Unassociated Document
 
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, 2011

OR

¨ 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, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨     Accelerated filer x     Non-accelerated filer ¨       Smaller reporting company ¨

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

The number of outstanding shares of common stock outstanding as of November 2, 2011.

Common stock, $1.00 par value – 24,083,640 shares
 
 

 


SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition - Unaudited at
 
 
September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Unaudited for the Three and Nine Months
 
 
Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Unaudited for the Nine
 
 
Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – Unaudited for the
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
     
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
28
     
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
49
     
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
50
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
51
     
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
51
     
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
51
     
ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
51
     
ITEM 4.
[RESERVED]
51
     
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
51
     
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
51
     
SIGNATURES
52
 
 
 
2

 
 

 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report 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 Annual Report Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2011 and the following:
 
 
·
general business and economic conditions nationally or in the markets we serve 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.  We do 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.


 
1

 
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)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 43,132     $ 44,696  
Federal funds sold
    1,146       1,813  
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
    26,535       16,608  
Cash and cash equivalents
    70,813       63,117  
Residential mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value)
    23,096       22,717  
Investments available-for-sale (at fair value)
    952,074       907,283  
Investments held-to-maturity — fair value of $193,432 and $104,124 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
    189,520       101,590  
Other equity securities
    32,586       34,070  
Total loans and leases
    2,145,403       2,156,232  
Less: allowance for loan and lease losses
    (49,720 )     (62,135 )
Net loans and leases
    2,095,683       2,094,097  
Premises and equipment, net
    48,750       49,004  
Other real estate owned
    7,938       9,493  
Accrued interest receivable
    12,382       12,570  
Goodwill
    76,816       76,816  
Other intangible assets, net
    5,195       6,578  
Other assets
    111,190       142,053  
Total assets
  $ 3,626,043     $ 3,519,388  
                 
Liabilities
               
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 643,169     $ 566,812  
Interest-bearing deposits
    1,997,155       1,983,060  
Total deposits
    2,640,324       2,549,872  
Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased
    79,529       96,243  
Advances from FHLB
    405,496       405,758  
Subordinated debentures
    35,000       35,000  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    24,903       24,946  
Total liabilities
    3,185,252       3,111,819  
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Common stock — par value $1.00; shares authorized 50,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 24,079,204 and 24,046,627 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
    24,079       24,047  
Warrants
    -       3,699  
Additional paid in capital
    177,451       177,344  
Retained earnings
    226,114       205,099  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    13,147       (2,620 )
Total stockholders' equity
    440,791       407,569  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 3,626,043     $ 3,519,388  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements
 
2

 

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)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest Income:
                       
Interest and fees on loans and leases
  $ 26,791     $ 29,084     $ 80,597     $ 87,742  
Interest on loans held for sale
    142       148       388       321  
Interest on deposits with banks
    23       61       62       158  
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
                               
Taxable
    5,693       6,336       16,782       18,640  
Exempt from federal income taxes
    2,355       1,737       6,932       5,372  
Interest on federal funds sold
    -       1       1       2  
Total interest income
    35,004       37,367       104,762       112,235  
Interest Expense:
                               
Interest on deposits
    2,773       3,883       8,673       13,741  
Interest on retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased
    49       61       155       198  
Interest on advances from FHLB
    3,628       3,676       10,769       10,949  
Interest on subordinated debt
    224       248       671       693  
Total interest expense
    6,674       7,868       20,268       25,581  
Net interest income
    28,330       29,499       84,494       86,654  
Provision (credit) for loan and lease losses
    (3,520 )     2,453       (854 )     23,585  
Net interest income after provision  (credit) for loan and lease losses
    31,850       27,046       85,348       63,069  
Non-interest Income:
                               
Investment securities gains
    231       25       283       323  
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses
    (76 )     (334 )     (178 )     (1,168 )
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes
    -       (46 )     18       699  
Net OTTI recognized in earnings
    (76 )     (380 )     (160 )     (469 )
Service charges on deposit accounts
    2,444       2,567       7,133       7,984  
Mortgage banking activities
    1,141       1,516       2,404       2,750  
Fees on sales of investment products
    905       782       2,768       2,464  
Trust and investment management fees
    3,032       2,505       8,837       7,488  
Insurance agency commissions
    1,044       978       3,177       3,895  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    662       709       1,962       2,105  
Visa check fees
    927       843       2,710       2,438  
Other income
    1,026       994       3,016       3,082  
Total non-interest income
    11,336       10,539       32,130       32,060  
Non-interest Expenses:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    14,892       13,841       44,192       41,393  
Occupancy expense of premises
    2,784       2,826       8,717       8,625  
Equipment expenses
    1,143       1,137       3,413       3,655  
Marketing
    468       589       1,662       1,678  
Outside data services
    1,073       966       3,067       3,007  
FDIC insurance
    709       1,056       2,489       3,383  
Amortization of intangible assets
    461       495       1,384       1,487  
Other expenses
    4,318       4,230       12,824       11,483  
Total non-interest expenses
    25,848       25,140       77,748       74,711  
Income before income taxes
    17,338       12,445       39,730       20,418  
Income tax expense
    6,081       3,961       12,886       5,174  
Net income
  $ 11,257     $ 8,484     $ 26,844     $ 15,244  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    -       2,074       -       4,477  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 11,257     $ 6,410     $ 26,844     $ 10,767  
                                 
Net Income Per Share Amounts:
                               
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.35     $ 1.11     $ 0.70  
Basic net income per common share
    0.47       0.27       1.11       0.49  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.35     $ 1.11     $ 0.70  
Diluted net income per common share
    0.47       0.27       1.11       0.49  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.01     $ 0.24     $ 0.03  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements
 
3

 


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

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 26,844     $ 15,244  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in ) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,566       5,816  
Net OTTI recognized in earnings
    160       469  
Provision (credit) for loan and lease losses
    (854 )     23,585  
Share based compensation expense
    942       791  
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    5,369       (1,911 )
Origination of loans held for sale
    (155,965 )     (161,814 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    157,774       157,182  
Gains on sales of loans held for sale
    (2,188 )     (2,104 )
Loss on sales of other real estate owned
    1,453       -  
Investment securities gains
    (283 )     (323 )
Loss (gains) on sales of premises and equipment
    18       (92 )
Net decrease in accrued interest receivable
    188       570  
Net decrease in other assets
    10,080       3,162  
Net increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    3,864       3,114  
Other – net
    5,656       4,495  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    58,624       48,184  
Investing activities:
               
Purchases of investments held-to-maturity
    (121,767 )     -  
Purchases of investments available-for-sale
    (300,627 )     (600,295 )
Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock
    1,485       121  
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal payments of investments held-to-maturity
    34,042       26,282  
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal payments of investments available-for-sale
    277,035       512,503  
Net (increase) decrease in loans and leases
    (6,492 )     83,641  
Proceeds from the sales of other real estate owned
    5,338       5,294  
Expenditures for premises and equipment
    (3,087 )     (1,757 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (114,073 )     25,789  
Financing activities:
               
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
    90,452       (111,346 )
Net (decrease) increase in retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased
    (16,714 )     8,822  
Repayment of advances from FHLB
    (262 )     (2,321 )
Redemption of stock warrant
    (4,449 )     -  
Redemption of preferred stock
    -       (41,547 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (334 )     -  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    205       95,961  
Tax benefits associated with shared based compensation
    76       15  
Dividends paid
    (5,829 )     (3,628 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    63,145       (54,044 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    7,696       19,929  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    63,117       59,796  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 70,813     $ 79,725  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures:
               
Interest payments
  $ 20,288     $ 25,931  
Income tax payments
    6,140       181  
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned
    5,761       8,300  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements
 
4

 


SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY - UNAUDITED
 
                                  
Accumulated
       
                     
Additional
         
Other
   
Total
 
   
Preferred
   
Common
         
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Stockholders’
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Stock
   
Stock
   
Warrants
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
Balances at December 31, 2010
  $ -     $ 24,047     $ 3,699     $ 177,344     $ 205,099     $ (2,620 )   $ 407,569  
Comprehensive Income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       -       26,844       -       26,844  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                       
Net unrealized gain on debt securities, net of reclassification adjustment
    -       -       -       -       -       15,232       15,232  
Change in funded status of defined benefit pension
    -       -       -       -       -       535       535  
Total Comprehensive Income
                                                    42,611  
Common stock dividends -  $0.24 per share
    -       -       -       -       (5,829 )     -       (5,829 )
Stock compensation expense
    -       -       -       942       -       -       942  
Stock warrant redemption
    -       -       (3,699 )     (750 )     -       -       (4,449 )
Common stock issued pursuant to:
                                                       
Stock option plan - 1,765 shares
    -       2       -       19       -       -       21  
Employee stock purchase plan - 24,121 shares
    -       24       -       352       -       -       376  
Director stock purchase plan - 1,833 shares
    -       2               30       -       -       32  
Restricted stock - 28,450 shares
    -       28       -       (176 )     -       -       (148 )
Purchase of treasury shares - 23,592 shares
    -       (24 )     -       (310 )     -       -       (334 )
Balances at September 30, 2011
  $ -     $ 24,079     $ -     $ 177,451     $ 226,114     $ 13,147     $ 440,791  
                                                         
Balances at December 31, 2009
  $ 80,095     $ 16,488     $ 3,699     $ 87,334     $ 188,622     $ (2,652 )   $ 373,586  
Comprehensive Income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       -       15,244       -       15,244  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                       
Net unrealized gain on debt securities, net of reclassification adjustment
    -       -       -       -       -       10,527       10,527  
Change in funded status of defined benefit pension
    -       -       -       -       -       509       509  
Total Comprehensive Income
                                                    26,280  
Redemption of preferred stock - 41,547 shares
    (41,547 )     -       -       -       -       -       (41,547 )
Common stock dividends -  $0.03 per share
    -       -       -       -       (652 )     -       (652 )
Preferred stock dividends - $37.50 per share
    -       -       -       -       (2,717 )     -       (2,717 )
Stock compensation expense
    -       -       -       791       -       -       791  
Discount accretion
    1,760       -       -       -       (1,760 )     -       -  
Common stock issued pursuant to:
                                                       
Common stock issuance - 7,475,000 shares
    -       7,475       -       88,159       -       -       95,634  
Stock option plan - 2,216 shares
    -       2       -       30       -       -       32  
Employee stock purchase plan - 25,519 shares
    -       26       -       276       -       -       302  
Restricted stock - 12,247 shares
    -       12       -       (79 )     -       -       (67 )
Director stock purchase plan - 3,709 shares
    -       4               68       -       -       72  
DRIP plan - 205 shares
    -       -       -       3       -       -       3  
Balances at September 30, 2010
  $ 40,308     $ 24,007     $ 3,699     $ 176,582     $ 198,737     $ 8,384     $ 451,717  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements
 
5

 

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE 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”), which conducts a full-service commercial banking, mortgage banking and trust business. Services to individuals and businesses include accepting deposits, extending real estate, consumer and commercial loans and lines of credit, equipment leasing, general insurance, personal trust, and investment and wealth management services. The Company operates in the six Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's, and in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. The Company offers investment and wealth management services through the Bank’s subsidiary, West Financial Services.  Insurance products are available to clients through the agencies of Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods or for the year ending December 31, 2011. 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 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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 16, 2011.  There have been no significant changes to the Company’s accounting policies as disclosed in the 2010 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 significant 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 and lease losses and the related allowance, potential impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, valuation of investment securities and the determination of whether impaired securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, determination of impaired loans and the related measurement of impairment, 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 an original maturity of three months or less).

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance regarding disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010.  For disclosures about activity during a reporting period, those disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  The purpose of the guidance is to enhance disclosures required on financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses.  The disclosures provide enhanced information on the credit quality of a creditor’s financing receivables and the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses.  This information is required to be presented on a disaggregated basis and includes the aging of the receivables, the nature and extent of any troubled debt restructurings and the effect on the allowance for credit losses.  This guidance also requires disclosures of any significant purchases or sales of receivables.  The application of this guidance did not have any material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company, but increased the Company’s disclosures related to the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for loan and lease losses.
 
6

 

In April 2011, the FASB issued a standard that  provides creditors guidance when analyzing modifications to the terms of receivables to determine if it meets criteria to be considered a troubled debt restructuring (TDR), both for purposes of recording impairment and  disclosure of troubled debt restructurings. The new guidance also increases the qualitative and quantitative disclosures related to TDRs. This guidance may cause prior-period restructurings to be considered a TDR subsequent to the effective date of this guidance, in addition to producing significant changes to creditors’ evaluation methods and their disclosures of TDRs.  The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011.  The application of this guidance did not have any material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

The FASB issued guidance in September 2011 that provides for the optional application of a qualitative assessment to the goodwill impairment test.  The guidance provides entities with the option to qualitatively determine whether they can bypass the two-step goodwill impairment test under current guidance.  Under this guidance, if an entity chooses to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that it is more likely that not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less that its carrying amount, it would have to perform a Step 1 goodwill impairment test and, if necessary, proceed to the Step 2 process.  If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill, no further evaluation would be necessary.  The decision to conduct a qualitative assessment must be made at the reporting unit level.  Entities with multiple reporting units may utilize a mix of qualitative and quantitative tests for it’s various reporting units.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  The Company has opted to adopt this guidance early in the fourth quarter of 2011.  This guidance will not have any impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Pending Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB issued a standard in April 2011 that removed from the assessment of effective control the criterion relating to the transferor’s ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, as the criterion is not a determining factor of effective control.  This guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance on fair value that applies to all entities that measure assets, liabilities or instruments classified in stockholders’ equity at fair value or provide fair value disclosures for items not recorded at fair value.  The guidance clarifies how a principal market is determined, addresses the fair value measurement of instruments with offsetting market or counterparty credit risk and the concept of valuation premise and highest and best use, extends the prohibition of blockage factors to all three levels of the fair value hierarchy, and requires additional disclosures.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Differences in fair value measurement resulting from the application of the guidance will be recognized in income in the period of adoption as a change in estimate.  Disclosure requirements will be recognized prospectively.  Changes in valuation techniques and related inputs as a result of the application of the guidance in addition to an estimate of the total effect of the changes, if practicable, will be disclosed in the period of adoption.   The application of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

In June 2011, the FASB issued a standard that requires comprehensive income to be reported in either a single statement or two consecutive statements reporting net income and other comprehensive income.  The guidance does not alter the items that are reported in other comprehensive income or require reclassification of items from other comprehensive income to net income. This guidance should be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  This guidance will not have any impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company as it will only affect the presentation of the information in the financial statements.
 
7

 


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, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
         
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
  $ 206,409     $ 3,168     $ (12 )   $ 209,565     $ 305,643     $ 3,949     $ (2,887 )   $ 306,705  
State and municipal
    158,196       8,450       (7 )     166,639       111,583       182       (4,228 )     107,537  
Mortgage-backed
    549,836       20,282       (36 )     570,082       476,914       10,998       (951 )     486,961  
Trust preferred
    5,936       325       (573 )     5,688       6,783       190       (993 )     5,980  
Total debt securities
    920,377       32,225       (628 )     951,974       900,923       15,319       (9,059 )     907,183  
Marketable equity securities
    100       -       -       100       100       -       -       100  
Total investments available-for-sale
  $ 920,477     $ 32,225     $ (628 )   $ 952,074     $ 901,023     $ 15,319     $ (9,059 )   $ 907,283  

At September 30, 2011, unrealized losses associated with U.S. Government Agencies and state and municipal securities have been caused by changes in interest rates and are not considered credit related as the contractual cash flows of these investments are either explicitly or implicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  The mortgage-backed portfolio at September 30, 2011 is composed entirely of either the most senior tranches of GNMA collateralized mortgage obligations ($228.3 million), or GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities ($341.8 million).  The Company does not intend to sell these securities and has sufficient liquidity to hold these securities for an adequate period of time, which may be maturity, to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.  Unrealized losses that are related to the prevailing interest rate environment will decline over time and recover as these securities approach maturity.

At September 30, 2011, the trust preferred portfolio consisted of two securities totaling $3.0 million, each backed by a single financial institution issuer.  The fair value of this security was $3.3 million as determined using broker quotations. The Company also owns one pooled trust preferred security backed by debt issued by banks and thrifts, which totals $2.9 million, with a fair value of $2.4 million.  The fair value of this security was determined by a third party valuation specialist due to the limited trading activity for this security in the marketplace.

The specialist used an income valuation approach technique (present value technique) that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.  The methodology and significant assumptions employed by the specialist to determine fair value included:
 
·
Evaluation of the structural terms as established in the indenture;
 
·
Detailed credit and structural evaluation for each piece of collateral in the pool;
 
·
Default, recovery and prepayment/amortization probabilities;
 
·
Identification  of adverse conditions specifically related to the security, industry and geographical area;
 
·
Projection of estimated cash flows that incorporate default expectations and loss severities;
 
·
Review of  historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security;
 
·
Evaluation of credit risk concentrations;
 
·
Evaluation of the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost; and
 
·
A discount rate of 12.62% was established using credit adjusted financial institution spreads for comparably rated institutions and a liquidity adjustment that considered the previously noted characteristics.

As a result of this evaluation, it was determined that the pooled trust preferred security incurred credit-related other-than-temporary impairment  (“OTTI”) of $76 thousand, which was recognized in earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, credit-related OTTI incurred on this security amounted to $160 thousand.  Cumulative credit-related OTTI of $422 thousand has been recognized in earnings through September 30, 2011.  The non-credit related OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) at September 30, 2011 was $0.6 million.  The security is not expected to be sold and the Company has the ability to hold the security until maturity.

The significant inputs used to measure the amount related to credit loss consisted of the following:

 
·
Default rates were developed based on the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool and the payment or deferral status.  Conditional default rates were estimated based on the payment characteristics of the security and the financial condition of the issuers in the pool.  Near term and future defaults are estimated using third party industry data in addition to a review of key financial ratios and other pertinent data on the financial stability of the underlying issuer;
 
·
Loss severity is forecasted based on the type of impairment using research performed by third parties;
 
·
The security only contains one level of subordination below the senior tranche, with the senior tranche receiving the spread from the subordinate bonds.  Given recent performance, it is not expected that the senior tranche will receive its full interest and principal at the bond’s maturity date;
 
·
Credit ratings of the underlying issuers are reviewed in conjunction with the development of the default rates applied to determine the credit amounts related to the credit loss; and
 
8

 


 
·
Potential prepayments are estimated based on terms and rates of the underlying trust preferred securities to determine the impact of excess spread on the credit enhancement, the removal of the strongest institutions from the underlying pool and any impact that prepayments might have on diversity and concentration.

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, 2010
  $ 262  
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized
    160  
Cumulative credit losses on investment securities, through September 30, 2011
  $ 422  

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:

At September 30, 2011
             
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
    2     $ 14,990     $ 12     $ -     $ 12  
State and municipal
    1       395       7       -       7  
Mortgage-backed
    5       20,623       35       1       36  
Trust preferred
    1       2,365       -       573       573  
Total
    9     $ 38,373     $ 54     $ 574     $ 628  

At December 31, 2010
             
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
    13     $ 115,829     $ 2,887     $ -     $ 2,887  
State and municipal
    72       91,693       4,228       -       4,228  
Mortgage-backed
    11       139,899       949       2       951  
Trust preferred
    1       2,798       -       993       993  
Total
    97     $ 350,219     $ 8,064     $ 995     $ 9,059  

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment 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, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
         
Estimated
         
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 65,346     $ 65,961     $ 31,537     $ 31,747  
Due after one year through five years
    76,513       78,689       167,190       170,292  
Due after five years through ten years
    345,192       354,617       258,107       255,700  
Due after ten years
    433,326       452,707       444,089       449,444  
Total debt securities available for sale
  $ 920,377     $ 951,974     $ 900,923     $ 907,183  

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, investments available-for-sale with a book value of $256.7 million and $244.2 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, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
9

 


Investments held-to-maturity
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments held-to-maturity at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:
    
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
         
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
  $ 74,998     $ 143     $ (188 )   $ 74,953     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
State and municipal
    114,094       3,966       (61 )     117,999       101,091       2,530       (44 )     103,577  
Mortgage-backed
    428       52       -       480       499       48       -       547  
Total investments held-to-maturity
  $ 189,520     $ 4,161     $ (249 )   $ 193,432     $ 101,590     $ 2,578     $ (44 )   $ 104,124  

Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual held-to-maturity securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at the dates indicated are presented in the following tables:

At September 30, 2011
             
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
    4     $ 44,812     $ 188     $ -     $ 188  
State and municipal
    7       12,843       61       -       61  
Total
    11     $ 57,655     $ 249     $ -     $ 249  

At December 31, 2010
             
Continuous Unrealized
       
               
Losses Existing for:
       
   
Number
                     
Total
 
   
of
         
Less than
   
More than
   
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
securities
   
Fair Value
   
12 months
   
12 months
   
Losses
 
State and municipal
    4     $ 1,769     $ 33     $ 11     $ 44  
Total
    4     $ 1,769     $ 33     $ 11     $ 44  
 
The Company does not intend to sell these securities and has sufficient liquidity to hold these securities for an adequate period of time, which may be maturity, to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Accordingly, the unrealized losses in the held-to-maturity portfolio are considered temporary in nature.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of debt securities held-to-maturity by contractual maturity at the dates indicated are reflected in the following table. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
         
Estimated
         
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 24,047     $ 24,516     $ 26,238     $ 26,750  
Due after one year through five years
    9,511       9,875       15,871       16,616  
Due after five years through ten years
    114,872       116,371       24,426       25,118  
Due after ten years
    41,090       42,670       35,055       35,640  
Total debt securities held-to-maturity
  $ 189,520     $ 193,432     $ 101,590     $ 104,124  

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, investments held-to-maturity with a book value of $61.4 million and $85.8 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. Agency securities, exceeded ten percent of stockholders' equity at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
10

 


Other Equity securities
Other equity securities at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Federal Reserve Bank stock
  $ 7,530     $ 7,530  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock
    24,981       26,465  
Atlantic Central Bank stock
    75       75  
Total equity securities
  $ 32,586     $ 34,070  

NOTE 3 – LOANS AND LEASES
The loan portfolio segment balances are presented in the following table at the dates indicated, net of unearned income and deferred fees of $2.0 million and $2.1 million, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively:
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Residential real estate:
           
Residential mortgage
  $ 440,606     $ 436,534  
Residential construction
    90,727       91,273  
Commercial real estate:
               
Commercial owner occupied real estate
    519,837       503,286  
Commercial investor real estate
    357,358       327,782  
Commercial acquisition, development and construction
    141,576       151,061  
Commercial Business
    226,528       250,255  
Leases
    8,484       15,551  
Consumer
    360,287       380,490  
Total loans and leases
  $ 2,145,403     $ 2,156,232  
 
 
11

 

NOTE 4 – CREDIT QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
Summary information on the allowance for loan and lease loss activity at the dates indicated ended is provided in the following table:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 62,135     $ 64,559  
Provision (credit) for loan and lease losses
    (854 )     23,585  
Loan and lease charge-offs
    (12,612 )     (23,969 )
Loan and lease recoveries
    1,051       3,107  
Net charge-offs
    (11,561 )     (20,862 )
Balance at period end
  $ 49,720     $ 67,282  

The following table provides information on the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses by the respective loan portfolio segment for the period indicated:

    
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
         
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
   
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 12,870     $ 18,241     $ 4,793     $ 8,177     $ 667     $ 4,231     $ 10,396     $ 2,760     $ 62,135  
Provision (credit)
    (3,328 )     (8,947 )     493       (647 )     1,042       3,229       4,967       2,337       (854 )
Charge-offs
    (2,146 )     (840 )     (534 )     (158 )     (885 )     (2,320 )     (4,292 )     (1,437 )     (12,612 )
Recoveries
    190       573       4       -       12       141       127       4       1,051  
Net charge-offs
    (1,956 )     (267 )     (530 )     (158 )     (873 )     (2,179 )     (4,165 )     (1,433 )     (11,561 )
Balance at period end
  $ 7,586     $ 9,027     $ 4,756     $ 7,372     $ 836     $ 5,281     $ 11,198     $ 3,664     $ 49,720  
                                                                         
Total loans and leases
  $ 226,528     $ 141,576     $ 357,358     $ 519,837     $ 8,484     $ 360,287     $ 440,606     $ 90,727     $ 2,145,403  
Allowance for loans and leases to total loans and leases ratio
    3.35 %     6.38 %     1.33 %     1.42 %     9.85 %     1.47 %     2.54 %     4.04 %     2.32 %
                                                                         
Balance of loans specifically evaluated for impairment
  $ 9,949     $ 24,481     $ 16,118     $ 12,556    
na.
    $ 35     $ 4,000     $ 2,596     $ 69,735  
Allowance for loans specifically evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,234     $ 836     $ 137     $ 1,175    
na.
   
na.
    $ 597     $ 1,053     $ 5,032  
Specific allowance to specific loans ratio
    12.40 %     3.41 %     0.85 %     9.36 %  
na.
   
na.
      14.93 %     40.56 %     7.22 %
                                                                         
Balance of loans collectively evaluated
  $ 216,579     $ 117,095     $ 341,240     $ 507,281     $ 8,484     $ 360,252     $ 436,606     $ 88,131     $ 2,075,668  
Allowance for loans collectively evaluated
  $ 6,352     $ 8,191     $ 4,619     $ 6,197     $ 836     $ 5,281     $ 10,601     $ 2,611     $ 44,688  
Collective allowance to collective loans ratio
    2.93 %     7.00 %     1.35 %     1.22 %     9.85 %     1.47 %     2.43 %     2.96 %     2.15 %

The following table presents 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:

 
12

 
 

At September 30, 2011
       
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
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Non-accruing
    1,644       2,790       464       2,610       1,178       8,686  
Restructured accruing
    1,375       -       -       709       3,433       5,517  
Restructured non-accruing
    482       6,608       785       3,311       392       11,578  
Balance
  $ 3,501     $ 9,398     $ 1,249     $ 6,630     $ 5,003     $ 25,781  
                                                 
Allowance
  $ 1,234     $ 836     $ 137     $ 1,175     $ 1,650     $ 5,032  
                                                 
Impaired loans without a specific allowance
                                               
Accruing
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Non-accruing
    3,654       10,035       14,192       5,039       -       32,920  
Restructured accruing
    536       -       -       -       35       571  
Restructured non-accruing
    2,258       5,048       677       887       1,593       10,463  
Balance
  $ 6,448     $ 15,083     $ 14,869     $ 5,926     $ 1,628     $ 43,954  
                                                 
Total impaired loans
                                               
Accruing
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Non-accruing
    5,298       12,825       14,656       7,649       1,178       41,606  
Restructured accruing
    1,911       -       -       709       3,468       6,088  
Restructured non-accruing
    2,740       11,656       1,462       4,198       1,985       22,041  
Balance
  $ 9,949     $ 24,481     $ 16,118     $ 12,556     $ 6,631     $ 69,735  
                                                 
Unpaid principal balance in total impaired loans
  $ 12,312     $ 43,804     $ 16,372     $ 13,266     $ -     $ 85,754  

At December 31, 2010
       
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
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Non-accruing
    4,755       4,792       1,175       3,060       -       13,782  
Restructured accruing
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Restructured non-accruing
    627       2,664       -       1,873       -       5,164  
Balance
  $ 5,382     $ 7,456     $ 1,175     $ 4,933     $ -     $ 18,946  
                                                 
Allowance
  $ 2,507     $ 289     $ 274     $ 775     $ -     $ 3,845  
                                                 
Impaired loans without a specific allowance
                                               
Accruing
  $ -     $ 6,383     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 6,383  
Non-accruing
    916       12,076       578       6,119       -       19,689  
Restructured accruing
    209       4,545       3,878       710       1,229       10,571  
Restructured non-accruing
    1,640       10,885       -       729       771       14,025  
Balance
  $ 2,765     $ 33,889     $ 4,456     $ 7,558     $ 2,000     $ 50,668  
                                                 
Total impaired loans
                                               
Accruing
  $ -     $ 6,383     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 6,383  
Non-accruing
    5,671       16,868       1,753       9,179       -       33,471  
Restructured accruing
    209       4,545       3,878       710       1,229       10,571  
Restructured non-accruing
    2,267       13,549       -       2,602       771       19,189  
Balance
  $ 8,147     $ 41,345     $ 5,631     $ 12,491     $ 2,000     $ 69,614  
                                                 
Unpaid principal balance in total impaired loans
  $ 10,929     $ 63,811     $ 5,631     $ 12,171     $ -     $ 92,542  

The Company had commitments to lend $2.5 million in additional funds on loans that have been restructured at September 30, 2011.  At December 31, 2010, the Company had commitments to lend $4.5 million in additional funds on loans that have been restructured.

 
13

 
 

The following table provides information regarding impaired loans for the period indicated:

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
       
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
  $ 9,564     $ 32,666     $ 8,576     $ 13,211     $ 4,871     $ 68,887  
Contractual interest income due on impaired loans during the period
  $ 479     $ 1,496     $ 445     $ 682     $ 690          
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis
  $ 186     $ 397     $ 26     $ 374     $ 133          
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on an accrual basis
  $ 87     $ -     $ -     $ 34     $ 129          

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

(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
  $ 25,781     $ 18,946  
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
    43,954       50,668  
Total impaired loans
  $ 69,735     $ 69,614  
                 
Allowance for loan and lease losses related to impaired loans
  $ 5,032     $ 3,845  
Allowance for loan and lease losses related to loans collectively evaluated
    44,688       58,290  
Total allowance for loan and lease losses
  $ 49,720     $ 62,135  
                 
   
Nine Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Average impaired loans for the period
  $ 68,887     $ 75,556  
Contractual interest income due on impaired loans during the period
  $ 3,792     $ 6,651  
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis
  $ 1,116     $ -  
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on an accrual basis
  $ 250     $ 524
 
Credit Quality
The following tables provide information on the credit quality of the loan portfolio by segment at the dates indicated:

At September 30, 2011
       
Commercial Real Estate
               
Residential Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
                               
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
               
Residential
   
Residential
       
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Non-performing loans and assets:
                                                     
Non-accrual loans and leases
  $ 8,038     $ 24,481     $ 16,118     $ 11,847     $ 956     $ 1,478     $ 6,081     $ 5,034     $ 74,033  
Loans and leases 90 days past due
    -       -       -       -       63       373       2,291       -       2,727  
Restructured loans and leases (accruing)
    1,911       -       -       709       -       35       2,788       645       6,088  
Total non-performing loans and leases
    9,949       24,481       16,118       12,556       1,019       1,886       11,160       5,679       82,848  
Other real estate owned
    -       400       462       -       -       -       5,458       1,618       7,938  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 9,949     $ 24,881     $ 16,580     $ 12,556     $ 1,019     $ 1,886     $ 16,618     $ 7,297     $ 90,786  

At December 31, 2010
       
Commercial Real Estate
               
Residential Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
                               
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
               
Residential
   
Residential
       
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Non-performing loans and assets:
                                                     
Non-accrual loans and leases
  $ 7,938     $ 30,417     $ 1,753     $ 11,781     $ 1,887     $ 300     $ 3,946     $ 5,305     $ 63,327  
Loans and leases 90 days past due
    19       -       -       -       407       182       9,871       3,675       14,154  
Restructured loans and leases (accruing)
    209       4,545       3,878       710       -       37       1,192       -       10,571  
Total non-performing loans and leases
    8,166       34,962       5,631       12,491       2,294       519       15,009       8,980       88,052  
Other real estate owned
    -       1,172       -       -       -       -       6,799       1,522       9,493  
Other assets owned
    -       -       -       -       -       200       -       -       200  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 8,166     $ 36,134     $ 5,631     $ 12,491     $ 2,294     $ 719     $ 21,808     $ 10,502     $ 97,745  
 
 
14

 
 

At September 30, 2011
       
Commercial Real Estate
               
Residential Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
                               
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
               
Residential
   
Residential
       
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Past due loans and leases
                                                     
31-60 days
  $ 1,132     $ -     $ 568     $ 2,608     $ 224     $ 790     $ 4,090     $ 1,219     $ 10,631  
61-90 days
    254       -       6,513       -       47       184       655       -       7,653  
> 90 days
    -       -       -       -       63       373       2,291       -       2,727  
Total past due
    1,386       -       7,081       2,608       334       1,347       7,036       1,219       21,011  
Non-accrual loans and leases
    8,038       24,481       16,118       11,847       956       1,478       6,081       5,034       74,033  
Current loans
    217,104       117,095       334,159       505,382       7,194       357,462       427,489       84,474       2,050,359  
Total loans and leases
  $ 226,528     $ 141,576     $ 357,358     $ 519,837     $ 8,484     $ 360,287     $ 440,606     $ 90,727     $ 2,145,403  

At December 31, 2010
       
Commercial Real Estate
               
Residential Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
                               
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
               
Residential
   
Residential
       
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Past due loans and leases
                                                     
31-60 days
  $ 2,294     $ -     $ 347     $ 156     $ 298     $ 1,685     $ 4,720     $ -     $ 9,500  
61-90 days
    20       -       -       108       21       385       1,593       -       2,127  
> 90 days
    19       -       -       -       407       182       9,871       3,675       14,154  
Total past due
    2,333       -       347       264       726       2,252       16,184       3,675       25,781  
Non-accrual loans and leases
    7,938       30,417       1,753       11,781       1,887       300       3,946       5,305       63,327  
Current loans
    239,984       120,644       325,682       491,241       12,938       377,938       416,404       82,293       2,067,124  
Total loans and leases
  $ 250,255     $ 151,061     $ 327,782     $ 503,286     $ 15,551     $ 380,490     $ 436,534     $ 91,273     $ 2,156,232  

The Company evaluates its commercial credits under an internal loan risk rating system as a means of identifying problem or potential problem loans.  The following table provides information by credit risk rating indicators for each segment of the commercial loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

At September 30, 2011
       
Commercial Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
       
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
       
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Total
 
Loan Classification:
                             
Risk Free to Marginally Acceptable
  $ 189,812     $ 112,650     $ 312,623     $ 463,242     $ 1,078,327  
Special Mention
    7,456       1,366       17,529       27,136       53,487  
Substandard
    27,499       27,560       27,206       29,459       111,724  
Doubtful
    1,761       -       -       -       1,761  
Total
  $ 226,528     $ 141,576     $ 357,358     $ 519,837     $ 1,245,299  
 
At December 31, 2010
       
Commercial Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
       
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
       
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Total
 
Loan Classification:
                             
Risk Free to Marginally Acceptable
  $ 205,111     $ 107,374     $ 294,134     $ 425,433     $ 1,032,052  
Special Mention
    11,324       2,342       23,742       44,035       81,443  
Substandard
    30,330       39,546       9,906       33,497       113,279  
Doubtful
    3,490       1,799       -       321       5,610  
Total
  $ 250,255     $ 151,061     $ 327,782     $ 503,286     $ 1,232,384  

 
15

 
 

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

At September 30, 2011
             
Residential Real Estate
       
               
Residential
   
Residential
       
(In thousands)
 
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Loan Classification:
                             
Performing
  $ 7,465     $ 358,401     $ 429,446     $ 85,048     $ 880,360  
Non-performing:
                                    -  
90 days past due
    63       373       2,291       -       2,727  
Non-accruing
    956       1,478       6,081       5,034       13,549  
Restructured loans and leases (accruing)
    -       35       2,788       645       3,468  
Total
  $ 8,484     $ 360,287     $ 440,606     $ 90,727     $ 900,104  

At December 31, 2010
             
Residential Real Estate
       
               
Residential
   
Residential
       
(In thousands)
 
Leasing
   
Consumer
   
Mortgage
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Loan Classification:
                             
Performing
  $ 13,257     $ 379,971     $ 421,525     $ 82,293     $ 897,046  
Non-performing:
                                       
90 days past due
    407       182       9,871       3,675       14,135  
Non-accruing
    1,887       300       3,946       5,305       11,438  
Restructured loans and leases (accruing)
    -       37       1,192       -       1,229  
Total
  $ 15,551     $ 380,490     $ 436,534     $ 91,273     $ 923,848  

During the first nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company restructured $6.9 million in loans.  Modifications consisted principally of interest rate concessions.  No modifications resulted in the reduction of the recorded investment 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 in the first nine months of 2011 have specific reserves of $1.6 million at September 30, 2011.  The following table provides information on restructured loans for specific segments of the loan portfolio at the date indicated:

   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
         
Commercial Real Estate
       
                     
Commercial
   
All
 
         
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Owner
   
Other
 
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
   
AD&C
   
Investor R/E
   
Occupied R/E
   
Loans
 
Troubled debt restructurings
                             
Restructured accruing
  $ 1,730     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,751  
Restructured non-accruing
    -       -       676       1,320       382  
Balance
  $ 1,730     $ -     $ 676     $ 1,320     $ 3,133  
                                         
Specific allowance
  $ 292     $ -     $ -     $ 537     $ 818  
                                         
Restructured and subsequently defaulted
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 460  

 
16

 
 
 
Other Real Estate Owned
OREO is comprised of properties acquired by the Bank in partial or total satisfaction of problem loans. The properties are initially recorded at fair value on date of acquisition less estimated costs of disposal (net realizable value). Losses existing at the time of acquisition of such properties are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Subsequent write-downs that may be required are expensed as incurred. Improvements to the properties may be capitalized if the improvements increase the overall value of the property.  Amounts may not be capitalized in excess of the net realizable value of the property.  Gains and losses realized from the sale of OREO, as well as valuation adjustments, are included in non-interest expense. Expenses of operation are included in non-interest expense.  Other real estate owned totaled $7.9 million and $9.5 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets and goodwill are presented in the following table:

    
At September 30, 2011
 
Weighted
 
At December 31, 2010
 
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
Amortized intangible assets:
                                       
Core deposit intangibles
  $ 9,716     $ (6,228 )   $ 3,488  
 2.6 years
  $ 9,716     $ (5,188 )   $ 4,528  
 3.3 years
Other identifiable intangibles
    8,301       (6,594 )     1,707  
 3.7 years
    8,301       (6,251 )     2,050  
 4.5 years
Total amortized intangible assets
  $ 18,017     $ (12,822 )   $ 5,195       $ 18,017     $ (11,439 )   $ 6,578    
                                                     
Goodwill
  $ 76,816             $ 76,816       $ 76,816             $ 76,816    

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

(In thousands)
 
Amount
 
2012
  $ 1,845  
2013
    1,778  
2014
    752  
2015
    303  
Thereafter
    55  
Total amortizing intangibles
  $ 4,733  
 
NOTE 6 – DEPOSITS
The following table presents the composition of deposits at the dates indicated:
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 643,169     $ 566,812  
Interest-bearing deposits:
               
Demand
    344,277       317,905  
Money market savings
    865,986       861,420  
Regular savings
    183,969       172,771  
Time deposits of less than $100,000
    326,497       351,071  
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
    276,426       279,893  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,997,155       1,983,060  
Total deposits
  $ 2,640,324     $ 2,549,872  

NOTE 7 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On February 23, 2011, the Company completed the redemption of the warrant issued to the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) in connection with the Company’s participation in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program for $4.5 million.  The redemption of the warrant resulted in a net reduction of additional paid-in capital of $0.8 million during the first quarter of 2011.  The warrant was issued as part of the Securities Purchase Agreement under TARP Capital Purchase Program that the Company entered into with the Treasury pursuant to which the Company sold 83,094 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and a warrant to purchase 651,547 shares of the Company’s common stock, for $83.1 million in cash. The preferred shares were redeemed in two transactions with one half of the shares redeemed in July 2010 and the remainder of the shares redeemed in December 2010.

 
17

 
 

The Company approved a stock repurchase program in August 2011 that permits the repurchase of up to 3% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock or approximately 730,000 shares.  Repurchases, which will be conducted through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, will be made depending on market conditions and other factors.  The Company repurchased 23,592 shares of common stock at an average price of $14.16 per share during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

NOTE 8 – SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
At September 30, 2011, the Company had two share based compensation plans in existence, the 1999 Stock Option Plan (expired but having outstanding options that may still be exercised) and the 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan, which is described below.

The Company’s 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) provides for the granting of non-qualifying stock options to the Company’s directors, and incentive and non-qualifying stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock grants to selected key employees on a periodic basis at the discretion of the board.  The Omnibus Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,800,000 shares of common stock of which 1,043,561 are available for issuance at September 30, 2011, 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 Stock Option 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.  Options granted under the expired 1999 Stock Option Plan remain outstanding until exercised or they expire.  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 with the weighted-average assumptions for the periods shown are presented in the following table:
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Dividend yield
    1.72 %     0.27 %
Weighted average expected volatility
    46.87 %     45.06 %
Weighted average risk-free interest rate
    2.58 %     2.91 %
Weighted average expected lives (in years)
    5.70       5.83  
Weighted average grant-date fair value
  $ 7.76     $ 6.65  

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 $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the awards of stock options and restricted stock grants.  The Company recognized compensation expense related to the awards of stock options and restricted stock grants of $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Stock options exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, had immaterial intrinsic values.  The total of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was approximately $0.4 million as of September 30, 2011.  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 $2.9 million as of September 30, 2011.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted period of approximately 3.5 years.  The fair value of the shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, was $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2011, 37,105 stock options were granted, subject to a three year vesting schedule with one third of the options vesting each year on the anniversary date of the grant.  Additionally, 85,389 shares of restricted stock were granted, subject to a five year vesting schedule with one fifth of the shares vesting each year on the grant date anniversary.  There were no additional stock options or shares of restricted stock granted in the second or third quarter of 2011.

 
18

 

 
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
 
(In thousands, except per share data):
 
Shares
   
Share Price
   
Life(Years)
   
(in thousands)
 
Balance at January 1, 2011
    722,367     $ 32.47           $ 310  
Granted
    37,105     $ 18.69             -  
Exercised
    (1,765 )   $ 12.01             (11 )
Forfeited or expired
    (90,030 )   $ 35.08             (5 )
Balance at September 30, 2011
    667,677     $ 31.40       2.7       296  
                                 
Exercisable at September 30, 2011
    587,493     $ 33.51       2.3     $ 181  
                                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
          $ 7.76                  

A summary of the activity for the Company’s non-vested options for the period indicated is presented in the following table:

         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
   
Number
   
Grant-Date
 
(In dollars, except share data):
 
of Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Non-vested options at January 1, 2011
    106,185     $ 4.78  
Granted
    37,105     $ 7.76  
Vested
    (59,455 )   $ 4.51  
Forfeited or expired
    (3,651 )   $ 4.82  
Non-vested options at September 30, 2011
    80,184     $ 6.35  

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

         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
   
Number
   
Grant-Date
 
(In dollars, except share data):
 
of Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Restricted stock  at January 1, 2011
    183,751     $ 15.31  
Granted
    85,589     $ 18.69  
Vested
    (43,335 )   $ 14.92  
Forfeited or expired
    (14,921 )   $ 15.74  
Restricted stock at September 30, 2011
    211,084     $ 16.73  

NOTE 9 – PENSION, PROFIT SHARING, AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. 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 future salary increases and additional years of service will 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.

 
 
19

 


The net periodic benefit cost for the periods indicated includes the following components:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
  $ 383     $ 401     $ 1,151     $ 1,083  
Expected return on plan assets
    (267 )     (326 )     (801 )     (876 )
Recognized net actuarial loss
    297       317       890       846  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 413     $ 392     $ 1,240     $ 1,053  

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.  Given these uncertainties, management continues to monitor the funding level of the pension plan and may make contributions as necessary during 2011.

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
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars and amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income
  $ 11,257     $ 8,484     $ 26,844     $ 15,244  
Less: Dividends - preferred stock
    -       2,074       -       4,477  
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 11,257     $ 6,410     $ 26,844     $ 10,767  
                                 
Basic:
                               
Basic weighted average EPS shares
    24,099       24,004       24,081       21,772  
                                 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.35     $ 1.11     $ 0.70  
Basic net income per common share
    0.47       0.27       1.11       0.49  
                                 
Diluted:
                               
Basic weighted average EPS shares
    24,099       24,004       24,081       21,772  
Dilutive common stock equivalents
    43       98       47       40  
Dilutive EPS shares
    24,142       24,102       24,128       21,812  
                                 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.35     $ 1.11     $ 0.70  
Diluted net income per common share
    0.47       0.27       1.11       0.49  
                                 
Anti-dilutive shares
    697       655       716       790  

NOTE 11 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is defined as net income plus transactions and other occurrences that are the result of non-owner changes in equity.  For financial statements presented for the Company, non-equity changes are comprised of unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale debt securities and any minimum pension liability adjustments.  These do not have an impact on the Company’s net income.  The components of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects allocated to each component for the periods indicated are presented in the following table.

 
 
20

 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Net income
  $ 26,844     $ 15,244  
Investments available-for-sale:
               
Net change in unrealized gains on investments available-for-sale
    25,054       17,187  
Related income tax expense
    (9,992 )     (6,854 )
Net investment gains reclassified into earnings
    283       323  
Related income tax expense
    (113 )     (129 )
  Net effect on other comprehensive income for the period
    15,232       10,527  
                 
Defined benefit pension plan:
               
Recognition of unrealized gain
    890       846  
Related income tax expense
    (355 )     (337 )
Net effect on other comprehensive income for the period
    535       509  
Total other comprehensive income
    15,767       11,036  
Comprehensive income
  $ 42,611     $ 26,280  

The following table presents net accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
  
(In thousands)
 
Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
Available-for-Sale
   
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 3,764     $ (6,384 )   $ (2,620 )
Period change, net of tax
    15,232       535     $ 15,767  
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 18,996     $ (5,849 )   $ 13,147  
  
(In thousands)
 
Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
Available-for-Sale
   
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 3,845     $ (6,497 )   $ (2,652 )
Period change, net of tax
    10,527       509     $ 11,036  
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 14,372     $ (5,988 )   $ 8,384  

NOTE 12 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
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.  Fair values of the swaps are carried as both gross assets and gross liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of condition.  The notional value of commercial loan swaps outstanding was $56 million with a fair value of $1.6 million as of September 30, 2011 compared to $49 million with a fair value of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2010.  Since each position is netted these amounts represent both a gross asset and a gross liability on the condensed consolidated statements of condition. The offsetting nature of the swaps results in a neutral effect on the Company’s operations.
 
 
21

 
NOTE 13 – 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 accounting for gains on sale of mortgage loans to more accurately reflect the timing and economics of the transaction.
 
The Company adopted the standards for fair value measurement which clarified that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received for sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.  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.

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
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. For further information, refer to Note 3 – Investments. Positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
  
 
22

 

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:
 
   
At September 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets
                       
Residential mortgage loans held for sale
  $ -     $ 23,096     $ -     $ 23,096  
Investments available-for-sale:
                               
U.S. government agencies
    -       209,565       -       209,565  
State and municipal
    -       166,639       -       166,639  
Mortgage-backed
    -       570,082       -       570,082  
Trust preferred
    3,323       -       2,365       5,688  
Marketable equity securities
    -       100       -       100  
Interest rate swap agreements
    -       1,649       -       1,649  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Interest rate swap agreements
  $ -     $ (1,649 )   $ -     $ (1,649 )

   
At December 31, 2010
 
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets
                       
Residential mortgage loans held for sale
  $ -     $ 22,717     $ -     $ 22,717  
Investments available-for-sale:
                               
U.S. government agencies
    -       306,705       -       306,705  
State and municipal
    -       107,537       -       107,537  
Mortgage-backed
    -       486,961       -       486,961  
Trust preferred
    3,182       -       2,798       5,980  
Marketable equity securities
    -       100       -       100  
Interest rate swap agreements
    -       1,113       -       1,113  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Interest rate swap agreements
  $ -     $ (1,113 )   $ -     $ (1,113 )
  
 
23

 
 
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 periods indicated:
 
   
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
 
(In thousands)
 
(Level 3)
 
Investments available-for-sale:
     
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 2,798  
Total OTTI included in earnings
    (160 )
Principal redemption
    (695 )
Total unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    422  
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 2,365  
 
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:
 
   
At September 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
    Total Losses  
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 64,703     $ 64,703     $ (1,424 )
Other real estate owned
    -       -       7,938       7,938       (1,803 )
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ 72,641     $ 72,641     $ (3,227 )
 
   
At December 31, 2010
 
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
    Total Losses  
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 65,769     $ 65,769     $ (10,302 )
Other real estate owned
    -       -       9,493       9,493       (203 )
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ 75,262     $ 75,262     $ (10,505 )


Impaired loans totaling $69.7 million were written down to fair value of $64.7 million at September 30, 2011 as a result of specific loan loss reserves of $5.0 million associated with the impaired loans.  At December 31, 2010, impaired loans totaling $69.6 million were written down to fair value of $65.8 million as a result of  specific loan loss reserves of $3.8 million associated with the impaired loans which was included in the allowance for loan losses.

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 and are classified at a level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  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 same factors identified above.

The estimated fair value for other real estate owned included in Level 3 is determined by either 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.
   
 
24

 
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.

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 are presented in the following table at the dates indicated:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
         
Estimated
         
Estimated
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Financial Assets
                       
Cash and temporary investments (1)
  $ 93,909     $ 93,909     $ 85,834     $ 85,834  
Investments available-for-sale
    952,074       952,074       907,283       907,283  
Investments held-to-maturity and other equity securities
    222,106       226,018       135,660       138,194  
Loans, net of allowance
    2,095,683       1,976,860       2,094,097       1,983,242  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets (2)
    92,806       92,806       92,145       92,145  
                                 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Deposits
  $ 2,640,324     $ 2,645,484     $ 2,549,872     $ 2,554,327  
Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased
    79,529       79,529       96,243       96,243  
Advances from FHLB
    405,496       453,485       405,758       447,563  
Subordinated debentures
    35,000       9,204       35,000       8,091  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities (2)
    2,664       2,664       3,765       3,765  
(1) Temporary investments include federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits with banks and residential mortgage loans held for sale.
(2) Only financial instruments as defined by GAAP are included in other assets and other liabilities.

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:
Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks. The carrying amount approximated the fair value.
Residential mortgage loans held for sale. The fair value of residential mortgage loans held for sale was derived from secondary market quotations for similar instruments.

Investments: Fair value of U.S. Treasury, U.S. Agency, state and municipal, corporate debt and trust preferred securities was determined as using valuation methodologies outlined in the previous sections of this note.

Loans: The fair value was estimated by computing the discounted value of estimated cash flows, adjusted for potential loan and lease losses, for pools of loans having similar characteristics. The discount rate was based upon the current loan origination rate for a similar loan. Non-performing loans have an assumed interest rate of 0%.

Accrued interest receivable: The carrying amount approximated the fair value of accrued interest, considering the short-term nature of the receivable and its expected collection.

 
25

 
Other assets: The majority of the carrying amount approximated the fair value based on the surrender value of the cash surrender value life insurance contracts as determined by each insurance carrier.  The remaining portion of the carrying amount approximated the fair value of interest rate swaps using quoted prices provided by the swap counterparty.

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.

The fair value of time deposits was based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows at current rates for deposits of similar remaining maturity.

Short-term borrowings: The carrying amount approximated the fair value of repurchase agreements due to their variable interest rates. The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances was estimated by computing the discounted value of contractual cash flows payable at current interest rates for obligations with similar remaining terms.

Long-term borrowings: The fair value of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta 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.

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities: The carrying amount approximated the fair value of accrued interest payable, accrued dividends and premiums payable, considering their short-term nature and expected payment.

NOTE 14 - 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 acquisition was retained.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  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 on sales of investment products and service charges on deposit accounts.  Expenses include personnel, occupancy, marketing, equipment and other expenses.  Amortization of intangibles related to acquired entities amounted to non-cash charges of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Non-cash charges associated with amortization of intangibles related to the acquired entities amounted to $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, 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 the 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 related to the acquired entities were not significant for the three ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Amortization of intangibles amounted to $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, 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 $748 million 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 related to the acquired entities with respect to the results for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were not significant.  Amortization of intangibles amounted to $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
 
26

 
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, 2011
 
   
Community
         
Investment
   
Inter-Segment
       
(In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Mgmt.
   
Elimination
   
Total
 
Interest income
  $ 35,008     $ 1     $ 2     $ (7 )   $ 35,004  
Interest expense
    6,681       -       -       (7 )     6,674  
Provision (credit) for loan and lease losses
    (3,520 )     -       -       -       (3,520 )
Noninterest income
    9,084       1,136       1,319       (203 )     11,336  
Noninterest expenses
    24,198       1,054       799       (203 )     25,848  
Income before income taxes
    16,733       83       522       -       17,338  
Income tax expense
    5,843       35       203       -       6,081  
Net income
  $ 10,890     $ 48     $ 319     $ -     $ 11,257  
                                         
Assets
  $ 3,655,556     $ 12,715     $ 15,008     $ (57,236 )   $ 3,626,043  

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
   
Community
         
Investment
   
Inter-Segment
       
(In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Mgmt.
   
Elimination
   
Total
 
Interest income
  $ 37,450     $ 2     $ 2     $ (87 )   $ 37,367  
Interest expense
    7,955       -       -       (87 )     7,868  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    2,453       -       -       -       2,453  
Noninterest income
    8,424       1,102       1,216       (203 )     10,539  
Noninterest expenses
    23,545       1,080       718       (203 )     25,140  
Income before income taxes
    11,921       24       500       -       12,445  
Income tax expense
    3,756       10       195       -       3,961  
Net income
  $ 8,165     $ 14     $ 305     $ -     $ 8,484  
                                         
Assets
  $ 3,631,840     $ 12,764     $ 13,079     $ (51,066 )   $ 3,606,617  

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Community
         
Investment
   
Inter-Segment
       
(In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Mgmt.
   
Elimination
   
Total
 
Interest income
  $ 104,822     $ 4     $ 6     $ (70 )   $ 104,762  
Interest expense
    20,338       -       -       (70 )     20,268  
Provision (credit) for loan and lease losses
    (854 )     -       -       -       (854 )
Noninterest income
    25,162       3,526       4,050       (608 )     32,130  
Noninterest expenses
    72,631       3,346       2,379       (608 )     77,748  
Income before income taxes
    37,869       184       1,677       -       39,730  
Income tax expense
    12,157       76       653       -       12,886  
Net income
  $ 25,712     $ 108     $ 1,024     $ -     $ 26,844  
                                         
Assets
  $ 3,655,556     $ 12,715     $ 15,008     $ (57,236 )   $ 3,626,043  

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
   
Community
         
Investment
   
Inter-Segment
       
(In thousands)
 
Banking
   
Insurance
   
Mgmt.
   
Elimination
   
Total
 
Interest income
  $ 112,554     $ 6     $ 4     $ (329 )   $ 112,235  
Interest expense
    25,910       -       -       (329 )     25,581  
Provision for loan and lease losses
    23,585       -       -       -       23,585  
Noninterest income
    24,609       4,348       3,711       (608 )     32,060  
Noninterest expenses
    69,586       3,396       2,337       (608 )     74,711  
Income before income taxes
    18,082       958       1,378       -       20,418  
Income tax expense
    4,250       387       537       -       5,174  
Net income
  $ 13,832     $ 571     $ 841     $ -     $ 15,244  
                                         
Assets
  $ 3,631,840     $ 12,764     $ 13,079     $ (51,066 )   $ 3,606,617  
 
27

 


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 was founded in 1868 and is the oldest banking business based in Maryland. The Bank is independent, community oriented, and conducts a full-service commercial banking business through 43 community offices located in Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. 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.

Overview
Net income for the Company for the third quarter of 2011 totaled $11.3 million ($0.47 per diluted share), compared to net income of $8.5 million ($0.35 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2010. For the first nine months of 2011 net income totaled $26.8 million ($1.11 per diluted share) compared to net income of $15.2 million ($0.70 per diluted share) for the prior year period. These results reflect the following events:

 
·
Total loans declined 2% compared to September 30, 2010 and remained virtually level compared to June 30, 2011. This trend was driven primarily by consumer loans, which decreased 8% compared to the prior year, while each of the three major loan categories (commercial, consumer and residential mortgage loans) remained relatively level compared to June 30, 2011.
 
·
Deposits increased 2% compared to September 30, 2010 but declined 1% compared to June 30, 2011. The growth over September 30, 2010 was due primarily to a 13% increase in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts. The decrease compared to June 30, 2011 was due largely to a 2% decrease in certificates of deposit.
 
·
Net interest income decreased 4% for the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 and increased 1% compared to the second quarter of 2011. For the year-to-date, net interest income decreased 2% for 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010.  This general downward trend was due primarily to a decline in average interest-earning assets as a result of new loan volume that was insufficient to offset increased loan payoffs.
 
·
The provision for loan and lease losses was a credit of $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2011compared to a charge of $2.5 million for the prior year period and a charge of $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2011. For the first nine months of 2011, the provision for loan and lease losses decreased to a credit of $.09 million compared to a charge of $23.6 million for the first nine months of 2010. This declining trend was due mainly to a lower level of historical net charge-offs. Non-performing loans decreased to $82.8 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $93.3 million at September 30, 2010 and $76.5 million at June 30, 2011. This increase compared to June 30, 2011 was due primarily to one commercial real estate credit totaling $13.6 million which was placed on non-accrual during the third quarter of 2011.

The first nine months of 2011 reflected a stalled national economy together with struggling local economies as the equity markets declined over the third quarter from the positive trend shown earlier in the year.  Significant volatility was evident in virtually every metric of the economy as concerns continued over the United States budget deficit and the financial stability of several countries in Europe. The depressed real estate market, continued high unemployment rates and municipal budget deficits continued to cause a high degree of economic uncertainty, particularly among individual consumers and small and medium-sized businesses. This has constrained expansion as consumers and such businesses dealt with rising costs, tight credit and a lack of consumer confidence in the first nine months of 2011. Despite this challenging business environment, the Company has emphasized the fundamentals of community banking as it has maintained strong levels of liquidity and capital and overall credit quality has continued to improve.
   
Comparing September 30, 2011 balances to December 31, 2010, total assets remained level at $3.6 billion. Loan balances decreased slightly compared to the prior year-end due primarily to a decrease of 5% in consumer loans, while commercial loans and residential mortgage and construction loans remained unchanged. Customer funding sources, which include deposits plus other short-term borrowings from core customers, increased 3% compared to balances at December 31, 2010. This increase was due primarily to increases of 13% in noninterest-bearing deposits, 6% in regular savings accounts and 8% in interest bearing checking accounts. These increases were partially offset by declines of 4% in certificates of deposit while money market accounts remained level as the Company reduced rates on certificates of deposit and clients redeployed funds to emphasize liquidity. During the same period, stockholders’ equity increased to $440.8 million or 12% of total assets due to net income for the first nine months of the year, which was somewhat offset by the redemption in the first quarter of 2011 of the warrant issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
 
28

 


Net interest income decreased 2% for the first nine months of 2011 compared to the prior year period. While the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 23 basis points, its positive effect on the interest margin was more than offset by the 20 basis point decline in the yield on average interest-earning assets.  This was due to the fact that average interest-earning assets exceeded average interest-bearing liabilities by $790 million for the period.
 
Non-interest income remained basically level for the first nine months of 2011 compared to the prior year period. Trust and investment management fees increased 18% over the prior year period primarily due to higher average assets under management due primarily to new client additions.  Fees on sales of investment products increased 12% due to an increase in managed assets and higher sales of financial products while income from Visa check transactions increased 11% as the volume of such transactions continued to increase. These increases were largely offset by a decrease in insurance commissions of 18% brought about by a change in our estimate of collection timing which resulted in a non-recurring gain in the first quarter of 2010.  In addition, service charges on deposits declined 11% as a result of the impact of recently enacted legislation on overdraft fees. Non-interest expenses increased 4% for the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010 due largely to a 7% increase in salaries and benefits expenses. Other noninterest expenses increased 12% due primarily to losses on sales of other real estate owned and loan work out expenses.
 
Non-performing assets decreased to $90.8 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $97.7 million at December 31, 2010.  Non-performing assets represented 2.50% of total assets at September 30, 2011 compared to 2.78% at December 31, 2010.  The ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average loans and leases was .72% during the first nine months of 2011, compared to 1.24% for the first nine months of 2010.

Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industry in which it operates.  Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements may reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments.  Certain policies inherently rely to a greater extent on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions, and judgments are necessary for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value.  A decline in the assets required to be recorded at fair value will warrant an impairment write-down or valuation allowance to be established.  Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility.  The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when readily available.  The following accounting policies comprise those policies that management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results:

 
·
Allowance for loan and lease losses;
 
·
Goodwill impairment;
 
·
Accounting for income taxes;
 
·
Fair value measurements, including assessment of other than temporary impairment;
 
·
Defined benefit pension plan.
 
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of the losses that are inherent in the loan and lease portfolio at the balance sheet date.  The allowance is based on two basic principles of accounting: (1) the requirement that a loss be accrued when it is probable that the loss has occurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated and (2) the requirement that losses, if any, be accrued when it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments according to the loan’s or lease’s contractual terms.

Management believes that the allowance is adequate. However, its determination requires significant judgment, and estimates of probable losses in the loan and lease portfolio can vary significantly from the amounts actually observed. While management uses available information to recognize probable losses, future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in the loans and leases comprising the portfolio and changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as may result from changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, and independent consultants engaged by the Company, periodically review the loan and lease portfolio and the allowance.  Such review may result in additional provisions based on their judgments of information available at the time of each examination.

The Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses has two basic components: a general reserve reflecting historical losses by loan category, as adjusted by several factors whose effects are not reflected in historical loss ratios, and specific allowances for individually identified loans.  Each of these components, and the allowance methodology used to establish them, are described in detail in Note 1 and Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The amount of the allowance is reviewed monthly by the Credit Risk Committee of the board of directors and formally approved quarterly by that same committee of the board.

 
29

 
General reserves are based upon historical loss experience by portfolio segment measured, over the prior eight quarters, weighted so that losses realized in the most recent quarters have the greatest effect.  The historical loss experience is supplemented to address various risk characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio including:
 
·
trends in delinquencies and other non-performing loans;
 
·
changes in the risk profile related to large loans in the portfolio;
 
·
changes in the categories of loans comprising the loan portfolio;
 
·
concentrations of loans to specific industry segments;
 
·
changes in economic conditions on both a local and national level;
 
·
changes in the Company’s credit administration and loan portfolio management processes; and
 
·
quality of the Company’s credit risk identification processes.
 
The general reserve comprised 90% of the total allowance at September 30, 2011 and 94% at December 31, 2010. The general reserve is calculated in two parts based on an internal risk classification of loans within each portfolio segment.  Reserves on loans considered to be “criticized” and “classified” under regulatory guidance are calculated separately from loans considered to be “pass” rated under the same guidance.  This segregation allows the Company to monitor the reserves applicable to higher risk loans separate from the remainder of the portfolio in order to better manage risk and ensure the sufficiency of reserves.

The portion of the reserve representing specific allowances is derived by accumulating the specific allowances established on individually impaired loans that have significant conditions or circumstances that indicate that a loss may be probable.  Specific reserves are calculated on individually impaired loans and established based on the Company’s calculation of the probable losses inherent in an individual loan.  For loans on which the Company has not elected to use the collateral value as a basis to establish the measure of impairment, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate.  In determining the cash flows to be included in the discount calculation the Company considers a number of factors:
 
·
the borrower’s overall financial condition;
 
·
resources and payment record;
 
·
support available from financial guarantors; and
 
·
the adequacy of collateral value and the ultimate realization of that value at liquidation.

These factors combine to estimate the probability and severity of potential losses.  At September 30, 2011, the specific allowance accounted for 10% of the total allowance as compared to 6% at December 31, 2010.  The severity of estimated losses on impaired loans can differ substantially from actual losses.
 
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Impairment testing requires that the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units be compared to the carrying amount of its net assets, including goodwill. The Company’s reporting units were identified based upon an analysis of each of its individual operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the Company to use a high degree of subjectivity. If the fair values of the reporting units exceed their book values, no write-down of recorded goodwill is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than book value, an expense may be required to write down the related goodwill to the proper carrying value. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill as of October 1 of each year, and again at any quarter-end if any triggering events occur during a quarter that may affect goodwill. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to adverse action by a regulator or a loss of key personnel. The Company engages a third-party valuation firm to determine the fair value of the reporting units to utilize in the “step one” test for potential goodwill impairment. At September 30, 2011 there was no evidence of impairment of goodwill or intangibles.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance that provides the Company with the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based on the assessment of these qualitative factors, if it is determined that the fair value of a reporting unit is not less than the carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment process, previously required, is unnecessary. However, if it is determined that the carrying value exceeds the fair value, then the first step, described above, of the two step process must be performed. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company will apply this guidance in performing its annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2011.
 
30

 


Accounting for Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes by recording deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Management exercises significant judgment in the evaluation of the amount and timing of the recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. The judgments and estimates required for the evaluation are updated based upon changes in business factors and the tax laws. If actual results differ from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating the amount and timing of tax recognized, there can be no assurance that additional expenses will not be required in future periods. The Company’s accounting policy follows the prescribed authoritative guidance that a minimal probability threshold of a tax position must be met before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The Company recognized, when applicable, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in other non-interest expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Assessment of uncertain tax positions requires careful consideration of the technical merits of a position based on management’s analysis of tax regulations and interpretations. Significant judgment may be involved in applying the applicable reporting and accounting requirements.

Management expects that the Company’s adherence to the required accounting guidance may result in increased volatility in quarterly and annual effective income tax rates because of the requirement that any change in judgment or measurement of a tax position taken in a prior period be recognized as a discrete event in the period in which it occurs. Factors that could impact management’s judgment include changes in income, tax laws and regulations, and tax planning strategies.

Fair Value Measurements
The Company, in accordance with applicable accounting standards, measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  Significant financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are investment securities available-for-sale, residential mortgages held for sale and commercial loan interest rate swap agreements.  Loans with respect to which it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments according to the contractual terms are considered impaired loans and are measured on a nonrecurring basis.

The Company conducts a review each quarter for all investment securities that reflect possible impairment to determine whether unrealized losses are other-than-temporary. Valuations for the investment portfolio are determined using quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, such valuation is based on pricing models, quotes for similar investment securities, and, where necessary, an income valuation approach based on the present value of expected cash flows. In addition, the Company considers the financial condition of the issuer, the receipt of principal and interest according to the contractual terms and the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

The above accounting policies with respect to fair value are discussed in further detail in “Note 13-Fair Value” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan
The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan was frozen for new and existing entrants after December 31, 2007 and all benefit accruals for employees were frozen as of December 31, 2007 based on past service. Future salary increases and additional years of service will no longer affect the defined benefit provided by the plan although additional vesting may continue to occur.

Several factors affect the net periodic benefit cost of the plan, including (1) the size and characteristics of the plan population, (2) the discount rate, (3) the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and (4) other actuarial assumptions. Pension cost is directly related to the number of employees covered by the plan and other factors including salary, age, years of employment, and the terms of the plan. As a result of the plan freeze, the characteristics of the plan population should not have a materially different effect in future years. The discount rate is used to determine the present value of future benefit obligations. The discount rate is determined by matching the expected cash flows of the plan to a yield curve based on long term, high quality fixed income debt instruments available as of the measurement date, which is December 31 of each year. The discount rate is adjusted each year on the measurement date to reflect current market conditions. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on a number of factors that include expectations of market performance and the target asset allocation adopted in the plan investment policy. Should actual asset returns deviate from the projected returns, this can affect the benefit plan expense recognized in the financial statements.

 
31

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

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
               
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 (3)
  $ 455,909     $ 16,747       4.89 %   $ 465,393     $ 18,989       5.44 %
Residential construction loans
    86,399       2,448       3.79       87,616       3,044       4.65  
Commercial ADC loans
    148,215       4,813       4.34       157,253       4,587       3.90  
Commercial investor real estate loans
    347,926       15,236       5.94       337,127       15,241       6.04  
Commercial owner occupied real estate loans
    508,478       22,686       6.05       515,119       23,288       6.04  
Commercial business loans
    229,168       8,493       4.95       272,435       10,249       5.03  
Leasing
    11,460       576       6.70       22,071       1,185       7.16  
Consumer loans
    363,388       9,986       3.70       395,835       11,480       3.90  
Total loans and leases (2)
    2,150,943       80,985       5.03       2,252,849       88,063       5.22  
Taxable securities
    879,230       17,810       2.70       855,243       19,227       3.02  
Tax-exempt securities (4)
    236,113       10,058       5.68       159,281       8,269       6.92  
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
    32,257       62       0.25       83,351       158       0.25  
Federal funds sold
    1,408       1       0.14       1,814       2       0.17  
Total interest-earning assets
    3,299,951       108,916       4.41       3,352,538       115,719       4.61  
                                                 
Less:  allowance for loan and lease losses
    (58,672 )                     (70,145 )                
Cash and due from banks
    45,587                       44,633                  
Premises and equipment, net
    49,130                       48,876                  
Other assets
    223,506                       243,100                  
Total assets
  $ 3,559,502                     $ 3,619,002                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 336,020       278       0.11 %   $ 288,637       256       0.12 %
Regular savings deposits
    182,424       142       0.10       163,687       128       0.10  
Money market savings deposits
    855,458       2,865       0.45       892,838       4,006       0.60  
Time deposits
    618,250       5,388       1.17       727,980       9,351       1.72  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,992,152       8,673       0.58       2,073,142       13,741       0.89  
Other borrowings
    77,135       155       0.27       87,881       198       0.30  
Advances from FHLB
    405,621       10,769       3.55       410,523       10,949       3.57  
Subordinated debentures
    35,000       671       2.55       35,000       693       2.64  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,509,908       20,268       1.08       2,606,546       25,581       1.31  
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
    607,087                       546,961                  
Other liabilities
    25,714                       26,006                  
Stockholders' equity
    416,793                       439,489                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 3,559,502                     $ 3,619,002                  
                                                 
Net interest income and spread
          $ 88,648       3.33 %           $ 90,138       3.30 %
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment
            4,154                       3,484          
Net interest income
          $ 84,494                     $ 86,654          
                                                 
Interest income/earning assets
                    4.41 %                     4.61 %
Interest expense/earning assets
                    0.82                       1.02  
Net interest margin
                    3.59 %                     3.59 %

(1)
Tax-equivalent income has been adjusted using the combined marginal federal and state rate of 39.88% for 2011 and  2010. The annualized taxable-equivalent adjustments utilized in the above table to compute yields aggregated to $4.2 million and $3.5 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Non-accrual loans are included in the average balances.
(3)
Includes residential mortgage loans held for sale. Home equity loans and lines are classified as consumer loans.
(4)
Includes only investments that are exempt from federal taxes.
 
32

 

Results of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

Net income for the Company for the first nine months of 2011 totaled $26.8 million ($1.11 per diluted share) compared to net income of $15.2 million ($0.70 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2010.

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 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 on the preceding table.

Net interest income for the first nine months of 2011 was $84.5 million compared to $86.7 million for the same period of 2010. On a tax-equivalent basis, net interest income decreased by 2% in the first nine months of 2011 to $88.6 million from $90.1 million in the first nine months of 2010. The preceding table provides an analysis of net interest income performance that reflects a net interest margin that remained level at 3.59% for both the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  Average interest-earning assets decreased by 2% while average interest-bearing liabilities decreased 4% from the first nine months of 2010 compared to the first nine months of 2011. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased 11% in the first nine months of 2011 while the percentage of average noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits also increased to 23% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to 21% in the first nine months of 2010.

Effect of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income
The following table analyzes the reasons for the changes from period to period in the principal elements that comprise net interest income:
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011 vs. 2010
   
2010 vs. 2009
 
   
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:
                                   
Loans and leases
  $ (7,078 )   $ (3,931 )   $ (3,147 )   $ (9,170 )   $ (7,598 )   $ (1,572 )
Securities
    372       2,693       (2,321 )     4,800       7,165       (2,365 )
Other earning assets
    (97 )     (98 )     1       45       48       (3 )
Total interest income
    (6,803 )     (1,336 )     (5,467 )     (4,325 )     (385 )     (3,940 )
                                                 
Interest expense on funding of earning assets:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    22       48       (26 )     (70 )     40       (110 )
Regular savings deposits
    14       10       4       (49 )     14       (63 )
Money market savings deposits
    (1,141 )     (161 )     (980 )     (4,684 )     824       (5,508 )
Time deposits
    (3,963 )     (1,262 )     (2,701 )     (9,574 )     (2,171 )     (7,403 )
Total borrowings
    (245 )     (341 )     96       (748 )     (9 )     (739 )
Total interest expense
    (5,313 )     (1,706 )     (3,607 )     (15,125 )     (1,302 )     (13,823 )
Net interest income
  $ (1,490 )   $ 370     $ (1,860 )   $ 10,800     $ 917     $ 9,883  

*
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.

Interest Income
The Company's total tax-equivalent interest income decreased by $6.8 million or 6% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010.  The previous table shows that, in 2011, the decrease in interest income resulted primarily from declines in both the earning asset yields and average interest-earning assets, particularly average loans and leases.

For the first nine months of 2011, the yield on average loans and leases decreased by 19 basis points due to the continued prevailing low interest rate environment as relatively higher rate loans were paid off and new loans were originated at comparatively lower rates. In addition, the average balance of the loan portfolio declined 5% for the first nine months of 2011 compared to the prior year period as the volume of quality loan demand remained low due to the struggling economy.  The decline in the portfolio yield was driven primarily by decreases in the yields on the consumer and residential mortgage loan portfolios. These decreases were somewhat offset by an increase of 44 basis points in commercial ADC loans due mainly to loans placed on non-accrual status during the first quarter of 2010. The decrease in the average balance of the loan portfolio was driven by declines in several segments of the portfolio, particularly commercial business loans, due to soft market demand, and consumer loans, due to pay downs of second mortgage equity lines of credit.
 
33

 

The average yield on investment securities decreased 30 basis points while the average balance of the portfolio increased 10% or $101 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the prior year period. The growth in investments was due to liquidity provided primarily by the decline in loan balances mentioned above. The decrease in the yield on investments was due to the fact that a significant portion of the portfolio is invested in amortizing securities which were replaced by lower yielding investments as a result of lower overall market rates.
 
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $5.3 million or 21% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the year ago period, primarily as a result of a 23 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on deposits and borrowings, which decreased to 1.08% from 1.31%. Deposit activity during the first nine months of 2011 continued to be affected by a somewhat stalled economy due to a depressed real estate market, equity market volatility and a lack of confidence on the part of consumers and small and medium-sized businesses. Average deposits decreased due largely to a decline of $110 million or 15% in average certificates of deposit.  In addition, average balances of money market accounts experienced a decrease of $37 million or 4%. These decreases were somewhat offset by an increase of $108 million or 13% in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts as clients redeployed funds into short-term instruments to preserve liquidity.  During the first nine months of 2011, the Company continued to preserve its net interest margin in the face of reduced loan volumes as it reduced rates on higher cost certificates of deposit thus prompting growth in noninterest-bearing checking accounts.  Much of this decrease, particularly in time deposits, was incurred with single product clients, and thus did not significantly affect clients with multiple product relationships.

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

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
                2011/2010     2011/2010  
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Securities gains
  $ 283       323     $ (40 )     (12.4 ) %
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses
    (178 )     (1,168 )     990       (84.8 )
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income before taxes
    18       699       (681 )     (97.4 )
Net OTTI recognized in earnings
    (160 )     (469 )     309       (65.9 )
Service charges on deposit accounts
    7,133       7,984       (851 )     (10.7 )
Mortgage banking activities
    2,404       2,750       (346 )     (12.6 )
Fees on sales of investment products
    2,768       2,464       304       12.3  
Trust and investment management fees
    8,837       7,488       1,349       18.0  
Insurance agency commissions
    3,177       3,895       (718 )     (18.4 )
Income from bank owned life insurance
    1,962       2,105       (143 )     (6.8 )
Visa check fees
    2,710       2,438       272       11.2  
Other income
    3,016       3,082       (66 )     (2.1 )
Total non-interest income
  $ 32,130     $ 32,060     $ 70       0.2  

Total non-interest income was $32.1 million for the first nine months of 2011, remaining virtually level compared to the first nine months of 2010. As shown in the table above, deposit service charges decreased as a result of the impact of recently enacted legislation on overdraft fees. Insurance agency commission revenue decreased due mainly to a change in the timing of the recognition of renewal premiums that was implemented in the first quarter of 2010 while mortgage banking activities also decreased due to a lower volume of refinancing activity compared to the prior year period. Offsetting the above decreases, wealth management revenues, comprised of trust and investment management fees and fees on sales of investment products, increased $1.7 million or 17% due largely to growth in assets under management resulting from new client additions. In addition, Visa check fees increased due to growth in the volume of electronic transactions.
 
34

 

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

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
                2011/2010     2011/2010  
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 44,192     $ 41,393     $ 2,799       6.8 %
Occupancy expense of premises
    8,717       8,625       92       1.1  
Equipment expenses
    3,413       3,655       (242 )     (6.6 )
Marketing
    1,662       1,678       (16 )     (1.0 )
Outside data services
    3,067       3,007       60       2.0  
FDIC insurance
    2,489       3,383       (894 )     (26.4 )
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,384       1,487       (103 )     (6.9 )
Professional fees
    3,528       3,744       (216 )     (5.8 )
Other real estate owned expenses
    1,808       533       1,275       -  
Other expenses
    7,488       7,206       282       3.9  
Total non-interest expense
  $ 77,748     $ 74,711     $ 3,037       4.1  

Non-interest expenses totaled $77.7 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared to $74.7 million in the prior year period, an increase of $3.0 million or 4%. This growth in expenses was due primarily to an increase in salaries and benefits expenses resulting from higher salary and incentive compensation expenses. This increase was primarily the result of specific targeted staff additions, merit increases and higher incentive compensation as a result of earnings growth from the prior year.  Other real estate owned expenses increased due to losses on sales of other real estate owned and loan work out expenses. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in FDIC expenses due primarily to a regulatory change in the calculation of such premiums which was effective with the second quarter of 2011.

Income Taxes
The Company had income tax expense of $12.9 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to expense of $5.2 million in the first nine months of 2010. This increase was due primarily to higher income before taxes in 2011that was taxed at the full statutory rate together with an income tax benefit on a loss before income taxes in the first quarter of 2010. The Company’s effective tax rate was 32% for the first nine months of 2011 compared to 25% for the first nine months of 2010.

Results of Operations
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to the Quarter Ended September 30, 2010

Net income for the third quarter of 2011 totaled $11.3 million ($0.47 per diluted share) compared to net income of $8.5 million ($0.35 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2010.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the third quarter of 2011 was $28.3 million compared to $29.5 million for the third quarter of 2010.  On a tax-equivalent basis, net interest income decreased by 3% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010. The net interest margin was 3.53% for the third quarter of 2011 compared with 3.64% for the third quarter of 2010, a decrease of 11 basis points. The yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter decreased 25 basis points compared to the prior year quarter while the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 16 basis points for the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets was due primarily to a decline of $72 million in the average balance of the higher-earning loan portfolio in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 while the average balance of the lower-yielding investment portfolio increased by $111 million.  The yield on the Company’s loan portfolio decreased in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 due to declines in the yields on virtually all segments of the portfolio. These trends reflect the overall effect of a basically stalled economy as quality loan demand remained soft and higher rate loans were paid down. The yield on the investment portfolio decreased by 26 basis points in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior year quarter as amortizing or called securities were replaced at lower prevailing rates.  The decrease in the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities was driven by a decline in the rates paid on certificates of deposit which produced an 11% decrease in such balances as the Company managed its net interest margin.
 
35

 


Interest Income
The Company's total tax-equivalent interest income decreased by $2.3 million or 6% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010. The decrease in interest income resulted primarily from declines in both earning asset yields and average interest-earning assets, primarily loans and leases.

For the third quarter of 2011, average loans and leases decreased 3% with a yield of 4.98% versus 5.23% for the third quarter of 2010.  The average residential real estate portfolio decreased 2% due mainly to a decrease in residential mortgage loans while the average commercial loan portfolio decreased 4% due largely to decreases of 11% in commercial business loans and 6% commercial ADC loans, which were somewhat offset by growth of 5% in commercial investor real estate loans. The average consumer loan portfolio decreased 8% due to declines of 29% in installment loans and 42% in conventional second mortgage loans. The decline in conventional second mortgage loans was due largely to a reclassification of $11 million of such loans to the residential permanent mortgage portfolio early in 2011.  The decreases in virtually every segment of the loan portfolio reflect the lingering effects of an uneven economic recovery.  The increase in commercial investor real estate loans during the quarter was due largely to advances on existing loan commitments and several new loan credits during the first quarter of 2011.  In the quarter ended September 30, 2011, average loans and leases comprised 64% of average interest-earning assets compared to a ratio of 66% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  Average total investment securities, yielding 3.24% in the third quarter of 2011 versus 3.50% in third quarter of the prior year, increased 10% to $1.2 billion. Average total investment securities comprised 35% of average interest-earning assets in 2011 compared to 31% in 2010.

Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by 15% or $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily as a result of a 16 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on deposits and borrowings, which decreased to 1.05% from 1.21%. Deposit and borrowing activity during the third quarter of 2011 continued to be driven by challenging market conditions as clients relied on short-term instruments to preserve liquidity and safety until interest rates begin to rise. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company continued to manage its net interest margin in the face of reduced loan volumes by a strategic decline in deposits by adjusting rates, primarily on certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Much of the decreases in both of these deposit categories was due to the attrition of single product clients, and thus did not significantly affect clients with multiple product relationships. The above decreases were somewhat offset by an 11% increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits.

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
                2011/2010     2011/2010  
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Securities gains
  $ 231     $ 25     $ 206       - %
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses
    (76 )     (334 )     258       (77.2 )
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income before taxes
    -       (46 )     46       -  
Net OTTI recognized in earnings
    (76 )     (380 )     304       (80.0 )
Service charges on deposit accounts
    2,444       2,567       (123 )     (4.8 )
Mortgage banking activities
    1,141       1,516       (375 )     (24.7 )
Fees on sales of investment products
    905       782       123       15.7  
Trust and investment management fees
    3,032       2,505       527       21.0  
Insurance agency commissions
    1,044       978       66       6.7  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    662       709       (47 )     (6.6 )
Visa check fees
    927       843       84       10.0  
Other income
    1,026       994       32       3.2  
Total non-interest income
  $ 11,336     $ 10,539     $ 797       7.6  

Total non-interest income was $11.3 million for the third quarter of 2011 compared to $10.5 million for the third quarter of 2010. This increase was primarily driven by increases in trust and investment management fees and fees on sales of investment products which together increased 20% due primarily to growth in assets under management as a result of new client additions. This increase was somewhat offset by a decrease in deposit service charges as a result of the impact of recently enacted legislation on overdraft fees. Income from mortgage banking activities decreased due to a lower volume of refinancing activity. All other segments of noninterest income remained essentially level with the prior year quarter as can be seen from the above table.
 
 
36

 

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
                2011/2010     2011/2010  
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 14,892     $ 13,841     $ 1,051       7.6 %
Occupancy expense of premises
    2,784       2,826       (42 )     (1.5 )
Equipment expenses
    1,143       1,137       6       0.5  
Marketing
    468       589       (121 )     (20.5 )
Outside data services
    1,073       966       107       11.1  
FDIC insurance
    709       1,056       (347 )     (32.9 )
Amortization of intangible assets
    461       495       (34 )     (6.9 )
Professional fees
    1,314       1,337       (23 )     (1.7 )
Other real estate owned expenses
    383       236       147       62.3  
Other expenses
    2,621       2,657       (36 )     (1.4 )
Total non-interest expense
  $ 25,848     $ 25,140     $ 708       2.8  

Non-interest expenses totaled $25.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $25.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $0.7 million or 3%. This growth in expenses was due primarily to an increase in salaries and benefits expenses resulting from higher salary and incentive compensation expenses. This increase was primarily the result of specific targeted staff additions, merit increases and higher incentive compensation as a result of earnings growth from the prior year. Other real estate owned expense increased due largely to losses on sales of other real estate owned and loan work out expenses. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in FDIC expenses due to a regulatory change in the calculation of such premiums.

Income Taxes
The Company had income tax expense of $6.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared with an income tax expense of $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2010. The Company’s effective tax rate was 35% for the third quarter of 2011 compared to an effective rate of 32% for the third quarter of 2010. The increase in the effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2011was due to a higher level of income before taxes that was taxed at a full statutory rate.

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 Measure
The Company has for many years used 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 Consolidated Statements of Income.  The GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratios are reconciled and provided in the following table. Both efficiency ratios increased in 2011 as a result of increasing non-interest expenses and a decline in net interest income, which increased in 2011 compared to 2010 while net interest income declined.
 
37

 

 
GAAP and Non-GAAP Efficiency Ratios
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
GAAP efficiency ratio:
                       
Non-interest expenses
  $ 25,848     $ 25,140     $ 77,748     $ 74,711  
Net interest income plus non-interest income
  $ 39,666     $ 40,038     $ 116,624     $ 118,714  
                                 
Efficiency ratio–GAAP
    65.16 %     62.79 %     66.67 %     62.93 %
                                 
Non-GAAP efficiency ratio:
                               
Non-interest expenses
  $ 25,848     $ 25,140     $ 77,748     $ 74,711  
Less non-GAAP adjustment:
                               
Amortization of intangible assets
    461       495       1,384       1,487  
Non-interest expenses as adjusted
  $ 25,387     $ 24,645     $ 76,364     $ 73,224  
                                 
Net interest income plus non-interest income
  $ 39,666     $ 40,038     $ 116,624     $ 118,714  
Plus non-GAAP adjustment:
                               
Tax-equivalent income
    1,420       1,321       4,154       3,484  
Less non-GAAP adjustments:
                               
Securities gains
    231       25       283       323  
OTTI recognized in earnings
    (76 )     (380 )     (160 )     (469 )
Net interest income plus non-interest income - as adjusted
  $ 40,931     $ 41,714     $ 120,655     $ 122,344  
                                 
Efficiency ratio–Non-GAAP
    62.02 %     59.08 %     63.29 %     59.85 %

FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company's total assets were $3.6 billion at September 30, 2011, increasing $106.7 million or 3% during the first nine months of 2011. Interest-earning assets increased $130.0 million to $3.4 billion at September 30, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010.  Asset growth, which is primarily due to growth in the investment portfolio, was funded by increases in customer deposits.

Loans and Leases
Total loans and leases, excluding loans held for sale, remained virtually level during the first nine months of 2011. The residential real estate portfolio, which is comprised of residential construction and permanent residential mortgage loans reflected a slight increase to $531.3 million at September 30, 2011 from $527.8 million at December 31, 2010. Permanent residential mortgages, most of which are 1-4 family, increased $4.1 million to $440.6 million due to higher loan origination volumes. The Company generally retains adjustable rate mortgages in its portfolio and sells the fixed rate mortgages that it originates in the secondary mortgage market. Residential construction loans decreased $0.5 million to $90.7 million during the first nine months of 2011.

The commercial loan portfolio increased by $5.8 million to $1.3 billion at September 30, 2011. Soft loan demand resulting from weak market conditions in both the national and regional economies have continued to play a role in limiting growth in commercial loan balances as pay-offs of performing credits have outpaced new originations. Activity in the commercial loan portfolio reflects the current slow but uneven recovery in the regional economy in which the Company operates.  The small overall increase in commercial loans for the nine months was due primarily to an increase of $29.6 million or 9% in commercial investor real estate loans while commercial owner occupied real estate loans reflected a more limited increase of $16.6 million or 3% for the period. Somewhat offsetting these increases, commercial business loans decreased $23.7 million or 9% for the nine months. Commercial ADC loans decreased $9.5 million or 6% for the nine months compared to December 31, 2010.

The consumer loan portfolio decreased 5% or $20.2 million, to $360.3 million at September 30, 2011.  This decline was driven largely by a decrease of $19.1 million or 37% in conventional second mortgage loans during the nine months resulting in a balance of $32.4 million at September 30, 2011 due to weak consumer demand and the reclassification of $11 million of loans to the residential mortgage portfolio in early 2011.
 
38

 


Analysis of Loans and Leases
The following table presents the trends in the composition of the loan and lease portfolio at the dates indicated:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
Period-to-Period Change
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Residential real estate:
                                   
Residential mortgage
  $ 440,606       20.5 %   $ 436,534       20.3 %   $ 4,072       0.9 %
Residential construction
    90,727       4.2       91,273       4.2       (546 )     (0.6 )
Commercial real estate:
                                               
Commercial owner occupied real estate
    519,837       24.2       503,286       23.4       16,551       3.3  
Commercial investor real estate
    357,358       16.7       327,782       15.2       29,576       9.0  
Commercial acquisition, development and construction
    141,576       6.6       151,061       7.0       (9,485 )     (6.3 )
Commercial Business
    226,528       10.6       250,255       11.6       (23,727 )     (9.5 )
Leases
    8,484       0.4       15,551       0.7       (7,067 )     (45.4 )
Consumer
    360,287       16.8       380,490       17.6       (20,203 )     (5.3 )
Total loans and leases
  $ 2,145,403       100.0 %   $ 2,156,232       100.0 %   $ (10,829 )     (0.5 )

Investment Securities
The investment portfolio, consisting of available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and other equity securities, showed an increase of 13% or $131.2 million to $1.2 billion at September 30, 2011, from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2010.

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 has remained virtually the same at an average of 3.2 years at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company considers the duration of the portfolio to be reasonable for liquidity purposes. This investment strategy has resulted in a portfolio with minimal risk and thus will provide needed liquidity should loan demand increase in the coming year. 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 due diligence of economic projections and analysis.

At September 30, 2011, the trust preferred portfolio included one $3.0 million security backed by a single financial institution issuer.  The fair value of this security was $3.3 million as determined using broker quotations. The Company also owns one pooled trust preferred security backed by debt issued by banks and thrifts, which totals $2.9 million, with a fair value of $2.4 million.  The fair value of this security was determined by a third party valuation specialist due to the limited trading activity for this security in the marketplace.  The specialist used an income valuation approach technique (present value technique) that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.  The methodology, observable inputs and significant assumptions employed by the specialist to determine fair value are provided in Note 2 – Investment Securities in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

As a result of this valuation, it was determined that the pooled trust preferred security did incur credit-related OTTI of $76 thousand which was recognized in earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, credit-related other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) incurred on this security amounted to $160 thousand. Cumulative credit-related OTTI of $422 thousand has been recognized in earnings through September 30, 2011. Non-credit related OTTI on this security, which is not expected to be sold and that the Company has the ability to hold until maturity, was $0.6 million at September 30, 2011.  This non-credit related OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) at September 30, 2011.
 
39

 


Investment Securities
The composition of investment securities at the dates indicated is presented in the following table:

    
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
Period-to-Period Change
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
$ Change
   
% change
 
Available-for-Sale:
                                   
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 209,565       17.8 %   $ 306,705       29.4 %   $ (97,140 )     (31.7 )%
State and municipal
    166,639       14.2       107,537       10.3       59,102       55.0  
Mortgage-backed
    570,082       48.6       486,961       46.7       83,121       17.1  
Trust preferred
    5,688       0.5       5,980       0.6       (292 )     (4.9 )
Marketable equity securities
    100       -       100       -       -       -  
Total available-for-sale
    952,074       81.1       907,283       87.0       44,791       4.9  
                                                 
Held-to-Maturity and Other Equity
                                               
U.S. government agencies and corporations
    74,998       6.4       -       -       74,998       -  
State and municipal
    114,094       9.7       101,091       9.7       13,003       12.9  
Mortgage-backed
    428       -       499       -       (71 )     (14.2 )
Other equity securities
    32,586       2.8       34,070       3.3       (1,484 )     (4.4 )
Total held-to-maturity and other equity
    222,106       18.9       135,660       13.0       86,446       63.7  
Total securities
  $ 1,174,180       100.0 %   $ 1,042,943       100.0 %   $ 131,237       12.6  

Other Earning Assets
Residential mortgage loans held for sale increased $0.4 million to $23.1 million as of September 30, 2011 from $22.7 million as of December 31, 2010.  The aggregate of federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks increased $9.3 million to $27.7 million in the first nine months of 2011.

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

    
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
Period-to-Period Change
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
$ Change
   
% change
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 643,169       24.4 %   $ 566,812       22.2 %   $ 76,357       13.5 %
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Demand
    344,277       13.0       317,905       12.4       26,372       8.3  
Money market savings
    865,986       32.8       861,420       33.8       4,566       0.5  
Regular savings
    183,969       7.0       172,771       6.8       11,198       6.5  
Time deposits of less than $100,000
    326,497       12.3       351,071       13.8       (24,574 )     (7.0 )
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
    276,426       10.5       279,893       11.0       (3,467 )     (1.2 )
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,997,155       75.6       1,983,060       77.8       14,095       0.7  
Total deposits
  $ 2,640,324       100.0 %   $ 2,549,872       100.0 %   $ 90,452       3.5  

Deposits and Borrowings
Total deposits were $2.6 billion at September 30, 2011, increasing $90.5 million or 4% from $2.5 billion at December 31, 2010. This growth in deposits was driven primarily by a 12% increase in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts and, to a lesser extent, a 6% increase in regular savings accounts at September 30, 2011 compared to balances at December 31, 2010. Money market accounts remained virtually level compared to the prior year end. The activity in these deposit products can be attributed primarily to clients’ emphasis on safety and liquidity considering the current low interest rates and the volatility of alternative investments. Certificates of deposit decreased 4% over the first nine months of the year as the Company managed its net interest margin. Total borrowings decreased $17.0 million or 3% to $520.0 million at September 30, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 due to a decline in retail repurchase agreements.

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. During the first nine months of 2011, total stockholders' equity increased $33.2 million to $440.8 million at September 30, 2011, from $407.6 million at December 31, 2010. This increase was due primarily to net income during the period, together with an increase of $15.8 million in other comprehensive income resulting from unrealized gains on available for sale investments. These increases were partially offset by the redemption in the first quarter of 2011 for $4.5 million of the warrant that was issued to the Treasury in connection with the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
 
 
40

 
 
The ratio of average equity to average assets was 11.71% for the first nine months of 2011, as compared to 12.14% for the first nine months of 2010.
 
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, in addition to the ratios required to be categorized as “well capitalized” are summarized for the Company in the following table.

Risk-Based Capital Ratios
   
Ratios at
 
Minimum
 
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Regulatory
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Requirements
 
Total Capital to risk-weighted assets
  16.21%   15.37%   8.00%  
               
Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets
  14.96%   14.11%   4.00%  
               
Tier 1 Leverage
  10.79%   10.30%   3.00%  
 
Tier 1 capital of $380.7 million and total qualifying capital of $412.7 million each included $35.0 million in trust preferred securities that are considered regulatory capital for purposes of determining the Company’s Tier 1 capital ratio.  As of September 30, 2011, 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.

Tangible Common Equity
Tangible equity and tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures calculated using GAAP amounts.  We calculate tangible equity by excluding the balance of goodwill and other intangible assets from our calculation of stockholders’ equity.  We calculate tangible assets by excluding the balance of goodwill and other intangible assets from our calculation of total assets.  We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure provides information to investors that may 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 is provided in the following table.

Tangible Common Equity Ratio – Non-GAAP
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Tangible common equity ratio:
           
Total stockholders' equity
  $ 440,791     $ 407,569  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (13,147 )     2,620  
Goodwill
    (76,816 )     (76,816 )
Other intangible assets, net
    (5,195 )     (6,578 )
Tangible common equity
  $ 345,633     $ 326,795  
                 
Total assets
  $ 3,626,043     $ 3,519,388  
Goodwill
    (76,816 )     (76,816 )
Other intangible assets, net
    (5,195 )     (6,578 )
Tangible assets
  $ 3,544,032     $ 3,435,994  
                 
Tangible common equity ratio
    9.75 %     9.51 %
 
 
41

 
 
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 and lease 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.  Home 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.  Declining economic conditions have an adverse affect on the operating results of commercial customers, reducing their ability to meet debt service obligations.

Current economic data has shown that while the Mid-Atlantic region is outperforming most other markets in the nation, the Company is continuing to deal with the lingering impact from the economic pressures that are continuing to be experienced by its borrowers. Although total non-performing loans decreased compared to the balance at December 31, 2010, such balances increased compared to June 30, 2011 due primarily to one commercial real estate credit totaling $13.6 million which was placed on non-accrual during the third quarter of 2011. Management considers this loan as fully collateralized. Excluding the effect of this one loan, the balance of non-performing loans at September 30, 2011 would have reflected the same improving trend evident in prior quarters. 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 non-performing loan levels may continue to be influenced by the current slow and uncertain economic recovery on both a regional and national level.

To control and manage credit risk, management has a credit process in place to ensure credit standards are maintained along with a robust in-house loan administration accompanied by strong 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 aggressive management of problem credits.  As part of the oversight and review process, the Company maintains an allowance for loan and lease losses (the “allowance”) to absorb estimated and probable losses in the loan and lease portfolio.  The allowance is based on consistent, continuous review and evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio, along with ongoing, monthly assessments of the probable losses and problem credits in each portfolio.

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

The methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes:  (1) the general allowance reflects historical losses, as adjusted, by credit category, and (2) the specific allowance for impaired credits on an individual or portfolio basis.  This systematic allowance methodology is further described in the section entitled “Critical Accounting Policies” and in “Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K. The amount of the allowance is reviewed and approved quarterly by the Credit 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.  However, not all impaired loans are in non-accrual status because they may be current with regard to the payment terms.  Their determination as an impaired loan is based on some inherent weakness in the credit that may, if certain circumstances occur or arise, result in an inability to comply with the loan agreement’s contractual terms.  Impaired loans exclude large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment such as leases, residential real estate and consumer loans.  All payments received on non-accrual loans are applied to the remaining principal balance of the loan(s).  Integral to the assessment of the allowance process is an evaluation that is performed to determine whether a specific reserve on an impaired loan is warranted and, when losses are confirmed, a charge-off is taken that is at least in the amount of the collateral deficiency as determined by an independent third party appraisal.  Any further collateral deterioration results in either further specific reserves 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 is usually obtained if the appraisal on file is more than 12 months old.  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 reserve or a charge-off should be taken. The Chief Credit Officer has the authority to approve a specific reserve or charge-off between monthly credit committee meetings to insure that there are no significant time lapses during this process.
 
 
42

 
 
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, resources and payment record, the sufficiency of collateral 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 will consider the existence of guarantees and the financial strength and wherewithal of the guarantors involved in any loan relationship and it considers such guarantees only as a secondary source of repayment. Guarantors are evaluated to determine their 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 reserve 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 reserve 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. In certain cases the Company may establish a larger reserve due to knowledge of current market conditions or the existence of an offer for the collateral that will facilitate a more timely resolution of the loan.

If an updated appraisal is received subsequent to the preliminary determination of a specific reserve or partial charge-off, and it is less than the initial appraisal used in the initial charge-off, an additional specific reserve 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 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 may have their terms restructured (e.g., interest rates, loan maturity date, payment and amortization period, etc.) in circumstances that provide payment relief to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. All restructured loans 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 the restructured category in the year subsequent to the 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 generally follows a policy of not extending maturities on non-performing loans under existing terms. The Company may extend the maturity of a performing or current loan that may have some inherent weakness associated with the loan.  Maturity date extensions only occur under terms that clearly place the Company in a position to increase 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, but the Company does not extend loans based solely on guarantees.  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.
 
 
43

 
 
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.  Then a specific amount of impairment is established based on the Company’s calculation of the probable loss inherent in the individual loan. The actual occurrence and severity of losses involving impaired credits can differ substantially from estimates.

Management believes that it uses relevant information available to make determinations about whether a loan is impaired in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). However, the determination of impairment requires significant judgment, and estimates of probable losses in the loan and lease portfolio can vary significantly from the amounts actually observed. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, and independent consultants engaged by the Company, periodically review the loan and lease portfolio.  These reviews may result in additional loans being considered impaired based on management’s judgments of information available at the time of each examination.

The Company makes provisions for loan and lease losses in amounts necessary to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level, as established by use of the allowance methodology discussed above.  Provisions amounted to a credit of $0.9 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared to a provision of $23.6 million in the prior year period. The provision for the third quarter of 2011 was a credit of $3.5 million.  This reduction in the provision was due primarily to a consistently declining level of historical net charge-offs which is a principal component in the application of the Company’s allowance methodology. Net charge-offs totaled $11.6 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared to $20.9 million in the first nine months of 2010. This resulted in a ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average loans and leases of 0.72% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to 1.24% for the first nine months of 2010. At September 30, 2011, the allowance for loan and lease losses was $49.7 million, or 2.32% of total loans and leases, compared to $67.3 million, or 3.08% of total loans and leases, at September 30, 2010.

Management believes that the allowance is adequate. However, its determination requires significant judgment, and estimates of probable losses in the loan and lease 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 and lease portfolio and the allowance.  Such reviews may result in adjustments to the provision based upon their analysis of the information available at the time of each examination.

Substantially all of the fixed-rate conforming residential mortgage loans originated by the Company are sold 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 eighteen months after the sale of the loan.  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 $0.3 million for possible losses due to repurchases. Given its lack of history as to losses of this type, the Company believes that this reserve is adequate.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
During the first nine months of 2011, there were no changes in the Company’s systematic methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan and lease losses from the prior year period. Variations can occur over time in the methodology’s estimation of the adequacy of the allowance as a result of the credit performance of borrowers.  There was no unallocated allowance at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010, when measured against the total allowance.

At September 30, 2011, total non-performing loans and leases were $82.8 million, or 3.86% of total loans and leases, compared to $88.1 million, or 4.08% of total loans and leases, at December 31, 2010. Timely aggressive recognition and management of problem credits has significantly limited the migration of these loans into non-accrual status during this period. As previously mentioned, the increase in non-performing loans and leases at September 30, 2011 was due primarily to one commercial real estate loan totaling $13.6 million which was placed on non-accrual status during the third quarter of 2011. Management considers this loan to be adequately collateralized and thus no additional specific reserves were required. Total non-performing loans and leases, excluding this particular loan would have totaled $69.2 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $76.5 million at June 30, 2011 reflecting a continued improvement in this credit metrics trend.  Also included in non-performing loans were four commercial relationships which included net charge-offs of $0.1 million and net pay downs of $7.1 million for the first nine months of 2011. These relationships currently encompass 10 loans in the commercial construction, commercial real estate and commercial business loan categories. None of these loans have had their maturities extended. Credit issues for home builders have been identified, workout strategies have been developed and the Company continues to monitor the performance of the underlying collateral, and to update appraisals, as necessary, given the context of market environment expectations.  The allowance represented 60% of non-performing loans and leases at September 30, 2011 and 71% at December 31, 2010.   This decrease in the coverage ratio is due primarily to a 6% reduction in non-performing loans and leases noted above as the Company continues to aggressively workout existing problem credits by a combination of charge-offs and pay downs while the migration of new credits to non-performing status has significantly declined.  Continued analysis of the actual loss history on the problem credits in 2010 and in the first nine months of 2011 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, the reduced inflow of non-accruals, lower inflow in criticized loans and the significant decline in early stage delinquencies.  The improvement in these credit metrics support management’s outlook for continued improved credit quality performance.
 
 
44

 
 
The balance of impaired loans was $69.7 million, with specific reserves of $5.0 million against those loans at September 30, 2011, as compared to $69.6 million with reserves of $3.8 million, at December 31, 2010.
 
The Company's borrowers are concentrated in six counties in Maryland, three counties in Virginia and in Washington D. C.  Commercial and residential mortgages, including home equity loans and lines, represented 77% of total loans and leases at September 30, 2011 and at December 31, 2010.  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. The Company originates option adjustable-rate mortgages infrequently and sells all of them in the secondary market.
 
 
45

 
 
Loan and Lease Loss Experience
The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the periods indicated:

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses:
           
Balance, January 1
  $ 62,135     $ 64,559  
Provision (credit) for loan and lease losses
    (854 )     25,908  
Charge-offs:
               
Commercial business
    (2,146 )     (7,144 )
Commercial real estate:
               
Commercial acquisition, development and construction
    (840 )     (13,545 )
Commercial investor real estate
    (534 )     (232 )
Commercial owner occupied real estate
    (158 )     (1,692 )
Leasing
    (885 )     (109 )
Consumer
    (2,320 )     (3,493 )
Residential real estate:
               
Residential mortgage
    (4,292 )     (5,724 )
Residential construction
    (1,437 )     (677 )
Total charge-offs
    (12,612 )     (32,616 )
Recoveries:
               
Commercial business
    190       2,954  
Commercial real estate:
               
Commercial acquisition, development and construction
    573       1,062  
Commercial investor real estate
    4       2  
Commercial owner occupied real estate
    -       5  
Leasing
    12       6  
Consumer
    141       222  
Residential real estate:
               
Residential mortgage
    127       32  
Residential construction
    4       1  
Total recoveries
    1,051       4,284  
Net charge-offs
    (11,561 )     (28,332 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 49,720     $ 62,135  
                 
Allowance for loan losses to loans
    2.32 %     2.88 %
Net charge-offs in quarter to average loans
    0.72 %     1.27 %
 
 
46

 
 
Analysis of Credit Risk
The following table presents information with respect to non-performing assets and 90-day delinquencies at the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Non-Performing Assets:
           
Loans and leases 90 days past due:
           
Commercial business
  $ -     $ 19  
Commercial real estate:
               
Commercial AD&C
    -       -  
Commercial investor real estate
    -       -  
Commercial owner occupied real estate
    -       -  
Leasing
    63       407  
Consumer
    373       182  
Residential real estate:
               
Residential mortgage
    2,291       9,871  
Residential construction
    -       3,675  
Total loans and leases 90 days past due
    2,727       14,154  
Non-accrual loans and leases:
               
Commercial business
    8,038       7,938  
Commercial real estate:
               
Commercial AD&C
    24,481       30,417  
Commercial investor real estate
    16,118       1,753  
Commercial owner occupied real estate
    11,847       11,781  
Leasing
    956       1,887  
Consumer
    1,478       300  
Residential real estate:
               
Residential mortgage
    6,081       3,946  
Residential construction
    5,034       5,305  
Total non-accrual loans and lease
    74,033       63,327  
Total restructured loans - accruing
    6,088       10,571  
Total non-performing loans and leases
    82,848       88,052  
Other assets and real estate owned (OREO)
    7,938       9,493  
Other assets owned
    -       200  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 90,786     $ 97,745  
                 
Non-performing loans to total loans
    3.86 %     4.08 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    2.50 %     2.78 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
    60.01 %     70.57 %

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.
 
 
47

 
 
The Company’s board of directors has established a comprehensive interest rate risk management policy, which is administered by management’s 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 imbedded 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. 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, 2011
    (5.76 )%     (2.93 )%     (1.03 )%     (0.03 )%     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
December 31, 2010
    (3.64 )%     (1.28 )%     (0.15 )%     (0.06 )%     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

As shown above, measures of net interest income at risk increased moderately from December 31, 2010 at all interest rate shock levels except the +100bp level which remained virtually level.  All measures remained well within prescribed policy limits.

The risk position increased moderately in the upper shock scenarios. The major contributor to the increased risk was the loan portfolio. Longer durations in the loan portfolio limit the potential increase to net interest income in a rising rate environment due to the fact fewer dollars are available to reprice as rates increase during the time horizon involved.

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, 2011
    (7.27 )%     (4.67 )%     (0.52 )%     1.75 %     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
December 31, 2010
    (12.49 )%     (9.78 )%     (5.69 )%     (2.68 )%     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Measures of the economic value of equity (“EVE”) at risk decreased compared to year-end 2010 in all rising interest rate shock levels due primarily to longer durations in deposits and borrowings. The Company is retaining more low cost core deposits for longer lengths of time and as rates rise, the Company thus experiences a benefit in such market values.
 
48

 

 
Liquidity Management
Liquidity is measured by a financial institution's ability to raise funds through loan and lease 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, 2011.  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, 2011. In addition, loan and lease 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, 2011, show short-term investments exceeding short-term borrowings by $32.1 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 $1.1 billion, of which $486.3 million was available for borrowing based on pledged collateral, with $405.5 million borrowed against it as of September 30, 2011. The line of credit at the Federal Reserve totaled $285.8 million, all of which was available for borrowing based on pledged collateral, with no borrowings against it as of September 30, 2011.  Other external sources of liquidity available to the Company in the form of unsecured lines of credit granted by correspondent banks totaled $55.0 million at September 30, 2011, against which there were no outstanding borrowings.  In addition, the Company had a secured line of credit with a correspondent bank of $20.0 million as of September 30, 2011. Based upon its liquidity analysis, including external sources of liquidity available, management believes the liquidity position was appropriate at September 30, 2011.
 
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, 2011, the Bank could have declared a dividend of $34.3 million to Bancorp. At September 30, 2011, Bancorp had liquid assets of $8.0 million.
 
Arrangements to fund credit products or guarantee financing take the form of loans 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 September 30, 2011 were as follows:
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Commercial
  $ 72,447     $ 72,324  
Real estate-development and construction
    87,355       53,511  
Real estate-residential mortgage
    36,429       25,054  
Lines of credit, principally home equity and business lines
    621,830       586,816  
Standby letters of credit
    64,170       68,057  
Total Commitments to extend credit and available credit lines
  $ 882,231     $ 805,762  

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.
 
49

 


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, 2011, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
50

 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in litigation arising form 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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The Company approved a stock repurchase program in August 2011 that permits the repurchase of up to 3% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock or approximately 730,000 shares.  Repurchases which will be conducted through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, will be made depending on market conditions and other factors.  The following table provides information regarding repurchase transactions executed during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid per Share
   
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum Number that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 
July 2011
    -       N/A       -       730,000  
August 2011
    -       N/A       -       730,000  
September 2011
    23,592     $ 14.16       -       706,408  
 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities – None

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)

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 June 30, 2011 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 Cash Flows; (iv) The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (v) related notes.
 
51

 


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 8, 2011
 
   
By:
/s/ Philip J. Mantua
 
Philip J. Mantua
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
   
Date: November 8, 2011