)		(1,404)
	Residential construction			-		-
Commercial real estate:
	Commercial investor			-		(197)
	Commercial owner occupied			(5)		-
	Commercial AD&C			-		(48)
Commercial business				(1,469)		(597)
Consumer				(560)		(888)
	Total charge-offs			(2,044)		(3,134)
Loan recoveries:
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage			61		358
	Residential construction			20		32
Commercial real estate:
	Commercial investor			93		133
	Commercial owner occupied			-		5
	Commercial AD&C			103		40
Commercial business				73		44
Consumer				101		148
	Total recoveries			451		760
	Net charge-offs			(1,593)		(2,374)
		Balance, period end	$	44,924	$	44,067


Net charge-offs to average loans				0.05%		0.06%
Allowance for loan losses to loans				1.07%		1.12%

Analysis of Credit Risk

The following table presents information with respect to non-performing assets and 90-day delinquencies for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)			September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Non-accrual loans:
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage		$	7,345	$	7,257
	Residential construction			182		195
Commercial real estate:
	Commercial investor			5,589		8,107
	Commercial owner occupied			5,012		4,823
	Commercial AD&C			137		137
Commercial business				6,091		5,833
Consumer				3,152		2,859
		Total non-accrual loans		27,508		29,211

Loans 90 days past due
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage			225		232
	Residential construction			-		-
Commercial real estate:
	Commercial investor			-		-
	Commercial owner occupied			-		-
	Commercial AD&C			-		-
Commercial business				-		-
Consumer				1		-
	Total 90 days past due loans			226		232

Restructured loans (accruing)				2,471		2,489
	Total non-performing loans			30,205		31,932
Other real estate owned, net				1,448		1,911
	Total non-performing assets		$	31,653	$	33,843


Non-performing loans to total loans				0.72%		0.81%
Non-performing assets to total assets				0.59%		0.66%
Allowance for loan to non-performing loans				148.73%		138.00%

Market Risk Management

The Company's net income is largely dependent on its net interest income. Net interest income is susceptible to interest rate risk to the extent that interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price on a different basis than interest-earning assets. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price more quickly than interest-earning assets in a given period, a significant increase in market rates of interest could adversely affect net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or re-price more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could result in a decrease in net interest income. Net interest income is also affected by changes in the portion of interest-earning assets that are funded by interest-bearing liabilities rather than by other sources of funds, such as noninterest-bearing deposits and stockholders' equity.

The Company’s interest rate risk management goals are (1) to increase net interest income at a growth rate consistent with the growth rate of total assets, and (2) to minimize fluctuations in net interest margin as a percentage of interest-earning assets. Management attempts to achieve these goals by balancing, within policy limits, the volume of floating-rate liabilities with a similar volume of floating-rate assets; by keeping the average maturity of fixed-rate asset and liability contracts reasonably matched; by maintaining a pool of administered core deposits; and by adjusting pricing rates to market conditions on a continuing basis.

The Company’s board of directors has established a comprehensive interest rate risk management policy, which is administered by management’s Asset Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”). The policy establishes limits on risk, which are quantitative measures of the percentage change in net interest income (a measure of net interest income at risk) and the fair value of equity capital (a measure of economic value of equity or “EVE” at risk) resulting from a hypothetical change in U.S. Treasury interest rates for maturities from one day to thirty years. The Company measures the potential adverse impacts that changing interest rates may have on its short-term earnings, long-term value, and liquidity by employing simulation analysis through the use of computer modeling. The simulation model captures optionality factors such as call features and interest rate caps and floors embedded in investment and loan portfolio contracts. As with any method of gauging interest rate risk, there are certain shortcomings inherent in the interest rate modeling methodology used by the Company. When interest rates change, actual movements in different categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, loan prepayments, and withdrawals of time and other deposits, may deviate significantly from assumptions used in the model. As an example, certain money market deposit accounts are assumed to reprice at 100% of the interest rate change in each of the up rate shock scenarios even though this is not a contractual requirement. As a practical matter, management would likely lag the impact of any upward movement in market rates on these accounts as a mechanism to manage the bank’s net interest margin. Finally, the methodology does not measure or reflect the impact that higher rates may have on adjustable-rate loan customers’ ability to service their debts, or the impact of rate changes on demand for loan, lease, and deposit products.

The Company prepares a current base case and eight alternative simulations at least once a quarter and reports the analysis to the board of directors. In addition, more frequent forecasts are produced when interest rates are particularly uncertain or when other business conditions so dictate.

The statement of condition is subject to quarterly testing for eight alternative interest rate shock possibilities to indicate the inherent interest rate risk. Average interest rates are shocked by +/- 100, 200, 300, and 400 basis points (“bp”), although the Company may elect not to use particular scenarios that it determines are impractical in a current rate environment. It is management’s goal to structure the balance sheet so that net interest earnings at risk over a twelve-month period and the economic value of equity at risk do not exceed policy guidelines at the various interest rate shock levels.

The Company augments its quarterly interest rate shock analysis with alternative external interest rate scenarios on a monthly basis. These alternative interest rate scenarios may include non-parallel rate ramps and non-parallel yield curve twists. If a measure of risk produced by the alternative simulations of the entire balance sheet violates policy guidelines, ALCO is required to develop a plan to restore the measure of risk to a level that complies with policy limits within two quarters.

Measures of net interest income at risk produced by simulation analysis are indicators of an institution’s short-term performance in alternative rate environments. These measures are typically based upon a relatively brief period, usually one year. They do not necessarily indicate the long-term prospects or economic value of the institution.

Estimated Changes in Net Interest Income
Change in Interest Rates:	+ 400 bp	+ 300 bp	+ 200 bp	+ 100 bp	- 100 bp	- 200 bp	-300 bp	400 bp
Policy Limit	23.50%	17.50%	15.00%	10.00%	10.00%	15.00%	17.50%	23.50%
September 30, 2017	(5.34%)	(3.59%)	(1.88%)	(0.67%)	(2.50%)	N/A	N/A	N/A
December 31, 2016	(8.55%)	(5.76%)	(2.84%)	(1.20%)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

As shown above, measures of net interest income at risk improved from December 31, 2016 at all shock levels. All measures remained well within prescribed policy limits.

The decrease in the risk position with respect to net interest income from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017 at all shock levels was the result of restructuring of FHLB advances in 2017 and the elimination of subordinated debt in January. The elimination of the optionality associated with the related interest rates reduces the Company’s exposure to potential future increases in interest rates.

The measures of equity value at risk indicate the ongoing economic value of the Company by considering the effects of changes in interest rates on all of the Company’s cash flows, and by discounting the cash flows to estimate the present value of assets and liabilities. The difference between these discounted values of the assets and liabilities is the economic value of equity, which, in theory, approximates the fair value of the Company’s net assets.

Estimated Changes in Economic Value of Equity (EVE)
Change in Interest Rates:	+ 400 bp	+ 300 bp	+ 200 bp	+ 100 bp	- 100 bp	- 200 bp	-300 bp	-400 bp
Policy Limit	35.00%	25.00%	20.00%	10.00%	10.00%	20.00%	25.00%	35.00%
September 30, 2017	(18.36%)	(12.82%)	(7.72%)	(3.15%)	(1.93%)	N/A	N/A	N/A
December 31, 2016	(14.83%)	(10.72%)	(6.42%)	(2.86%)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Measures of the economic value of equity (“EVE”) at risk increased from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017 in all of the shock scenarios. The increase in EVE’s exposure position is the result of the lengthening duration of loans as a result of rising interest rates.

Liquidity Management

Liquidity is measured by a financial institution's ability to raise funds through loan repayments, maturing investments, deposit growth, borrowed funds, capital and the sale of highly marketable assets such as investment securities and residential mortgage loans. The Company's liquidity position, considering both internal and external sources available, exceeded anticipated short-term and long-term needs at September 30, 2017. Management considers core deposits, defined to include all deposits other than time deposits of $100 thousand or more, to be a relatively stable funding source. Core deposits equaled 70% of total interest-earning assets at September 30, 2017. In addition, loan payments, maturities, calls and pay downs of securities, deposit growth and earnings contribute a flow of funds available to meet liquidity requirements. In assessing liquidity, management considers operating requirements, the seasonality of deposit flows, investment, loan and deposit maturities and calls, expected funding of loans and deposit withdrawals, and the market values of available-for-sale investments, so that sufficient funds are available on short notice to meet obligations as they arise and to ensure that the Company is able to pursue new business opportunities.

Liquidity is measured using an approach designed to take into account, in addition to factors already discussed above, the Company’s growth and mortgage banking activities. Also considered are changes in the liquidity of the investment portfolio due to fluctuations in interest rates. Under this approach, implemented by the Funds Management Subcommittee of ALCO under formal policy guidelines, the Company’s liquidity position is measured weekly, looking forward at thirty day intervals from thirty (30) to three hundred sixty (360) days. The measurement is based upon the projection of funds sold or purchased position, along with ratios and trends developed to measure dependence on purchased funds and core growth. Resulting projections as of September 30, 2017, show short-term investments exceeding short-term borrowings by $21 million over the subsequent 360 days. This projected excess of liquidity versus requirements provides the Company with flexibility in how it funds loans and other earning assets.

The Company also has external sources of funds, which can be drawn upon when required. The main sources of external liquidity are available lines of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and the Federal Reserve. The line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta totaled $1.6 billion, of which $1.6 billion was available for borrowing based on pledged collateral, with $633 million borrowed against it as of September 30, 2017. The line of credit at the Federal Reserve totaled $343 million, all of which was available for borrowing based on pledged collateral, with no borrowings against it as of September 30, 2017. Other external sources of liquidity available to the Company in the form of unsecured lines of credit granted by correspondent banks totaled $70 million at September 30, 2017, against which there were no outstanding borrowings. In addition, the Company had a secured line of credit with a correspondent bank of $20 million as of September 30, 2017. Based upon its liquidity analysis, including external sources of liquidity available, management believes the liquidity position was appropriate at September 30, 2017.

The parent company (“Bancorp”) is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, Bancorp is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its common shareholders and interest and principal on outstanding debt. Bancorp’s primary source of income is dividends received from the Bank. The amount of dividends that the Bank may declare and pay to Bancorp in any calendar year, without the receipt of prior approval from the Federal Reserve, cannot exceed net income for that year to date plus retained net income (as defined) for the preceding two calendar years. Based on this requirement, as of September 30, 2017, the Bank could have declared a dividend of $32 million to Bancorp. At September 30, 2017, Bancorp had liquid assets of $13 million.

Arrangements to fund credit products or guarantee financing take the form of loan commitments (including lines of credit on revolving credit structures) and letters of credit. Approvals for these arrangements are obtained in the same manner as loans. Generally, cash flows, collateral value and risk assessment are considered when determining the amount and structure of credit arrangements.

Commitments to extend credit in the form of consumer, commercial real estate and business at the dates indicated were as follows:

			September 30,	December 31,
(In thousands)		2017		2016
Commercial		$	427,597	$	334,552
Real estate-development and construction			131,144		97,524
Real estate-residential mortgage			16,651		22,970
Lines of credit, principally home equity and business lines			1,047,227		949,939
Standby letters of credit			68,607		68,748
	Total commitments to extend credit and available credit lines	$	1,691,226	$	1,473,733

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to provide financing to a customer with the provision that there are no violations of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have interest rates determined by current market rates, expirations dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Lines of credit typically represent unused portions of lines of credit that were provided and remain available as long as there is no violation of any contractual condition. Commitments to extend credit are evaluated on a case by case basis periodically. Many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon. It would be highly unlikely that all customers would draw on their lines of credit in full at any time and, therefore, the total commitment amount or line of credit amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See “Financial Condition - Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, above, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated as of the last day of the period covered by this report, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Act of 1934) during the three months ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in litigation arising from the banking, financial and other activities it conducts. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results or liquidity.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors as discussed in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company’s 2015 stock repurchase program expired on August 31, 2017. Under the recently expired repurchase program a total of 736,139 shares of common stock were repurchased. Those repurchases were conducted through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. The following table provides information regarding repurchase transactions executed during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

			Total number of shares	Maximum number that
			purchased as part of	may yet be purchased
	Total number of	Average price paid	publicly announced plans	under the plans or
Period	shares purchased	per share	or programs	programs
July 1, 2017 through
July 31, 2017	-	N/A	-	463,861
August 1, 2017 through
August 31, 2017	-	N/A	-	463,861
September 1, 2017 through
September 30, 2017	-	N/A	-	-

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities – None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures – Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information - None

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit 31(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31(b) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S. Section 1350

Exhibit 32(b) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S. Section 1350

Exhibit 101 The following materials from the Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter end September 30, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition; (ii) The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (v) The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (vi) related notes.

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.

(Registrant)

By: /s/ Daniel J. Schrider

Daniel J. Schrider

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 3, 2017

By: /s/ Philip J. Mantua

Philip J. Mantua

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 3, 2017